Ref. #A0ACAE · QE-52
Portsmouth Bay
40%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
Portsmouth Bay Technical Profile
What color is Portsmouth Bay? It's a medium cool gray with the hex code #A0ACAE. Colors similar to Portsmouth Bay include Hirshfield's Citadel Blue, Hirshfield's Beacon Fog, Colorhouse Wool .03. Portsmouth Bay has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 40 gives Portsmouth Bay depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a cool neutral, Portsmouth Bay pairs with cool whites for trim, gray-toned or rift-cut oak floors, and brushed nickel or polished chrome hardware. Black accents and natural greenery add contrast. Cool neutrals hold their crisp quality under 4000K+ daylight bulbs. Under 2700K warm light they soften considerably — particularly true for any blue or green undertone.
Colors Similar to Portsmouth Bay
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Portsmouth Bay
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Portsmouth Bay
#A0ACAE
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8593AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Portsmouth Bay
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Portsmouth Bay Room Palettes
Color schemes built around this color — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Warm & Inviting
Warm tones with cozy appeal — welcoming and comfortable
Cool & Calm
Cool hues with soft contrast — serene and restful
Bold Contrast
Complementary hues with punch — dynamic and striking
Similar Behr Colors
Other Behr colors close to Portsmouth Bay.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Portsmouth Bay — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Portsmouth Bay have?
Portsmouth Bay by Behr has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Portsmouth Bay from other brands?
The closest matches are Citadel Blue by Hirshfield's (#9EABAD), Beacon Fog by Hirshfield's (#9CAAAC), Wool .03 by Colorhouse (#A1ABAB). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Portsmouth Bay?
Portsmouth Bay has an LRV of 40.0, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Portsmouth Bay
Related Reading
How to Match Paint Colors Across Brands
The science behind Delta E and CIEDE2000 — find a Behr equivalent of any Sherwin-Williams shade, or a Benjamin Moore alternative when your store is out of stock.
Understanding Paint Color Undertones
Why Portsmouth Bay's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.