Colorplan

Blue Grotto

CC-964 · Benjamin Moore

LRV 5 · dark

0 black100 white

Designer Classics Collection

Benjamin Moore Blue Grotto (CC-964) is a very dark purple with a cool blue undertone and an LRV of 5. For trim, try Polar White (2069-70).

Room Preview

This photo shows walls only. Photos show the color in a real room's light; your own light will change it.

Walls:Blue Grotto

Suggested trim and ceiling are Benjamin Moore whites that share this color's undertone.

Color Details

FamilyPurple
LRV4.6 (dark; 0 = black, 100 = pure white)
HEX#353963
RGB53, 57, 99
HSL235°, 30%, 30%

About Blue Grotto

Blue Grotto (CC-964) is a very dark, medium-strength purple from Benjamin Moore that leans blue. With an LRV of 5, Blue Grotto absorbs most light. It creates a dramatic, enveloping look and suits accent walls, cabinetry and well-lit rooms.

North-facing light makes Blue Grotto read cooler and slightly darker, while warm south-facing light softens it. It's a good fit for accent walls, front doors, cabinetry and powder rooms. Next to Admiral Blue (2065-10), it's warmer.

How Blue Grotto changes with the light

Blue Grotto is a deep color. In north-facing or dim rooms it reads darker and cozier; in south-facing rooms it shows more of its color. Either can work, depending on the mood you want.

N

North-facing rooms

Blue Grotto will read even deeper in north light: great for a cozy, enveloping room, less so if you want it bright.

E

East-facing rooms

Blue Grotto will look warmer and brighter in the morning and cooler and grayer by afternoon; check a sample at both times.

S

South-facing rooms

South light keeps Blue Grotto from feeling heavy, so deep colors work well here.

W

West-facing rooms

Blue Grotto looks cool in the morning and warms up in the golden late-afternoon light.

See Blue Grotto in real homes

Photos people have shared of Blue Grotto in their own rooms. Opens Instagram or Pinterest in a new tab.

Blue Grotto equivalents in other brands

The closest color from each brand. ΔE (“delta E”) scores how different two colors look: under 2.5 is very hard to tell apart on a wall, over 5 is clearly different.

Sherwin-Williams

In the Navy SW 9178

Closest available · ΔE 10.7

Also close: Salty Dog (ΔE 10.7)

Compare side by side →

Farrow & Ball

Drawing Room Blue No.253

Closest available · ΔE 8.3

Also close: Pelt (ΔE 14.3)

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Behr

Dark Navy S530-7

Closest available · ΔE 10.0

Also close: Very Navy (ΔE 11.0)

Compare side by side →

Similar Benjamin Moore colors

More purple paint colorsAll Benjamin Moore colors

Blue Grotto questions

What undertone does Blue Grotto have?

Blue Grotto has a cool blue undertone, so it reads as a cool color. North-facing light makes Blue Grotto read cooler and slightly darker, while warm south-facing light softens it.

Is Blue Grotto a light or dark color?

Blue Grotto has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 4.6 on a scale where 0 is black and 100 is pure white, which makes it a very dark color. With an LRV of 5, Blue Grotto absorbs most light. It creates a dramatic, enveloping look and suits accent walls, cabinetry and well-lit rooms.

What is the closest match to Blue Grotto in other paint brands?

Sherwin-Williams: In the Navy SW 9178 (closest available, ΔE 10.7); Farrow & Ball: Drawing Room Blue No.253 (closest available, ΔE 8.3); Behr: Dark Navy S530-7 (closest available, ΔE 10.0). Matches are calculated with the CIEDE2000 color difference formula; always check a physical sample before buying.

What trim and ceiling color goes with Blue Grotto?

Try Polar White (2069-70) on both trim and ceiling. It's a Benjamin Moore white that shares Blue Grotto's undertone, so the room feels coordinated without looking stark.

Where does Blue Grotto work best?

Blue Grotto works well in accent walls, front doors, cabinetry and powder rooms. With an LRV of 5, Blue Grotto absorbs most light. It creates a dramatic, enveloping look and suits accent walls, cabinetry and well-lit rooms.

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