Ref. #A1BFCF · CC-760
Northern
49%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
Northern Technical Profile
What color is Northern? It's a medium cool blue with the hex code #A1BFCF. Colors similar to Northern include Valspar Memorybook Blue, Kilz Quiet Blue, Dunn-Edwards Anchors Away. Northern has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 49 gives Northern depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural 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 Northern
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Northern
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Northern
#A1BFCF
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#858BAD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Northern
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Northern 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 Northern.
More blue colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the blue family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Northern — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Northern have?
Northern by Benjamin Moore has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the blue color family.
What colors match Northern from other brands?
The closest matches are Memorybook Blue by Valspar (#A4BFCD), Quiet Blue by Kilz (#A5C3D2), Anchors Away by Dunn-Edwards (#9EBBCD). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Northern?
Northern has an LRV of 49.3, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Northern
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 Northern's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.