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.
Matchstick reads like the pale golden tone of an actual matchstick, a warm wheat-straw color that sits comfortably between cream and light caramel. It is not white, and it is not beige. It lives in that narrow band of warm yellow-neutrals that feel like sunlight filtered through linen.
In rooms with plenty of natural light, Matchstick looks bright and open without ever veering into stark territory. On overcast days or in north-facing rooms, it deepens slightly and can take on a honeyed quality, which keeps the space feeling warm rather than washed out. The finish matters here: in Estate Emulsion, the chalky matte surface absorbs light and gives the color a softer, dustier appearance, while a Modern Eggshell on trim will bounce more light and look a shade lighter.
The dominant undertone is orange, warm and buttery without being pushy. You will not mistake this for a cool cream or a greige. In strong midday light the orange sits back, and Matchstick can read as a clean straw yellow. In lower light, especially under warm incandescent bulbs, that orange undertone comes forward and the wall can shift toward a soft caramel.
There is no green or pink lurking in this color. It stays firmly in the warm yellow-gold family. If you hold a swatch next to a true yellow paint, you will see how much brown and orange Matchstick carries. That warmth is what makes it feel grounded rather than bright or citrusy.
Matchstick works well as a whole-house neutral, especially in homes with warm wood floors and natural materials. It ties together open floor plans without the sterile feel of a white and without the heaviness of a deeper tan. Think of it as the background color that makes a room feel collected and sun-warmed.
It is particularly good in living rooms and bedrooms where you want warmth without drama. In south-facing rooms it stays bright and cheerful. In north-facing rooms it fights the cool blue light and keeps things cozy. Hallways and stairwells benefit from it too, since it reads as light enough to keep narrow spaces open while still feeling like a deliberate color choice, not just leftover white.
Matchstick gives a living room a warm, inviting base that works with linen upholstery, natural wood, and leather. Use New White on trim and White Tie on the ceiling for a seamless warm envelope. Layer in texture through throws and rugs rather than competing wall colors.
In a bedroom, Matchstick creates a quiet, cocooning warmth that does not feel heavy. It pairs naturally with white bedding and warm-toned wood furniture. The orange undertone reads as comforting rather than energizing, making it a solid choice for a restful space.
Under evening candlelight or warm pendant fixtures, Matchstick deepens to a soft golden honey. This makes it a strong dining room choice. Pair it with Cord on lower wainscoting for a tone-on-tone look that adds depth without fuss.
Matchstick brings warmth to bathrooms that can otherwise feel cold and clinical. It works well alongside white tile and brass fixtures. Use a Modern Eggshell finish for moisture resistance and expect the color to read slightly brighter than on a matte wall.
Because Matchstick already carries warmth, your pairings can either lean into that warmth or provide gentle contrast. White Tie works beautifully on ceilings and above picture rails, keeping things tonal and seamless. New White is the trim color to reach for, it is slightly cooler than White Tie and gives woodwork just enough distinction from the walls without creating a jarring line.
For accent walls, deeper furniture tones, or built-in cabinetry, String and Cord both belong to the same warm family and create a layered, depth-building effect. String is the closer step down, while Cord goes noticeably richer and works well on a focal wall or in a study alcove.
A cool blue-gray trim color fights the orange warmth in Matchstick, making both look out of place. The wall can appear muddy and the trim looks icy.
A vivid yellow accent wall next to Matchstick makes Matchstick look dirty or washed out by comparison. The two compete rather than complement.
Cool pinks and mauves pull against the warm orange undertone, creating a visual tension that makes the room feel unresolved.
Matchstick carries warm orange undertones. It reads as a buttery straw color in bright light and shifts toward a soft caramel in lower or warmer artificial light. There is no green, pink, or cool gray hiding in this color.
Matchstick is decidedly warm. Its orange base gives it a sun-warmed, honeyed quality in every lighting condition. It will never read as cool or gray.
White Tie and New White are ideal for ceilings and trim. String and Cord work as deeper accent tones within the same warm family. For contrast, try deep navy or charcoal in furnishings rather than on walls.
Estate Emulsion is the go-to for walls. Its chalky matte finish softens the color and absorbs light beautifully. For trim and woodwork, use Estate Eggshell or Modern Eggshell in your chosen trim color. In kitchens and bathrooms, Modern Emulsion gives a slight sheen and better moisture resistance.
Matchstick (No. 2013) has an LRV of 67.4, putting it in the light range. It reflects a good amount of light without reading as a white. The hex code is #E2D5BC.
Yes. Matchstick is a strong choice for north-facing rooms because its warm orange undertone counteracts the cool blue light that comes through north-facing windows. The room will feel warmer and more inviting than it would with a cool neutral.
