Shale Gray

Technical Profile

What color is Shale Gray? It's a light 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. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Shale Gray has a cool (blue) 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. Shale Gray (#81B0B2) by Behr is a light blue paint color with a gentle, subdued character. It delivers a bright, welcoming quality that keeps interiors feeling fresh. On the temperature spectrum this shade carries a cool cast, lending calm and collected elegance. In its RGB breakdown, blue is the dominant channel, which gives it a subtle cool, atmospheric depth even under different lighting conditions. Its Light Reflectance Value of 65 means it reflects a healthy amount of light, keeping spaces bright without feeling stark. Light blues are classic in bathrooms, bedrooms, and coastal-themed living rooms. Eggshell or satin finishes complement light tones nicely, balancing a subtle sheen with durability for high-traffic areas. For color coordination, Shale Gray pairs beautifully with red tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring blue and teal hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its cool (blue) 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 MPC, Sherwin-Williams, Vista Paint and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Shale Gray offers a breezy, coastal serenity that keeps spaces feeling clean and refreshed. 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, Shale Gray benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, Shale Gray 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. This tone works well alongside natural textures like jute rugs, bleached wood, ceramic tile, and woven baskets, building an inviting, tactile space. You can order Shale Gray (540F-4) 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.