Blue Nebula

Technical Profile

What color is Blue Nebula? It's a deep cool blue with the hex code #3DA1B8. Colors similar to Blue Nebula include MPC Dream I Can Fly, Behr Gulf Waters, Sherwin-Williams Jamaica Bay. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Blue Nebula 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. Blue Nebula (#3DA1B8) by Valspar is a deep blue paint color with a rich, saturated presence that draws the eye. 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. In its RGB breakdown, blue is the dominant channel, which gives it a subtle cool, atmospheric depth even under different lighting conditions. A Light Reflectance Value of 30 gives it moderate light reflection, striking a balance between brightness and depth. Deep blues like this deliver striking navy elegance in dining rooms, bedrooms, and exterior shutters. 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 Nebula pairs beautifully with red 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, Behr, Sherwin-Williams and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Blue Nebula 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 nautical, classic traditional, and Hamptons-style interiors. As part of the Valspar palette, Blue Nebula benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, Blue Nebula 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 Nebula (8002-40E) 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.