Back of Beyond

Technical Profile

What color is Back of Beyond? It's a dark cool blue with the hex code #015474. Colors similar to Back of Beyond include MPC Vanuatu Blue, MPC Fordson Blue, MPC Road House Blues. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Back of Beyond has a cool (blue) 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. Back of Beyond (#015474) by Valspar is a dark blue paint color with a striking intensity that commands attention. It delivers a bold depth that creates intimate, cocooning spaces. On the temperature spectrum this shade carries a cool cast, lending calm and collected elegance. In its RGB breakdown, blue is the dominant channel, which gives it a subtle cool, atmospheric depth even under different lighting conditions. With an LRV of only 8, this color absorbs nearly all light, producing a dramatic, cocoon-like effect. A dark blue this rich creates moody drama in bedrooms, media rooms, and formal living spaces. 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, Back of Beyond pairs beautifully with orange tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring blue and teal hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its cool (blue) undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Valspar is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from MPC. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Back of Beyond creates a brooding, midnight atmosphere that feels both dramatic and deeply restful. 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 nautical, classic traditional, and Hamptons-style interiors. As part of the Valspar palette, Back of Beyond benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. Because Back of Beyond 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 Back of Beyond (8002-42G) directly from Valspar or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.