Midnight Blue vs Basically Black
Midnight Blue (Benjamin Moore) and Basically Black (Dulux) come from different manufacturers. These are both blue-greys, so the question isn't which hue to choose — it's where within blue-grey to land. Their light reflectance values are nearly the same — 8 vs 9 — so neither will read significantly brighter or darker than the other. Where Midnight Blue leans blue, Basically Black reads neutral — a distinction that shifts noticeably depending on the light source and surrounding finishes. A ΔE of 0.8 puts them in subtle territory — distinguishable in direct comparison, less so from across a room. Below you'll find 1 real-room photo comparison where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
Midnight Blue vs Basically Black in Real Spaces
1 real room side by side. Midnight Blue and Basically Black 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.
House
A full exterior is the most demanding test for a paint color — scale and outdoor light both amplify differences that seem small on a swatch. In photos like these you're seeing the difference at its most direct. In a finished room, the distinction is there but not dramatic.
Color Details
Midnight Blue vs Basically Black Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Midnight Blue on one side and Basically Black 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 Midnight Blue comparisons
See how Midnight Blue stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
