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COLOR REFERENCE

RAL 8011 Nut Brown — Hex, RGB, LRV, and Best US Paint Matches

RAL 8011 Nut Brown hex #5A3A29 · LRV 5. Closest matches at Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Valspar.

Jessica Williams
By Jessica Williams
Color Stylist & Interior Editor
Updated:May 3, 2026
Sunlit room with a nut brown painted accent
RAL 8011 NUT BROWN — HEX, RGB, LRV, AND BEST US PAINT MATCHES
RGB 90, 58, 41 LRV 5 RAL 8011

Color spec

Hex#5A3A29
RGB90, 58, 41
LRV~5
RAL ClassicRAL 8011

Also known as / near matches

RAL 8011 Nut Brown evokes a deep, earthy quality, reminiscent of roasted coffee beans or rich, dark cocoa. While not a direct synonym, it sits comfortably alongside colors like RAL 8016 Mahogany Brown, though Nut Brown leans more towards a true, grounding brown rather than a distinctly reddish hue. There are no specific RAL codes that are commonly confused, but its profound depth places it within a family of rich, anchoring earth tones. Pantone equivalents would likely be found among deep, warm brown families, offering a similar sense of natural sophistication.

What it looks like in real life

This color, RAL 8011 Nut Brown, is a deep, resonant brown that truly reads as a comforting anchor in a space. With an LRV of 5, it absorbs light, allowing other elements in the room to quietly emerge. In north-facing light, it deepens to an almost charcoal brown, losing some of its inherent warmth but gaining a sophisticated quietude. In south-facing light, its subtle red undertones become more apparent, bringing a rich, roasted quality to the surface, making the color feel more expansive and embracing.

Closest matches at US paint brands

Closest matches at US paint brands

ColorBrandNameSKULRVBuy
KompozitHideaway01377
Benjamin MooreKnoxville Brown10517
Pratt & LambertCocoa23-117
BackdropIt's a DateBD-IT7
BehrRich MahoganyECC-25-35
Magnolia HomeBonze BayJG-0698
Sherwin-WilliamsBrevity BrownSW 60688
Dunn-EdwardsEspresso MacchiatoDET6834
ValsparTempered Allspice3001-4A11
Farrow & BallEating Room RedNo. 435
PPG / GliddenGlidden Heritage RedGLR-95
ClareTwo-StepClare 1514

Kompozit Hideaway is the closest match to RAL 8011 Nut Brown, providing a very similar rich brown experience. While Dunn-Edwards Espresso Macchiato is slightly darker with an LRV of 4, Behr Rich Mahogany and Farrow & Ball Eating Room Red share the exact LRV of 5, though the latter leans distinctly red, offering the most pronounced undertone difference within the closest LRV group. The overall spread of matches ranges from slightly cooler, deeper browns to those with more discernible warm, reddish casts like PPG/Glidden Heritage Red, illustrating a spectrum of rich earth tones.

When to use this color

Great for:

  • It creates a dramatic, enveloping backdrop for a cozy library or reading nook.
  • This deep brown brings a sophisticated warmth to a north-facing dining room, especially when paired with natural wood tones.
  • Use it to ground a large, sun-drenched living room, providing a sense of quiet permanence.

Tricky in:

  • Avoid using it in small, windowless rooms without ample artificial lighting, as it can make the space feel constrictive.
  • It can appear flat or muddy on exterior surfaces in overcast conditions if not balanced with brighter accents.

Pairs well with

Pairs well with

Warm white (BM White Dove OC-17)
#F0EFE2
Cool white (BM Chantilly Lace OC-65)
#F4F1E6
Warm oak (natural wood floor)
#B5895D
Aged brass (hardware, lighting)
#B08D57
Soft sage (BM Saybrook Sage HC-114)
#C7CCB1
Linen / soft cream
#E8E1D4

Painting tips

  • Primer: For this deep hue with an LRV of 5, a high-quality tinted gray primer is essential to ensure true color development and reduce the number of finish coats.
  • Sheen: A matte or eggshell finish on walls will best capture its velvety depth, while a satin or semi-gloss is suitable for cabinetry or trim to provide durability and a subtle sheen.
  • Coats: Expect to apply three coats over a properly tinted gray primer to achieve full opacity and the intended rich depth of this dark color.
  • Application: Given its low LRV, any application inconsistencies like brush strokes or roller marks will be highly visible under raking light, so precise and even application is crucial.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nut Brown the same as the closest brand match?+
RAL 8011 Nut Brown is very close to Kompozit Hideaway, which is its closest match by ΔE. While Hideaway shares a similar depth and earthy brown character, slight differences in undertone may exist upon direct comparison, with RAL 8011 potentially having a touch more warmth or a slightly different balance of red and yellow pigments that define its "nut" quality. Always swatch to confirm.
What sheen for Nut Brown?+
For walls in a living space or bedroom, an eggshell or matte finish will beautifully showcase the rich, absorbing quality of RAL 8011 Nut Brown, giving it a velvety appearance. For high-traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms, or on cabinetry, a satin sheen will offer better durability and a gentle luminosity without detracting from its deep character.
Will Nut Brown fade on an exterior surface?+
Deep, saturated colors like RAL 8011 Nut Brown, especially those with warmer undertones, can be more susceptible to UV degradation over time when exposed to direct sunlight on exterior surfaces. While modern paint formulations offer excellent fade resistance, regular inspection and maintenance are recommended to preserve its rich depth and prevent premature lightening or dulling.
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