As I began redecorating my home office, I stumbled upon Sherwin Williams’ paint color, SW 6034 Dark Auburn. This color instantly drew my attention with its deep, rich hue that combines hints of brown and red to create a warm and welcoming ambiance. As someone who spends hours each day in this area, I wanted a color that inspires creativity but also provides a cozy backdrop for concentration.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, I learned that Dark Auburn coordinates wonderfully with natural woods and brighter accents, making it adaptable for various design schemes. This color lends itself well not only to a workspace but could also revamp a living room or dining area into a refined yet inviting area. It’s not just a paint color; it’s an opportunity to revitalize a room without being excessive.
Whether you’re a novice in home decoration or looking to refresh a particular corner of your home, Dark Auburn might be the inspiration you need. Unlike lighter tints that often require multiple coats or darker shades that might shrink a room visually, Dark Auburn strikes just the right balance.
I’ll share how it worked out in my area and the reactions it garnered from friends and family.

What Color Is Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams?
Dark Auburn is a warm, deep red with brown undertones, offering a cozy and inviting feel to any room. This rich hue can serve as a powerful accent wall color or a bold choice for an entire room. Its depth adds a welcoming intensity that can make large areas feel more intimate and snug.
The color works exceptionally well in interior styles that lean towards the traditional or rustic. It can also be a comforting addition to a modern farmhouse aesthetic, where its earthy quality harmonizes with natural materials. Dark Auburn pairs beautifully with warm woods such as oak or walnut, enhancing the natural grains of the wood. It also goes well with textured fabrics like wool or linen in neutral tones, creating a layered, homey look.
For those wanting to add a touch of luxury, Dark Auburn coordinates well with metallic finishes like gold or brass, which reflect light and add a touch of warmth and richness. In rooms with plenty of natural light, the color can appear more dynamic, shifting subtly throughout the day.
When using Dark Auburn in your decor, consider balancing it with lighter shades such as creamy whites or soft grays to keep the area from feeling too heavy. This allows the rich, dark tones of Dark Auburn to stand out without being excessive.

Is Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams Warm or Cool color?
Dark Auburn is a rich, deep red shade that brings a warm and cozy feeling to any room in a home. It’s perfect for creating a welcoming atmosphere in living areas or adding a touch of drama in dining areas. This color looks especially beautiful when used on a feature wall or paired with lighter furnishings to create a striking contrast.
In smaller rooms, using Dark Auburn can make the area feel a bit smaller or cozier, which can be great for creating a snug reading nook or a relaxed vibe in a bedroom. It’s also adaptable enough to pair well with natural materials like wood and leather, enhancing the homely feel.
When used in a well-lit area, this shade can feel lively and energetic, making it a good choice for areas where you gather with friends and family. Overall, Dark Auburn is a great choice for adding warmth and character to a home.
Undertones of Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams
Dark Auburn is a rich and complex color that has hidden depths because of its varied undertones. Undertones are like a subtle backdrop that influences how we perceive the main color. Depending on the lighting and what other colors are present in a room, these undertones can become more noticeable, altering the overall appearance of the paint.
In the case of Dark Auburn, its undertones range broadly from dark grey to pale pink, including olive, purple, dark green, navy, grey, dark turquoise, red, orange, and pink. This variety means that Dark Auburn can look slightly different in every setting. For instance, in a room with lots of natural light, the orange or red undertones might pop, giving the walls a warmer feel.
Alternatively, in an area with less light, the darker undertones, like navy or dark grey, might stand out, making the area feel cozier. When used on interior walls, Dark Auburn brings a rich warmth, thanks to its red and orange undertones, but it also retains an earthy quality because of the green and grey tones.
This makes it a flexible choice for many areas, from a comforting living room to a dignified study. As the natural and artificial lighting changes throughout the day, so does the perception of Dark Auburn, providing an appealing dynamism to your area. Understanding these undertones can help you choose décor and accents that enhance the inherent beauty of Dark Auburn, creating a cohesive and inviting environment.

What is the Masstone of the Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams?
Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams, with its masstone of Brown (#802B2B), is a deep, rich color that can significantly influence the ambiance of a home. This shade provides a warm and inviting feel, ideal for areas where comfort and coziness are prioritized.
Its earthy brown hue makes it especially suitable for living rooms or dining areas, creating a welcoming atmosphere for family gatherings or leisurely evenings. Additionally, Dark Auburn can help make larger rooms feel more intimate and connected, while its calming effects can soften the harsh lines of modern furniture, adding a touch of homeliness.
This color pairs well with natural materials like wood or leather, enhancing the organic beauty of these elements. In essence, the deep brown tone of Dark Auburn is excellent for making a home feel more grounded and cozy, providing a perfect backdrop for both everyday living and special occasions.

How Does Lighting Affect Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams?
Lighting plays a critical role in how we perceive colors in our environment. It can make a significant difference in how a paint color looks in a room, depending on whether it is in natural or artificial light. The color Dark Auburn is a rich, deep brown with hints of red, which can appear differently under various lighting conditions.
In artificial light, Dark Auburn tends to look warmer and more vibrant. This is because most artificial lighting, like incandescent bulbs, enhances warmer tones, making the red hues in Dark Auburn stand out more. This can make a room feel cozy and inviting, especially in the evening.
In contrast, natural light brings out the true color of the paint. However, the amount of sunlight and the direction it comes from can affect the appearance of Dark Auburn. In north-facing rooms, which receive less direct sunlight and tend to have cooler, bluer light, Dark Auburn can appear darker and slightly muted. This might make the area feel smaller or more closed in.
South-facing rooms get a lot of direct sunlight, which can lighten the appearance of Dark Auburn, highlighting its warm undertones. This makes the room feel brighter and more open. The color looks richest in these rooms, as the intense light enhances its depth and warmth.
In east-facing rooms, sunlight in the morning can make Dark Auburn look very warm and lively. As the day progresses and the natural light diminishes, the color will appear softer and more subdued. Meanwhile, in west-facing rooms, the color will experience the opposite effect.
It starts off more muted in the morning and gains intensity in the afternoon to evening as it is bathed in warm sunlight. Overall, the perception of Dark Auburn can change dramatically based on the lighting in the room, impacting the mood and feeling of the area.

What is the LRV of Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams?
LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value, and it measures the percentage of light a paint color reflects when light shines upon it. It’s a crucial factor to consider when picking a paint color because it directly impacts how light or dark a color appears in an area.
Higher LRV values indicate that a color reflects more light, making it look lighter on the walls; lower values mean less light is reflected, resulting in a darker appearance. Dark Auburn, with an LRV of around 5, is quite a dark shade.
This means it doesn’t reflect much light and can make an area feel smaller or cozier depending on the amount of natural or artificial light present. This lower LRV can enhance an intimate atmosphere, making it suitable for areas where you might want a more enveloping, warm feeling, such as in a bedroom or a reading nook. When using a color with such a low LRV, thoughtful lighting and decor choices become vital to prevent the area from feeling too closed in or dark.

Coordinating Colors of Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams
Coordinating colors are those that complement each other, creating a harmonious and appealing visual aesthetic when used in conjunction. Such colors often share similar undertones or are positioned nearby on the color wheel, facilitating a smooth visual transition from one to another in an area. For example, Dark Auburn, a rich and warm hue, pairs beautifully with colors like Aesthetic White, Accessible Beige, and Cultured Pearl.
Aesthetic White is a soft, muted white with a touch of warmth that prevents it from appearing too stark. This color acts as a gentle backdrop, allowing more vibrant colors like Dark Auburn to stand out while maintaining a relaxed environment.
Accessible Beige is a light beige that offers a neutral canvas with warm undertones, which complements the deeper, reddish tones of Dark Auburn, providing a balanced contrast. Lastly, Cultured Pearl is a subtle off-white with a hint of pink that adds a light, refreshing touch when paired with darker shades, enhancing the overall richness of the color scheme. These coordinating colors work together to create a cohesive look that can add depth and beauty to any area.
You can see recommended paint colors below:
- SW 7035 Aesthetic White
- SW 7036 Accessible Beige
- SW 6028 Cultured Pearl

What are the Trim colors of Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams?
Trim colors, such as SW 7566 – Westhighland White and SW 7008 – Alabaster, play a crucial role in enhancing the overall aesthetics of an area, particularly when used with a rich wall color like Dark Auburn. These trim colors are specifically chosen to complement the deep, warm tones of Dark Auburn by providing a sharp, clean contrast that defines and accentuates the architectural features of a room.
This contrasting effect helps in highlighting door frames, moldings, and window sills, making them stand out against the darker hue of the walls. It also adds a refined polish to the area, making each color appear more distinct and the overall area more cohesive and visually pleasing.
Westhighland White is a gentle off-white with a subtle warmth that makes it a perfect choice for softening the intensity of darker shades like Dark Auburn, ensuring the area feels inviting rather than excessive. On the other hand, Alabaster is a popular and slightly creamier shade of white that yields a smooth and harmonious contrast when paired with richer, darker colors. Together, these trim colors provide adaptable options that work beautifully to complement and enhance the luxurious depth of darker tones, offering balance and brightness to areas that could otherwise appear too dim or enclosed.
You can see recommended paint colors below:

Colors Similar to Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams
Similar colors are essential in design because they help create a harmonious and cohesive look. For example, using colors like Dark Auburn and its similar shades can give an area a consistent feeling while still allowing for some variation and depth. Colors close to each other on the color palette allow for smooth transitions and subtle differences that can enhance the overall aesthetic without creating a jarring effect.
Dark Auburn, an earthy, deep red, pairs exceptionally well with shades like Carnelian and Carriage Door, which share its rich red undertone but vary in brightness and depth. Carnelian has a slightly more vibrant red, adding a touch of warmth, whereas Carriage Door is deeper, leaning towards a more muted, almost brownish-red, perfect for a refined feel without being overly bold.
Rojo Marron and Sommelier further extend this palette; Rojo Marron introduces a toasted, almost clay-like red, whereas Sommelier, darker still, nudges towards a wine red, offering a lush, deep backdrop. Rookwood Dark Red and Rookwood Red are closely tied to the original shade, with Rookwood Dark Red stepping closer to an intense burgundy and Rookwood Red offering a more traditional red with a hint of earthy brown.
Terra Brun, Cordovan, Fiery Brown, and Marooned round out this group by incorporating browns and deep reds. Terra Brun evokes the shade of wet earth, a brown with a significant depth, while Cordovan is a polished, shoe-leather red, blending beautifully in luxurious environments. Fiery Brown brings a fiery reddish-brown tint, adding an unusual warmth, and Marooned closes the circle with a deep, almost purple-red, fantastic for creating a bold accent in any area.
You can see recommended paint colors below:
- SW 7580 Carnelian
- SW 7594 Carriage Door
- SW 9182 Rojo Marron
- SW 7595 Sommelier
- SW 2801 Rookwood Dark Red
- SW 2802 Rookwood Red
- SW 6048 Terra Brun
- SW 6027 Cordovan
- SW 6055 Fiery Brown
- SW 6020 Marooned

Colors that Go With Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams
When decorating with a strong, distinctive color like Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams, choosing the right complementary colors is crucial. These not only enhance the beauty of the main shade but also help in creating a harmonious and appealing area. Colors like SW 6031 – Glamour, SW 6029 – White Truffle, and others play significant roles in achieving the ideal aesthetic balance.
For instance, Glamour is a soft peach that adds a gentle brightness to contrast with Dark Auburn’s deep red tones. It provides a subtle lift to areas, making them more inviting without being excessive. White Truffle, a light taupe, works similarly by offering a neutral backdrop that lets Dark Auburn stand out without clashing.
Continuing with perfect matches, Artistic Taupe SW 6030 offers a deeper beige that complements the warmth of Dark Auburn. This pairing is ideal for creating a cozy and cohesive look in any area. Bateau Brown SW 6033 is a rich chocolate hue that naturally aligns with the deeper red of Dark Auburn, intensifying the overall richness of the color scheme.
For those interested in adding more depth, Dutch Cocoa SW 6032 is a great choice, with its dark, almost black coffee tone that adds an intriguing element. Lastly, Cocoa Berry SW 9078 provides a unique blend by introducing a hint of purple, giving a subtle but beautiful twist that refreshes the traditional palette without straying too far from the harmonious look.
You can see recommended paint colors below:
- SW 6031 Glamour
- SW 6029 White Truffle
- SW 6030 Artistic Taupe
- SW 6033 Bateau Brown
- SW 6032 Dutch Cocoa
- SW 9078 Cocoa Berry

How to Use Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams In Your Home?
Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams is a rich, deep red hue that adds a cozy and warm feel to any area. This color is perfect for those looking to create a welcoming atmosphere in their home. You can use Dark Auburn in various ways.
It works great as an accent wall in a living room or bedroom, adding depth and focus to the room. In smaller areas like a bathroom or on kitchen cabinets, this shade can introduce a pop of color without overpowering the area.
Dark Auburn pairs well with neutral colors like soft whites, grays, and even light blues, providing a lovely contrast that highlights its depth. For furniture and decor, consider materials like dark wood or leather, which complement the color’s richness. You can also use gold or brass accents for a touch of elegance. Whether you’re painting an entire room or adding subtle touches, Dark Auburn creates a cozy, inviting area for everyone to enjoy.
Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams vs Terra Brun SW 6048 by Sherwin Williams
Dark Auburn is a rich reddish-brown color that is deep and warm, suggesting an inviting atmosphere. It pairs well in areas where you might want to add a cozy and somewhat rustic feel, such as living rooms or dining areas. This color is slightly lighter and has a noticeable red undertone, giving it a vibrant look without being too bold.
Terra Brun, on the other hand, leans more towards a traditional brown with a subtle gray undertone. It’s a neutral and earthy shade that is adaptable and grounding. Terra Brun is excellent for creating a calm, stable setting in any area, making it suitable for bedrooms or home offices where a soothing environment is desired.
Both colors offer a sense of warmth and comfort but differ in their undertones and the moods they set. Dark Auburn brings more energy due to its redness, while Terra Brun provides a soft and soothing presence with its muted, earthy qualities.
You can see recommended paint color below:
- SW 6048 Terra Brun

Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams vs Rojo Marron SW 9182 by Sherwin Williams
Dark Auburn and Rojo Marron, both by Sherwin Williams, are rich, warm colors that can add a cozy feel to any area. Dark Auburn leans more towards a deep red with a hint of brown, giving it an earthy quality. It’s an adaptable shade that works well in living areas or bedrooms, providing a grounding presence.
On the other hand, Rojo Marron is a darker, more brown-dominant color with a subtle hint of red. It’s perfect for creating a comfy, inviting atmosphere, suitable for areas like libraries, dining rooms, or any area where you want a touch of warmth without excessive brightness.
Both colors pair well with neutral tones and natural materials, making them ideal for various decorating styles. While similar, Dark Auburn offers a bit more red, and Rojo Marron brings in richer brown tones, each setting a different mood in your decor.
You can see recommended paint color below:

Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams vs Fiery Brown SW 6055 by Sherwin Williams
Dark Auburn and Fiery Brown, both by Sherwin Williams, offer distinct tones that cater to different aesthetics. Dark Auburn is a deep red-brown, resembling the rich color of a chestnut. It’s ideal for creating a cozy and warm atmosphere in an area, lending itself well to rooms that seek a touch of traditional charm or a rustic vibe.
On the other hand, Fiery Brown is a robust, vibrant brown that carries a more intense and lively undertone compared to Dark Auburn. This color is bolder, making it perfect for areas that demand a strong presence or for accentuating key architectural features.
While both shades are based in brown, Dark Auburn leans towards a softer, more muted feel with its reddish undertone. Fiery Brown, more outspoken due to its depth and intensity, offers a striking option for making a statement. In choosing between them, consider the mood and function of the room along with how much natural light it receives to bring out the best of these shades.
You can see recommended paint color below:
- SW 6055 Fiery Brown

Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams vs Marooned SW 6020 by Sherwin Williams
Dark Auburn and Marooned, both from Sherwin Williams, offer unique shades for any area. Dark Auburn has a deep, rich brown tone with hints of red. It gives a cozy and warm feel, making it perfect for living areas or bedrooms where you want a soothing atmosphere.
On the other hand, Marooned leans more towards a classic burgundy color. It’s deeper and has a bit more red compared to Dark Auburn. Marooned provides a strong presence in an area and works well in areas that you want to give a sense of drama or formality.
Both colors are dark and can create a significant impact on an area’s mood. While Dark Auburn adds warmth, Marooned offers more intensity and can make a bold statement. Depending on what feeling you want to achieve, each color has its unique charm and effect.
You can see recommended paint color below:
- SW 6020 Marooned

Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams vs Cordovan SW 6027 by Sherwin Williams
The color Dark Auburn is a deep, rich red with a hint of brown, resembling the shade of dark cherry wood. It has a warm and welcoming tone that adds a cozy touch to any room, making it ideal for living areas or bedrooms where a comforting atmosphere is desired.
On the other hand, Cordovan is darker and leans more towards a chocolate brown with subtle reddish undertones. This color is quite adaptable and can give a room a grounded, sturdy feel, perfect for creating a strong base in interior decor.
Both colors are warm and work well together, but their individual characteristics set them apart. Dark Auburn feels more vibrant due to its brighter red tones, which can liven up an area. Cordovan, with its deeper and more muted hues, serves as a great backdrop, allowing other colors or decor elements to stand out. Whether combined or used separately, each of these colors can greatly enhance an area depending on the desired effect.
You can see recommended paint color below:
- SW 6027 Cordovan

Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams vs Sommelier SW 7595 by Sherwin Williams
Dark Auburn is a deep and warm reddish-brown color with hints of mahogany that makes it feel cozy and inviting. It’s a rich shade that can create a welcoming atmosphere in a room, perfect for areas where you want a touch of both comfort and elegance, such as living rooms or dining areas.
Sommelier, on the other hand, leans more towards a luxurious burgundy with deeper purple undertones. This color is darker and moodier compared to Dark Auburn. It’s ideal for adding a dramatic flair to an area, making it great for accent walls or areas of the home where you want to make a strong visual impact, like a home office or a library.
Both colors are warm and can create a striking look, but Dark Auburn offers more warmth due to its reddish tones, while Sommelier gives a feeling of depth and mystery with its purplish-burgundy hue. Each can be used effectively to create distinctive moods and styles in different parts of the home.
You can see recommended paint color below:
- SW 7595 Sommelier

Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams vs Carnelian SW 7580 by Sherwin Williams
Dark Auburn and Carnelian, both by Sherwin Williams, present distinct hues that cater to different decorative preferences. Dark Auburn leans into a deeper, more muted shade that resembles a rich, reddish-brown tone. This color is perfect if you’re aiming for a subtle yet warm atmosphere in an area, as it doesn’t overwhelm the senses but still adds a touch of warmth.
On the other hand, Carnelian stands out with its vibrant, strong red color. This shade is bolder and can inject energy and a striking pop of color into a room. It’s ideal for accent walls or areas where you want to make a statement and draw attention.
Both colors offer unique attributes: Dark Auburn provides a cozy, understated elegance, while Carnelian serves as a lively focal point. The choice between them would largely depend on whether you’re going for a calm retreat or a lively, dynamic vibe in your decorating project.
You can see recommended paint color below:

Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams vs Rookwood Red SW 2802 by Sherwin Williams
Dark Auburn and Rookwood Red from Sherwin Williams offer a warm palette, but with distinct vibes. Dark Auburn is a deep, muted reddish-brown that resembles rich soil, perfect for creating a cozy, understated feel in a room. It’s an adaptable color that works well in many settings, adding warmth without overpowering the area.
On the other hand, Rookwood Red is a more vibrant red with a noticeable undertone of brown, giving it a grounded, earthy quality despite its bolder appearance. This color stands out more compared to Dark Auburn and injects energy into an area. It goes well in areas where you want to make a statement or add some dynamic flair.
When comparing these two, Dark Auburn is the more subtle and gently warming option, suitable for a variety of decor styles, while Rookwood Red is the choice for those looking to create a more visually striking impact with their color scheme.
You can see recommended paint color below:

Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams vs Carriage Door SW 7594 by Sherwin Williams
Dark Auburn and Carriage Door are two distinct paint colors offered by Sherwin Williams, each providing a unique character to any area. Dark Auburn is a rich, deep red that hints at a cozy, warm feeling, ideal for creating a welcoming vibe in a room. It pairs well with soft lighting and can make large areas feel more intimate.
On the other hand, Carriage Door has a dark, muted brown tone with underlying red accents, resembling the classic look of old carriage houses. This color is perfect for those looking to add an enduring, rustic touch to their interiors. It’s particularly effective on exterior elements like doors and trim, giving a grounded, earthy feel.
While both colors share a warmth in their red undertones, Dark Auburn leans more towards a vibrant, lively look, whereas Carriage Door serves a historic and grounded aesthetic. Each color can dramatically alter the appearance of an area, depending on how it’s used.
You can see recommended paint color below:
- SW 7594 Carriage Door

Dark Auburn SW 6034 by Sherwin Williams vs Rookwood Dark Red SW 2801 by Sherwin Williams
Dark Auburn is a warm and cozy shade, touched with brown that makes it adaptable for areas that seek a comforting yet somewhat rich atmosphere. It’s a color that feels like autumn, perfect for creating a welcoming vibe in a room.
On the other hand, Rookwood Dark Red is a deeper, more intense color, leaning towards a classic dark red with a hint of dusky brick. This shade is ideal for those looking to add a bit of traditional elegance and a dramatic flair to their area.
While both colors share a depth that could anchor a room beautifully, Dark Auburn offers a softer approach due to its brown undertones, whereas Rookwood Dark Red, with its robust redness, demands attention and is likely to stand out more strikingly in an interior setting. Both paint colors can warm up a room, but the choice between them depends on how bold or subtle you want the area’s impact to be.
You can see recommended paint color below:

In conclusion, SW 6034 Dark Auburn by Sherwin Williams is a great paint color choice if you want to make your room feel warm and cozy. It’s like wrapping yourself up in a soft blanket because this shade brings a lot of warmth. This color looks a bit like the dark brown you see on the tree bark, but with a hint of red, which makes it really special.
I’ve noticed that using Dark Auburn in smaller rooms, like a study or a reading nook, gives these areas a friendly hug. It’s not just a plain brown; the red tint makes it pop and gives a unique touch. This means that in a room where you want to relax and feel safe, like a bedroom or living room, it’s a perfect choice.
Just remember, when you use a deep color like Dark Auburn, it works best with lighter colors around it, like whites or soft beiges. This creates a nice balance – the dark color pulls you in, and the light colors keep the room feeling open and bright.
So, if you’re thinking about repainting your room and you want something that feels warm and welcoming, SW 6034 Dark Auburn by Sherwin Williams is definitely worth considering. It can really make the place look nice and feel like a cozy little nest.

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