Ref. #CAD2D0 · 5001-3B
Northern Sky
63%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Northern Sky Technical Profile
What color is Northern Sky? It's a light cool gray with the hex code #CAD2D0. Colors similar to Northern Sky include PPG Winter Chill, Benjamin Moore Pale Smoke, PPG Ghost Whisperer. Northern Sky has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. At LRV 63, Northern Sky sits in the comfortable mid-light range — bright enough for living areas yet soft enough for bedrooms, and adaptable across most lighting conditions. As a cool neutral, Northern Sky 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 Northern Sky
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Northern Sky
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Northern Sky
#CAD2D0
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#85A3AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Northern Sky
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Northern Sky 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 Northern Sky.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Northern Sky — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Northern Sky have?
Northern Sky by Valspar has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Northern Sky from other brands?
The closest matches are Winter Chill by PPG (#C9D2D1), Pale Smoke by Benjamin Moore (#CAD4D1), Ghost Whisperer by PPG (#CBD1D0). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Northern Sky?
Northern Sky has an LRV of 63.2, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Northern Sky
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 Northern Sky's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.