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 colour 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 colour. It places every colour on a scale of 0-100, the number determining how well said colour reflects light. A rating of 100 would mean the colour is entirely reflective — the brightest white possible. At the other end of the scale, a 0 would mean that the colour absorbs all light — essentially, the darkest black.

Most colours fall closer to the middle of the spectrum. In reality, there's almost no way to have a colour 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 colour will affect a room and the rest of the property. High-LRV colours can allow more natural light into the space and cut down on energy needs.

What Is a Good LRV?

Colours 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 colours 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 Colour Chart

Most paint chips and samples come with information about the colour'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 colours best suited for trims and accents, while light and midrange colours are better on larger canvases. You can use LRV to coordinate your colours and find the ideal level of light reflection throughout your entire property.

Invest in Colour Measurement Solutions From HunterLab

Every colour 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.