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Essex Blue

Behr · S500-2

The Analysis

Essex Blue is a mid-toned slate blue that brings a crisp, structured feel to a room. With an LRV of 57.48, it reflects a moderate amount of light, meaning it prevents the space from feeling cave-like while still providing enough depth to keep the room from looking washed out.

This is a versatile shade that works well as a main wall colour in living areas or bedrooms. It provides enough personality to be interesting, but is neutral enough to act as a sophisticated backdrop for artwork or bookshelves.

LRV 57

History & Origin

This shade leans toward a traditional, tailored aesthetic often found in colonial or heritage-style homes. It bridges the gap between classic blue-grey cabinetry and modern, clean-lined interior design.

Undertonecool
FamilyTeal

How to Use It

This blue pairs beautifully with warm wood tones like walnut or white oak, which prevent the room from feeling too clinical. Use brushed brass for a high-end look or matte black hardware if you prefer a sharper, more contemporary contrast.

The Mood

Living with this colour feels remarkably stable and orderly. It is a restful, cooling shade that reduces visual clutter, making it an excellent choice for areas where you want to maintain focus and calm.

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.

  • Whiting Cottage

    Valspar · V108-1

  • Early September

    Behr · M500-2

  • Luna Landscape 5

    Dulux

  • Summer Rain

    Valspar · 8003-41B

  • Greenhow Blue

    Benjamin Moore · CW-655

  • Liberty Blue 4

    Dulux

Lighting

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

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
  • 2700K
  • 3500K
  • 4000K
  • 5500K