Tidal Basin → Behr
The closest Behr matches for Valspar Tidal Basin (VR091A), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Behr Equivalent for Tidal Basin
If you love Valspar Tidal Basin but need a Behr 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 Behr, your local store does not carry Valspar, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Tidal Basin (VR091A) is a dark blue with medium teal-blue undertones. A medium-dark teal-blue with gray undertones. Deeper than Beach House, more blue than green. Named for the reflecting pool, it carries that same still, reflective quality. To find a good Behr match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 17) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Tidal Basin and every Behr 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 Behr option is Laurel Garland (PPU11-09) with a Delta E of 4.4, which is a "good match" level match. Laurel Garland is the closest Behr option. Similar character. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Behr Matches for Tidal Basin
Laurel Garland is the closest Behr option. Similar character.
| Tidal Basin | Laurel Garland | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 17 | 23 |
| Hex | #788C90 | #969E91 |
| Undertone | Medium Teal-Blue | Dark Sage |
| Family | Blue | Green |
Undertone Comparison
Tidal Basin has medium teal-blue undertones. A medium-dark teal-blue with gray undertones. Deeper than Beach House, more blue than green. Named for the reflecting pool, it carries that same still, reflective quality.
Laurel Garland has dark sage undertones. A dark, muted sage green. Deeper than Sage Wisdom, lighter than In The Moment. The rich, earthy green of dried laurel leaves.
The undertone difference is worth paying attention to. While they are close in overall appearance, the different undertones mean they may diverge in certain lighting. Tidal Basin's medium teal-blue quality may read differently than Laurel Garland's dark sage character, especially in rooms with strong directional light or colored accents that could pull out one undertone more than the other. Test a sample in your specific room before committing.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Tidal Basin in Your Room
In bright light, the teal-blue character is rich and distinctive. In dim rooms, the gray mutes it into a sophisticated dark neutral. Under warm light, it feels moody and inviting.
Laurel Garland in Your Room
In bright rooms, the sage is earthy and grounding. In dim rooms, reads as a warm dark gray-green. A solid mid-dark sage.
LRV and Brightness
Tidal Basin has an LRV of 17, while Laurel Garland has an LRV of 23. That means Laurel Garland reflects more light. If you switch from Tidal Basin to Laurel Garland, the room should feel slightly brighter and more open.
Best Rooms for Tidal Basin
Valspar recommends Tidal Basin for: accent wall, bedroom, office, bathroom, dining room. With an LRV of 17, this is a dark color that absorbs more light than it reflects. It makes a bold statement and works beautifully on accent walls, front doors, exterior trim, and features where drama is the goal. In a full room, make sure you have good lighting and bright white trim for contrast.
Laurel Garland is recommended for: kitchen, accent wall, exterior, office, bedroom. The recommended applications differ slightly between brands, but the color's properties should work in the same rooms regardless of which brand you choose. Trust the LRV and undertone data more than the specific room suggestions, and always test in your actual space.
Tidal Basin in Other Brands
Looking for Tidal Basin equivalents in other brands besides Behr? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Behr match for Tidal Basin (VR091A) is Laurel Garland (PPU11-09) with a Delta E of 4.4, which rates as a "good match" match. Laurel Garland is the closest Behr 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. Tidal Basin is a Valspar color with medium teal-blue undertones and an LRV of 17. Laurel Garland is a Behr color with dark sage undertones and an LRV of 23. With a Delta E of 4.4, you will likely notice a difference, especially in bright or direct lighting. 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 4.4, 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 Behr equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Behr. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Behr 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.