Canterbury Bells

Technical Profile

What color is Canterbury Bells? It's a light warm blue with the hex code #BED1FF. Canterbury Bells is a distinctive shade in the Behr lineup, and while close cross-brand equivalents exist, its specific blend of warm tone and light depth gives it a character worth comparing in person. Canterbury Bells has a cool (violet) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Understanding a color's undertone is key to avoiding combinations that clash — it often matters more than the surface color itself. Canterbury Bells (#BED1FF) by Behr is a light blue paint color with a striking intensity that commands attention. It delivers a bright, welcoming quality that keeps interiors feeling fresh. On the temperature spectrum this shade leans toward warmth, adding coziness and inviting energy. In its RGB breakdown, blue is the dominant channel, which gives it a subtle cool, atmospheric depth even under different lighting conditions. With a Light Reflectance Value of 82, it reflects the vast majority of light, helping smaller rooms feel more spacious. Light blues are classic in bathrooms, bedrooms, and coastal-themed living rooms. Eggshell or satin finishes complement light tones nicely, balancing a subtle sheen with durability for high-traffic areas. For color coordination, Canterbury Bells pairs beautifully with yellow tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring blue and teal hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its cool (violet) undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Behr is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Valspar, MPC, Vista Paint and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Canterbury Bells radiates an inviting, sun-washed warmth that makes guests feel immediately at ease. Designers often reach for shades like this when the goal is to shape how a room feels, not just how it looks. This shade is a natural fit for nautical, classic traditional, and Hamptons-style interiors. As part of the Behr palette, Canterbury Bells benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. High-LRV colors like Canterbury Bells are forgiving in most lighting conditions, but they can pick up reflected color from adjacent walls, flooring, or large furniture pieces, so evaluate samples in situ. This tone works well alongside natural textures like jute rugs, bleached wood, ceramic tile, and woven baskets, building an inviting, tactile space. You can order Canterbury Bells (P540-3) directly from Behr or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.