Inkstain is a calming choice — works as both a whole-house neutral when lightened and a dramatic anchor when deepened to navy. At LRV 7 it reads as a deep, enveloping shade — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. Skip it in low-light north-facing rooms unless you want a deliberately cool, cocooning effect, since blue can read chilly there.
Ref. #334C64 · 238-7DB
Inkstain
7%LRV Value
Inkstain Technical Profile
What color is Dutch Boy Inkstain (238-7DB)? It's a dark cool blue — hex #334C64, LRV 7. The closest cross-brand equivalent to Inkstain is PPG Deep Arctic Night Blue — a near-identical match on the wall, with PPG Blueberry Pie and Behr Rain Boots also close. With an LRV of 7, Inkstain 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. At mid saturation, this color sits at a flexible mid-point — bold enough to anchor a room without dominating, and pairs cleanly with both crisp and creamy whites. 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. At mid saturation the lighting shift is moderate but real — sample under both warm-bulb evening light and cool-daylight morning light before committing.
Use this color
Get this color
Some sample and supply links are affiliate links — if you buy through them, Paint Color HQ may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the site free.
Colors Similar to Inkstain
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Inkstain
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Inkstain
#334C64
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#515179
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Inkstain
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Inkstain 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 Inkstain.
More blue colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the blue family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Inkstain — Frequently Asked Questions
What colors match Inkstain from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Inkstain are Deep Arctic Night Blue by PPG (a near-identical match), Blueberry Pie by PPG (a near-identical match), Rain Boots by Behr (a near-identical 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 Inkstain'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 Inkstain?
Inkstain has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 6.8, 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 Inkstain
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 Inkstain depends on the room. Here's how to choose.