Best Dupes for Cola
Cola is a brown-black with a hit of red—think glossy cola syrup with depth and heat. People dupe it because it’s dramatic on trim and cabinetry but expensive to roll through an entire staircase renovation. The best matches preserve the oxblood warmth, avoid going flat black, and come in durable satins that resist knocks.
Dupes for Cola
| Brand ▲ | Colour ▲ | Rating ▲ | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Greene | Purple Brown | 3 ⭐ | |
| Dulux Trade | Cherry Truffle | 3 ⭐ | |
| Dulux Trade | Bitter Chocolate 1 | 3 ⭐ | |
| Little Greene | Chocolate Colour | 1 ⭐ | |
| Benjamin Moore | Brownstone | 1 ⭐ | |
| Little Greene | Chinmey Brick | 1 ⭐ | |
| Dulux Trade | Flame Frenzy 1 | 1 ⭐ | |
| Dulux Trade | Cocoa Blush 1 | 1 ⭐ | |
| Benjamin Moore | Espresso Bark | 1 ⭐ | |
| PPG / Johnstone's | Dark Granite | 2 ⭐ | |
| PPG / Johnstone's | Phantom Mist | 1 ⭐ | |
| PPG / Johnstone's | French Toast / Burnt Chestnut | 1 ⭐ | |
| PPG / Johnstone's | Black Walnut | 1 ⭐ | |
| PPG / Johnstone's | Chocolate Croissant / Racy Raisin | 1 ⭐ | |
| Behr | Sweet Molasses | 2 ⭐ | |
| Behr | Sarsaparilla | 2 ⭐ | |
| Behr | Espresso Beans | 1 ⭐ | |
| Behr | Black Garnet | 1 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | Christmas Pudding | 2 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | Christmas Pudding | 2 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | Mystic Taupe | 2 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | Black Raisin | 2 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | Moon Rock | 2 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | Dark Chocolate | 2 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | Soul Searching | 2 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | Soul Searching | 2 ⭐ |
Understanding Cola
Cola is a near-black brown with oxblood warmth—think glossy syrup with depth. It is deeper than London Clay yet redder than Tanner's Brown, so it creates drama while still feeling warm.
Pair it with brass, smoked mirror, or velvet for a moody finish, or use matte whites to highlight architectural details. If you need a calmer pairing, transition to Mahogany on furniture.
How to test Cola dupes
Deep shades demand perfect prep. Prime dark, then paint two coats on boards to check for even sheen and colour. View samples beside flooring, fabrics, and art to ensure the warmth feels intentional.
On woodwork, opt for a rock-hard enamel and allow at least a week of curing before heavy use; near-black finishes show every scuff.
Where Cola excels
Stair balustrades, interior doors, and cabinetry look luxurious in Cola. It also makes a refined accent wall behind gallery art or in a moody dining room.
Pair with linen tablecloths, brass hardware, and layered candlelight for maximum impact.
Cola vs Similar Shades
| Compared Colour | Relationship | When to choose it instead | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Clay | Lighter | Use this when you want similar warmth but less depth. | View colour |
| Mahogany | Redder | Great for accent furniture or gallery walls needing more colour. | View colour |
| Tanner's Brown | Darker | Pick this for cabinetry or banisters needing near-black drama. | View colour |
| Salon Drab | Greener | Choose when you want the same depth with an olive underpinning. | View colour |