Ref. #236A78 · 756
Varsity Blues
12%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
Varsity Blues Technical Profile
What color is Varsity Blues? It's a deep cool blue with the hex code #236A78. Colors similar to Varsity Blues include RAL Water Blue, Hirshfield's Bold Bolection, MPC Teal Edge. Varsity Blues has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 12, Varsity Blues 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 Varsity Blues
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Varsity Blues
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Varsity Blues
#236A78
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#455C89
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Varsity Blues
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Varsity Blues 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 Varsity Blues.
More blue colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the blue family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Varsity Blues — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Varsity Blues have?
Varsity Blues by Benjamin Moore has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the blue color family.
What colors match Varsity Blues from other brands?
The closest matches are Water Blue by RAL (#256D7B), Bold Bolection by Hirshfield's (#1D6575), Teal Edge by MPC (#2E6972). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Varsity Blues?
Varsity Blues has an LRV of 12.0, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Varsity Blues
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 Varsity Blues's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.