Color by the numbers: light reflectance and the 2026 color picks

Paint chips are deceptive under store lights. One number on the manufacturer’s page tells you far more about how a color will behave on an accent wall: its light reflectance value, or LRV.

What does LRV measure?

A Benjamin Moore continuing-education course published on BNP Media defines LRV as how much light a surface reflects versus absorbs, measured from 0 (absolute black) to 100 (perfectly reflective white). In reality, it notes, the most absorbing black is about 5 and an extremely reflective white about 90. The same course suggests an LRV of 60 or higher as a rule of thumb where heat gain is a concern.

How much light should walls reflect?

Source: Benjamin Moore course on BNP Media, citing ASHRAE recommendations. A single dark accent wall falls well under the wall figure, which is why the other walls and ceiling are usually kept light.

Which colors are the 2026 picks?

Benjamin Moore named Silhouette AF-655, an espresso brown with charcoal notes, its Color of the Year 2026 on October 16, 2025. Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams named Universal Khaki SW 6150, a warm neutral, on September 24, 2025. Both lean warm and grounded, which suits a single accent wall.

Source: Benjamin Moore color pages (LRV) and press release (palette). Swatches are approximate screen colors, not color matches.

How should you read the LRV table?

The two darkest colors reflect only about a tenth of the light that hits them, so they will look deep and moody on a wall facing the window and nearly black on a dim hall wall. The palest, Swiss Coffee, is the kind of value that suits trim and the surrounding walls, giving a dark accent something to stand against.

Does sheen change how a color looks?

Yes. The same course explains that flatter sheens scatter light while glossier ones reflect it like a mirror, and that in glossy sheens light colors can appear lighter and dark colors darker. Check the paint maker’s guidance for the specific product.

Source: Benjamin Moore course on BNP Media. It also notes drawdown cards, samples in the actual color and sheen, usually measure 8 by 11 inches.

Which light bulbs show a paint color truly?

Source: Benjamin Moore course on BNP Media. Look at swatches under the bulbs you will actually use.

Want to see how strong colors look on finished paneling? See painted accent walls by Trim My Crib.