Blue Coal

Technical Profile

What color is Blue Coal? It's a deep cool gray with the hex code #414450. Colors similar to Blue Coal include Vista Paint Pantry Plum, Benjamin Moore Blackberry Punch, Behr Virtuoso. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Blue Coal has a neutral 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. Blue Coal (#414450) by Valspar is a deep gray paint color with a gentle, subdued character. It delivers a grounded richness that adds drama and sophistication. On the temperature spectrum this shade carries a cool cast, lending calm and collected elegance. Its RGB channels are closely balanced, contributing to its neutral, even-keeled visual character. At an LRV of 27 it absorbs more light than it reflects, creating a moody, enveloping atmosphere. Deep neutrals like this create contrast and gravitas on accent walls, exterior facades, and kitchen cabinetry, pairing well with lighter trim. Satin or semi-gloss finishes help deep colors reflect just enough light to show their full depth, especially on accent walls and trim. For color coordination, Blue Coal pairs beautifully with yellow tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring blue and teal hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its neutral 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 Vista Paint, Benjamin Moore, Behr and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Blue Coal projects a confident, tailored sophistication associated with classic nautical and Art Deco aesthetics. 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 Valspar palette, Blue Coal benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, Blue Coal can shift noticeably between natural daylight, warm incandescent, and cool LED lighting — testing a sample swatch on your wall under different conditions is always recommended. Deep shades generally benefit from a quality primer and may require an extra coat for even, streak-free coverage. Deep tones pair beautifully with velvet upholstery, burnished metal fixtures, dark-stained wood, and textured wallcoverings on adjacent surfaces. You can order Blue Coal (4011-3) 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.