Dark Winter Sky Blue reads as crisp and architectural — strong in modern spaces, with natural fixed elements (chrome, stone, glass), or as a quiet anchor. At LRV 26 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. #858C9A · 30BB 26/076
Dark Winter Sky Blue
26%LRV Value
Dark Winter Sky Blue Technical Profile
What color is PPG Dark Winter Sky Blue (30BB 26/076)? It's a deep cool gray — hex #858C9A, LRV 26. The closest cross-brand equivalent to Dark Winter Sky Blue is Behr River Tour — a near-identical match on the wall, with Behr River Tour and Behr Applause Please also close. Its LRV of 26 gives Dark Winter Sky 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, Dark Winter Sky 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. As a deeper neutral, Dark Winter Sky Blue 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 Dark Winter Sky Blue in the room's actual evening lighting, not just at midday.
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Colors Similar to Dark Winter Sky Blue
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Dark Winter Sky Blue
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Dark Winter Sky Blue
#858C9A
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8B85AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Dark Winter Sky Blue
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Dark Winter Sky 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 PPG Colors
Other PPG colors close to Dark Winter Sky 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.
Dark Winter Sky Blue — Frequently Asked Questions
What colors match Dark Winter Sky Blue from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Dark Winter Sky Blue are River Tour by Behr (a near-identical match), River Tour by Behr (a near-identical match), Applause Please 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 Dark Winter Sky 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 Dark Winter Sky Blue?
Dark Winter Sky Blue has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 26.1, 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 Dark Winter Sky 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 Dark Winter Sky Blue depends on the room. Here's how to choose.