Ref. #231A24 · 5011
Steel Blue
1%LRV Value
Cool (Violet)Undertone
Steel Blue Technical Profile
What color is Steel Blue? It's a dark warm neutral with the hex code #231A24. Steel Blue has a cool (violet) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 1, Steel 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, Steel 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 Steel Blue
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Steel Blue
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Steel Blue
#231A24
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#442D3B
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Steel Blue
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Steel 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 RAL Colors
Other RAL colors close to Steel 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.
Steel Blue — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Steel Blue have?
Steel Blue by RAL has a cool (violet) undertone and belongs to the neutral color family.
What colors match Steel Blue from other brands?
The closest matches are Anodic Black by MPC (#25161D), Velvet Cloak by Benjamin Moore (#392A31), Blackberry Met. by MPC (#1C1027). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Steel Blue?
Steel Blue has an LRV of 1.2, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Steel 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 Steel Blue's cool (violet) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.