Blue Nova
Often used for its genuinely dark qualities, Blue Nova remains a staple for Benjamin Moore designers. It is widely considered one of the best colors in its class to anchor a room without demanding the spotlight. We've gathered 62 real-home scenarios to help you visualize this color alongside our expert data.
Hex
#5B6D92
LRV
16.98
Blue Nova in Real Rooms
Blue Nova has a low LRV of 16.98 — it absorbs light and reads as a genuinely dark, enveloping color. It's neutral in temperature, making it adaptable across different lighting conditions and room orientations. Grouped in the Purple family, the photos below show it applied in a living room, kitchen cabinets, bedroom, bathroom, misc, home office, kitchen and front door.
11 Living Room Photos
Blue Nova works harder than it looks in a living room environment. Whether the space gets direct southern sun or stays north-facing and dim, the color finds its specific register — neither receding into the background nor demanding the spotlight. It acts as a sophisticated backdrop that makes every piece of furniture or art placed in front of it look immediately more considered and curated.
Fireplace wall in Blue Nova anchors the living room with dramatic color impact.
@patinalife.myhomeandgardens
12 Kitchen Cabinets Photos
Blue Nova on cabinets gives a kitchen a sense of intentionality without the risk that comes with louder choices. It's grounded enough to feel permanent, versatile enough to work with whatever countertop material surrounds it.
Kitchen cabinets in Blue Nova create a bold, modern aesthetic throughout.
@dusty_blades_
15 Bedroom Photos
In the context of a primary suite, Blue Nova suggests a boutique-hotel level of refinement. It creates a seamless flow between the sleeping area and the dressing room, providing a steadying influence that makes the morning routine feel more organized and serene.
Walls in Blue Nova create a restful, intimate sleeping environment with depth.
@n.e.r.d_projects
8 Bathroom Photos
In a powder room, Blue Nova can be used floor-to-ceiling to create a dramatic, high-impact experience for guests. Because these rooms are small and transitional, they can handle the full intensity of the color's personality without feeling overwhelming.
Bathroom vanity and walls benefit from Blue Nova's cool, refreshing tone.
@kathleen.quigley12
10 Misc Photos
Observe the use of Blue Nova on architectural "oddities"—slanted ceilings, built-in nooks, or under-stair closets. The color helps these strange angles feel like deliberate design features rather than construction afterthoughts.
Wooden door frame finished in Blue Nova makes a bold statement.
@laurastephensid
2 Home Office Photos
For those who spend their day on camera, Blue Nova is a highly flattering background color. It doesn't wash out skin tones or create weird reflections, providing a professional and "expensive" look for virtual meetings and presentations.
Home office walls in Blue Nova foster focus and creative inspiration.
@laurasellingaustin
Home office walls in Blue Nova support productivity and visual calm.
@benjaminmoorecl
3 Kitchen Photos
The sophisticated undertones of Blue Nova make it an excellent partner for mixed metal finishes. Whether you have a brass faucet and matte black cabinet pulls, or traditional chrome fixtures, this color acts as a neutral mediator that makes the mix look intentional.
Kitchen cabinets painted in Blue Nova bring timeless elegance to cooking spaces.
@brokenoakrestoration
Island cabinetry in Blue Nova creates a striking focal point in the kitchen.
@brokenoakrestoration
Kitchen walls in Blue Nova add depth and sophistication to daily gatherings.
@brokenoakrestoration
1 Front Door Photo
A front door in Blue Nova is a timeless choice that won't feel dated as trends shift. It's a versatile hue that can adapt to different porch decor—from modern planters to traditional rockers—with effortless ease.
Front door painted in Blue Nova makes a memorable first impression.
@homebunch
Coordinating Colors
Quincy Tan reflects far more light (LRV 43 vs 17), opening up a space where Blue Nova encloses it.
At LRV 74 vs 17, Paper White is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 42 vs 17, Mount Saint Anne is decisively the brighter choice.
Monterey White reflects far more light (LRV 75 vs 17), opening up a space where Blue Nova encloses it.
Similar Colors
With LRVs of 17 and 16, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 19 vs 17), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 18 and 17, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Complementary Colors
With LRVs of 17 and 17, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Silver Fox reflects far more light (LRV 44 vs 17), opening up a space where Blue Nova encloses it.
Upper West Side reflects far more light (LRV 39 vs 17), opening up a space where Blue Nova encloses it.
At LRV 47 vs 17, Himalayan Trek is decisively the brighter choice.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 20 vs 17), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Lighter Colors
Stratford Blue reads slightly lighter (LRV 25 vs 17), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Darker Colors
A 6-point LRV gap (17 vs 11) makes Blue Nova the marginally brighter of the two.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 17 vs 15), so neither reads brighter in a room.