ScandinavianUniversal

SHALLOW WATER

Jotun · 6148

The Analysis

Shallow Water is a high-LRV paint, meaning it reflects a significant amount of light back into your space, making smaller rooms feel notably larger and more open. Because it is a light, cool-toned green, it prevents a room from feeling cavernous while effectively washing out dark corners.

This is a perfect candidate for a main wall colour throughout open-plan living areas or bedrooms. It functions best as a subtle, versatile neutral that creates a cohesive flow between different rooms.

LRV 79

History & Origin

This shade leans toward a modern, fresh aesthetic rather than a period-specific look. It fits perfectly into contemporary homes looking to soften sharp architectural lines without resorting to traditional cream or grey palettes.

Undertoneneutral
FamilyWhite

How to Use It

Use this in bathrooms or kitchens to complement white subway tile, or pair it with light oak wood tones for a balanced, natural look. If you want to add contrast, matte black hardware will pop against the green, while unlacquered brass will lean into a warmer, organic style.

The Mood

Living with this colour is inherently restful and orderly. It provides a clean, neutral backdrop that avoids the sterile, clinical feel often associated with stark white walls.

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.

  • Green Cast

    Benjamin Moore · 842

  • Snowbound

    Behr · M430-1

  • Opal Essence

    Benjamin Moore · 680

  • Aquamarine - Light

    Little Greene · 6154

  • Luminous Mist

    Valspar · 8002-35A

  • Country Mist

    Behr · 480E-1

Lighting

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

  • Natural