Imagine a red, rich and classic interior that makes people ask for references and guidance.
If you want an interior that has an 18th century vibe, you should go for Nicolson Red Benjamin Moore.
This colour is rich, has an authentic aura and blends well with any colour of your choice.
Nicolson Red CW 270 not just looks great on paper but also has great hidden undertones in it.
On large surfaces, muted reds like this can feel sophisticated and calm rather than bold and loud.
But in the shadows, it shows its brown and earthy features perfectly.
In this guide, we are going to understand this colour in more detail and how it behaves against different textures, textiles, spaces and coordinating colours.
Colours like white, beige and even natural wood can enhance its features perfectly.
So let’s dive in deep and explore this colour deeply and why and where you should use this colour in your house interior or exterior.
What Color is Nicolson Red paint?
Benjamin Moore Nicolson Red CW 270 is a rich red colour that offers an earthy and deep tone.
This paint is from the Williamsburg paint colour collection which has a sophisticated crimson tone.
Its HEX code is 64413D and RGB values are (100, 65, 61), giving it a low Light Reflectance Value of 8.86 for a dark and cozy appearance.
With this, it has muted green and blue undertones which make it balanced, not overly pinkish or bright.
You can pair it with any light colour and nicolson red benjamin moore will give you a mesmerizing house interior.
In bright lighting, it tends to shine while keeping its rich essence.
While in the dark and dim light, it engulfs you in the cave of comfort and warmth. In the evening light, it shows a moody and sophisticated feel to the house.
Undertones of Nicolson Red Benjamin Moore
Undertones influence how a paint feels in a space and how it interacts with lighting.
To make a paint work out, first understand its undertones and lrv.
At first, you will only see the dark red undertone of benjamin moore nicolson red cw 270.
But it reflects different undertones in different lighting.
The blue and green undertones of it appear in the evening light more prominently.
In the morning, you will only see its rich red and brown hues.
Because the colour is deeply saturated, it can look similar to a maroon or red wine tone, especially under certain lights.
So when you use it in your house space, you can feel a historical, classic vibe with more richness and luxury.
These undertones best work with light trims, metallic accents and natural wood to balance the darkness with a little warmth.
LRV Of Nicolson Red Benjamin Moore
The light reflectance value of a colour means how much light is reflected off your house’s exterior.
This can decide if your room will be dark and cozy or light and bright.
The LRV of Nicolson Red Benjamin Moore is about 8.86, meaning it’s going to look deep and moody.
This colour is perfect for creating a house that has a cozy and intimate environment.
In the north-facing room Nicolson Red CW-270 will bring a more muted and darker vibe.
If you use it in a south-facing room, a little brighter and warmer tones of red will be presented.
Warm light brings more richness and warmth while cool light helps in making the interior deeper and mellow.
This rich red colour will help in making a large room enclosed and comfy while making a small room moody and dark if paired with good lighting.
So choose wisely after the test and trials.
Why did I choose this paint for my house interior?
I always wanted a house that shows confidence and power, which can make everyone admire the aesthetic.
To make my dream come true, I painted my bathroom with Nicolson red Benjamin Moore and paired it with a black mirror, golden fixtures and some cream white countertops.
The whole look still amazes and makes me wonder how I came up with this creativity.
So sit tight while I explain my experience with Nicolson Red CW-270.
First impression and final appearance
When I saw the paint for the first time I thought it was going to look dark and too much red.
But when I applied it to my walls I saw a warmer and slightly brown undertones of it.
The warm ceiling lights and mirror lights make this colour warmer and richer.
The final look turned out like a luxurious hotel bathroom, which is filled with confidence and warm ambience.
The texture, the feel and the vibe are best and can’t get better than this.
Maintenance and durability
The durability depends on the kind of paint you use, matte finishes are best for less-interactive areas.
While semi-gloss and satin finishes for high-interactive areas like the living room, kids’ rooms are best for easy cleaning and maintenance.
I used this finish and got free from the daily cleaning and all.
Cleaning can be done through a soft sponge or mild soap and water to avoid the scrubbing and faded marks.
Cost and availability
For the bathroom, it costs me around $115 for one gallon which was around 3.5 litres.
The one I purchased was of premium quality. The matte finish can cost you around $57 or $58 USD.
But before purchasing the paint, you can try the sample version to satisfy yourself.
These paints are generally available in the nearby stores which can give you a nice discount if you purchase in bulk.
But you can’t find or happen to can’t go to a store online option is always available.
My verdict on the overall decor
My bathroom looks nice, the fixtures match the vibe and the whole decor looks amazing.
So what more can I ask from this colour, right?
Even after 6 months, the whole thing still looks the same.
Whenever I enter my bathroom I always get mesmerized by this colour and on top of that, it matches all red products on the side vanity.
So it was a win-win for me. It brings a confident aura to me.
I see my bathroom and instaly i am like “ yes, you can’t mess with me”.
Anyways, coming back to this topic, Nicloson red is really that kind of red.
Similar Colours to Benjamin Moore Nicolson Red That Are Easy to Confuse
So these are some colours that can look confusing to you while looking for Nicolson red.
The reason lies in their similar LRV, undertones and the space and the vibe they give.
These colours are lighter or brighter than Nicolson red but look comparable on paper or to the naked eye.
To erase your confusion, I’ll be guiding you on how to differentiate between these colours.
Falu Red Benjamin Moore
Falu red HEX #801818 is a rustic and warm red colour which was used to paint the exterior historically.
It can vary in shade depending on the pigment mix, from darker and nearly brick-brown reds to lighter, more vibrant red tones.
It is darker and has a reddish brown tone to it which makes this colour earthy and deeper than Nicolson.
When compared to Nicolson, Falu red looks less brown and more raw and rustic.
Travers Red Benjamin Moore
Travers red CW-345 looks more pink and brighter in comparison to Nicolson red.
It has that warm and berry red kind of colour. It feels romantic and not overly brown.
In the same room, Nicolson Red will feel darker and richer while Travers Red will look lighter and a bit more vivid.
To see the exact difference you have to examine it at different times of the day and in different lighting.
This can make the difference crystal clear to you.
Chestnut Benjamin Moore
Chestnut 2082-10 is a reddish brown colour that might look similar to Nicolson due to similar lrv and undertones.
But chestnut is more brown and earthy than Nicolson red CW-270.
Chestnut looks bright and brownish-red in natural light and looks chocolate-like in low light.
Chestnut feels like traditional brown, cozy and grounded which makes the whole vibe deep and more wood-stain aesthetic.
Benjamin Moore Arroyo Red
Arroyo Red 2085-10 and Nicolson CW-270 have very much the same lrv and undertones but the difference is in their vibe and look.
Arroyo red has brownish red colour which is inspired by desert clay.
Thats why this colour looks earthy and rustic.
Arroyo is slightly deeper and richer than nicolson which makes it intense and vivid.
So in the end, if the red feels intense and burgundy it is Arroyo Red.
If it feels soft and historic, then it might be Nicolson Red.
Benjamin Moore Bewitched
Benjamin Moore bewitched CSP 450 and Nicolson red CW-270 look similar but under different lighting and after painting on a surface, you can see the difference.
Bewitched offers a burgundy and wine-like feel.
Which makes the interior rich and dramatic in comparison to Nicolson.
Bewitched creates a heavier and deeper atmosphere in low-light while Nicolson Red CW-270 is just slightly less intense and feels more red.
In daylight, bewitched gives oxblood kind of tones, whereas Nicolson looks earthy and brownish red.
Benjamin Moore Nicolson Red Dupes that you can go for
For nicolson red benjamin moore, there are many dupes available if you want something different but with the same vibe and tones, are comparing similar shades, or simply prefer exploring alternatives from other brands.
I will mention some colours, whether it’s in Sherwin-Williams or Behr.
Nicolson Red Benjamin Moore Sherwin Williams Equivalent
These might not be the perfect and exact match but sherwin williams do have some colours that look like BM Nicolson CW 270.
These are the colours which are just slightly lighter or darker than Benjamin Moore Nicolson.
- Carriage Door (SW-7594)
- Cordovan (SW-6027)
- Aurora Brown ( SW-2837)
- Fiery Brown (SW-6055)
- Sommelier (SW-7595)
- Deep Maroon (SW 0072)
Sommelier SW-7595, Cordovan SW-6027 and Fiery Brown SW-6055 are the richest and darker colour than Nicolson.
They have brown to burgundy undertones and look quite similar to each other and Nicolson CW 27.
Whereas SW 7594 Carriage Door and SW 2837 Aurora Brown are rich red colour with subtle Brown undertones which make them balanced with red-brown.
Comparison Table: Nicolson Red vs Sherwin-Williams Colours
| Color | Brand | Approx. LRV | Primary Undertone / Hue | Visual Character |
| Nicolson Red (CW-270) | Benjamin Moore | 8.8 (very dark) | Warm earthy red / brown-red | Deep, historic red with brown warmth; less saturated than vivid reds |
| SW 7594 Carriage Door | Sherwin-Williams | ~7.9 | Warm brown-red | Very similar tone; slightly darker and slightly browner than Nicolson Red; one of the closest matches |
| SW 6027 Cordovan | Sherwin-Williams | ~6.5 (very dark) | Warm burgundy-brown | Rich, deeper with plum influence; slightly more saturated than Nicolson Red |
| SW 2837 Aurora Brown | Sherwin-Williams | ~7.2–7.5 | Warm brown-red (earthy) | Earthy brown with red hints; closer in darkness but browner and less “pure red.” |
| SW 6055 Fiery Brown | Sherwin-Williams | ~5.4 (very dark) | Warm reddish-brown | Very dark and warm red-brown; intense and bold, deeper than Nicolson Red |
| SW 7595 Sommelier | Sherwin-Williams | ~5–6 (very dark) | Warm red-brown | Very dark, rich red-brown; deeper and more intense than Nicolson Red |
| Deep Maroon (SW 0072) | Sherwin-Williams | 7 | Warm deep maroon | Deep maroon red with the hint of wine to it. |
Nicolson Red Benjamin Moore Behr Equivalent
Now comes to the behr, these are some colours that look like nicolson red benjamin moore.
These are the colours that you can go for if you prefer or you can use them as coordinating colours to influence Nicolson red.
- Tawny port (S-G-730)
- Twinberry MQ1-14
- Red Pepper PPU2-02
- Rialto (MQ1-05)
- Cinnamon Brandy (230D-7)
- Death By Chocolate (MQ1-54)
Tawny port (S-G-730) and Death by Chocolate (MQI-54) are the colours that look deep, earthy and warm.
These colours give a more grounded and dramatic look similar to Nicolson.
Cinnamon Brandy (230D-7), Rialto (MQ1-05) gives a closer in earthiness, warmth and leans toward brownish tones.
Red Pepper (MQ1-04) and Twinberry MQ1-14 are both colours that can make the interior more vibrant and have that classic red colour tones.
Comparison Table: Behr Reds & Browns vs Nicolson Red
| Color Name | Brand | Approx. LRV | Primary Undertone / Hue | Visual Character |
| Nicolson Red (CW-270) | Benjamin Moore | ~8.8 | Warm earthy red / brown-red | Deep, muted brick red with brown warmth |
| Tawny Port (S-G-730) | Behr | ~5.4–7 | Deep brownish-red / wine tones | Very dark, earthy red-brown with cozy depth |
| Twinberry MQ1-14 | Behr | 7 | Warm classic red with subtle berry tone | Mid-to-deep vibrant red |
| Red Pepper (MQ1-04) | Behr | 8 | Warm bright red | Bold, lively red (bright and saturated) |
| Rialto (MQ1-05) | Behr | 12 | Warm red | Pinkish red with a romantic vibe to it, slightly brighter than nicolson |
| Cinnamon Brandy (23OD-7) | Behr | ~10 (est) | Warm brown-red / spice | Rich brown-red with spiced warmth (based on hex #924301 matches) |
| Death By Chocolate (MQ1-54) | Behr | ~6.9 | Deep red-wine brown / cocoa | Very dark, rich brown-red with wine vibes |
Why I Recommend (or Don’t Recommend) Benjamin Moore Nicolson Red
Benjamin Moore’s Nicolson Red (CW-270) looks earthy, deep and rich which makes the home bright in daylight and cozy, dark in the night and dim-light.
It is a versatile choice for a high and rich appearance for your house interior.
But on some spaces this colour can’t enhance its appearance, rather make it dull and closed-in.
Why do I recommend this colour? This colour looks good in spaces where you need a more compact and cozy look.
It’s an excellent choice for creating a moody, authentic and dramatic look for spaces like the dining room, libraries and bedroom.
It’s perfect for the cabinetry and furniture to elevate their look and make them classic and bold.
A big room can look compact and comfortable in Nicolson Benjamin Moore.
Why don’t I recommend Nicolson Red? The reason is that it requires more coats and can make the room feel smaller because of its high depth and LRV.
The red colour might not suit your interior perfectly because it needs proper lighting to make it look rich.
People looking for a bright, airy or neutral space should not use this colour in their interior.
And it requires 3+ coats of paint for full coverage, which some people can’t afford.
Benjamin Moore Nicolson Red in Different Spaces
Benjamin Moore Nicolson red is the choice you will never regret, whether it’s your kitchen, bathroom and dining.
Nicolson red CW-270 is the epitome of a classic, authentic colour that works across every type of space and structure.
I know you still have not decided which room to paint in this colour.
But don’t worry, because I will be guiding you in this journey of “which room will look good in this colour.”
Benjamin Moore Nicolson Red Bathroom
Nicolson red Benjamin Moore in the bathroom walls and cabinets creates a perfect interior for someone who wants it attractive and bold.
In the bathroom, red panelling walls with brass or golden fixtures, cream white or beige countertops and brown marble flooring is the best.
For the mirror, black, golden or dark brownish-red frames look best with a red interior.
For the cabinets, go with a darker colour in the same colour palette to make the visual contrast.
Benjamin Moore Nicolson Red Living Room
The living room is the place where this colour shows its best features.
Red Nicolson walls, a brick fireplace with beige outline and white/off-white trims around the ceiling and walls.
These pairings can make your interior bolder and shinier.
Wood flooring and warm lighting bring warmth and create a cozy, homely ambience.
Around the living room, white fixtures and furniture with muted, light-coloured decor balance the Nicolson red properly.
Benjamin Moore Nicolson Red Kitchen Cabinets
Nicolson Red kitchen cabinets look aesthetically appealing with their muted but vibrant appearance.
With Nicolson Red CW 270, the black granite or quartz backsplash with white countertops offers a contrasting view against the red.
Dark brown or black flooring with a satin finish and industrial-style pendant lights with black, dome-shaped metal shades, perfect for a modern and bright ambience.
Stainless steel fixtures like the chimney and tapes are best paired with Nicolson red.
Benjamin Moore Nicolson Red Exterior
Nicolson red benjamin moore exterior is perfect for someone who wants their house to be highlighted in the neighbourhood.
The bold red with black or white trims and a dark gray roof makes the exterior refreshing in the morning and bolder at night.
With Nicolson red, a good landscaping with lots of greenery and wood accent fixtures and furniture in the porch area enhances curb appeal.
To add texture, stone cladding, brick and batten or board and batten siding is the perfect choice.
Benjamin Moore Nicolson Red: Complementary & Coordinating Palette
Coordinating the colours that will, when paired together, enhances each other’s features and the space.
You can use this colour in the adjacent wall, as trims, a two-toned interior or as a feature wall.
Warm white increases the contrast and makes the red more defined.
You can use it to highlight the house features.
Greige and warm grays help to soften the boldness of Nicolson red and make the interior balanced and modern.
Whereas colours like navy and deep blues increase the contrast and make the red richer and warmer.
It adds depth and creates a feel of luxury in the interior.
If you want to enhance the earthy tones of Nicolson Red CW-270, go with colours like October Mist and Saybrook Sage to bring out the brick undertones and natural clay.
This creates a natural harmony and makes the atmosphere feel relaxed and grounded.
These are the following colours that I suggest for a contrasting, natural or modern-looking interior.
- White Dove (OC-17): most popular soft white trim
- Edgecomb Gray (HC-173): top-selling gray for a crisp and fresh space.
- Revere Pewter (HC-172): a warm gray with versatile and timeless appeal
- Hale Navy (HC-154): most famous blue for a bold and elegant look.
- Wrought Iron (2124-10): soft black with dramatic yet balanced.
- October Mist (1495): best muted green to create harmony and an organic visual.
Conclusion
With this I conclude this review and guidance journey of ours.
I think now your interior or exterior will skyrocket and every person’s words will be” gorgeous, excellent” whenever they see your interior.
The whole weight of the interior visual depends upon your choice of colours with nicolson red benjamin moore.
The fixtures and furniture will decide how it’s going to look.
With bright and steel fixtures, the space will look bright and more reflective.
Whereas with the black and brown furniture and fixtures, the interior will come out as modern, toned down, but homely.
The house and you both will be satisfied with this colour choice and start to dance after finishing the whole setting and placement.
Whether you used it on the cabinets, dining room, living room or entry door.
It creates a subtle, cozy, and enduring look that enhances architectural details and adds visual impact to both interiors and exteriors.
