California Blue

Technical Profile

What color is California Blue? It's a deep cool blue with the hex code #015482. Colors similar to California Blue include Valspar Kate's Ring, MPC Hapsburg Blue Metallic, Vista Paint Wavy Navy. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. California Blue has a neutral 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. California Blue (#015482) by Benjamin Moore is a deep blue paint color with a striking intensity that commands attention. It delivers a grounded richness that adds drama and sophistication. On the temperature spectrum this shade carries a cool cast, lending calm and collected elegance. 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 27 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, California Blue pairs beautifully with orange tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring blue and teal hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its neutral undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Benjamin Moore is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Valspar, MPC, Vista Paint and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, California Blue projects a confident, tailored sophistication associated with classic nautical and Art Deco aesthetics. 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 Benjamin Moore palette, California Blue benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, California Blue 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 California Blue (2060-20) directly from Benjamin Moore or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.