So what exactly is a medium blue? It’s a blue paint color that typically falls in the middle of the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) spectrum, which is typically defined as 40–60, but those numbers are up for interpretation. For the purposes of this list, I will include some medium blues that technically fall in the dark blue range (0–40 LRV) but don’t feel like a dark blue. If you’re looking for what I define as true dark blue paint colors, check out my favorite Benjamin Moore dark blues.
But without further adieu, let’s get started! Here are my five favorite Benjamin Moore medium blue paint colors for interior use.
Benjamin Moore Buxton Blue
Let’s start off strong with a true medium blue, BM Buxton Blue, sitting at an LRV of 44.97. This blue has just enough gray undertone to not appear overly saturated and a hint of green that keeps it from feeling too chalky and gray, which is a common problem with gray blues. All of these paint colors in this list are part of Benjamin Moore’s Historical Colors collection, which feature tried and true paint colors from the past. And you gotta hand it to those old Americans… they did a pretty great job of designing medium blues.
Benjamin Moore Jamestown Blue
If you like your blues a little darker and richer than BM Buxton Blue, look no further than BM Jamestown Blue. With an LRV of 33.78, it sits right on the cusp between a dark and medium paint color, and it shines in well-lit rooms. Benjamin Moore describes this as a “cornflower hue”, but I would argue that it has a little more warmth than your typical cornflower blue, and in warm light it often reads as a light teal.
Benjamin Moore Van Courtland Blue
If you’re looking for a dusty slate blue, BM Van Courtland Blue may be the perfect option for you. With an LRV of 31.47, it again sits right on the border of a dark and medium paint color. It also has strong gray undertones but enough of a green touch to keep it from feeling chalky, hence why its other Benjamin Moore names are Water’s Edge and James River Gray. If you’re looking for a calm, understated, traditional blue, this is a great choice.
Benjamin Moore Buckland Blue
This is where things start to get a little controversial because BM Buckland Blue has an LRV of 23.2, which many color experts may consider to be definitively a dark blue. But just look at it on the built-ins above. When used in a space with strong sunlight, especially when applied in a higher sheen, it still reflects a good amount of light. But just note that in the shadows, it will appear strongly like a dark blue. This color again has a touch of green, and Benjamin Moore describes it as a “faded cerulean blue”, and it also goes by the name Lakeside Cabin.
Benjamin Moore Whipple Blue
And finally for my cornflower blue lovers, we have BM Whipple Blue. It’s just so soft and beautiful, but still pigmented and rich. This color does have a tiny touch of a green undertone, but unlike BM Jamestown Blue, BM Whipple Blue always reads as a vibrant cornflower blue. It’s calming but energizing with an LRV of 32.37, sitting right on the edge of a dark and medium paint color. It’s the perfect blue if you want a moody room but aren’t ready to commit to a truly dark blue. This color also goes by the name Niagara Falls.
I hope this guide was helpful to you as you search for your perfect medium blue paint color! For more free color suggestions, check out the rest of my favorite paint colors.
