Ref. #687078 · 513
Backwater
16%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
Backwater Technical Profile
What color is Backwater? It's a deep cool gray with the hex code #687078. Colors similar to Backwater include Vista Paint Backwater, Vista Paint Made in the Shade, Valspar Crucible. Backwater has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 16, Backwater creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. As a cool neutral, Backwater 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 Backwater
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Backwater
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Backwater
#687078
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#7272A1
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Backwater
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Backwater 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 Hirshfield's Colors
Other Hirshfield's colors close to Backwater.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Backwater — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Backwater have?
Backwater by Hirshfield's has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Backwater from other brands?
The closest matches are Backwater by Vista Paint (#676E76), Made in the Shade by Vista Paint (#6B727A), Crucible by Valspar (#6B7177). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Backwater?
Backwater has an LRV of 15.9, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Backwater
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 Backwater's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.