Ref. #989AA0 · 8004-46D
Lionfish
32%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
Lionfish Technical Profile
What color is Lionfish? It's a medium cool neutral with the hex code #989AA0. Colors similar to Lionfish include Kilz Shark, Dunn-Edwards Gray Wolf, Dunn-Edwards Formal Gray. Lionfish has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 32 gives Lionfish depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a cool neutral, Lionfish 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 Lionfish
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Lionfish
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Lionfish
#989AA0
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8F85AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Lionfish
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Lionfish 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 Lionfish.
More neutral colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the neutral family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Lionfish — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Lionfish have?
Lionfish by Valspar has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the neutral color family.
What colors match Lionfish from other brands?
The closest matches are Shark by Kilz (#93959B), Gray Wolf by Dunn-Edwards (#9CA0A6), Formal Gray by Dunn-Edwards (#97969A). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Lionfish?
Lionfish has an LRV of 32.3, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Lionfish
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 Lionfish's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.