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Daphne

Sherwin-Williams · SW9151

The Analysis

Daphne is a mid-toned slate blue that absorbs a fair amount of light, giving the room a grounded, cozy feel. With an LRV of 32, it won't make a small room feel larger or airier; instead, it adds depth and definition to walls.

It functions best as a saturated backdrop for a living room, office, or bedroom. Because it is quite pigmented, it works well to anchor a room or highlight millwork rather than acting as a neutral space-filler.

LRV 32

History & Origin

Daphne leans toward a modern, updated take on classic heritage blues. It avoids the 'nautical' look of brighter blues, fitting well into contemporary interiors that favor muted, sophisticated palettes.

Undertonecool
FamilyBlue

How to Use It

This colour pairs beautifully with light white oak to warm up the space or matte black hardware for a sharp, modern contrast. It performs best in rooms with ample natural light, where the blue undertones can really show without the room feeling like a cave.

The Mood

This shade promotes a sense of focus and calm, making it an excellent choice for spaces where you want to settle down. It feels structured and professional rather than playful, providing a clean, quiet backdrop for daily life.

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.

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Lighting

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

  • Natural