Ref. #535561 · C-1319
Blackwater
9%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
Blackwater Technical Profile
What color is Blackwater? It's a dark warm gray with the hex code #535561. Colors similar to Blackwater include Hirshfield's Blackwater, Valspar Coal Tipple, Behr Ball Gown. Blackwater has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 9, Blackwater creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. As a warm neutral, Blackwater pairs with off-whites for trim, white oak or walnut floors, and brass or warm brushed nickel hardware. Deep green, navy, or terra-cotta all read well as accent colors. Warm neutrals come alive under 2700K bulbs, where their underlying yellow or peach undertones add visible warmth. Under 4000K daylight they read cleaner and slightly cooler.
Colors Similar to Blackwater
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Blackwater
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Blackwater
#535561
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#6D5C8B
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Blackwater
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Blackwater 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 Vista Paint Colors
Other Vista Paint colors close to Blackwater.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Blackwater — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Blackwater have?
Blackwater by Vista Paint has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Blackwater from other brands?
The closest matches are Blackwater by Hirshfield's (#545663), Coal Tipple by Valspar (#53545E), Ball Gown by Behr (#535765). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Blackwater?
Blackwater has an LRV of 9.2, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Blackwater
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 Blackwater's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.