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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Dark Iris

Behr · BIC-37

The Analysis

Dark Iris is a deep, moody blue-violet that significantly absorbs light due to its low LRV of 10.4. Because it reflects very little light, it will make a room feel enclosed and intimate rather than spacious or bright.

This is a bold choice that functions best as an accent wall, a cabinet finish, or a total room wrap for spaces like dens or libraries. It is too heavy to act as a neutral backdrop for a whole-home color scheme.

LRV 10

History & Origin

While deep blues are timeless, this specific violet-undertone leans toward a modern, contemporary aesthetic. It avoids the traditional feel of Victorian darks, opting instead for a crisp, stylized look.

Undertonecool
FamilyBlue

How to Use It

Use this in smaller rooms like home offices or media rooms where you want to embrace the shadows. Pair it with warm brass hardware to pop against the cool tones, or keep it sleek with matte black finishes and light white oak wood tones.

The Mood

This shade provides a restful and grounded atmosphere, making it excellent for decompressing. It feels sophisticated and stable, offering a sense of calm that helps a room feel anchored at the end of the day.

Colour harmonies

Complementary

Opposite on the colour wheel — bold, high-contrast pairings. Use for a feature wall or furniture you want to command attention.

Analogous

Neighbouring hues — cohesive and calm, great for layered schemes that feel collected rather than matched.

Split complementary

Near-opposites for strong contrast with a little less tension than a pure complement. A favourite of interior designers.

Triadic

Three evenly spaced hues — balanced, vibrant, and versatile. Keep one dominant and use the others sparingly.

Tetradic (square)

Four hues in a square on the wheel — rich, dynamic palettes. Best when one colour leads and the others accent.

Monochromatic

Dark, mid, and light steps on the same hue — a failsafe gradient for trim, walls, and accents without shifting colour family.

Brand Matches

Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.

  • Deep Indigo

    Behr · 620D-7

  • Optimum Blue

    Behr · M540-7

  • Alpine Forget-Me-Not

    Valspar · ME-NOT

  • Karmic Grape

    Valspar · 4002-8C

  • Starlit Night 2

    Dulux

  • Pressed Blueberry

    Dulux

Lighting

See how this colour shifts across natural and artificial light conditions.

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
  • 2700K
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