Ref. #40425A · 8003-48G
Emperor
6%LRV Value
Cool (Violet)Undertone
Emperor Technical Profile
What color is Emperor? It's a dark warm purple with the hex code #40425A. Colors similar to Emperor include Behr Manhattan Blue, Kilz Blue Galaxy, MPC South China Sea. Emperor has a cool (violet) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 6, Emperor 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 for trim, walnut floors, and either brass or matte black hardware depending on whether you want warm or grounded contrast. Sage green works as a complementary accent. Purples are the most lighting-sensitive paint family. 2700K bulbs push them toward mauve or pink; 4000K daylight keeps them violet or even slightly blue. Always sample at multiple times of day.
Colors Similar to Emperor
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Emperor
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Emperor
#40425A
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#63527B
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Emperor
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Emperor 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 Valspar Colors
Other Valspar colors close to Emperor.
More purple colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the purple family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Emperor — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Emperor have?
Emperor by Valspar has a cool (violet) undertone and belongs to the purple color family.
What colors match Emperor from other brands?
The closest matches are Manhattan Blue by Behr (#40435A), Blue Galaxy by Kilz (#41445C), South China Sea by MPC (#43455C). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Emperor?
Emperor has an LRV of 5.7, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Emperor
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 Emperor's cool (violet) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.