Ref. #8CAEAC · DE5745
Barrier Reef
39%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Barrier Reef Technical Profile
What color is Barrier Reef? It's a medium cool neutral with the hex code #8CAEAC. Colors similar to Barrier Reef include Sherwin-Williams Drizzle, Valspar Fog Blue, Behr Stone Fence. Barrier Reef has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 39 gives Barrier Reef depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a cool neutral, Barrier Reef 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 Barrier Reef
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Barrier Reef
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Barrier Reef
#8CAEAC
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#859BAD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Barrier Reef
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Barrier Reef 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 Dunn-Edwards Colors
Other Dunn-Edwards colors close to Barrier Reef.
More neutral colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the neutral family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Barrier Reef — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Barrier Reef have?
Barrier Reef by Dunn-Edwards has a neutral undertone and belongs to the neutral color family.
What colors match Barrier Reef from other brands?
The closest matches are Drizzle by Sherwin-Williams (#8CAEAB), Fog Blue by Valspar (#8EADAC), Stone Fence by Behr (#8AACA7). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Barrier Reef?
Barrier Reef has an LRV of 38.8, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Barrier Reef
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 Barrier Reef's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.