Whether you're searching on Pinterest, Instagram, or your favorite design magazine, you'll find no shortage of beautiful homes bathed in bountiful shades of blue. Blue is a color that offers endless inspiration, but choosing the right shade can be a daunting task. Fear not, for I have compiled a list of my favorite medium-depth shades of blue that I repeatedly recommend to my clients. Let's dive in and explore the world of blues!
What Makes a Blue a 'Medium' Blue?
Before we delve into the shades, let's first understand what qualifies a blue as 'medium' depth. Every paint color has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) number, which determines its actual depth. Medium-depth paint colors typically have LRVs between 20-40. So even a slight difference in LRV numbers can affect the perceived darkness of a color.
Butlers pantry with blue subway tile backsplash, wood floating shelves, Benjamin Moore White Dove shaker style painted white cabinets. KYlie M INteriors Edesign
Now, let's explore the top 13 shades of medium blue paint colors that will bring beauty and elegance to your space:
1. Benjamin Moore Mount Saint Anne 1565
Mount Saint Anne is a calming, coastal-style blue that showcases a blue-green hue with a touch of gray. It's a versatile shade that complements wood trim and furniture, enhancing the natural beauty of the wood. With an LRV of 41.9, it falls on the lighter end of the medium-depth range.
Colors Similar to Mount Saint Anne:
- Benjamin Moore Raindance is slightly more green.
- Sherwin Williams Eventide is softer and slightly more green.
- Benjamin Moore Beach Glass is a lighter version of Mount Saint Anne.
Benjamin Moore Mount Saint Anne, best top blue green gray paint colors, wood orang stained trim, bedroom, Kylie M Online paint color expert
2. Sherwin Williams Debonair 9139
Debonair is a modest blue shade with a hint of green and gray. It offers a calm and subtle approach to incorporating blue in your space. With an LRV of 34, it falls in the middle range of medium-depth colors, creating a nice contrast with white trim.
Colors Similar to Debonair:
- Sherwin Williams Blustery Sky is darker but has similar tendencies.
- Benjamin Moore Mount Saint Anne is a smokier and slightly greener approach to blue.
- Sherwin Williams Meditative.
Sherwin Williams Debonair peel and stick blue paint color, Samplize
3. Benjamin Moore Knoxville Gray HC 160
Knoxville Gray is a color ninja that changes its look depending on perception. Some see it as green with gray and blue undertones, while others see it as a blue with green and gray undertones. It's a medium-dark blue-green with an LRV of 15.68, making it a bold and daring choice.
Colors Similar to Knoxville Gray:
- Benjamin Moore Steep Cliff Gray is a bit lighter than Knoxville Gray.
- Benjamin Moore Porch Swing is lighter and grayer.
- Sherwin Williams Riverway has a higher chroma.
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4. Benjamin Moore Bachelor Blue 1629
Bachelor Blue is a muted yet purposeful shade of blue-violet. It's perfect for those who want a blue with some interest without leaning towards blue-greens. With an LRV of 23.52, it falls within the medium-depth range and looks stunning with wood accents.
Colors Similar to Bachelor Blue:
- Benjamin Moore Oxford Gray is more colorful and less gray than Bachelor Blue.
- Sherwin Williams Storm Cloud is a moodier, gray take on blue-violet.
- Sherwin Williams Bracing Blue is a lighter and more colorful shade of blue-gray-violet.
Benjamin Moore Bachelor Blue, best blue-violet with off-white walls, marble backsplash. Island and kitchen cabinets painted. Kylie M Interiors
5. Benjamin Moore Water's Edge 1635
Water's Edge, also known as Van Courtland Blue, is an elegant take on blue. It appears as a blue-gray in the fan deck, but when applied to your walls, you'll notice hints of green and gray. With an LRV of 31.47, it falls in the middle of the medium-depth range.
Colors Similar to Water's Edge:
- Sherwin Williams Delft is more blue.
- Sherwin Williams Debonair is grayer than Water's Edge.
- Benjamin Moore Jamestown Blue is more colorful.
- Benjamin Moore Santorini Blue is a lighter version with less green.
- Sherwin Williams Morning at Sea, from the Emerald Designer Edition, is very similar to Water's Edge.
Best blue paint color, Benjamin Moore Courtland Blue, dining room, traditional and eclectic home decor
6. Sherwin Williams Bracing Blue 6242
Bracing Blue is a classic take on blue-violet, with a more subtle gray backdrop. It leans towards blue with a touch of violet, creating a stunning blend. With an LRV of 25, it offers a medium-dark depth that adds richness to any space.
Colors Similar to Bracing Blue:
- Sherwin Williams Daphne is a lighter version of Bracing Blue.
- Benjamin Moore Oxford Gray is very similar to Bracing Blue in depth and overall approach.
Bracing Blue, best shade of blue, peel and stick SAMPLIZE
7. Benjamin Moore Denim Wash CC 770
Denim Wash is a striking true blue hue with slight tendencies towards violet. It's a vibrant shade inspired by pants, and it looks magnificent with wood accents. Its uniqueness lies in how quickly it shifts between blue-violet and violet dominant, making it a standout choice.
Colors Similar to Denim Wash:
- Benjamin Moore Colonial Blue looks slightly greener compared to Denim Wash, but they're very comparable.
- Benjamin Moore Harlequin Blue showcases a subtle blue-violet hue, emphasizing Denim Wash's true blue status.
- Sherwin Williams Daphne is a more gray take on Denim Wash.
Benjamin Moore Denim Wash, blue paint color medium depth for cabinets walls, kids or boys room
8. Benjamin Moore Stratton Blue HC 142
Stratton Blue, also known as Del Mar Blue, is a popular choice for entire rooms, accent walls, kitchen islands, and even front doors. It can be seen as a blue-green blend or a green with a touch of blue, depending on personal perception. With an LRV of 37.77, it offers a medium-depth blue-green that creates a beautiful contrast with white trim.
Colors Similar to Stratton Blue:
- Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue is lighter than Stratton Blue.
- Benjamin Moore Azores is slightly darker.
- Sherwin Williams Halycon Green appears softer and grayer.
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9. Sherwin Williams Smoky Azurite 9148
Smoky Azurite is a blue shade that can lean towards blue or blue-green, depending on the lighting and environment. With just enough gray to balance it, Smoky Azurite remains vibrant and adds life to any space. With an LRV of 25, it offers a solid medium-depth look.
Colors Similar to Smoky Azurite:
- Sherwin Williams Favorite Jeans is a lighter version of Smoky Azurite.
- Benjamin Moore West Coast showcases a committed blue-green, highlighting the true 'blue' nature of Smoky Azurite.
Sherwin Williams Smoky Azurite blue paint color and Denim on painted kitchen cabinets. Kylie M Interiors Edesign
Sherwin Williams Smoky Azurite blue paint color and Denim on painted kitchen cabinets. Kylie M Interiors Edesign
10. Sherwin Williams Moody Blue 6221
Moody Blue stands out as a rich and stunning blue-green shade. It strikes a perfect balance between color and saturation without overpowering a space. With an LRV of 27, it offers a skookum medium-depth look, adding depth and drama to any room.
Colors Similar to Moody Blue:
- Sherwin Williams Delft is lighter and gentler.
- Benjamin Moore Templeton Gray is denser, grayer, and moodier.
- Benjamin Moore Sea Star is lighter.
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11. Benjamin Moore Sea Star 2123-30
Sea Star is a blue-green blend with a predominant blue hue, tempered by a gray undertone. It offers a coastal and beachy vibe, making it perfect for creating a relaxed atmosphere. With an LRV of 32.99, it falls in the medium-depth range, providing a desirable contrast with white trim.
Colors Similar to Sea Star:
- Benjamin Moore Brewster Gray is similar to Sea Star but leans more toward gray.
- Benjamin Moore Atmospheric is slightly more green.
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12. Sherwin Williams Whirlpool 9135
Whirlpool is a medium-depth blue-green shade with a touch of gray that gives it just the right amount of calmness. It offers a perfect balance between vibrancy and subtlety. With an LRV of 29, Whirlpool creates a striking contrast between light and dark areas.
Colors Similar to Whirlpool:
- Sherwin Williams Refuge is darker with a bit more green.
- Benjamin Moore Water's Edge is similar but slightly greener.
- Benjamin Moore Mineral Alloy maintains the blue of Whirlpool but leans toward violet instead of green.
Sherwin Williams Repose Gray, Whirlpool, Extra White. Painted wood cabinets, vintage. Kylie M Interiors Edesign, DIY blogger, client photo
13. Benjamin Moore Blue Nova 825
Blue Nova is a striking and bright shade of blue-violet. With its LRV of 16.98, it falls under the medium-dark range. It's a bold choice that brings life and vibrancy to any space.
Colors Similar to Blue Nova:
- Benjamin Moore Stampede is a stunning mid-tone greige.
- Sherwin Williams Favorite Jeans showcases a lighter version of Blue Nova.
Benjamin Moore Blue Nova in guest bedroom on shiplap accent wall with white linens and white oak. Best bright medium toned shade of blue. Kylie M
In conclusion, these are my top picks for medium-depth blue paint colors that will bring elegance and charm to your home. Whether you prefer a coastal vibe, a calming atmosphere, or a vibrant statement, these shades offer endless possibilities. Remember to consider your room's lighting and personal preferences when choosing the perfect shade. Happy painting!
Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustrative purposes only. Please refer to official color samples for accurate representation.
