Essex Blue vs S 0515-R80B
Essex Blue is a Behr color while S 0515-R80B comes from NCS. These are both blues, so the question isn't which hue to choose — it's where within blue to land. At LRV 71 vs 56, S 0515-R80B will read as the brighter of the two — a 15-point gap that matters most in north-facing or low-light rooms. The tonal difference — Essex Blue's blue character against S 0515-R80B's cool — becomes most visible against white trim or in morning light. At ΔE 8.6, the difference is perceptible but not dramatic — the two can work harmoniously in the same space. Below you'll find 1 real-room photo comparison where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
Essex Blue vs S 0515-R80B in Real Spaces
1 real room side by side. Essex Blue and S 0515-R80B are close enough that the difference can be hard to judge from a chip alone — these photos show how each reads at scale, across different spaces and lighting conditions.
Kitchen Cabinets
On cabinetry, undertone and temperature become more pronounced against countertops and hardware. The LRV gap is large enough that S 0515-R80B will make the room feel meaningfully brighter than Essex Blue would.
Color Details
Essex Blue vs S 0515-R80B Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Essex Blue on one side and S 0515-R80B on the other.
Digital color is approximate. These simulations are generated from the manufacturer's hex values and overlaid on grayscale room photos — your screen's calibration, brightness, and viewing angle all affect how they render. Before committing to either color, test physical samples in your own space under the light you actually live with.
More Essex Blue comparisons
See how Essex Blue stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
