Ref. #8E91AB · 8003-48D
Macaw
29%LRV Value
Cool (Violet)Undertone
Macaw Technical Profile
What color is Macaw? It's a deep warm purple with the hex code #8E91AB. Colors similar to Macaw include Hirshfield's Lavender Spectacle, PPG Violet Verbena, Dunn-Edwards Charcoal Dust. Macaw has a cool (violet) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 29 gives Macaw depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural 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 Macaw
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Macaw
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Macaw
#8E91AB
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#9585AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Macaw
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Macaw 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 Macaw.
More purple colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the purple family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Macaw — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Macaw have?
Macaw by Valspar has a cool (violet) undertone and belongs to the purple color family.
What colors match Macaw from other brands?
The closest matches are Lavender Spectacle by Hirshfield's (#9392AD), Violet Verbena by PPG (#898CA3), Charcoal Dust by Dunn-Edwards (#9497B3). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Macaw?
Macaw has an LRV of 28.9, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Macaw
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 Macaw's cool (violet) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.