Ref. #256D7B · 5021
Water Blue
13%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
Water Blue Technical Profile
What color is Water Blue? It's a deep cool blue with the hex code #256D7B. Colors similar to Water Blue include Benjamin Moore Varsity Blues, Benjamin Moore Naples Blue, Kilz True Teal. Water Blue has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 13, Water Blue creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. Pair it with cool whites like Chantilly Lace, walnut or rift-cut oak floors, and brushed nickel or polished chrome hardware. Brass accents add warmth for a layered look. Blues stay crisp under 4000K+ cool LEDs. Under 2700K warm bulbs they can read grayer or shift slightly purple — particularly true for mid-tone and saturated blues.
Colors Similar to Water Blue
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Water Blue
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Water Blue
#256D7B
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#475E8C
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Water Blue
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Water 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 Water Blue.
More blue colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the blue family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Water Blue — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Water Blue have?
Water Blue by RAL has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the blue color family.
What colors match Water Blue from other brands?
The closest matches are Varsity Blues by Benjamin Moore (#236A78), Naples Blue by Benjamin Moore (#146C7C), True Teal by Kilz (#097083). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Water Blue?
Water Blue has an LRV of 12.8, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Water 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 Water Blue's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.