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Aleutian

Sherwin-Williams · SW6241

The Analysis

Aleutian is a mid-tone cool blue-gray that absorbs a fair amount of light due to its 38.47 LRV, meaning it won't make a dark room feel brighter. Because it is a saturated mid-tone, it tends to pull walls inward, creating a cozy, contained feeling rather than an expansive one.

This color serves best as a primary wall color in bedrooms or studies where you want a consistent, calm backdrop. It is substantial enough to hold its own without being an overwhelming accent color.

LRV 38

History & Origin

This is a thoroughly modern shade. It lacks the chalky, dusty undertones of traditional period colors, making it ideal for contemporary homes that favor clean, structured palettes.

Undertonecool
FamilyBlue

How to Use It

Pair this with light, natural white oak or walnut to prevent the room from feeling too cold. For metals, stick to unlacquered brass to add warmth, or matte black for a sharp, modern contrast.

The Mood

Living with Aleutian feels quiet, grounded, and orderly. It is a restful, low-stimulation color that works well in spaces where you want to signal to your brain that it is time to relax.

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.

  • Wave Goodbye

    Valspar · V137-4

  • Mellow Flow

    Dulux

  • Niagara Blues 3

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  • Blue Willow

    Behr · 570F-4

  • Ombre Blue

    Behr · S510-3

  • Cool Customer

    Valspar · V107-4

Lighting

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

  • Natural