Taboo Blue reads as crisp and architectural — strong in modern spaces, with natural fixed elements (chrome, stone, glass), or as a quiet anchor. At LRV 47 it carries real depth without going dark — a good choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. Skip it if you want a cozy, warm room — cool neutrals can feel sterile under warm bulbs or in low light.
Ref. #AEB7C4 · 340-3DB
Taboo Blue
47%LRV Value
Taboo Blue Technical Profile
What color is Dutch Boy Taboo Blue (340-3DB)? It's a medium cool neutral — hex #AEB7C4, LRV 47. The closest cross-brand equivalent to Taboo Blue is PPG Silver Night Blue — a near-identical match on the wall, with PPG Blue Beard and Valspar Courtyard Shadow also close. Its LRV of 47 gives Taboo Blue depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a cool neutral, Taboo Blue 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. At mid depth, Taboo Blue grounds a space without darkening it — it holds up on lower walls, kitchen islands, and as a wraparound where a lighter neutral would feel washed out. 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. At mid depth Taboo Blue holds its character across bulb temperatures, shifting only slightly warm under 2700K and slightly crisper under cool daylight.
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Colors Similar to Taboo Blue
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Taboo Blue
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Taboo Blue
#AEB7C4
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8885AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Taboo Blue
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Taboo 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 Dutch Boy Colors
Other Dutch Boy colors close to Taboo Blue.
More neutral colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the neutral family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Taboo Blue — Frequently Asked Questions
What colors match Taboo Blue from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Taboo Blue are Silver Night Blue by PPG (a near-identical match), Blue Beard by PPG (a near-identical match), Courtyard Shadow by Valspar (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 Taboo Blue'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 Taboo Blue?
Taboo Blue has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 46.9, on a scale where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white. That makes it a mid-depth color with real presence — strong on accent walls, libraries, and rooms with good natural 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 Taboo 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.
Paint Sheen Guide
Flat, eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss — the right finish for Taboo Blue depends on the room. Here's how to choose.