Expressionism

Technical Profile

What color is Expressionism? It's a deep warm blue with the hex code #3A487E. Colors similar to Expressionism include Vista Paint Sailor's Eyes, Sherwin-Williams Morning Glory, MPC Napoleon Blue. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Expressionism has a warm (pink) 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. Expressionism (#3A487E) by Behr is a deep blue paint color with a balanced saturation that feels natural and approachable. It delivers a grounded richness that adds drama and sophistication. 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. At an LRV of 29 it absorbs more light than it reflects, creating a moody, enveloping atmosphere. Deep blues like this deliver striking navy elegance in dining rooms, bedrooms, and exterior shutters. Satin or semi-gloss finishes help deep colors reflect just enough light to show their full depth, especially on accent walls and trim. For color coordination, Expressionism pairs beautifully with yellow tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring blue and teal hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its warm (pink) 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 Vista Paint, Sherwin-Williams, MPC and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Expressionism delivers a fireside richness that wraps the room in warmth and groundedness. 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, Expressionism benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, Expressionism can shift noticeably between natural daylight, warm incandescent, and cool LED lighting — testing a sample swatch on your wall under different conditions is always recommended. Deep shades generally benefit from a quality primer and may require an extra coat for even, streak-free coverage. Deep tones pair beautifully with velvet upholstery, burnished metal fixtures, dark-stained wood, and textured wallcoverings on adjacent surfaces. You can order Expressionism (MQ5-49) 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.