Farrow & Ball does not publish LRV; this value is estimated from the color’s hex using standard relative-luminance calculation. The matte estate finish typically reads lower.
Cinder Rose is a muted, mid-toned pink that sits squarely between blush and mauve. It reads as sophisticated rather than sweet, landing in that rare space where pink feels genuinely livable on all four walls. Think of it as a dusty rose that has been grayed down just enough to lose any nursery associations.
In person, it changes character with the light more than you might expect. Morning sun pulls out its warmer, rosier side. Under overcast skies or in north-facing rooms, it cools down and leans toward a soft, chalky mauve. Artificial light, especially warm-toned bulbs, brings it back toward a comforting blush.
It photographs lighter than it looks on the wall. If you are sampling it, paint at least an A2-sized swatch and move it around the room over a full day. You will see two or three different colors before dinnertime.
The dominant undertone is red, which keeps Cinder Rose feeling warm even when the gray in its mix tries to cool it down. That red base is what separates it from cooler lilac-pinks and gives the color a grounded, earthy quality.
There is also a faint dusty, almost ashy layer sitting on top. In bright afternoon light this ash recedes and the warmth comes forward. In dim or cool-toned rooms, the ashy quality strengthens, and the color can drift toward a muted mauve. Some people notice a very slight violet cast in evening lamplight, but the red warmth is always the louder voice.
Because the undertone is warm, Cinder Rose plays nicely with other warm neutrals and struggles against anything with a strong blue or green lean. Keep that in mind when you are choosing trim and accent colors.
Cinder Rose works best in rooms where you want warmth and personality without heaviness. It is a natural fit for bedrooms, where its muted quality creates a calming envelope, and for living rooms that get decent natural light. In bright, south-facing spaces it reads as a soft blush. In rooms with less light, it deepens to a richer, moodier mauve, which can be equally appealing if that is the atmosphere you want.
It also holds up well in dining rooms, especially ones used mainly in the evening. Under candlelight or warm pendants, it glows. In a study, it provides enough color to feel interesting without becoming distracting.
Avoid using it in very small, windowless spaces like powder rooms unless you commit to warm-toned lighting. Without light to activate its warmth, it can flatten out and feel a bit dull.
This is the room Cinder Rose was made for. Wrap all four walls and the ceiling in it for a cocoon effect, or pair it with Strong White on the ceiling for a lighter feel. It reads as calming first thing in the morning and warm at night.
In a living room with good natural light, Cinder Rose adds warmth and character without overwhelming the space. Ground it with Elephant's Breath on built-ins or a feature wall, and use warm wood tones in your furniture to reinforce the earthy undertone.
An evening dining room benefits from the way Cinder Rose deepens under low, warm lighting. It creates an intimate backdrop for dark wood furniture, brass fixtures, and candlelight. Use Strong White on the trim to keep things crisp.
In a study, Cinder Rose feels grown-up and focused without going dark. Pair it with bookshelves painted in Dove Tale or Elephant's Breath for a layered, collected look. Warm metallics like brass desk lamps complement its red undertone.
Cinder Rose responds well to clean whites and warm neutrals. Strong White is the recommended complementary white, and it works beautifully for ceilings and trim because it is warm enough to avoid a jarring contrast. For a more tonal, layered scheme, try Elephant's Breath on adjacent walls or in an adjoining hallway. It shares the same warm gray family and creates a seamless flow. Dove Tale is another strong partner, sitting just a shade cooler and grayer, which lets Cinder Rose feel like the star.
For trim and millwork, Middleton Pink is a subtler choice that keeps the whole room in a soft, rosy world. Great White on the ceiling adds brightness without going stark. Together, these colors let Cinder Rose feel intentional and considered rather than isolated.
Teal or cool aqua accents fight Cinder Rose's warm red undertone, making both colors look slightly muddy and unsettled.
A crisp, cool white on trim or ceilings can make Cinder Rose look dirty by contrast, highlighting the gray in its mix in an unflattering way.
Hot coral cushions or orange accessories overpower the muted, dusty quality of Cinder Rose and pull the room toward clashing warmth.
Cinder Rose has a warm red undertone with a dusty, ashy overlay. In cool light it can lean toward mauve, but the base warmth is always present.
It is a warm color overall, thanks to its red base. However, the gray mixed into it can make it appear cooler in north-facing rooms or under overcast skies. In south-facing or well-lit spaces, the warmth reads clearly.
It pairs beautifully with warm neutrals like Elephant's Breath and Dove Tale, and with warm whites like Strong White. For a tonal scheme, Middleton Pink on trim keeps everything in the same soft family. Warm wood tones and brass accents also complement it well.
Estate Emulsion is the go-to finish for walls. Its chalky, flat appearance enhances the dusty, muted quality of Cinder Rose and minimizes light bounce that could wash out the color. For high-traffic areas or woodwork, use Estate Eggshell for durability while keeping a low sheen.
Cinder Rose is Farrow & Ball No. 246. Its hex code is #C2A2A7 and its LRV is 40.1, placing it in the medium range, neither very light nor dark. It reflects enough light to feel open in a room but carries enough depth to register clearly as a color on the wall.
It can, but expect it to shift toward a deeper, grayer mauve in low-light conditions. If you like that moodier look, lean into it with warm-toned lighting and pair it with warm whites to prevent it from feeling flat. If you want the rosier side, a room with at least moderate natural light is a better bet.
