How To Choose A Paint Color Based On LRV (Light Reflective Value)
What is Light Reflective Value (LRV)?
LRV, or light reflective value, refers to the percentage of light a paint color reflects. To predict how light or dark a color will appear, experts use its light reflectance value. LRV is measured on a scale from 0%, which is black and doesn’t reflect any light to 100%, which is pure white and reflects all light.
Why is LRV Important?
Knowing a color’s LRV in important for two reasons:
To coordinate interior room colors when designing a room or several spaces within a structure.
Aids homeowners, schools and businesses in making energy-efficient decisions. For instance, a color with a higher LRV won’t require as much air conditioning or lighting as would a shade that warms quickly and soaks up light. Choosing the right color helps you save money in the long run.
Where to find a paint color’s LRV when choosing a color?
Paint manufactures create paint chip cards to help customers view each color. The LRV # can be found on the back of the paint chip card or online.
Keep In Mind:
1) The higher the LRV number- the lighter the color is. The lower the LRV number - the darker the color. This can greatly affect your room depending on how much natural or artificial light your room gets.
2) Any color will look lighter when hit with DIRECT natural or artificial light.
3) Colors with an LRV above 50 are lighter and will bounce back more light than they absorb. These shades help create a “daytime”, expansive feel to the room. Colors with an LRV lower than 50 will soak up more light than they reflect and appear and have a dark and moody feel.
Example of Same Paint Color In Two Different Spaces That Have Different Lighting -
The color used in the room pictured above and in hallway is the same color, Sherwin Williams Zircon Gray. With more natural light coming into the room the color appears much lighter and whiter than the same paint color in the hallway with no natural light. Both natural and artificial lighting can affect the way paint colors look on your walls.
When choosing paint colors know the LRV and take into account what type and how much lighting will be in the space you want to paint. If you have any questions or would like help painting your interior spaces contact Cobb Brothers Company - 508-655-7910. We are always happy to help you to choose and apply the perfect color for your home or business.