Ref. #40467E · CC-968
Basic Blue
7%LRV Value
Warm (Pink)Undertone
Basic Blue Technical Profile
What color is Basic Blue? It's a dark warm blue with the hex code #40467E. Colors similar to Basic Blue include Dunn-Edwards Cobalt, Valspar Merlin's Robes, MPC Napoleon Blue. Basic Blue has a warm (pink) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 7, Basic 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 Basic Blue
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Basic Blue
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Basic Blue
#40467E
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#746091
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Basic Blue
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Basic 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 Benjamin Moore Colors
Other Benjamin Moore colors close to Basic 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.
Basic Blue — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Basic Blue have?
Basic Blue by Benjamin Moore has a warm (pink) undertone and belongs to the blue color family.
What colors match Basic Blue from other brands?
The closest matches are Cobalt by Dunn-Edwards (#3C4378), Merlin's Robes by Valspar (#3D4281), Napoleon Blue by MPC (#394577). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Basic Blue?
Basic Blue has an LRV of 7.0, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Basic 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 Basic Blue's warm (pink) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.