Athens Blue vs RAL 180-1
Athens Blue (Benjamin Moore) and RAL 180-1 (RAL Effect) come from different manufacturers. Both sit in the blue family, which is useful context if you're narrowing within a single hue direction. The 30-point LRV gap — 49 for RAL 180-1 vs 19 for Athens Blue — means RAL 180-1 will open up a space more effectively. A ΔE of 40.0 puts these firmly in different territory — two distinct design choices rather than close alternatives. Below you'll find 1 real-room photo comparison where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
Athens Blue vs RAL 180-1 in Real Spaces
1 real room side by side. Seeing Athens Blue and RAL 180-1 in actual rooms makes the difference concrete; browse the spaces below to get a feel for how each color lives on a wall.
Bathroom
Small bathrooms intensify color. A shade that seems quiet in a larger room can feel immersive when you're surrounded by it on four walls. RAL 180-1 returns significantly more light to the room — in a smaller or darker space, that difference in perceived brightness is hard to miss.
Color Details
Athens Blue vs RAL 180-1 Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Athens Blue on one side and RAL 180-1 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 Athens Blue comparisons
See how Athens Blue stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
