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Light Reflectance Value

Let There Be Light - and Let It Reflect

What is it?

Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures how much light any given colour reflects off its surface from a scale of 0-100 - zero being absolute black (absorbs all light), and 100 being the purest white (reflects all light).

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Whether you're painting a bright and spacious condo in the heart of Halifax, or a warm and cozy basement suite in Sackville, LRV helps you understand how much light will be bounced back into your space - and how that choice can shape the entire feel of the room.

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Let's break it down so you can pick your palette with power.

LRV in Action

  • 60 LRV and above: Makes rooms feel brighter, bigger, and crisper. Ideal for smaller spaces or areas with limited natural light - think basements, powder rooms, and dens.

 

  •  40 LRV and below: Creates a cozier, richer, more dramatic vibe. Great for dining rooms, home theatres, and dramatic feature walls.

Beware - these can make your room feel smaller.

 

  •  40-60 LRV range: The sweet spot right between light and dark.  A balanced, versatile zone that works well in living rooms, stairways, and home offices - where you want light, but not too much.

LRV Scale

an image of a light reflectance value (LRV) scale from 0-100, showing absorption and reflection

Absorbs

All Light

Reflects

All Light

When it comes to paint, LRV tops out around 94 - that's the brightest white you can get before you start painting with lightning itself.

Some examples of high-LRV paint colours include:​

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On the opposite end of the spectrum, the lowest LRV sits right around 3 - picture the deepest storm cloud on the darkest night, and the power just went out.

Some examples of low-LRV paint colours include:​

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At Rolling Thunder, LRV isn't just a number on the back of a colour swatch - it's one more tool we use to make sure your walls look exactly the way you imagined.

Contact us now to shine light

(or not) on your next project!

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