What is Light Reflectance Value?
Light has a profound impact on how we experience colour in our homes.
A paint colour that feels soft and balanced in one space can appear dramatically different in another — not because the colour has changed, but because the light interacting with it has.
This is where Light Reflectance Value (LRV) becomes an important part of the design conversation.
What Is Light Reflectance Value?
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures how much visible light a colour reflects versus how much it absorbs.
Higher LRV: Reflects more light (lighter colours)
Lower LRV: Absorbs more light (darker colours)
Every paint colour has its own LRV — and that number remains constant, regardless of how much lighting you introduce to a space.
What changes is how that colour is perceived.
Why Colour Never Looks the Same Twice
In any home, both natural and artificial light will influence how colours are read — and these conditions shift throughout the day.
For example:
A kitchen with strong eastern exposure may feel bright and energizing in the morning, with colours appearing crisp and true. By evening, that same space may rely entirely on artificial lighting, causing those same colours to feel warmer, softer, or even muted.
The paint hasn’t changed — but the experience of it has.
The Role of Artificial Lighting
While we cannot control natural daylight, we do have full control over artificial lighting — and this is where thoughtful planning becomes essential.
Today, most homes rely on LED lighting, offering a range of colour temperatures that dramatically affect how interiors feel.
2700K — Warm Light
Soft and warm, similar to candlelight. Works well with richer palettes and traditional or layered interiors.
3000K–3500K — Balanced Light
The most versatile range. Feels natural and works beautifully across a wide variety of palettes — particularly in West Coast homes.
5000K and Above — Cool Light
Crisp and blue-toned. Appropriate in some settings, but rarely suitable for residential interiors where warmth is desired.
Why LRV Matters When Selecting Paint Colours
Understanding lighting is only part of the equation.
LRV helps predict how a colour will behave in a space — particularly in relation to available light.
High LRV colours can help brighten darker rooms
Low LRV colours create depth but require careful lighting to feel balanced
In custom homes and large-scale renovations, this is not left to chance. It is considered early, alongside architectural planning and lighting design.
A Real-World Lesson in LRV
Early in my career, I experienced firsthand how impactful LRV can be.
We selected a rich, medium-to-dark brown for a bathroom — a beautiful choice in theory. The space included a north-facing window, overhead lighting, and a vanity fixture. I carefully specified high-lumen lighting to support the darker palette.
On paper, everything worked.
In reality, the room felt consistently dim.
We changed the vanity fixture once… then again… and even a third time — each time increasing the light output. And still, the space never felt quite right.
Looking back, the issue wasn’t the lighting.
It was the paint colour.
The LRV was simply too low for that space.
No amount of additional lighting could compensate for how much light the colour was absorbing.
Designing With Light — Not Against It
In thoughtfully designed homes, colour is never selected in isolation.
It is considered alongside:
Natural light exposure
Artificial lighting plans
Surrounding materials and finishes
The overall feeling the space is meant to create
This is especially important in Victoria, BC, where light quality can shift dramatically depending on orientation, weather, and season.
Understanding how light and colour interact allows us to create interiors that feel balanced, cohesive, and intentional throughout the day.
The Takeaway
Light Reflectance Value is not something most homeowners think about — but it has a significant impact on how a space ultimately feels.
The right colour, in the wrong conditions, will never perform the way you expect.
But when colour, light, and material are considered together, the result is a home that feels effortless and complete.
Planning a custom home or renovation in Victoria, BC?
We guide every design decision — from architectural planning to lighting and colour — ensuring your home feels refined, cohesive, and beautifully considered in every detail.