Sherwin Williams Carnelian: Complete Color Review

Looking for a deep, elegant violet? Sherwin Williams Carnelian offers a stunning shade that adds warmth and richness to any room.

I’m a big fan of colors that look rich and dramatic but still work like a neutral. Carnelian does just that. It feels classic and fresh at the same time, which is not always easy to find.

Warm colors are really popular right now, and it’s easy to see why Carnelian is getting a lot of attention.

It’s a deep violet with some brown mixed in, so it feels warm, earthy, and cozy instead of too bold or loud.

You can style Carnelian in a few different ways. Pair it with soft neutrals like creamy whites and light browns for a calm, natural look.

Or, if you want a little more color, it also looks amazing next to soft blues and pinks. Lots of gorgeous possibilities!

Let’s get into the details about Sherwin Williams Carnelian.

Carnelian, Sherwin Williams, SW 7580

Carnelian is a deep violet paint color with warm red undertones. It feels bold and elegant and sometimes even leans toward a rich brown, depending on the light.

Sherwin Williams picked Carnelian as part of their 2025 Colormix Forecast, where they showcased 48 trending colors.

So if you’re looking for something that’s stylish and timeless, this could be a great choice.

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Carnelian

Color Family

Carnelian is part of the purple family.

Light Reflectance Value

6

LRV tells you how much light a color reflects, on a scale from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white).

With an LRV of 6, Carnelian is a very dark color. It’s deep, cozy, and dramatic. Perfect if you want a bold, moody look!

RGB Colors

R: 87 G: 62 B: 62

RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue. These numbers show how much of each color is mixed in. (It’s the recipe that makes Carnelian look the way it does.)

Hex Code

#573E3E

Undertones

Carnelian has warm red undertones that bring a lot of depth.

In bright, south-facing rooms, you’ll probably notice it leaning more brown and earthy.

In darker, north-facing spaces, it looks more like a deep, warm violet.

I always recommend swatching colors before committing. Lighting changes everything!

Click here to get easy peel & stick paint samples to test Carnelian at home.

Best Uses

I like to use dark, bold paint colors like Carnelian for:

• Creating a focal point, such as a fireplace
• Kitchen cabinets or island
• Built-ins
• Shutters
• Accent wall
• Furniture

Similar Colors

• Sherwin Williams Cordovan
• Benjamin Moore El Cajon Clay
• Behr Divine Wine
• Sherwin Williams Sommelier
• Benjamin Moore Pine Cone Brown
• Behr Chicory Root
• Sherwin Williams Marooned

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Carnelian

Coordinating Colors

Since Carnelian is such a bold, deep color, you’ve got a lot of fun options for pairing it with other shades.

I’ve found it looks beautiful next to warm, subtle neutral colors like beiges, tans, grays, taupes, creams, and soft whites.

If you want a little more contrast, you can also pair Carnelian with soft blues or greens. And if you love a more playful look, pinks work really well too!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Subtle neutrals:

• Mexican Sand
• Studio Clay
• Mindful Gray
• Drift of Mist
• Shiitake

Mid-toned pinks:

• Quaint Peche
• Romance
• Blushing
• Comical Coral
• Peach Blossom

Dusty taupes:

• Artistic Taupe
• White Truffle
• Glamour
• Insightful Rose
• Chaise Mauve

Trim Colors

For trim, soft whites are the way to go. I love how a light, creamy white softens Carnelian’s boldness and gives the whole space a fresh, clean feel.

Some great soft white trim colors to try:

• Sherwin Williams Alabaster
• Benjamin Moore White Dove
• Behr Cameo White

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Carnelian

FAQs

Here are some common frequently asked questions about Carnelian.

Is Sherwin Williams Carnelian warm or cool?

Carnelian is definitely a warm color. It’s a deep violet with strong red undertones, which gives it that cozy, earthy feel.

What are the undertones of SW Carnelian?

Carnelian has warm red undertones. That’s what helps it feel rich and grounded instead of too bold or loud.

What does the paint color Carnelian look like?

Carnelian is a deep violet with warm red mixed in. In bright, sunny rooms, it can lean almost brown. In darker rooms, it looks more like a true deep violet.

It's always a good idea to test it out in your space first — lighting makes a huge difference!

What colors go with SW Carnelian?

Carnelian pairs beautifully with a lot of colors.

Sherwin Williams included it in the 2025 Chrysalis collection, which features soft neutrals like Mexican Sand, Studio Clay, Mindful Gray, Drift of Mist, and Shiitake. These all look great next to Carnelian.

If you want more contrast, try pairing it with:

• Mid-toned pinks like Quaint Peche
• Dusty taupes like Artistic Taupe
• Creamy whites like White Duck
• Soft blues like Niebla Azul

Tip: Always swatch the colors together on your wall before committing! It’s the easiest way to make sure everything flows nicely.

What's the difference: SW Carnelian vs BM El Cajon Clay?

They’re both deep, beautiful colors, but there are a few key differences:

• Carnelian leans purple, while El Cajon Clay leans more into the red family.
• Carnelian is darker, with an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 6.
• El Cajon Clay is a little lighter, with an LRV of 8.

What was Sherwin Williams' April 2021 Color of the Month?

It was Carnelian!

Sherwin Williams picked Carnelian, a rich, deep violet with warm red undertones, as their Color of the Month back in April 2021.

Thanks for reading!