Close Knit → Valspar
The closest Valspar matches for Behr Close Knit (PPU7-18), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Valspar Equivalent for Close Knit
If you love Behr Close Knit but need a Valspar alternative, you are not alone. This is one of the most common cross-brand paint matching searches, whether you are working with a painter who prefers Valspar, your local store does not carry Behr, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Close Knit (PPU7-18) is a light cream with warm knit cream undertones. A warm cream with the cozy quality of a favorite knit sweater. Lighter and airier than Swiss Coffee, with more warmth than a neutral white. To find a good Valspar match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 79) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Close Knit and every Valspar color using the CIE2000 Delta E formula, which measures how different two colors look to the human eye. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart. Between 2 and 4, you might notice a difference in certain lighting. Above 5, the difference is clearly visible side by side.
The results are decent but not perfect. The closest Valspar option is Pale Linen (VR086D) with a Delta E of 3.8, which is a "good match" level match. Pale Linen is the closest Valspar option. Similar character. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Valspar Matches for Close Knit
Pale Linen is the closest Valspar option. Similar character.
| Close Knit | Pale Linen | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 79 | 77 |
| Hex | #E8E4DA | #E7E1D4 |
| Undertone | Warm Knit Cream | Warm Linen Cream |
| Family | Cream | Off-White |
Undertone Comparison
Close Knit has warm knit cream undertones. A warm cream with the cozy quality of a favorite knit sweater. Lighter and airier than Swiss Coffee, with more warmth than a neutral white.
Pale Linen has warm linen cream undertones. A warm off-white with linen-like undertones. More color than Bistro White, less depth than Swiss Coffee. The color of natural unbleached linen, warm and organic.
These two colors share the same undertone family, which is a good sign for a cross-brand swap. The undertone similarity means they will behave similarly as lighting changes throughout the day, and they should coordinate well with the same accent colors, trim, and furnishings.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Close Knit in Your Room
Warm and cozy. In bright rooms, a warm off-white. In dim rooms, gentle warmth.
Pale Linen in Your Room
Warm and inviting in all lighting. The linen quality gives it an organic, natural feel. In bright rooms, it reads as a rich warm white. In dim rooms, the warmth provides comfort without making spaces feel small.
LRV and Brightness
Close Knit has an LRV of 79, while Pale Linen has an LRV of 77. These two colors reflect a very similar amount of light, so you should not notice a significant difference in room brightness when switching between them. The room will feel approximately the same in terms of light and space, which makes this a smoother transition.
Best Rooms for Close Knit
Behr recommends Close Knit for: whole house, bedroom, living room, hallway, bathroom. With an LRV of 79, this is a light color that reflects a lot of light and works well in any room, including smaller spaces where you want to maintain a bright, open feel. It is light enough for whole-house use without making rooms feel washed out or sterile.
Pale Linen is recommended for: whole house, living room, bedroom, hallway, dining room. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Pale Linen in the same rooms you planned for Close Knit.
Close Knit in Other Brands
Looking for Close Knit equivalents in other brands besides Valspar? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Valspar match for Close Knit (PPU7-18) is Pale Linen (VR086D) with a Delta E of 3.8, which rates as a "good match" match. Pale Linen is the closest Valspar option. Similar character. Delta E measures perceptual color distance on a scale where under 2 means nearly identical, 2 to 4 means close with subtle differences, and over 5 means clearly noticeable.
No, they are not identical. Close Knit is a Behr color with warm knit cream undertones and an LRV of 79. Pale Linen is a Valspar color with warm linen cream undertones and an LRV of 77. With a Delta E of 3.8, the difference is subtle and mainly visible in direct side-by-side comparison. Paint formulations differ between brands, so even colors with similar values can look slightly different due to pigment concentration, binders, and finish.
With a Delta E of 3.8, the difference is enough that they should not be used on adjacent walls in the same room. You can use them in separate rooms of the same house, but be aware that walking from one room to the other may reveal the difference, especially if the rooms have similar lighting. For the most consistent look, pick one brand for all connected living spaces and reserve the other brand for visually separate rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms behind closed doors.
There are several practical reasons to look for a Valspar equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Valspar. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Valspar work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.