Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Santorini Blue

Sherwin-Williams · SW7607

The Analysis

Santorini Blue is a deep, muted blue-grey that absorbs a significant amount of light due to its low LRV of 13.7. Because it reflects very little light, it will make a room feel more intimate and enclosed rather than airy or expansive.

This color functions best as a bold statement or an accent rather than a primary wall color for the whole house. It is perfect for creating a high-contrast 'moody' feature wall or wrapping a small space like a den or powder room to create a cozy, cocoon-like effect.

LRV 14

History & Origin

This is a modern, sophisticated take on classic blue, shifting away from the traditional nautical themes of the past. It feels current and intentional, moving beyond 'period' styles into contemporary interior design.

Undertonecool
FamilyTeal

How to Use It

Use this in rooms with plenty of natural light or high-end artificial lighting to prevent it from turning into a flat black. Pair it with warm wood tones like walnut or light oak to balance the coolness, and use matte black or polished nickel hardware for a clean, sharp look.

The Mood

Living with this shade creates a grounded, restorative environment that feels steady and calm. It avoids the agitation of bright primary colors, making it an excellent choice for rooms 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.

  • Seven Seas

    Behr · 560D-6

  • Bering Wave

    Behr · S490-6

  • BLUE LAKE

    Jotun · 0942

  • Ocean Storm

    Behr · MQ5-61

  • Aristocratic

    Valspar · V106-2

  • Down Pour

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6516

Lighting

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

  • Natural