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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Cerulean

Behr · 560B-7

The Analysis

Cerulean is a deep, saturated blue that absorbs a significant amount of light due to its low LRV of 14.6. Because it pulls light into the surface rather than reflecting it, the room will feel more enclosed, cozy, and grounded rather than airy or expansive.

This is a bold, high-impact colour best used as an accent wall, in a dedicated media room, or for cabinetry. Using it on every wall in a small room will make the space feel very dark, so reserve it for areas where you want a punch of personality.

LRV 15

History & Origin

This is a modern, vibrant take on blue. It avoids the muted, dusty look of traditional heritage palettes, making it better suited for contemporary or transitional design schemes.

Undertonecool
FamilyBlue

How to Use It

Pair this with light oak or walnut wood tones to provide contrast and warmth. For hardware, matte black offers a sleek, modern look, while unlacquered brass will pop beautifully against the blue.

The Mood

Living with this shade feels restful and steady. It provides a sense of focus and calm, making it a great choice for areas where you want to minimize visual noise and settle in.

Colour harmonies

Complementary

Opposite on the colour wheel — bold, high-contrast pairings. Use for a feature wall or furniture you want to command attention.

Analogous

Neighbouring hues — cohesive and calm, great for layered schemes that feel collected rather than matched.

Split complementary

Near-opposites for strong contrast with a little less tension than a pure complement. A favourite of interior designers.

Triadic

Three evenly spaced hues — balanced, vibrant, and versatile. Keep one dominant and use the others sparingly.

Tetradic (square)

Four hues in a square on the wheel — rich, dynamic palettes. Best when one colour leads and the others accent.

Monochromatic

Dark, mid, and light steps on the same hue — a failsafe gradient for trim, walls, and accents without shifting colour family.

Brand Matches

Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.

  • Blue Chip

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6959

  • Royal Regatta 3

    Dulux

  • Jazz Blue

    Behr · S-G-560

  • Blue on Blue

    Valspar · V034-3

  • Seaport Blue

    Benjamin Moore · 2060-30

  • MORNING GLORY

    Jotun · 4960

Lighting

See how this colour shifts across natural and artificial light conditions.

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
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