Tidal Basin → Benjamin Moore
The closest Benjamin Moore matches for Valspar Tidal Basin (VR091A), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Benjamin Moore Equivalent for Tidal Basin
If you love Valspar Tidal Basin but need a Benjamin Moore 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 Benjamin Moore, 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 Benjamin Moore 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 Benjamin Moore 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 Benjamin Moore option is Mount Saint Anne (1565) with a Delta E of 4.4, which is a "good match" level match. Mount Saint Anne is close in depth and blue-gray character. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Benjamin Moore Matches for Tidal Basin
Mount Saint Anne is close in depth and blue-gray character.
| Tidal Basin | Mount Saint Anne | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 17 | 18.45 |
| Hex | #788C90 | #7F8F94 |
| Undertone | Medium Teal-Blue | Medium Blue-Gray |
| Family | Blue | Blue |
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.
Mount Saint Anne has medium blue-gray undertones. A medium blue-gray with a coastal New England quality. More blue than a typical gray, more gray than a typical blue. The color of the sky before a storm rolls in off the Atlantic.
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
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.
Mount Saint Anne in Your Room
The blue-gray shifts with light throughout the day. In morning light, it reads bluer. In afternoon warmth, it grays down. A dynamic, interesting color that rewards attention.
LRV and Brightness
Tidal Basin has an LRV of 17, while Mount Saint Anne has an LRV of 18.45. 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 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.
Mount Saint Anne is recommended for: bedroom, bathroom, office, living room, exterior. 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 Benjamin Moore? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Benjamin Moore match for Tidal Basin (VR091A) is Mount Saint Anne (1565) with a Delta E of 4.4, which rates as a "good match" match. Mount Saint Anne is close in depth and blue-gray 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. Mount Saint Anne is a Benjamin Moore color with medium blue-gray undertones and an LRV of 18.45. 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 Benjamin Moore equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Benjamin Moore. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Benjamin Moore 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.