Ref. #225389 · M500-6
Express Blue
8%LRV Value
Cool (Violet)Undertone
Express Blue Technical Profile
What color is Express Blue? It's a dark warm blue with the hex code #225389. Colors similar to Express Blue include Sherwin-Williams Frank Blue, Kilz Navy Dress, Valspar Strong Will. Express Blue has a cool (violet) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 8, Express Blue creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. Pair it with cool whites like Chantilly Lace, walnut or rift-cut oak floors, and brushed nickel or polished chrome hardware. Brass accents add warmth for a layered look. Blues stay crisp under 4000K+ cool LEDs. Under 2700K warm bulbs they can read grayer or shift slightly purple — particularly true for mid-tone and saturated blues.
Colors Similar to Express Blue
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Express Blue
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Express Blue
#225389
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#494797
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Express Blue
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Express Blue Room Palettes
Color schemes built around this color — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Warm & Inviting
Warm tones with cozy appeal — welcoming and comfortable
Cool & Calm
Cool hues with soft contrast — serene and restful
Bold Contrast
Complementary hues with punch — dynamic and striking
Similar Behr Colors
Other Behr colors close to Express Blue.
More blue colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the blue family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Express Blue — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Express Blue have?
Express Blue by Behr has a cool (violet) undertone and belongs to the blue color family.
What colors match Express Blue from other brands?
The closest matches are Frank Blue by Sherwin-Williams (#225288), Navy Dress by Kilz (#285489), Strong Will by Valspar (#214F86). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Express Blue?
Express Blue has an LRV of 8.3, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Express Blue
Related Reading
How to Match Paint Colors Across Brands
The science behind Delta E and CIEDE2000 — find a Behr equivalent of any Sherwin-Williams shade, or a Benjamin Moore alternative when your store is out of stock.
Understanding Paint Color Undertones
Why Express Blue's cool (violet) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.