Running Water

Technical Profile

What color is Running Water? It's a medium warm blue with the hex code #1A5ACA. Running Water is a distinctive shade in the Behr lineup, and while close cross-brand equivalents exist, its specific blend of warm tone and medium depth gives it a character worth comparing in person. Running Water has a warm (pink) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Understanding a color's undertone is key to avoiding combinations that clash — it often matters more than the surface color itself. Running Water (#1A5ACA) by Behr is a medium blue paint color with a striking intensity that commands attention. It delivers a versatile mid-tone depth that anchors a room without overwhelming it. On the temperature spectrum this shade leans toward warmth, adding coziness and inviting energy. In its RGB breakdown, blue is the dominant channel, which gives it a subtle cool, atmospheric depth even under different lighting conditions. A Light Reflectance Value of 33 gives it moderate light reflection, striking a balance between brightness and depth. This mid-tone blue brings confidence and calm to home offices, accent walls, and kitchen islands. A satin or eggshell finish brings out the richness at this depth, and the slight sheen makes walls easier to maintain. For color coordination, Running Water pairs beautifully with orange tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring blue and teal hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its warm (pink) undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Behr is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Dutch Boy, PPG and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Running Water strikes a cozy, amber-toned balance that feels like late-afternoon light filtering through linen curtains. Designers often reach for shades like this when the goal is to shape how a room feels, not just how it looks. This shade is a natural fit for nautical, classic traditional, and Hamptons-style interiors. As part of the Behr palette, Running Water benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, Running Water can shift noticeably between natural daylight, warm incandescent, and cool LED lighting — testing a sample swatch on your wall under different conditions is always recommended. Mid-tone shades like this look best when balanced with a mix of textures — think leather seating, brushed brass hardware, woven wool, and raw-edge wood. You can order Running Water (S-G-580) directly from Behr or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.