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Waterloo

Sherwin-Williams · SW9141

The Analysis

Waterloo is a deep, moody blue-grey that absorbs a significant amount of light due to its low LRV of 12.95. It will make a room feel more intimate and enclosed rather than expansive, effectively shrinking the visual boundaries of a space to create a cozy, cocooned effect.

This colour works best as a dramatic focal point or a saturated anchor. It is highly effective as a main wall colour in small rooms like studies or powder rooms, or as a bold accent wall in a larger, well-lit living area.

LRV 13

History & Origin

While it draws on classic navy palettes, its grey undertone gives it a decidedly modern, fresh edge. It avoids the stuffiness of traditional dark colours, fitting perfectly into contemporary design schemes.

Undertonecool
FamilyTeal

How to Use It

Pair this with warm wood tones like walnut or oak to balance the coolness of the blue. For hardware, unlacquered brass adds a necessary pop of warmth, while matte black provides a clean, seamless look.

The Mood

Living with this shade feels calm and grounded. Because it lacks aggressive brightness, it reduces visual stimulation, making it a restful choice for rooms where you want to wind down.

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.

  • Rush Hour

    Behr · MQ5-25

  • Distance

    Behr · 540F-6

  • Needlepoint Navy

    Sherwin-Williams · SW0032

  • Ox Vein

    Colourtrend

  • Spellbound

    Benjamin Moore · 1659

  • Passageway

    Valspar · V137-6

Lighting

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

  • Natural