Sardine reads as crisp and architectural — strong in modern spaces, with natural fixed elements (chrome, stone, glass), or as a quiet anchor. At LRV 35 it carries real depth without going dark — a good choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. Skip it if you want a cozy, warm room — cool neutrals can feel sterile under warm bulbs or in low light.
Ref. #90A3A6 · CB8
Sardine
35%LRV Value
Sardine Technical Profile
What color is Farrow & Ball Sardine (CB8)? It's a medium cool gray — hex #90A3A6, LRV 35. The closest cross-brand equivalent to Sardine is Dunn-Edwards Cape Cod Blue — a near-identical match on the wall, with Behr Teal Wave and PPG Aqua Smoke also close. Its LRV of 35 gives Sardine depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a cool neutral, Sardine 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. At mid depth, Sardine grounds a space without darkening it — it holds up on lower walls, kitchen islands, and as a wraparound where a lighter neutral would feel washed out. 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. At mid depth Sardine holds its character across bulb temperatures, shifting only slightly warm under 2700K and slightly crisper under cool daylight.
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Colors Similar to Sardine
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Sardine
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Sardine
#90A3A6
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8593AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Sardine
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Sardine 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 Farrow & Ball Colors
Other Farrow & Ball colors close to Sardine.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Sardine — Frequently Asked Questions
What colors match Sardine from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Sardine are Cape Cod Blue by Dunn-Edwards (a near-identical match), Teal Wave by Behr (a near-identical match), Aqua Smoke by PPG (a near-identical 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 Sardine'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 Sardine?
Sardine has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 34.9, on a scale where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white. That makes it a mid-depth color with real presence — strong on accent walls, libraries, and rooms with good natural 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 Sardine
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 Sardine depends on the room. Here's how to choose.