CoastalSouth-Facing

Nautilus

Sherwin-Williams · SW6780

The Analysis

Nautilus is a mid-tone blue-green that anchors a space without absorbing all the light. With an LRV of 41.92, it sits in the 'middle ground'—it’s dark enough to provide depth but light enough to keep a room from feeling cave-like or cramped.

It works best as a primary wall color in smaller rooms or as a high-impact accent wall in larger, open-plan areas. Because it has significant saturation, it serves as a strong focal point rather than a background neutral.

LRV 42

History & Origin

This is a contemporary choice that leans into modern design trends rather than historical period aesthetics. It lacks the chalky, muted qualities of traditional heritage palettes, making it a fresh update for a modern home.

Undertonecool
FamilyTeal

How to Use It

This shade pops beautifully against warm wood tones like walnut or oak and looks sophisticated with brushed brass or matte black hardware. It is particularly effective in bathrooms, home offices, or cabinetry where you want to introduce color without overwhelming the senses.

The Mood

This color provides a balanced, steady atmosphere that feels productive rather than sleepy. It’s a clean, reliable shade that reduces visual clutter, making it excellent for spaces where you want to stay focused but comfortable.

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.

  • Riverside Blue

    Behr · 530D-5

  • Tropez Blue

    Little Greene · 6154

  • Azure Lake

    Behr · M470-4

  • Sea Serenade

    Valspar · 5002-8A

  • Surfin'

    Sherwin-Williams · SW9048

  • Below Zero

    Behr · M480-4

Lighting

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

  • Natural