Steel Blue

Technical Profile

What color is Steel Blue? It's a dark warm neutral with the hex code #231A24. Steel Blue is a distinctive shade in the RAL 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. Steel Blue has a cool (violet) 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. Steel Blue (#231A24) by RAL is a dark neutral paint color with a gentle, subdued character. It delivers a bold depth that creates intimate, cocooning spaces. On the temperature spectrum this shade leans toward warmth, adding coziness and inviting energy. Its RGB channels are closely balanced, contributing to its neutral, even-keeled visual character. With an LRV of only 11, this color absorbs nearly all light, producing a dramatic, cocoon-like effect. A dark neutral this deep brings modern drama to feature walls, built-in cabinetry, and exterior accents while remaining easier to coordinate than a saturated color. 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, Steel Blue pairs beautifully with green tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring magenta and purple hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its cool (violet) undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Steel 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 a wide range of interior design styles. As part of the RAL palette, Steel Blue benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. Because Steel 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 Steel Blue (5011) directly from RAL or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.