Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Deep River

Behr · P500-6

The Analysis

Deep River is a saturated, mid-to-dark blue that absorbs a significant amount of light due to its low LRV of 16.93. It makes a room feel more intimate and enclosed, as it tends to blur wall lines rather than reflecting light to make a space feel larger.

This is a bold, high-impact colour best used as an accent wall, for cabinetry, or in small, dedicated rooms like a study or powder room. Using it on all four walls of a large space requires careful lighting design to prevent the room from feeling like a cave.

LRV 17

History & Origin

This is a modern interpretation of classic deep blues used in traditional interiors to add weight and drama. It avoids the 'period' feel of historical navy tones by leaning into a slightly more contemporary, saturated blue profile.

Undertonecool
FamilyBlue

How to Use It

It pairs exceptionally well with warm wood tones like walnut or teak to balance its coolness, and matte black hardware for a sharp, modern look. Use it in rooms with plenty of task lighting to ensure the depth of the colour doesn't obscure architectural details.

The Mood

This shade promotes a restful and stable environment, making it an excellent choice for areas where you want to wind down. Because it isn't overly bright, it provides a consistent, calming visual anchor throughout 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.

  • Song Bird

    Behr · S-G-540

  • Artesian Water

    Behr · S-G-550

  • MORNING GLORY

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  • Cosmic Blue

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  • Free Dive

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  • Royal Regatta 3

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Lighting

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

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
  • 2700K
  • 3500K
  • 4000K
  • 5500K