Laid-Back Blue

Technical Profile

What color is Laid-Back Blue? It's a deep cool blue with the hex code #78969A. Colors similar to Laid-Back Blue include Benjamin Moore Hemlock, PPG Cathedral Glass, Sherwin-Williams Tranquil Aqua. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Laid-Back Blue 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. Laid-Back Blue (#78969A) by Valspar is a deep blue 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. In its RGB breakdown, blue is the dominant channel, which gives it a subtle cool, atmospheric depth even under different lighting conditions. At an LRV of 28 it absorbs more light than it reflects, creating a moody, enveloping atmosphere. 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, Laid-Back Blue 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 Benjamin Moore, PPG, Sherwin-Williams and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Laid-Back Blue 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, Laid-Back Blue benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, Laid-Back Blue 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 Laid-Back Blue (8003-39E) 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.