The right color for your furniture

How do I find the right RAL code for my cabinet fronts?

1. What needs to match in color?

First, consider which element should be matched exactly:

• a painted wall
• an existing piece of furniture
• a lacquered surface
• a color from a specific brand (e.g., Schöner Wohnen, Miss Pompadour, IKEA)

Important: Colors appear differently depending on the material, gloss level, and light. The goal is therefore usually a very close approximation, not necessarily a 100% identical color.

2. Borrow or purchase a RAL color fan deck

The easiest and most reliable way to determine your desired color is with an original RAL color fan deck.

• Many hardware stores, painting companies, or paint retailers lend RAL fan decks.
• Alternatively, you can buy them online.
• We recommend borrowing a large color fan deck such as the RAL D2 color fan deck. The more precise the fan deck, the more accurately the color can be determined. Please note that we paint in a semi-gloss finish.
• Our tip: Be sure to use a real color fan deck and not screen displays. Monitors and phone screens distort colors significantly.

3. Perform color comparison at home

Here's how to best compare:

1. Hold the RAL fan deck directly against the wall or piece of furniture.
2. Compare in daylight (not in the evening or under artificial light).
3. Temporarily cover surrounding colors (e.g., with a white sheet) to avoid distractions.
4. Note down 2–3 RAL shades that are very close to decide later.

Sometimes there isn't one perfect shade, but several very similar nuances.

4. Special feature: Colors from brands without a RAL system

Many well-known brands do not use RAL codes, but their own color systems, e.g.:

• Schöner Wohnen
• Miss Pompadour
• Farrow & Ball

In these cases:

• A 1:1 translation into RAL is not possible.
• Nevertheless, the color can be approximated very well.

Here, the RAL fan deck is particularly helpful in determining the visually closest shade.

5. If you get stuck: We are happy to help

If you are unsure or cannot make a clear decision, we will be happy to help.

You can simply contact us via our contact form.

We have a RAL code measuring device. With it, we can measure existing colors of well-known brands.

Important to know:

• Not all colors can be technically 100% assigned to a RAL code.
• In practice, however, we usually achieve a very high correspondence that is visually convincing.

6. Deliberately plan for small differences

Even with very good color matching:

• Lacquered fronts reflect light differently than painted walls.
• Matte, semi-gloss, or glossy finishes change the perception of color.

Our advice: A harmonious approximation often appears calmer and more high-quality than a forced exact match.

With a RAL color fan deck, good daylight, and a little patience, you can narrow down the right shade yourself very well. If you become unsure or want a second opinion, we will be happy to assist you with color determination.