Hobgoblin

Technical Profile

What color is Hobgoblin? It's a dark cool blue with the hex code #3D5F6D. Colors similar to Hobgoblin include Behr Bermudan Blue, Sherwin-Williams Bunglehouse Blue, Dunn-Edwards Atlantis. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Hobgoblin 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. Hobgoblin (#3D5F6D) by Valspar is a dark blue paint color with a balanced saturation that feels natural and approachable. 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 10, 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, Hobgoblin 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 Behr, Sherwin-Williams, Dunn-Edwards and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Hobgoblin 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, Hobgoblin benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. Because Hobgoblin 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 Hobgoblin (8004-39F) 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.