Ref. #40435A · MQ5-9
Manhattan Blue
6%LRV Value
Cool (Violet)Undertone
Manhattan Blue Technical Profile
What color is Manhattan Blue? It's a dark warm neutral with the hex code #40435A. Colors similar to Manhattan Blue include Kilz Blue Galaxy, Valspar Emperor, MPC South China Sea. Manhattan Blue has a cool (violet) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 6, Manhattan Blue creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. As a warm neutral, Manhattan Blue pairs with off-whites for trim, white oak or walnut floors, and brass or warm brushed nickel hardware. Deep green, navy, or terra-cotta all read well as accent colors. Warm neutrals come alive under 2700K bulbs, where their underlying yellow or peach undertones add visible warmth. Under 4000K daylight they read cleaner and slightly cooler.
Colors Similar to Manhattan Blue
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Manhattan Blue
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Manhattan Blue
#40435A
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#62527B
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Manhattan Blue
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Manhattan 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 Manhattan Blue.
More neutral colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the neutral family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Manhattan Blue — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Manhattan Blue have?
Manhattan Blue by Behr has a cool (violet) undertone and belongs to the neutral color family.
What colors match Manhattan Blue from other brands?
The closest matches are Blue Galaxy by Kilz (#41445C), Emperor by Valspar (#40425A), South China Sea by MPC (#43455C). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Manhattan Blue?
Manhattan Blue has an LRV of 5.8, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Manhattan 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 Manhattan Blue's cool (violet) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.