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Fresh Water

Behr · 510A-3

The Analysis

Fresh Water is a high-LRV color, meaning it reflects a significant amount of light back into a space, which makes smaller or dim rooms feel larger and more open. Because it is a light, clean blue, it effectively bounces ambient light around, preventing a room from feeling cave-like or cramped.

This shade works best as a primary wall color in bathrooms, laundry rooms, or casual bedrooms. It is too vibrant to function as a neutral background, so use it when you want the wall color to be a deliberate part of the design scheme rather than just a blank canvas.

LRV 72

History & Origin

This is a distinctly modern choice that lacks the heavy, traditional roots of darker historical palettes. It leans into current contemporary preferences for clear, crisp, and high-clarity color schemes.

Undertonecool
FamilyTeal

How to Use It

Pair this with bright white trim to keep the edges crisp and avoid muddiness. It looks excellent with light oak wood tones or matte black metal fixtures, which provide a sharp, grounding contrast to the light blue walls.

The Mood

This color provides a clean, predictable atmosphere that feels organized and refreshing to live with daily. It is neither overly stimulating nor depressing, making it a stable choice for areas where you want to maintain a sense of calm and clarity.

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.

  • Quench Blue

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6785

  • ICE TURQUOISE

    Jotun · 5136

  • Crystal Falls

    Behr · P480-2

  • Out of the Blue

    Valspar · 5004-9B

  • Skyscraper

    Benjamin Moore · 765

  • Pale Berlin

    Little Greene · 6154

Lighting

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

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