Athens Blue
Often used for its versatile qualities, Athens Blue remains a staple for Benjamin Moore designers. It is widely considered one of the best colors in its class to add character and warmth to any space. We've gathered 8 real-home scenarios to help you visualize this color alongside our expert data.
Hex
#3D74AC
LRV
18.70
Athens Blue in Real Rooms
Athens Blue has a medium LRV of 18.7 — it adds real depth and will read noticeably darker as natural light fades. It's neutral in temperature, making it adaptable across different lighting conditions and room orientations. Grouped in the Blue family, the photos below show it applied in a front door, misc and bathroom.
2 Front Door Photos
The front door is a great place to experiment with higher sheen levels. Athens Blue in a high-gloss finish creates a mirror-like surface that looks incredibly expensive and traditional, echoing the grand entryways of London or New York.
Front door painted in bold Athens Blue makes a confident architectural statement.
@collectedid
Welcoming entry door in rich Athens Blue sets elegant first impression.
@karabrakefieldrealtor
5 Misc Photos
In walk-in closets or pantries, Athens Blue provides a dark, sophisticated backdrop that makes your belongings look organized and curated. It turns a storage space into a boutique-like experience every time you open the door.
Dresser refinished in sophisticated Athens Blue becomes a focal point.
@orlysrestorations
Dresser painted in serene Athens Blue adds unexpected color to the bedroom.
@orlysrestorations
Wood dresser in muted Athens Blue complements neutral wall tones.
@orlysrestorations
Painted furniture piece in calm Athens Blue brings cool elegance to any room.
@crlconstructioninc
Cabinet surface finished in deep Athens Blue creates sophisticated storage.
@the.lacquered.leopard
1 Bathroom Photo
Using Athens Blue on a bathroom vanity is a clever way to introduce color without painting the walls. It creates a sophisticated anchor for the room, especially when topped with a thick white quartz or a contrasting dark stone.
Bathroom vanity in refined Athens Blue elevates the entire space.
@stillevansongrove
Coordinating Colors
At LRV 83 vs 19, White Diamond is decisively the brighter choice.
Blue Heather reflects far more light (LRV 51 vs 19), opening up a space where Athens Blue encloses it.
Creamy Orange reflects far more light (LRV 59 vs 19), opening up a space where Athens Blue encloses it.
Cloud Cover reflects far more light (LRV 80 vs 19), opening up a space where Athens Blue encloses it.
Similar Colors
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 19 vs 17), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 19 and 16, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 19 vs 16), so neither reads brighter in a room.
A 4-point LRV gap (23 vs 19) makes Watertown the marginally brighter of the two.
Complementary Colors
At LRV 19 vs 6, Athens Blue is decisively the brighter choice.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 19 vs 17), so neither reads brighter in a room.
At LRV 44 vs 19, Silver Fox is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 39 vs 19, Upper West Side is decisively the brighter choice.
Himalayan Trek reflects far more light (LRV 47 vs 19), opening up a space where Athens Blue encloses it.
At LRV 32 vs 19, Briarwood is decisively the brighter choice.
Thunder reflects far more light (LRV 48 vs 19), opening up a space where Athens Blue encloses it.
Lighter Colors
Waterloo reads slightly lighter (LRV 28 vs 19), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Darker Colors
With LRVs of 19 and 16, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
A 7-point LRV gap (19 vs 12) makes Athens Blue the marginally brighter of the two.
A 4-point LRV gap (19 vs 15) makes Athens Blue the marginally brighter of the two.