Graduation Cap reads as crisp and architectural — strong in modern spaces, with natural fixed elements (chrome, stone, glass), or as a quiet anchor. At LRV 4 it reads as a deep, enveloping shade — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. Skip it if you want a cozy, warm room — cool neutrals can feel sterile under warm bulbs or in low light.
Ref. #2B3A40 · 429-7DB
Graduation Cap
4%LRV Value
Graduation Cap Technical Profile
What color is Dutch Boy Graduation Cap (429-7DB)? It's a dark cool neutral — hex #2B3A40, LRV 4. The closest cross-brand equivalent to Graduation Cap is Vista Paint Puerto Deseado — a near-identical match on the wall, with Sherwin-Williams Dark Night and Behr Night Shade also close. With an LRV of 4, Graduation Cap creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. As a cool neutral, Graduation Cap pairs with cool whites for trim, gray-toned or rift-cut oak floors, and brushed nickel or polished chrome hardware. Black accents and natural greenery add contrast. As a deeper neutral, Graduation Cap reads as a confident anchor — strongest on accent walls, cabinetry, and moody whole rooms that get enough natural light to keep it from going flat. Cool neutrals hold their crisp quality under 4000K+ daylight bulbs. Under 2700K warm light they soften considerably — particularly true for any blue or green undertone. Deeper neutrals can read close to black in low light, so preview Graduation Cap in the room's actual evening lighting, not just at midday.
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Colors Similar to Graduation Cap
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Graduation Cap
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Graduation Cap
#2B3A40
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#3F465F
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Graduation Cap
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Graduation Cap 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 Dutch Boy Colors
Other Dutch Boy colors close to Graduation Cap.
More neutral colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the neutral family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Graduation Cap — Frequently Asked Questions
What colors match Graduation Cap from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Graduation Cap are Puerto Deseado by Vista Paint (a near-identical match), Dark Night by Sherwin-Williams (a very close match), Night Shade by Behr (a very close match). These are ranked with the CIEDE2000 color-difference formula, which scores how similar two colors actually look to the eye rather than matching them by name — so they're the best options for getting Graduation Cap's look in a brand your local store carries. Always confirm with a physical sample, since sheen and lighting shift the final result.
What is the LRV of Graduation Cap?
Graduation Cap has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 3.9, on a scale where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white. That makes it a deep, dramatic color best saved for accent walls, dining rooms, and cozy spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. LRV is the most reliable guide to how light or dark a paint will read in a real room — more dependable than the swatch on your screen, which varies by monitor.
Explore More with Graduation Cap
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.
Paint Sheen Guide
Flat, eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss — the right finish for Graduation Cap depends on the room. Here's how to choose.