Kelp

Technical Profile

What color is Kelp? It's a light cool green with the hex code #8FC2A7. Colors similar to Kelp include Behr Spearmint Frosting, Vista Paint Pioneer Park, Sherwin-Williams Lark Green. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Kelp has a cool (green) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Understanding a color's undertone is key to avoiding combinations that clash — it often matters more than the surface color itself. Kelp (#8FC2A7) by Valspar is a light green paint color with a balanced saturation that feels natural and approachable. It delivers a bright, welcoming quality that keeps interiors feeling fresh. On the temperature spectrum this shade carries a cool cast, lending calm and collected elegance. In its RGB breakdown, green is the dominant channel, which gives it a subtle earthy, organic quality even under different lighting conditions. Its Light Reflectance Value of 71 means it reflects a healthy amount of light, keeping spaces bright without feeling stark. Light sage and mint greens feel fresh in kitchens, guest bedrooms, and garden-view rooms. Eggshell or satin finishes complement light tones nicely, balancing a subtle sheen with durability for high-traffic areas. For color coordination, Kelp pairs beautifully with magenta tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring teal and green hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its cool (green) undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Valspar is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Behr, Vista Paint, Sherwin-Williams and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Kelp offers a breezy, coastal serenity that keeps spaces feeling clean and refreshed. Designers often reach for shades like this when the goal is to shape how a room feels, not just how it looks. This shade is a natural fit for organic modern, biophilic, and mid-century aesthetics. As part of the Valspar palette, Kelp benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. High-LRV colors like Kelp are forgiving in most lighting conditions, but they can pick up reflected color from adjacent walls, flooring, or large furniture pieces, so evaluate samples in situ. This tone works well alongside natural textures like jute rugs, bleached wood, ceramic tile, and woven baskets, building an inviting, tactile space. You can order Kelp (6001-8A) directly from Valspar or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.