Interior design expert details role of light reflectance in paint selection

Interior designer Wendy Anguiano discusses the importance of Light Reflectance Value (LRV) in a recent article published by HelloNation. The metric, which measures how much light a color reflects on a scale of 0 to 100, is intended to help homeowners visualize how a paint color will appear across an entire wall surface, rather than just on a small chip.

According to Anguiano, higher LRV numbers can brighten rooms with limited natural light, while lower numbers are typically used to create deeper, more defined spaces. However, she notes that relying solely on these values is insufficient. Because LRV does not indicate warmth or coolness, two colors with identical ratings may appear vastly different depending on their undertones and the ambient lighting in a home.

The guidance underscores the necessity of testing paint samples under different lighting conditions throughout the day. Anguiano also notes that practical considerations—such as the impact of sheen and, for exterior projects, the heat-absorption properties of darker colors—must be factored into the decision-making process to ensure both aesthetic results and material longevity.