Ref. #686E7E · MP23708
North Sea Blue
16%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
North Sea Blue Technical Profile
What color is North Sea Blue? It's a deep warm gray with the hex code #686E7E. Colors similar to North Sea Blue include Hirshfield's Overlook, Behr Encore, Vista Paint Overlook. North Sea Blue has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 16, North Sea Blue creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. As a warm neutral, North Sea Blue pairs with off-whites for trim, white oak or walnut floors, and brass or warm brushed nickel hardware. Deep green, navy, or terra-cotta all read well as accent colors. Warm neutrals come alive under 2700K bulbs, where their underlying yellow or peach undertones add visible warmth. Under 4000K daylight they read cleaner and slightly cooler.
Colors Similar to North Sea Blue
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With North Sea Blue
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
North Sea Blue
#686E7E
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8076A3
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for North Sea Blue
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
North Sea 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 MPC Colors
Other MPC colors close to North Sea Blue.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
North Sea Blue — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does North Sea Blue have?
North Sea Blue by MPC has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match North Sea Blue from other brands?
The closest matches are Overlook by Hirshfield's (#686D7C), Encore by Behr (#6B7182), Overlook by Vista Paint (#686C7A). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of North Sea Blue?
North Sea Blue has an LRV of 15.6, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with North Sea 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.
Understanding Paint Color Undertones
Why North Sea Blue's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.