Persimmon
What Persimmon Actually Looks Like
Persimmon is a medium-depth terracotta that lands right in the sweet spot between coral and clay. It reads as a dusty, sunbaked orange with a noticeable pink softness that keeps it from feeling heavy. At an LRV of 38.7, it sits in the middle of the light-reflectance scale, so it will ground a room without closing it in. In bright natural light, that pink side really comes forward, giving it an almost peachy warmth. Under incandescent bulbs, expect it to lean more toward a traditional terra cotta. In cool north-facing light, you will see more of the muted, rosy quality that makes this color feel relaxed rather than punchy.
Persimmon Undertones
The undertone conversation with Persimmon is genuinely interesting. Most designers agree on a clear pink undertone that separates it from straight orange terracottas. Some see it as leaning coral, especially in afternoon light, while others read it as a warm blush that just barely dips into clay territory. There is also a soft, almost dusty quality that keeps the pink from reading too sweet. If you put it next to a true burnt orange, the pink will jump out at you. If you put it next to a true pink, the earthy orange warmth becomes obvious. That balancing act is what gives Persimmon its versatility. Just know that if your room has a lot of cool blue-toned light, the pink undertone will be more pronounced than you might expect from the swatch.
Where Persimmon Works Best
Persimmon works well on accent walls where you want warmth without shouting. It is an easy choice for a dining room, where its earthy pink warmth creates an inviting, appetizing atmosphere, especially by candlelight. In kitchens, try it on a feature wall or an island cabinet for a dose of personality. Living rooms benefit from Persimmon on a focal wall paired with lighter warm neutrals on the remaining surfaces. Exteriors are another strong use case. It reads as a classic, sun-friendly terracotta on siding and pairs naturally with cream or warm stone trim. On a front door, it is friendly and grounded. Its LRV of 38.7 makes it visible enough to stand out against lighter siding without overwhelming the facade.
Where to put Persimmon
Paint one accent wall in Persimmon and keep the other three walls in a warm creamy white like Roman Column. The effect is cozy and modern at the same time. Layer in textiles with earthy tones, olive greens, or warm taupes. Persimmon's LRV of 38.7 means it will absorb some light, so make sure you have good lamps or natural light to let the color glow.
Go bold and wrap all four walls if you want a warm, enveloping feel for evening gatherings. Persimmon feels rich here without going dark, and the pink undertone looks especially good under warm overhead lighting. White or cream trim will keep it crisp. Brass or gold light fixtures are a natural companion.
Try Persimmon on lower cabinets or a kitchen island paired with white uppers and warm wood countertops. It brings a handmade, organic feel to the space. If you are painting walls, keep it to one section and let lighter neutrals do the rest. The warmth of this color plays well with open shelving and natural materials.
Persimmon makes a confident siding color for bungalows, Mediterranean-inspired homes, or Southwestern styles. Pair it with warm white trim and a deeper brown or charcoal for shutters and doors. It holds up well in strong sunlight, where it reads as a true terracotta. In shade it will look a little pinker and softer, so check your swatch on the north side of the house too.
This is where Persimmon really shines for people who want just a touch of color. One wall in a bedroom or home office gives you warmth and visual interest without the commitment of a full room. Keep furnishings neutral or pull in complementary blues and greens for contrast.
What to Pair With Persimmon
Roman Column (SW 7562) is listed as a coordinating color for good reason. It is a warm, creamy off-white that echoes the golden warmth in Persimmon without competing. Use it on trim, ceilings, or adjacent walls for clean contrast that never goes cold. For a layered palette, add a soft sage green or a warm charcoal to give the scheme some depth.
Persimmon vs similar colors
All comparisons are matched against Persimmon at LRV 38.7.
Colors that clash with Persimmon
Cool, indirect light amplifies the pink undertone and can make Persimmon read more like a dusty rose than a terracotta.
Pairing Persimmon with blue-leaning or cool gray trim creates a jarring temperature contrast that makes both colors look off.
At an LRV of 38.7, Persimmon can feel intense on all four walls in a small powder room or hallway.
Common questions
Persimmon has a precise LRV of 38.7, placing it in the medium range. It reflects enough light to keep a room from feeling dark, but it is saturated enough to make a real color statement on walls or exteriors.
It genuinely straddles the line. Most people see it as a warm terracotta with a clear pink undertone. In warm light it reads more orange. In cool or north-facing light, the pink steps forward. Always test a large swatch on your actual wall before committing.
Warm whites and creams are your safest bet. Roman Column SW 7562 is the go-to coordinating trim, offering creamy warmth that complements rather than fights the pink-orange undertones. Avoid stark cool whites, which will make Persimmon look harsher.
Absolutely. Persimmon reads as a classic terracotta on exterior siding and works especially well on Mediterranean, Southwestern, and craftsman-style homes. Pair it with warm white trim and natural stone or wood accents. Check it on all sides of the house, because the color will shift depending on sun exposure.