HeritageSouth-Facing

Emerald Lake

Behr · 470B-6

The Analysis

Emerald Lake is a medium-toned, saturated green that will make a room feel cozy and grounded rather than spacious. With an LRV of 21.46, it absorbs a significant amount of light, which can make a small room feel enclosed or an expansive room feel intimate.

This is a bold, high-impact color that works best as a focal point. Use it on an accent wall, custom cabinetry, or as a statement in a library to create a sophisticated, high-contrast look.

LRV 21

History & Origin

It leans toward a modern interpretation of heritage design, drawing inspiration from the rich, moody greens popular in classic Victorian studies. It updates the traditional aesthetic by keeping the tone crisp and avoiding muddy undertones.

Undertonewarm-green
FamilyGreen

How to Use It

It pairs exceptionally well with warm brass hardware, which pops against the deep green, or light natural oak to soften the intensity. Use it in rooms with ample natural or artificial light to ensure the pigment doesn't fall flat into a dull gray-black.

The Mood

This shade feels stable and restorative, mimicking the calm of a forest canopy. It is more energizing than a neutral but avoids the visual noise of brighter colors, making it an excellent choice for areas where you want to feel focused.

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.

  • Mint Sprig

    Behr · S-G-460

  • Jitterbug Jade

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6987

  • Prairie Green

    Benjamin Moore · 2038-30

  • Balsam

    Behr · MQ4-15

  • Emerald Delight 3

    Dulux

  • Floradale Isle

    Benjamin Moore · 581

Lighting

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

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