Cuernavaca Blue

Technical Profile

What color is Cuernavaca Blue? It's a dark warm blue with the hex code #1E185C. Cuernavaca Blue is a distinctive shade in the MPC lineup, and while close cross-brand equivalents exist, its specific blend of warm tone and dark depth gives it a character worth comparing in person. Cuernavaca Blue has a warm (pink) 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. Cuernavaca Blue (#1E185C) by MPC is a dark blue paint color with a rich, saturated presence that draws the eye. It delivers a bold depth that creates intimate, cocooning spaces. On the temperature spectrum this shade leans toward warmth, adding coziness and inviting energy. In its RGB breakdown, blue is the dominant channel, which gives it a subtle cool, atmospheric depth even under different lighting conditions. At an LRV of 12 it absorbs more light than it reflects, creating a moody, enveloping atmosphere. A dark blue this rich creates moody drama in bedrooms, media rooms, and formal living spaces. For dark shades, a satin finish helps the color look its best by adding a gentle luminosity, while flat finishes create a more velvety, matte effect. For color coordination, Cuernavaca Blue pairs beautifully with yellow tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring purple and blue hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its warm (pink) undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Cuernavaca Blue creates a deeply intimate, candlelit mood reminiscent of old-world parlors and luxe retreats. 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 MPC palette, Cuernavaca Blue benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. Because Cuernavaca Blue has a low LRV, it can look dramatically different under incandescent versus daylight bulbs — always test a large swatch on the actual wall before committing. Deep shades generally benefit from a quality primer and may require an extra coat for even, streak-free coverage. Dark paint colors benefit from rich material pairings: think thick wool throws, aged leather, matte black hardware, and warm metallic accents in copper or brass. You can order Cuernavaca Blue (MP2169) directly from MPC or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.