Major Blue
Often used for its versatile qualities, Major Blue remains a staple for Sherwin-Williams designers. It is widely considered one of the best colors in its class to add character and warmth to any space. We've gathered 9 real-home scenarios to help you visualize this color alongside our expert data.
Hex
#289EC4
LRV
28.91
Major Blue's Color Strip
Major Blue is the fifth shade on this 7-color strip, sitting between Flyway and Blue Plate. The strip spans from Minor Blue at the lightest end to Jay Blue at the deepest. Color strip 168 groups these shades together so you can see how each reads next to its neighbors.
Major Blue in Real Rooms
Major Blue has a medium LRV of 28.91 — it adds real depth and will read noticeably darker as natural light fades. It's neutral in temperature and , making it adaptable across different lighting conditions and room orientations. Grouped in the Blue family, the photos below show it applied in a home office, bathroom, kitchen, house and kitchen cabinets.
1 Home Office Photo
Major Blue works exceptionally well with "warm" tech—leather desk pads, brass lamps, and wooden monitor stands. It bridges the gap between modern technology and traditional home comfort, making the office feel like part of the house.
Walls in Major Blue define this focused home office environment.
@glspainters
1 Bathroom Photo
Pairing Major Blue with natural stone like travertine or slate creates an earthy, elemental bathroom that feels connected to nature. It moves the design away from plastic-heavy modernism toward something much more timeless and tactile.
Bathroom vanity painted Major Blue adds contemporary style and character.
@jmrhandymanllc
2 Kitchen Photos
The sophisticated undertones of Major Blue 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 walls in Major Blue create a bold, energetic cooking space.
@pine_n_paint
Cabinetry and walls in Major Blue modernize this bright kitchen.
@pine_n_paint
2 House Photos
For coastal or high-exposure homes, Major Blue is a smart choice. It has the complexity to look good even when dusted with salt or slightly weathered, maintaining its "intentional" look even when the elements are at their peak.
House exterior in Major Blue stands out with confident curb appeal.
@islandgirl919
Trim and siding in Major Blue frame the home beautifully.
@islandgirl919
3 Kitchen Cabinets Photos
Choosing Major Blue for cabinets allows you to be more adventurous with your tile and stone choices. Because the cabinetry is so well-grounded, it can balance out a heavily veined marble or a colorful geometric backsplash without the room feeling "busy."
Kitchen cabinets in Major Blue provide striking contrast and visual depth.
@hikingtowardhome
Painted cabinet doors in Major Blue elevate this kitchen's modern aesthetic.
@nickspaintingca
Lower cabinets in Major Blue create dramatic visual impact in kitchen.
@nickspaintingca
Coordinating Colors
At LRV 76 vs 29, Iceberg is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 82 vs 29, Alabaster is decisively the brighter choice.
Major Blue reflects far more light (LRV 29 vs 9), opening up a space where Endless Sea encloses it.
Trim Color
At LRV 76 vs 29, Iceberg is decisively the brighter choice.
Similar Colors
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 30 vs 29), so neither reads brighter in a room.
A 6-point LRV gap (29 vs 23) makes Major Blue the marginally brighter of the two.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 30 vs 29), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 29 vs 28), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Major Blue reads slightly lighter (LRV 29 vs 24), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 30 vs 29), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Flyway reads slightly lighter (LRV 39 vs 29), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 31 vs 29), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Major Blue reads slightly lighter (LRV 29 vs 26), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Major Blue reads slightly lighter (LRV 29 vs 26), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Complementary Colors
Venus Pink reflects far more light (LRV 80 vs 29), opening up a space where Major Blue encloses it.
At LRV 29 vs 5, Major Blue is decisively the brighter choice.
Sandbank reads slightly lighter (LRV 40 vs 29), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
A 11-point LRV gap (40 vs 29) makes Interface Tan the marginally brighter of the two.
A 10-point LRV gap (39 vs 29) makes Sands Of Time the marginally brighter of the two.
At LRV 29 vs 12, Major Blue is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 29 vs 8, Major Blue is decisively the brighter choice.
Lighter Colors
Candid Blue reflects far more light (LRV 48 vs 29), opening up a space where Major Blue encloses it.
Darker Colors
At LRV 29 vs 9, Major Blue is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 29 vs 16, Major Blue is decisively the brighter choice.