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PAINT COLORS & LRV: The Ultimate Guide You Need to Read

Posted on January 27, 2023 by KylieMawdsley

WHAT IS LRV & WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Partner Blog Post: LRV, Paint Colors & YOU

Have you ever painted your walls only to find they looked lighter or darker than you thought they would?

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THAT, my friend, is LRV (Light Reflectance Value).

Before we get into the guts n’ the glory, let me say it took nine hours, three bottles, and 20+ years of experience to research and write this article. And I’m not even remotely scientifically inclined (more artsy-fartsy inclined). So, let’s grab a bottle glass of wine and settle down for a bit of a read – just because I’m keeping it simple doesn’t mean I’m keeping it SHORT!

PAINT COLORS AND LRV, WHAT DOES IT MEAN, KYLIE M COLOR CONSULTANT, EXPERT, EDESIGN, BENJAMIN AND SHERWIN (2)

WHAT DOES LRV MEAN FOR PAINT COLORS?

Every paint color has an LRV number. This number is on a scale between 0 (which is black) and 100 (which is white). A paint color’s LRV number tells you how light or darker it is compared to pure black (LRV – 0) and pure white (LRV – 100).

In other words, a paint color’s LRV states its DEPTH (i.e., off-white/light/medium/dark).

You no longer have to ‘vaguely reference a paint colors depth’ – you can state its EXACT depth. Not only this, but by knowing a paint color’s exact depth, it’s easier to coordinate other colors with it, or find the PERFECT depth for your project.

Benjamin Moore White Dove (below) is a white paint color with an LRV of 83.16. This LRV means it reflects a LOT of light, as shown on the left side of this photo…

Wood stair railing, black metal spindles, walls Benjamin Moore White Dove, black hardware, white oak flooring. Kylie M Interiors Edesign

However, look at how muted it looks on the right side of the photo, where the walls receive indirect light only.

Colors need LIGHT to come to LIFE! 

THE ACTUAL ‘USEABLE’ LRV SCALE (for us real people)

While the scale technically goes to 100, related to the useable paint world, white goes up to an LRV of 94 – that’s the whitest white available. And while the scale DOES go down to 0, in our useable paint world, mid-two’s are the lowest LRV/blackest colors available.

Benjamin Moore cool off-white American White in bedroom. Kylie M Interiors Edesign, online paint color consulting, client photo

Benjamin Moore American White is an off-white gray that reflects a LOT of light.

Remember, you don’t need to memorize this. Just take the info that applies to the color/color RANGE you’re exploring, and use it to find your best shade! 

These numbers will give you a good idea of the DEPTH of a color (how light or dark it is). The ranges below are approximate to a degree (approx three points or so). Regardless, the lines are blurry, as perception can play a HUGE part in how light or dark a paint color looks (or because I’ve had two glasses of wine).

2-10 = DARK PAINT COLOR

10-20 = MEDIUM-DARK PAINT COLOR

20-40 = MEDIUM-DEPTH PAINT COLOR

40-55 = LIGHT-MEDIUM COLOR

55-72 = LIGHT COLOR

73-81 = OFF-WHITE COLOR

82-94 = WHITE PAINT COLOR

Remember, you don’t need to MEMORIZE this information. Just use it as a guide for the specific colors you’re looking at.

WHERE DO YOU FIND A PAINT COLOR’S LRV NUMBER?

For how important LRV is to the average paint buyer, I’m surprised some paint companies haven’t made it EASIER to find it.

Here are the LRV locations of a few popular paint brands (or ask a store employee)…

  • SHERWIN WILLIAMS LRVs: on the back of the fan deck or the back of color chips – the BEST place for it!
  • BENJAMIN MOORE’S LRVs: on the Benjamin Moore website, on the specific color page
  • FARROW & BALL’S LRVs: they don’t make it easy; you’ll just want to write customer service – and good luck with that
  • VALSPAR’S LRVs: fan deck index
  • KELLY MOORE’S LRVs: fan deck index
  • BEHR’S LRVs: fan deck index

Here’s what it looks like on the back of the Sherwin William’s color strip (the long row of colors in the fan deck OR on the small samples found in-store)…

LRV, how to pick paint colours. What is LRV and how to use it in a room

And in the index of the Benjamin Moore fan deck…

how to pick the best paint colour using LRV. What is it and how to use it

Wine break. Glug glug glug, I mean sip sip sip.

Now, let’s get into the actual LRV ranges. Again, not scientific, just a general reference.

WHITE PAINT COLORS & LRV

APPROX. 82+

White paint colors have the highest LRV and reflect the most light.  The range goes from 82-94 (knowing we don’t have access to whites above 94).

  • White paint colors don’t just reflect LIGHT, they reflect the COLOR of the light being thrown at them. For example, if you have a large expanse of green grass outside your window that reflects on your wall, your wall can pick up some of this green hue.
  • Just because a color is in the WHITE range doesn’t mean it won’t have undertones – every color has undertones.

Kitchen cabinets and island painted Sherwin Williams Cascade Green, white quartz countertop, Cloud White walls. Kylie M paint color blogger

Benjamin Moore Cloud White LRV 85.05 / Sherwin Williams Cascade Green LRV 43

For example, let’s say you’re trying to find the perfect white. You’re comparing several, but you can’t tell which one is lighter. All you need to do is look at their LRVs, and you’ll know EXACTLY which is the brightest white.

Eyeballing the whites in this next photo, the only one that’s OBVIOUSLY darker is the sample on the bottom…

Benjamin Moore Decorators White, Chantilly Lace, Super White compared to marble tile or countertop. Best white paint color. Kylie M INteriors Edesign

However, let’s look at all of their LRVs to see where they stand…

  • TOP: Sherwin Williams High Reflective White LRV 93
  • 2ND DOWN: Benjamin Moore Super White LRV 87.36
  • 3RD DOWN: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace LRV 90.04
  • BOTTOM: Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White LRV 82.68

The shift in these numbers might not seem HUGE, but on a large scale is where you see these LRVs come into play – when there’s more WALL space for the color to come to life.

WHERE ARE WHITE PAINT COLORS POPULAR?

  • TRIMS & DOORS
  • CEILINGS
  • CABINETS
  • WHOLE HOMES (every room)
  • WALLS (although this is a trend)
  • EXTERIORS (again, another trend)

BEnjamin Moore White dove painted wood cabinets, Frosty Carrina quartz countertop, backsplash, Kylie M Edesign

Benjamin Moore White Dove LRV 83.16 / Antique Pewter LRV 25.4

Is White Still Trendy on Walls, Cabinets & Exteriors?

OFF-WHITE PAINT COLORS & LRV

APPROX. 73-81

Off-white paint colors have LRVs between 73 and 81. The closer a paint color’s LRV gets to 82, the closer to white it gets.

For example, Sherwin William’s Creamy has an LRV of 81 – this LRV puts it on the EDGE of the white range, and what it really is can be open to perception! Creamy looks like a warm WHITE in this staircase, thanks to the gratuitous natural light (east-facing)…

Curved landing at the top of the stairs with chandelier, golden doodle and Sherwin Williams Creamy by Kylie M INteriors

However, notice how different Creamy looks down near the carpet/landing in the same staircase.

Stairwell with beige carpet, wood and metal railing and Sherwin Williams Creamy a light off-white paint colour. Kylie M Interiors E-design and colour consulting

In the above photo, Creamy looks less like a warm white and more like an OFF-white (which it is), especially when you compare it to the trim.

Why?

Because it’s not given as much natural light to reflect.

WHERE ARE OFF-WHITE PAINT COLORS POPULAR?

  • CABINETS (currently a trend, but be careful!
  • WALLS (single room, every wall)
  • WHOLE HOMES (every room)

Sherwin Williams best off white beige paint colour, Moderate White, beige tile floor, oak dining room

Sherwin William’s Moderate White LRV 74 – a popular off-white, beige paint color

The 6 Best Off-White Paint Colors

The Best Off-White & Light Depth Paint Colors for Cabinets

LIGHT DEPTH PAINT COLORS & LRV

APPROX. 55-72

Light-depth paint colors have LRVs between 55 and 72. Many of today’s popular colors sit between 60-70, and again, whether they read as ‘light depth colors of off-whites’ can be open to perception AS WELL as how light or dark a room is.

  • Even though light-depth paint colors have lower LRVs (compared to whites and off-whites), they can still COMPLETELY wash out with direct hits of natural light.
  • The light-depth range is the most POPULAR for the average home – specifically, THIS more condensed range.
  • In a poorly lit room, light colors can fall flat and drab and won’t come to life. You can supplement a bit with less neutral/more color, but you have to work at it.
  • In a well-lit room, a color with a high LRV can wash out where it gets direct hits of light. Just remember, this changes a lot as the day progresses, and you have to accommodate the rest of the walls, too, which might be more shaded.

This next photo shows Benjamin Moore Collingwood 859, which has an LRV of 62.14. This LRV means it will reflect some light into your room, making an average room with average light look reasonably bright but still soft. For example, look from the far left of the photo to the middle right and see how Collingwood changes its tune…and tone!

LRV and Benjamin Moore Collingwood Gray, warm gray , greige paint colour. Online Color Consultation by Kylie M Interiors. 2 storey entryway, curved stairs, black railing

Paint Color Review: Benjamin Moore Collingwood

If you have a bright room and you partner it with a lighter color (usually 55+ is where you’ll start seeing the reflective value really kick into gear), you’re going to have a LOT of light bouncing around.

Why?

Well, not only are you giving your walls a lot of light to play with, you’ve chosen a paint color that likes to REFLECT light as it has a higher LRV.

The higher the LRV of a paint color is, the more light it’s going to bounce back at you.

This next photo shows the same color as above, Benjamin Moore Collingwood, but this room has more moderate light…

Benjamin Moore Collingwood warm gray paint colour in dining room with Pure White wainscoting, beige tile floor and transitional style home decor.

WHERE ARE LIGHT-DEPTH PAINT COLORS POPULAR?

  • WALLS (single room, every wall)
  • ENTIRE HOMES (every room)
  • CABINETS (currently a trend)

The 12 Best WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colors

The 11 Best Warm Neutral Paint Colors That AREN’T BEIGE!

LIGHT-MEDIUM DEPTH PAINT COLORS & LRV

APPROX. 40-55

Many consultants jump from light to medium, but there’s a HUUUUGE gap in the middle of colors that don’t read as either!

  • Light-medium depth paint colors have LRVs between 40-55. They’re darker than light-depth paint colors without the more noticeable heft of medium-depth paint colors.
  • Paint colors in the light-medium range hold up a bit better in OVERLY bright rooms. They WILL look lighter where the light hits but won’t wash out as much as whites, off-whites, and light-depth paint colors.
  • You’ll see more contrast with white trim using light-medium depth colors. This can be an important point for those who want to show off moldings.

As shown in this next photo, a light-medium depth color like Sherwin Williams Anew Gray offers a nice contrast with the right white trim color…

Sherwin Williams Anew Gray, foyer with warm gray taupe greige tile. White trim, best greige paint colour

Light-medium depth paint colors are a GREAT range to start when looking at exterior colors. While you might go lighter or darker, this range is a good starting point, as shown AGAIN, with Sherwin Williams Anew Gray…

Sherwin Williams Anew Gray darkened on painted exterior siding, rock or stone detail. Kylie M Interiors Edesign

WHERE ARE LIGHT-MEDIUM DEPTH PAINT COLORS MOST POPULAR?

  • WALLS (single room, every wall)
  • SOME ‘WHOLE HOMES’ (every room)
  • CABINETS (somewhat popular)
  • EXTERIORS

Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray: Paint Color Review

MEDIUM-DEPTH PAINT COLORS & LRV

APPROX. 20-40

Medium-depth paint colors have LRVs between 20-40. The lower the LRV is, the darker the color is.

Sherwin Williams Dovetail is shown on this next kitchen island (LRV 26) with Agreeable Gray on the walls (LRV 60)…

Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray best greige warm gray paint colour, wood laminate gray wash floor, corner fireplace, white kitchen cabinets, Dovetail island.

A paint color in the medium range, when given some light to PLAY with (like shown below), will lighten up SOME – remember, EVERY paint color has light reflectance. This also means that in a room without much natural light OR adequate artificial lighting, it may look a bit heavy as the LRV isn’t strong enough to grab the minimal light offered.

Sherwin Williams Dovetail, a warm gray paint colour. Photography by Jessie Robertson. Kylie M INteriors color consultant and e-decor specialist

Kylie M E-Design and Online Color Consulting

  • Medium-depth paint colors are great for overly bright rooms. ANY paint color will look lighter when light hits it, but the darker a color is, the more it will stand up to an overly bright space.
  • This range is popular for feature walls and exteriors but can look amazing on ALL of the walls in a room!
  • Paint colors with medium-range LRVs reflect a moderate but not obscene amount of light, especially in the middle of the range. So, while on a small scale, medium-depth colors can look a bit darkish, on a larger scale (wall), they can look a bit lighter if given a reasonable amount of light. AND REMEMBER, the quality of light changes throughout the day, so sample carefully and look at it on all walls in various lights.
  • In a poorly lit room, medium-range LRVs can look flat and drab, especially neutral ones.
  • 50+ is the range where the paint colors really start reflecting light into the room. The closer you get to 100, the more light the color will reflect.
  • In a room with poor lighting, paint colors in the 50+ range will take ANY light they can and reflect it into the space but don’t expect any screamin’ glory. Often, it’s better to add a bit more COLOR to help counteract the shade vs. going with a more standard neutral paint color.

Long story short – lighting matters.

Benjamin Moore Linen White painted kitchen cabinets, cream cabinets, Chelsea Gray painted island, speckled white granite countertop, wood oak flooring

Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray island LRV 23.33

WHERE ARE MEDIUM-DEPTH PAINT COLORS MOST POPULAR?

  • FEATURE OR ACCENT WALLS
  • WALLS (single room, every wall)
  • CABINETS (somewhat popular)
  • KITCHEN ISLANDS
  • EXTERIORS

How to Brighten a Dark Room – AND IT AIN’T WITH PAINT!

MEDIUM-DARK PAINT COLORS & LRV

APPROX 10-20

Just as with light-medium depth paint colors, medium-dark paint colors are the ‘happy mediums’ –  literally. Medium-dark colors are significantly darker than the average medium-depth paint color but don’t have the depth of traditional DARK paint colors.

Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray (shown with White Dove cabinets) is a medium-dark gray paint color. Notice how it looks more muted on the top portion of the wall but lightens up where the light hits.

WHY?

Benjamin Moore White Dove painted cabinets, Amherst Gray feature or accent walls, zellige tile backsplash, white quartz countertops. Kylie M Interiors Edesign

Because even though its LRV is LOWER, it still reflects light. This means that when hit with light, a color like Amherst Gray will reflect some light back!

WHERE ARE MEDIUM-DARK PAINT COLORS MOST POPULAR?

Benjamin Moore’s Best DARK Gray & Charcoal Paint Colors

Sherwin William’s Best DARK Greige & Taupe Paint Colors

DARK PAINT COLORS & LRV

APPROX 2-10

Sherwin Williams Cyberspace (shown below) is pretty damn dark with an LRV of 6. In a WELL-lit space, this color can look soft, stunning, and a bit lighter and more colorful as the undertones come up. However, in a POORLY lit room, it can look closer to black and loses some of its color/hue.

  • Paint colors with a lower LRV will reflect SOME, but not tons of light. If a color’s LRV is 10, it will absorb a lot of light and reflect a smaller amount into the room. If it’s 20, it will reflect more than 10, but still not much. If you want a dark color to look lighter, give it A LOT OF LIGHT.
  • IN A BRIGHT ROOM, a darker paint color will appear lighter, and you may notice the ‘color’ and undertones more. This is because you’re giving the paint color more light to reflect.
  • IN A DARK ROOM, dark color won’t come to life as much and won’t reflect light (as it hasn’t been given any, and it has a low LRV to boot, double-whammy). In fact, dark colors can almost look blackish in dark rooms.

Family room with stone fireplace, Sherwin Williams Cyberspace, leather, laminate wood flooring, chartreuse chair. Kylie M INteriors E-design and home

Compare the wall space on the far left to the far right. No light = no reflective value…

In this next photo, notice how Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (LRV 8.36) changes as the amount and quality of LIGHT change…

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy with beige sectional, best dark blue paint colour. Kylie M Interiors Edesign, online color consultant

WHERE ARE DARK PAINT COLORS MOST POPULAR?

  • FEATURE OR ACCENT WALLS
  • CABINETS
  • KITCHEN ISLANDS
  • EXTERIORS
  • FRONT DOORS (INSIDE & OUT)

Where Should You Do a FEATURE Wall & What COLOR Should it Be?

The 6 Best Paint Colors for Kitchen Islands & Bathroom Vanities

A SPACE WITH THREE TYPES OF NATURAL LIGHT

This next photo shows Benjamin Moore Gray Owl (LRV 65.77). Looking left to right, you’ll see three OBVIOUS shifts in depth as each wall space gets a different amount of light reflected onto it.

Hallway with reclaimed wood flooring and white railling. Benjamin Moore Gray Owl and built in bookcase. Kylie M Interiors Edesign, online paint color

Read more: Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Gray Owl

LEFT SIDE

The amount of light hitting the left side walls puts Gray Owl’s LRV of 65.77 to work as the light is reflected, making it look more like a bright off-white.

CENTER (BOOKCASE WALL)

This wall is getting a more average amount of natural light, in which Gray Owl looks more like a paint color with an LRV of 65 should.

FAR-RIGHT

This is an extreme – a wall with almost no natural light on it. Gray Owl looks more like a medium-depth paint color in this low light.

A color needs LIGHT to come to LIFE! 

This is why it is so important to look at your paint samples in ALLLL lights on ALLLL walls. By the way, if you’re getting paint samples, I highly recommend THIS vs. traditional sample pots.

A DARK ROOM WITH LOW LIGHT (EITHER NATURAL OR INTERIOR)

If you have a dark room, this means there isn’t a lot of light from outside or inside sources. So, even if you choose a color with a high LRV, the lack of light will affect how bright that color will look.

A light color in a bright room will look lighter than the SAME color in a DARK room – the bright room has more LIGHT for the color to play with. 

WHAT’S THE BEST LRV FOR A DARK OR LOW-LIGHT ROOM?

Choosing a light paint color may be a better choice for a dark room if you want to brighten it, but it will not save the day – you need actual LIGHT for the paint color to play off of and reflect.

One way to add brightness to a dark room, along with LRV, is to choose a color with more chroma/color vs. a more standard neutral paint color.

This next photo shows a room painted in Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (LRV 55.51). Notice there isn’t an abundance of natural or artificial light and how that affects the look of Revere Pewter…

revere pewter in a dark room with northern exposure

In this NEXT photo, the bedroom is also painted in Revere Pewter…

Romantic rustic master bedroom and ensuite bathroom. Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter and Wickham Gray. Kylie M Interiors Edesign, edecor and online paint colour expert blog

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter

The above room has a good amount of natural light on the left side, making Revere Pewter look LIGHTER and the room brighter (the bathroom is Wickham Gray). On the right (entrance to the bathroom), there isn’t as much natural light, and you’ll see that Revere Pewter is a bit darker again.

Let’s look at an off-white like Benjamin Moore Classic Gray, a warm gray. With an LRV of 74.78, Classic Gray will reflect a considerable amount of light, therefore, lightening and brightening a space. Notice how it washes out COMPLETELY on the left side of the photo and softens up on the wall space behind the vase…

Benjamin Moore Classic Gray is great for home staging. With Escarpment painted vanity and Bianco Drift bathroom countertop by Kylie M Interiors

Paint Color Review: Benjamin Moore Classic Gray

WILL NATURAL LIGHT AFFECT MY PAINT COLOR’S LRV?

Natural light won’t CHANGE your paint color’s LRV; it is what it is, but the more light you give a color, the more light it will REFLECT, especially if it has a higher LRV.

Colors with higher LRVs reflect MORE light; colors with lower LRVs reflect LESS light. 

The less light in your room, the less light there will be to reflect. So, even if you pick a LIGHT color with a HIGH LRV, if you don’t give it light to reflect, it won’t rise to the occasion, which goes back to one of my fave sayings (I have about 80)…

If you don't have enough natural or artificial light there is no paint color that will make your room look brighter. Kylie M INteriors

What does this mean?

It means that sometimes people pick a light paint color thinking its high LRV will save their dark room. And sure, the room will look brighter than it would if painted a dark color. But the reality is, you need LIGHT for a color to come to LIFE!

Why?

Because the actual SCIENCE of it is that you’re not reaaaally seeing the paint color that’s on the walls, you’re seeing the COLOR OF THE LIGHT THAT’S REFLECTED OFF THE WALLS (but that’s getting a lil deep for this meat n’ potatoes blog post).

PEOPLE ALSO ASK…

WHEN YOU LIGHTEN OR DARKEN A PAINT COLOR, DOES ITS LRV CHANGE?

HECK YES, it does – any change you make to a paint color will change its roots, and the LRV will go higher or lower, depending on how much you change the depth.

Read more right here… LRV, Paint Colors & YOU.

WHAT IS A GOOD LRV?

It depends on the surface you’re painting, as well as the look/contrast you’re looking for. Very GENERALLY SPEAKING…

  • THE AVERAGE SINGLE ROOM: LRV 60-65
  • FOR EVERY ROOM IN AN ENTIRE HOME (PAINTED 1 COLOR): 60-65
  • KITCHEN CABINETS: LRV 82-93
  • FEATURE WALL: ANYWHERE FROM 5-50, BUT 30 IS A GOOD AVERAGE
  • EXTERIOR: STARTING AT APPROX. 50
  • FRONT DOOR: LRV 10

Again, there can be LOTS of variation in the above numbers; these are just good places to start your color journey!

WHAT’S THE PERFECT LRV NUMBER OR RANGE?

What makes an LRV good or bad is subject to perception. For the AVERAGE room, an LRV of 62 is a great place to start – read more about this HERE.

If you want an LRV range, look at colors between 60-70.

IS A HIGHER OR LOWER LRV BETTER?

It’s all relative to the surface you’re painting and the room it’s in. For the average room, YES, a higher LRV is better, approx 60+. For kitchen cabinets, the white range (82+) is usually ideal.

However, if you’re talking about a feature wall, a higher LRV might not give you the contrast you’re looking for, in which case, you’ll bump down to the 30 range.

WHAT’S CONSIDERED A HIGH LRV?

The higher the LRV number is, the lighter the paint color is. Paint colors with LRVs of 74+ (off-white and white paint colors) are considered HIGH LRVs.

WHAT’S THE BEST LRV FOR A DARK ROOM?

Again, color needs LIGHT to come to life. Generally, colors with high LRVs of 74 are better for dark rooms, but even those won’t look great if you don’t give them some form of light.

The 7 Best Light Paint Colors for a Dark Room

So there you have it – LRV in a very big, fat nutshell.

PARTNER POSTS…

What Matters the Most When Choosing Paint Colors?

How to Get the Perfect Color: LIGHTEN & DARKEN

How to Choose the Right Kelvins For Your Paint Color

Kylie M’s Ultimate Guide to Paint Colors & Their Undertones

The 5 Blog Posts You Need to Read BEFORE Choosing a Paint Color

Still not sure what color to pick? 

Check out my E-BOOKS and Online Color Consulting Services!

The best paint colours for any room from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams. Popular Edesign blogger Kylie M Interiors. Diy decor and design advice. Market

Chat soon,

Kylie M Interiors, decorating blog, e-design, online colour consulting expert. signature

Originally written in November 2017, updated 2022



Comments

  1. So, kind of a side question that I thought LRV might address, but doesn’t (now that I’ve read your article)…So, LRV addresses the differences between lights and darks. What is the technical difference between a neutral (with a color undertone) and a color with a (gray or whatever undertone)?

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      Oh Greer, I LOVE YOU – no one has ever asked that before! I’m actually writing a course right now and talk about this exact topic in it. The short story is that there IS no definitive line and is VERY OPEN to perception, which is why it’s SO HARD! For example, a lot of people look at a colour like BM Puritan Gray and see it as ‘gray with undertones’, but I’ve had clients find it not gray enough and see too much blue-green. For me, it’s about what’s the OVERTONE or MASS COLOUR – the one you automatically see first when you look at the walls. Again, open to perception, but if you just SEE BLUE, then it’s probably too colourful for you. However, if it could easily pass as gray, then you might be closer to the ‘gray with undertones range’.
      Does that help AT ALL???? Any thoughts you have just holler as it just makes me think harder!

  2. Hi Kylie. I’m trying to choose between BM Balboa Mist (LRV 67) and Collingwood (LRV 62). How much of a difference will 5 points make in a 2 story foyer where the 2nd story does not have a lot of natural light?

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      Well, you will notice a shift between the two! For a LOWER light area, I would lean towards Balboa because it is that bit lighter and softer :).

  3. Pingback: Behind the Scenes: Color Reboot Inside My Home

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      Author
  4. Do you have a blog that lists the Benjamin Moore colors with a LRV of your magic number “62”? Or a list of colors within the magic range?

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      Author

      Ooooo, say no, that’s a GREAT idea!

      Off the top, BM Collingwood, SW Big Chill, SW On the Rocks, SW Agreeable Gray – just a few to get you started!

  5. Kylie! My friend, it’s been a long time! I have to say, this article is everything. Explaining LRV is nearly impossible….honestly, after decades in the business, I still haven’t wrapped my brain around it, but this is THE ARTICLE to start that brain-wrapping process. I love your writing style and LITERALLY laughed out loud at “glug glug glug … I mean, sip sip sip”. You are the best of the best!!

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      Author

      JENNY, this is such an awesome comment – THANK YOU! Yes, I know LRV is kind of MIND-boggling, but it’s like once you get it, you never look at paint colours the same AGAIN! And I’m glad you think I’m funny, I tell my husband and kids that I’m funny all the time and they’re like ‘ermmm, no’.

  6. Hey Kylie! So glad i stumbled on your post what PERFECT timing OMG! I have a new build i just moved into with very low grade, stark white awful paint that does nothing for my house and honestly it’s so ugly it might just be primer🫤. It’s dreadful and not full of life. Though i personaly love the white walls i have been SO torn between Chantilly Lace & Simply white to repaint it. Is there one you prefer more? I would like to keep the white but the white they used is all wrong and makes it feel very stale vs cozy plus i have kids so i want nice, cozy feel that would bring out that beachy look we desire with all our wood tones. “Most” rooms get natural light throughout the day as the sun changes so i am really stuck on which color would make it feel like home vs a builder grade home.

    Also….i am planning on painting the exterior of my house white as i love the beach cottage looks there too but i am wondering if the LRV matters on the exterior like it does the interior? Can you tell me if this rule still applies.
    I was looking at either Pure White or Snowbound (this will be going over a taupe color house) but after reading your post i am not sure if the LRV matters for outdoors also so it’s not blinding vs beautiful. I have a South facing home and would love a little help before i make a HUGE expensive mistake. Help please! Thank you so much 😊

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      Author

      Hey Shawna, I can’t answer ALL of your questions, but Chantilly ‘can’ be a bit ‘white white’ and Simply White can come up a touch yellow – both have their place, but when I’m looking at a WHOLE HOME white, it’s often SW Pure White that comes up as it often suits more interior hard finishes (ie. countertop).

      As for the exterior, whites tend to look that BIT whiter, depending on how MUCH light you get, but generally – they’re pretty white. A lot of my clients are shifting to a slightly softer look, like BM White Dove (even Pure White is a bit soft too, creating a nice look). It really all depends on the AMOUNT of light you get as even an off-white could look QUITE BRIGHT!

  7. Pingback: THE 5 BLOG POSTS YOU NEED TO READ BEFORE PICKING A PAINT COLOR - Kylie M Interiors

  8. Pingback: Best Greige Paint Colors in 2023 -

  9. Hi Kylie,

    I just bought my first home and stumbled across your blog while researching white paint options. I’ve been doing a deep dive in to your posts and it’s been so helpful. I would love know what the paint colors are from the thumbnail image on this post.

    Also do you have any posts about coordinating paints colors with exotic hardwood floors?

    Thank you,
    Jennifer

  10. Hello Kylie, this article on LRV is fantastic!! I have been a painting contractor for 40 years. I study paint. It’s composition, what the included different ingredients do & how they react to each other. I am just starting to study LRVs and SRI (solar reflective Index) and you have done LRVs very thoroughly and explained it in layman’s terms (maybe the sip,🍷 sip,🍷 gulp 🍾helped in your writing ✍️.)
    Thank you for your time & work!

    1. Post
      Author

      Jeff, thank you so much for this! I’m SO not scientifically-minded, yet SUPER passionate about paint – THANK YOU!

  11. Hi Kylie! I’m experiencing the vast array of whites for the first time! Yikes! I had kitchen cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore “Calm-OC22” LRV of 77. Thinking of selecting another white on the walls throughout the living room, dining area and kitchen. I’m in a small condo, southern exposure, with very little light. I have a medium brown maple floor & painted baseboards in Calm. I love the serenity and elegance of taupe. Don’t know what direction to go in, if you can offer a tip. Thank you very much. I learn a lot from you! — Jean

    1. Post
      Author

      Hi Jean! Calm is actually an off-white with a reasonable viole tundertone, which can make it tricky! Sometimes the best thing to do is the same color on the walls/trims, I would GREATLY HESITATE to go outside of that. I suppose you could look at BM Chantilly lace for the walls, but it coudl enhance the violet in Calm :).

  12. What a wonderful article – FYI Encycolorpedia gives the LRV of paints which will save hunting fan decks and calling customer service. Our Southern African paint stores haven’t started including LRV anywhere but this has helped me find it.

    What would you say is a good “gap” in LRV between a house colour and trim? We are putting a light putty colour on the main body of the house (LRV 65) and are looking at coloured trim to go with it. A color with a similar depth looks like it could not offer enough contrast as it will differ in tone but not depth. What are your thoughts on the pairings?

    Thank you.

    1. Post
      Author

      Hey Tessa, I love Encycolorpedia too, it’s super helpful! As for gap in LRV for exteriors, for the average application, based on the house being 65, I’d love to see approx. 15 points (or more). However, if you’re looking for a more subtle tone-on-tone look, 10 points would be the start 🙂

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