Ebbtide
What Ebbtide Actually Looks Like
Ebbtide is a medium-depth blue with a clear teal quality, like a lake on an overcast afternoon. It reads as a composed, slightly sophisticated blue that avoids feeling juvenile or overly bright. At LRV 41.2, it sits right in that midtone sweet spot where it carries enough color to make a statement but still reflects a reasonable amount of light back into a room. In person, the color feels a touch dusty rather than saturated, which keeps it grounded and livable.
Ebbtide Undertones
The dominant undertone here is blue, but Ebbtide pulls noticeably toward teal. You will see green creep in under warm incandescent lighting or when paired with warm wood tones. In cool north-facing light, it leans more toward a straightforward coastal blue. Some designers see a faint gray softening effect baked in, while others read it as purely blue-teal with no gray at all. The truth depends on your light. If your room gets abundant warm afternoon sun, expect more of that teal-green to emerge. In a cool, shaded room, Ebbtide stays firmly in blue territory.
Where Ebbtide Works Best
Ebbtide works well in spaces where you want color without intensity. It is a strong candidate for a full-room bathroom treatment because the teal lean feels natural alongside white tile and chrome fixtures. In bedrooms, it creates a cool, restful backdrop that pairs easily with crisp white bedding. Living rooms benefit from Ebbtide as an accent wall, where it can anchor a seating area without overwhelming the space. On exteriors, this color holds up nicely as a body color on coastal or craftsman-style homes, especially when paired with a warm off-white trim. It reads slightly darker outside in full sun than you might expect from the swatch.
Where to put Ebbtide
Ebbtide on all four walls creates a calm, retreat-like bedroom. Pair it with white or ivory linens and natural wood nightstands. The teal undertone adds enough visual interest that you do not need heavy accessories. Keep the ceiling white to maintain a sense of height.
This is where Ebbtide really shines. Use it on all walls in a bathroom with white subway tile and brushed nickel hardware. The blue-teal tone picks up reflected light from mirrors and glossy surfaces, making it feel fresh and spa-like even in a small powder room.
In a living room, consider Ebbtide on a single accent wall behind a sofa or media console. It provides a grounded focal point without making the whole room feel cool. Balance it with warm textiles like camel leather, jute rugs, or linen in oatmeal tones.
Ebbtide is strong enough to carry an accent wall on its own. Use it in a dining nook, home office, or entryway where you want a pop of collected color. Keep the surrounding walls in a warm white to let Ebbtide do the talking.
On a home exterior, Ebbtide reads as a confident coastal blue with just enough gray to avoid looking cartoonish. It pairs well with white trim, dark shutters, and a front door in a warm wood stain or deep navy. Note that it may appear slightly more muted outdoors than on a fan deck.
What to Pair With Ebbtide
Ebbtide pairs naturally with Aged White (SW 9180), a warm, slightly creamy white that softens its cool edge and makes the teal undertone feel approachable. For contrast and depth, Dark Clove (SW 9183) brings a rich, warm brown that grounds the palette and gives it a polished, intentional feel. Together, these three create a balanced scheme of cool color, warm neutrality, and grounding depth.
Ebbtide vs similar colors
All comparisons are matched against Ebbtide at LRV 41.2.
Colors that clash with Ebbtide
Under warm incandescent bulbs or in south-facing rooms with lots of afternoon sun, Ebbtide can shift toward a more obvious teal-green that feels different from the blue you chose on the swatch.
At LRV 41.2, Ebbtide is a true midtone. In a windowless hallway or closet, it can feel heavier and more enclosed than you expected.
Pairing Ebbtide with strongly warm accent colors like orange throw pillows or red artwork can create a jarring contrast that makes both colors look louder and less refined.
Common questions
Ebbtide has an LRV of 41.2, placing it squarely in the midtone range. It reflects enough light to feel open in well-lit rooms but reads noticeably darker than a soft or pastel blue.
Ebbtide reads as blue-teal. In cool, northern light it looks primarily blue. In warm light or next to warm wood tones, the teal and green undertones become more visible. Most people see it as blue first, teal second.
A warm off-white like Aged White (SW 9180) is a natural pairing. It softens the cool blue without creating too stark a contrast. Crisp pure white trim also works if you want a cleaner, more modern look.
Yes. Ebbtide holds up well as an exterior body color, especially on coastal, cottage, or craftsman-style homes. Be aware it can appear slightly more muted in direct sunlight than it does indoors. Pair it with white or cream trim for a classic look.