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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

San Jose Blue

Benjamin Moore · 741

The Analysis

San Jose Blue is a mid-tone teal that acts as a visual anchor. Because its Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is 26.55, it absorbs a significant amount of light, which tends to make large rooms feel more intimate and enclosed rather than expansive.

This shade is too heavy for a whole-house wall color but shines as a saturated focal point. It works best as a moody backdrop for built-ins, a punchy accent wall, or a dramatic choice for a home office or powder room.

LRV 27

History & Origin

It carries a classic, mid-century influence that mirrors the bold, color-saturated palettes popular in 1950s interior design. It feels more deliberate and vintage-inspired than the ultra-bright modern neons.

Undertonecool
FamilyGreen

How to Use It

Pair this color with warm walnut wood tones or matte black hardware to prevent the room from feeling too clinical. It works exceptionally well in rooms with strong natural light that can keep the deep teal from appearing muddy.

The Mood

This color provides a grounded, stable feeling that avoids the hyper-activity of bright blues. It strikes a balance between professional focus and calm, making it a reliable choice for areas where you want to feel settled rather than stimulated.

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.

  • Island Dream

    Behr · MQ4-20

  • Blue Bolero

    Valspar · V067-1

  • Peacock Feather

    Behr · 500B-6

  • Tidal Teal

    Valspar · 5006-8B

  • In the Tropics

    Benjamin Moore · CSP-640

  • Splashy

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6942

Lighting

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

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