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Stiffkey Blue

Farrow & Ball · 281

The Analysis

Stiffkey Blue is a deep, moody shade that absorbs a significant amount of light due to its low LRV of 10. It will make a room feel smaller and more intimate rather than bright or airy, effectively pulling the walls inward to create a cocooning effect.

This colour works best as a statement wall or an all-encompassing envelope in a smaller room. Because it is so dark, it provides a sophisticated backdrop that makes art, bookshelves, or light-colored furniture pop by comparison.

LRV 10

History & Origin

Stiffkey Blue carries a classic, heritage feel that echoes the rich, pigmented blues found in traditional Victorian and Georgian interiors. It bridges the gap between old-world luxury and modern, high-contrast design.

Undertonecool
FamilyBlue

How to Use It

This shade excels in media rooms, dens, or powder rooms. Pair it with warm brass hardware to add a glow against the cool base, or use light oak wood tones to soften the overall severity of the blue.

The Mood

Living with this colour feels grounding and remarkably restful. It is an ideal choice for rooms where you want to signal to your brain that it is time to unwind, such as a bedroom or a library.

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.

  • Harbour (marquee)

    Behr · QE-55

  • Day Spa 0634

    Colourtrend

  • Van Deusen Blue

    Benjamin Moore · HC-156

  • Newburyport Blue

    Benjamin Moore · HC-155

  • Into The Stratosphere 0627

    Colourtrend

  • English Channel

    Behr · PPU14-19

Lighting

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

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
  • 2700K
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