Looking for the perfect muted golden brown paint color for your home? Let’s talk about Sherwin Williams Rookwood Amber and if it might be right for your home!
Warm, earthy tones are a great way to add some subtle color, warmth, and a touch of boldness to your home. They feel grounded and organic, but they still edge towards bold and trendy.
These shades of red, orange, brown, and yellow are muted, allowing them to blend seamlessly with other paint colors, finishes, and various decor styles.
If you want a hint of something in your home but aren't quite sure what, let's see if Sherwin Williams Rookwood Amber is right for you.

Rookwood Amber, Sherwin Williams, SW 2817
Rookwood Amber is a muted golden brown, mixing orange, red, and brown. It feels warm and golden, organic and timeless, ideal for a variety of living spaces.
Color Family
Rookwood Amber is in the yellow family.
Light Reflectance Value
29
Light Reflective Value is the measurement of how much light a color bounces around. This is on a scale of 0 to 100 with 0 being pure black and 100 being pure white.
At 29, Rookwood Amber is a mid-tone, meaning it shifts depending on the lighting. In bright rooms, it looks lighter and warmer. In dim spaces, it deepens into a cozy, rich tone.
RGB Colors
R: 192 G: 134 B: 80
RGB describes the amount of each color - red, green, and blue - present in a color. This is on a scale of 0 to 255 for each color. This is basically the color mix to make the color!
Hex Code
#C08650

Undertones
Rookwood Amber has warm red and orange undertones.
In south-facing rooms with lots of natural light, Rookwood Amber will appear warmer, lighter, and more golden orange.
In north-facing rooms that lack natural light, Rookwood Amber will appear darker, more orange / caramel brown, and slightly cooler, though it always stays warm.
It's very important to swatch colors on your wall to make sure they look good – day and night – in your actual space before committing.
Click here to get removable peel & stick paint samples to easily swatch with!
Best uses
Rookwood Amber can be used almost anywhere.
It feels welcoming without being too bold. Use it for big spaces or small accents. It looks especially great in historic homes.
I’d try it in:
- Living rooms, bedrooms, or dens where you want a warm, organic feel
- Accent wall
- A focal point such as a fireplace or built-ins
- Home exterior
- Interior or exterior doors
- Shutters
- Cabinets
- Furniture
Similar Colors
If you like the vibe of Rookwood Amber, you may also love:
- Sherwin Williams Eastlake Gold
- Benjamin Moore Venetian Gold
- Behr Toffee Tart
- Sherwin Williams Tassel
- Benjamin Moore Butterscotch Sundae
- Behr Butter Rum
- Sherwin Williams Bosc Pear
🤯 Too many color choices?
Download my free Paint Color Planning Quick Start Guide — it’s the exact method I use to help readers choose a color that works the first time.
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Coordinating Colors
Rookwood Amber pairs well with warm neutrals, deep blues and greens, reds, and muted shades.
It’s very versatile and pairs well with both light and dark colors.
Dark blues:
- Cascades
- Dark Night
- Moscow Midnight
- Rainstorm
- Gale Force
Mid-toned warm browns:
- Tree Branch
- Nuthatch
- Llama Wool
- Down Home
- Portabello
Warm / creamy whites:
Trim Colors
As a warm paint color, Rookwood Amber pairs well with soft, creamy whites for a cozy, welcoming look.
Rookwood Amber color palette
Want to use this paint color in your home? Instantly upgrade your home's aesthetic with our exclusive paint color palette. Unlock the perfect trim color and six stunning accent colors, a combination of neutrals and bold hues for an instantly harmonious space!
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FAQS
Here are some common frequently asked questions about Rookwood Amber.
What are the undertones SW Rookwood Amber?
Rookwood Amber is a muted amber with warm red and orange undertones.
In brighter spaces, it will appear warmer, lighter, and more golden orange.
In darker spaces, Rookwood Amber will appear darker, more orange / caramel brown, and slightly cooler, though it always stays warm.
Is SW Rookwood Amber warm or cool?
Rookwood Amber is a warm paint color. It's a muted amber with red and orange undertones.
Rookwood Amber has a cozy, earthy feel, making it a great choice if you want a space to feel warm and inviting.
Is SW Rookwood Amber too dark?
Rookwood Amber is not really too dark! With an LRV of 29, Rookwood Amber is a mid-toned shade—rich and warm but not super dark.
In brighter spaces, it softens into a warm golden orange. In darker spaces, Rookwood Amber deepens into more of an an orange / caramel brown.
Give it a swatch in your home and see what you think!
What's the difference: SW Rookwood Amber vs Relic Bronze?
Rookwood Amber and Relic Bronze share some similarities; however, they are different colors!
Rookwood Amber is lighter (LRV 29) vs Relic Bronze (LRV 17).
Rookwood Amber leans more orange, and Relic Bronze leans more yellow.
Swatching both colors will help you see the difference and decide which one suits your style best.
What's the difference: SW Rookwood Amber vs Rookwood Antique Gold?
While both fall in Sherwin Williams' Historic Color collection, Rookwood Amber is a muted orange-yellow (more orange), and Rookwood Antique Gold is a deep muted mustard (more yellow).
Rookwood Amber is a bit lighter than Rookwood Antique Gold, although both are mid-toned paint colors.
Lastly, Rookwood Amber is more saturated, whereas Rookwood Antique Gold is more muted
Swatching both colors will help you see the difference and decide which one suits your style best.
What color trim with SW Rookwood Amber?
As a warm paint color, Rookwood Amber pairs well with soft, creamy whites for a cozy, welcoming look. Pair it with SW Alabaster, BM White Dove, or Behr Cameo White.
Still unsure which paint color is right for your space?
Choosing paint doesn’t have to be stressful! My free Paint Color Planning Quick Start Guide walks you through the exact steps to confidently choose the perfect color — without the overwhelm, second-guessing, or endless swatch testing.
👉 Click here to download the free guide!
DIYing Your Paint Job? Start Here.
Choosing a paint color is only half the equation — the tools you use matter just as much. I’ve rounded up the painting supplies we rely on for clean lines, smooth finishes, and less frustration overall.

My Paint Color Formula course walks you through the painless process of expertly testing paint swatches to ensure you have the perfect color for your home.
The best way to sample paint? Samplize!
Get peel-and-stick removable and reusable paint samples here!
Thanks for reading!

Meg Hemmelgarn is a freelance writer and home decor + DIY blogger who loves to talk about paint colors. She and her husband are currently renovating their third fixer upper. You can see their projects on her blog, Green With Decor.




