Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Mermaid Harbor

Behr · 490B-7

The Analysis

Mermaid Harbor is a deep, saturated teal with an LRV of 14.34, meaning it absorbs most light rather than reflecting it. This creates a cozy, enclosed atmosphere that makes large rooms feel more intimate while potentially making small, windowless rooms feel tighter.

This color is too intense for a whole-house neutral. It functions best as a bold accent wall, in cabinetry, or as a high-impact choice for rooms intended for evening use, such as a media room or a library.

LRV 14

History & Origin

This is a modern, bold interpretation of jewel-toned palettes popular in the early 20th century. It lacks the muted, dusty quality of vintage paint, making it feel current and suited for contemporary design schemes.

Undertonecool
FamilyGreen

How to Use It

Use this in rooms with plenty of natural light or heavy artificial lighting to prevent it from looking like a black hole. Pair it with warm walnut wood tones to soften the blue, or use unlacquered brass hardware to create a sharp, high-contrast look.

The Mood

Living with this shade provides a stable, grounding effect. Because it leans into cooler blue-green tones, it feels restorative and calm rather than high-energy, making it a great choice for unwinding after a long 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.

  • Fortune Green

    Dulux

  • Stained Glass

    Valspar · 5011-7

  • Lido Deck

    Valspar · V028-1

  • Elegant Silk

    Valspar · 5010-7

  • Later Gator

    Valspar · 8001-35G

  • Turquoise Copper

    Dulux

Lighting

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

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