Ref. #A9AFB4 · C-510
Cystern
42%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
Cystern Technical Profile
What color is Cystern? It's a medium cool gray with the hex code #A9AFB4. Colors similar to Cystern include Hirshfield's Cystern, Benjamin Moore Pigeon Gray, Sherwin-Williams Morning Fog. Cystern has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 42 gives Cystern depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a cool neutral, Cystern 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 Cystern
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Cystern
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Cystern
#A9AFB4
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8586AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Cystern
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Cystern 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 Cystern.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Cystern — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Cystern have?
Cystern by Vista Paint has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Cystern from other brands?
The closest matches are Cystern by Hirshfield's (#A9B0B6), Pigeon Gray by Benjamin Moore (#ABAFB4), Morning Fog by Sherwin-Williams (#A8AEB1). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Cystern?
Cystern has an LRV of 42.4, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Cystern
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 Cystern's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.