Ref. #B5B6CE · DE5926
Madder Blue
48%LRV Value
Cool (Violet)Undertone
Madder Blue Technical Profile
What color is Madder Blue? It's a medium warm blue with the hex code #B5B6CE. Colors similar to Madder Blue include PPG Spring Lilac, Benjamin Moore Blue Orchid, Behr Silverberry. Madder Blue has a cool (violet) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 48 gives Madder Blue 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 Madder Blue
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Madder Blue
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Madder Blue
#B5B6CE
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#9785AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Madder Blue
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Madder 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 Dunn-Edwards Colors
Other Dunn-Edwards colors close to Madder 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.
Madder Blue — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Madder Blue have?
Madder Blue by Dunn-Edwards has a cool (violet) undertone and belongs to the blue color family.
What colors match Madder Blue from other brands?
The closest matches are Spring Lilac by PPG (#B1B3CB), Blue Orchid by Benjamin Moore (#B9BAD3), Silverberry by Behr (#B6B4CD). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Madder Blue?
Madder Blue has an LRV of 47.7, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Madder 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 Madder Blue's cool (violet) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.