Frank Blue
Often used for its genuinely dark qualities, Frank Blue remains a staple for Sherwin-Williams designers. It is widely considered one of the best colors in its class to anchor a room without demanding the spotlight. We've gathered 5 real-home scenarios to help you visualize this color alongside our expert data.
Hex
#225288
LRV
8.19
Frank Blue's Color Strip
Frank Blue is the third shade on this 7-color strip, sitting between Blueblood and Morning Glory. The strip spans from Blue Chip at the lightest end to Passionate Purple at the deepest. Strip 176 makes it easy to compare shades side by side and find the right depth for your space.
Frank Blue in Real Rooms
Frank Blue has a low LRV of 8.19 — it absorbs light and reads as a genuinely dark, enveloping color. It's neutral in temperature and , 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, bathroom, front door and kitchen cabinets.
2 Living Room Photos
There is a specific "glow" that Frank Blue takes on during the golden hour in a living room. As the sun sets, the pigments react with the low-angled light to create a hazy, ethereal atmosphere that feels incredibly high-end. It's a color that rewards those who use the room during the transition of the day.
Living room walls in Frank Blue create a calming, sophisticated retreat.
@laderachronicles
The living room painted Frank Blue offers serene, inviting comfort.
@laderachronicles
1 Bathroom Photo
The psychology of Frank Blue in a bathroom is all about the "slow down." It's a visual cue to breathe, relax, and take your time, turning a utilitarian room into a true retreat from the frantic pace of the rest of the world.
A bathroom vanity in Frank Blue adds cool-toned elegance.
@2ndstoryinteriors
1 Front Door Photo
A front door painted Frank Blue makes a confident first impression without shouting. The color's depth draws the eye and signals personality before guests even step inside. Pair with crisp white trim and warm brass hardware to complete the look.
The front door in Frank Blue creates a refined, welcoming entry.
@wonderwall_painting
1 Kitchen Cabinets Photo
Cabinet color commits in a way wall color doesn't — it reads from every angle and dominates the room's material palette. Frank Blue earns that commitment. It pairs with hardware in brass, matte black, or unlacquered bronze without fighting any of them.
Kitchen cabinets in Frank Blue bring cool-toned sophistication to this space.
@colleen_x_design
Coordinating Colors
At LRV 84 vs 8, Pure White is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 62 vs 8, Gossamer Veil is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 31 vs 8, African Gray is decisively the brighter choice.
Trim Color
At LRV 84 vs 8, Pure White is decisively the brighter choice.
Similar Colors
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 8 vs 7), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 8 vs 6), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 8 and 6, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 8 and 6, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 8 and 6, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 10 and 8, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 8 vs 8), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 9 and 8, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Complementary Colors
Hushed Auburn reflects far more light (LRV 26 vs 8), opening up a space where Frank Blue encloses it.
At LRV 60 vs 8, White Truffle is decisively the brighter choice.
Moroccan Brown reflects far more light (LRV 22 vs 8), opening up a space where Frank Blue encloses it.
At LRV 59 vs 8, Unfussy Beige is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 48 vs 8, Cool Beige is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 72 vs 8, Gauzy White is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 23 vs 8, Rookwood Clay is decisively the brighter choice.