What Is LRV?

Anyone who uses colorants in design, manufacturing, or other industrial uses should understand light reflectance value (LRV). LRV can help you gain a better understanding of color and how you can use it to influence your business.

Light Reflectance Value (LRV)

LRV is one method to help you standardize the way your brand sees color. It places every color on a scale of 0-100, the number determining how well said color reflects light. A rating of 100 would mean the color is entirely reflective — the brightest white possible. At the other end of the scale, a 0 would mean that the color absorbs all light — essentially, the darkest black.

Most colors fall closer to the middle of the spectrum. In reality, there's almost no way to have a color that is truly 0 or 100. LRV is primarily used in design spaces and when painting properties, as it helps decorators and designers understand how a certain paint color will affect a room and the rest of the property. High-LRV colors can allow more natural light into the space and cut down on energy needs.

What Is a Good LRV?

Colors can create specific moods. While a navy blue with low LRV may be mysterious and moody, a light, high-LRV blue can open up a room, making it feel airy and inviting. You can use these nuances to your advantage in business situations, encouraging people to feel a certain way as they navigate your company's offerings.

When considering LRV paint for public or shared spaces, do think about how colors with certain LRVs will affect everyone. For example, people with limited vision may find it more challenging to navigate darker rooms that absorb light rather than reflect it. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends an LRV value of 70 or higher for accessibility.

LRV Paint Color Chart

Most paint chips and samples come with information about the color's LRV. As a general rule:

• LRVs under 20 are dark.
• LRVs from 20-50 are midrange.
• LRVs from 50-80 are light.
• LRVs above 80 are white.

Most people find whites and dark colors best suited for trims and accents, while light and midrange colors are better on larger canvases. You can use LRV to coordinate your colors and find the ideal level of light reflection throughout your entire property.

Invest in Color Measurement Solutions From HunterLab

Every color has an LRV, and gauging it can be as simple as using one of HunterLab's industry-leading spectrophotometers to compare and contrast. Shop your options today.