What is Light Reflective Value and why is it important when choosing paint colors? Experts share all you need to know

If you've ever embarked on choosing new paint shades for your home, then you'll no doubt have heard the term Light Reflective Value. But what exactly is LRV, and why is it important when choosing colors for your space?

Here, experts explain all you need to know about this technical paint term. From understanding the basics to useful tips for selecting the right LRV for different room types, you can be sure your paint ideas will work to – and not against – a room's lighting.

‘When it comes to working with light in a space, it is important to consider the Light Reflective Value (LRV) of your paint colors,' explains Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene. 'LRV describes how much light the paint color will reflect and working to this scale will help you choose the right color to create your desired effect.'

What is Light Reflective Value?

This Benjamin Moore Instagram post puts it simply, explaining that Light Reflective Value (LRV) has to do with how much light a paint shade reflects, which results in how light or dark that color appears.

'Light Reflective Value (LRV) is a key factor to consider when choosing paint colors, as it determines how much light a color reflects,' explains Tash Bradley, Director of Interior Design at Lick and color psychologist. 'LRV is measured on a scale from 0 to 100, with 0 absorbing all light (black) and 100 reflecting all light (pure white). Understanding LRV helps you select the right color for your space based on natural light conditions.'

How to choose the right LRV for your space

While LRV is simply to do with how much light paint colors will reflect in a space, it can require some thought to find the optimum level to best suit your space. Below, experts explain how to choose LRV depending on how bright or dark your room is.

The best LRV for dark and low-light rooms

In low-light rooms, you may wish to opt for a high LRV to offset the room's darkness. However, Tash Bradley explains that this will only work if lighting ideas are carefully considered: 'A higher LRV can help brighten these spaces, but it’s important to remember that light needs to be present for the paint to reflect it. Enhancing artificial lighting alongside choosing a high LRV color can make a significant difference.'

North-facing rooms are a good example of darker rooms where you might consider using LRV to brighten them, as Tash explains: 'These tend to receive cooler, bluish light, which can make colors appear darker. To balance this, opt for warm white paints like White 03 which have a mid-to-high LRV (75-85) to add warmth and prevent the space from feeling too cold.'

That said, the opposite approach can be equally effective in darker rooms. By opting for a lower LRV with dark paints, you can lean into the darkness and create a cozy space, explains Ruth Mottershead: 'Choosing a paint with a low LRV that absorbs more light than it reflects will create a more intimate ambiance, perfect for living rooms and dining rooms which require a more relaxed and cocooning aesthetic. To create this cocooning effect, opt for darker colors such as Sage Green, Chocolate Colour, or Basalt.'

Choosing the ideal LRV for brighter spaces

In brighter and well-lit rooms, LRV can be used to enhance the light and airy look and feel. 'Space-expanding whites do the job of reflecting light back into the room exceptionally well and create a sense of increased space,' says Ruth. 'Opt for shades such as Loft White for a bright, expansive feel. Or, consider the subtle hues of pale blues like Echo, and cool grays, like Flint.'

This is especially the case in south-facing rooms, where high LRV paint shades can work to complement the natural light the room benefits from, says Tash: 'With bright, warm light throughout the day, white tones with an LRV of 80-88 work well to maintain balance without appearing too yellow.'

That said, Tash warns that if you're going for a more colorful shade rather than white, a high LRV in very bright rooms can affect how the color reads: 'Be mindful of using colors with a very high LRV (above 55) in well-lit spaces, as they can appear washed out under strong natural light.'

For east and west-facing rooms, where the light changes throughout the day, you should use LRV to maintain balance. When it comes to east-facing rooms, Tash says: 'These spaces get warm light in the morning and cooler tones in the afternoon. An LRV range of 78-85 ensures a cozy feel throughout the day.'

For west-facing rooms, Tash advises: 'These rooms experience cooler morning light but intense golden light in the afternoon. Choosing a balanced warm white with an LRV of 75-82 prevents the color from feeling too stark in the morning or overly golden in the evening.'

Consider paint finishes

Beyond LRV, experts say that paint finishes are another important consideration. 'Paint sheen also plays a role in reflectivity,' says Tash. 'Glossier finishes reflect more light, making colors appear lighter. By considering both LRV and lighting conditions, you can ensure your chosen color enhances your space beautifully.'

'Glossier finishes are perfect for when you wish to use darker colors within a room but also create depth and weight,' adds Ruth. 'Using darker colors in a variety of finishes will therefore introduce a beautiful, layered effect, highlighting architectural details, and delivering depth to the space but also creating the desired cocooning ambiance.'

Once you understand LRV, you can confidently choose the best colors for your space. That said, it's always a good idea to sample shades to avoid making any costly mistakes, warns Tash:

'My tip is to always test your paint colors in different lighting conditions before making a final decision. Natural and artificial light can dramatically change how a color appears, so sample your chosen shade on multiple walls and observe it throughout the day.'