Tidal Basin (VR091A)
A medium-dark teal-blue with gray undertones. Deeper than Beach House, more blue than green. Named for the reflecting pool, it carries that same still, reflective quality.
About Valspar Tidal Basin
Tidal Basin (VR091A) is a blue from Valspar's collection with an LRV of 17 and medium teal-blue undertones. A medium-dark teal-blue with gray undertones. Deeper than Beach House, more blue than green. Named for the reflecting pool, it carries that same still, reflective quality.
At an LRV of just 17, Tidal Basin is a dark, dramatic color that absorbs most of the light that hits it. This makes it perfect for creating bold, moody statements on accent walls, front doors, shutters, and exterior trim. It commands attention and creates a striking contrast with white or light-colored trim. Use it where you want real visual impact. In full room applications, generous lighting and light-colored furnishings prevent the space from feeling oppressive.
Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
Tidal Basin has an LRV of 17, placing it in the dark range on the 0-to-100 scale. LRV measures the percentage of visible light a color reflects. A pure black has an LRV of 0 and a pure white has an LRV of 100. Understanding a color's LRV helps you predict how it will feel in your space: higher LRV means brighter and more spacious, lower LRV means cozier and more intimate.
Undertone Analysis
Tidal Basin has medium teal-blue undertones. Undertones are the subtle background colors that become visible in different lighting conditions. Even colors that look "neutral" in the store will reveal their undertones once they are on your walls and interacting with natural light, artificial light, and the colors around them.
A medium-dark teal-blue with gray undertones. Deeper than Beach House, more blue than green. Named for the reflecting pool, it carries that same still, reflective quality. Neutral undertones give you the most flexibility in decorating. This color should coordinate well with both warm elements (wood, brass, cream) and cool elements (chrome, marble, blue-gray), making it a versatile foundation for any design direction.
Lighting Behavior
In bright light, the teal-blue character is rich and distinctive. In dim rooms, the gray mutes it into a sophisticated dark neutral. Under warm light, it feels moody and inviting.
Every paint color looks different depending on the light source in your room. South-facing rooms get warm, direct sunlight that brings out yellow and warm undertones. North-facing rooms get cool, indirect light that emphasizes blue and gray undertones. East-facing rooms are bright and warm in the morning, cooler in the afternoon. West-facing rooms are the opposite: cool morning, warm afternoon. Incandescent and warm LED bulbs push colors warmer, while cool-white LEDs and fluorescent tubes push colors cooler. To avoid surprises, always test Tidal Basin with a physical sample on your actual wall, and observe it at different times of day before committing.
Best Rooms for Tidal Basin
Valspar recommends Tidal Basin for: accent wall, bedroom, office, bathroom, dining room.
On an accent wall, Tidal Basin creates a focal point that draws the eye and adds visual depth to the room. Pair it with a lighter color on the remaining walls for the best contrast.
Closest Matches in Other Brands
Find the closest equivalent to Valspar Tidal Basin from other paint brands. Matches are calculated using Delta E (CIE2000), the industry standard for measuring perceptual color difference.
Benjamin Moore Matches
Mount Saint Anne is close in depth and blue-gray character.
View all Benjamin Moore matches →Sherwin Williams Matches
Smoky Blue is a reasonable match.
View all Sherwin Williams matches →Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Sherwin Williams match for Valspar Tidal Basin is Smoky Blue (SW 7604) with a Delta E of 4, which rates as a "good match" match. Smoky Blue is a reasonable match. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart, while 2 to 4 means the difference is subtle.
Tidal Basin has medium teal-blue undertones. A medium-dark teal-blue with gray undertones. Deeper than Beach House, more blue than green. Named for the reflecting pool, it carries that same still, reflective quality. Undertones become most visible when the color is on a large surface like a wall, and they shift depending on the light source in your room. Always test with a physical sample in your specific space to see how the undertones interact with your lighting, flooring, and furnishings.
Tidal Basin (VR091A) has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 17, which puts it in the dark range. LRV measures the percentage of light a color reflects on a scale from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white). At 17, this is a darker color that creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Pair it with bright white trim for the best contrast.
Tidal Basin leans neutral, with medium teal-blue undertones that do not strongly push warm or cool. This makes it one of the more versatile colors in its family, pairing well with both warm and cool accent colors and finishes. In bright light, the teal-blue character is rich and distinctive. In dim rooms, the gray mutes it into a sophisticated dark neutral. Under warm light, it feels moody and inviting.
Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.