Ref. #81B0B2 · 540F-4
Shale Gray
32%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
Shale Gray Technical Profile
What color is Shale Gray? It's a medium cool blue with the hex code #81B0B2. Colors similar to Shale Gray include MPC Crimson Prl over Victoria Green, MPC Bayville Blue, Sherwin-Williams Reflecting Pool. Shale Gray has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 32 gives Shale Gray depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. Pair it with cool whites like Chantilly Lace, walnut or rift-cut oak floors, and brushed nickel or polished chrome hardware. Brass accents add warmth for a layered look. Blues stay crisp under 4000K+ cool LEDs. Under 2700K warm bulbs they can read grayer or shift slightly purple — particularly true for mid-tone and saturated blues.
Colors Similar to Shale Gray
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Crimson Prl over Victoria Green
MPC
Nearly identical
Reflecting Pool
Sherwin-Williams
Nearly identical
Turquoise Trick
Vista Paint
Nearly identical
Pastel Turquoise
RAL
Very similar
Turquoise Porcelain
Valspar
Very similar
Venice Escape
Kilz
Very similar
Barrier Reef
Dunn-Edwards
Very similar
Seaside Resort
Benjamin Moore
Very similar
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Shale Gray
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Shale Gray
#81B0B2
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8597AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Shale Gray
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Shale Gray 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 Shale Gray.
More blue colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the blue family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Shale Gray — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Shale Gray have?
Shale Gray by Behr has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the blue color family.
What colors match Shale Gray from other brands?
The closest matches are Crimson Prl over Victoria Green by MPC (#81AFB4), Bayville Blue by MPC (#7FACB0), Reflecting Pool by Sherwin-Williams (#7BB1B2). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Shale Gray?
Shale Gray has an LRV of 32.0, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Shale Gray
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 Shale Gray's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.