Estuary is a calming choice — works as both a whole-house neutral when lightened and a dramatic anchor when deepened to navy. At LRV 22 it reads as a deep, enveloping shade — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. Skip it in low-light north-facing rooms unless you want a deliberately cool, cocooning effect, since blue can read chilly there.
Ref. #488AA3 · 235-6DB
Estuary
22%LRV Value
Estuary Technical Profile
What color is Dutch Boy Estuary (235-6DB)? It's a deep cool blue — hex #488AA3, LRV 22. The closest cross-brand equivalent to Estuary is Sherwin-Williams Secure Blue — a near-identical match on the wall, with Kilz Blue Eyed Beauty and Dunn-Edwards Raging Tide also close. With an LRV of 22, Estuary creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected 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. At mid saturation, this color sits at a flexible mid-point — bold enough to anchor a room without dominating, and pairs cleanly with both crisp and creamy whites. 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. At mid saturation the lighting shift is moderate but real — sample under both warm-bulb evening light and cool-daylight morning light before committing.
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Colors Similar to Estuary
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Estuary
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Estuary
#488AA3
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#7581A9
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Estuary
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Estuary 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 Dutch Boy Colors
Other Dutch Boy colors close to Estuary.
More blue colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the blue family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Estuary — Frequently Asked Questions
What colors match Estuary from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Estuary are Secure Blue by Sherwin-Williams (a near-identical match), Blue Eyed Beauty by Kilz (a near-identical match), Raging Tide by Dunn-Edwards (a very close match). These are ranked with the CIEDE2000 color-difference formula, which scores how similar two colors actually look to the eye rather than matching them by name — so they're the best options for getting Estuary's look in a brand your local store carries. Always confirm with a physical sample, since sheen and lighting shift the final result.
What is the LRV of Estuary?
Estuary has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 22.2, on a scale where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white. That makes it a deep, dramatic color best saved for accent walls, dining rooms, and cozy spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. LRV is the most reliable guide to how light or dark a paint will read in a real room — more dependable than the swatch on your screen, which varies by monitor.
Explore More with Estuary
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.
Paint Sheen Guide
Flat, eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss — the right finish for Estuary depends on the room. Here's how to choose.