Ref. #A9B0B6 · 511
Cystern
43%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Cystern Technical Profile
What color is Cystern? It's a medium cool gray with the hex code #A9B0B6. Colors similar to Cystern include Vista Paint Cystern, MPC Opal Blue Prl over Hot Plata, Vista Paint Dolphin Dance. Cystern has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 43 gives Cystern depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a cool neutral, Cystern 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 Cystern
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Cystern
Vista Paint
Nearly identical
Opal Blue Prl over Hot Plata
MPC
Nearly identical
Pigeon Gray
Benjamin Moore
Nearly identical
Morning Fog
Sherwin-Williams
Nearly identical
Granite Fog
Valspar
Nearly identical
Intercoastal Gray
Behr
Nearly identical
Silver Charm
PPG
Nearly identical
Adirondack
Dunn-Edwards
Very similar
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Cystern
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Cystern
#A9B0B6
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8586AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Cystern
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Cystern 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 Cystern.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Cystern — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Cystern have?
Cystern by Hirshfield's has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Cystern from other brands?
The closest matches are Cystern by Vista Paint (#A9AFB4), Opal Blue Prl over Hot Plata by MPC (#A9B2B8), Dolphin Dance by Vista Paint (#AEB3B8). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Cystern?
Cystern has an LRV of 42.9, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Cystern
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 Cystern's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.