What is LRV and why does it matter when picking paint?

Short answer

LRV, or light reflectance value, measures how much light a color reflects on a scale from 0 (black) to 100 (pure white). Most paint chips list it on the back. Higher LRV colors make rooms feel brighter and bigger; low LRV colors absorb light and feel cozy and dramatic.

Practical ranges

80 to 90+: bright whites for ceilings and trim
60 to 80: light walls that keep dim rooms bright
30 to 60: midtones with real color
Under 20: deep, dramatic accent colors

Using LRV for contrast

Trim and walls look crisp when their LRVs differ noticeably. If a wall and trim have nearly the same LRV, the room can look washed out even if the colors differ.

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Updated September 2026. Always follow the directions on your product's label; manufacturer instructions come first.