Madder Blue

Technical Profile

What color is Madder Blue? It's a light warm blue with the hex code #B5B6CE. Colors similar to Madder Blue include PPG Spring Lilac, Benjamin Moore Blue Orchid, Behr Silverberry. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Madder Blue has a cool (violet) 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. Madder Blue (#B5B6CE) by Dunn-Edwards is a light blue paint color with a gentle, subdued character. It delivers a bright, welcoming quality that keeps interiors feeling fresh. On the temperature spectrum this shade leans toward warmth, adding coziness and inviting energy. Its RGB channels are closely balanced, contributing to its neutral, even-keeled visual character. Its Light Reflectance Value of 72 means it reflects a healthy amount of light, keeping spaces bright without feeling stark. Light blues are classic in bathrooms, bedrooms, and coastal-themed living rooms. Eggshell or satin finishes complement light tones nicely, balancing a subtle sheen with durability for high-traffic areas. For color coordination, Madder Blue pairs beautifully with yellow tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring purple and blue hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its cool (violet) undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Dunn-Edwards is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from PPG, Benjamin Moore, Behr and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Madder Blue radiates an inviting, sun-washed warmth that makes guests feel immediately at ease. 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 Dunn-Edwards palette, Madder Blue benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. High-LRV colors like Madder Blue are forgiving in most lighting conditions, but they can pick up reflected color from adjacent walls, flooring, or large furniture pieces, so evaluate samples in situ. This tone works well alongside natural textures like jute rugs, bleached wood, ceramic tile, and woven baskets, building an inviting, tactile space. You can order Madder Blue (DE5926) directly from Dunn-Edwards or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.