Have you ever walked into a room and felt instantly calm? The right paint color can do that! Blue Nova by Benjamin Moore is a special blue that can change how your home feels.
Colors do more than look pretty – they change how we feel and how big a room seems. Blue Nova has a Light Reflective Value (LRV) of 16.98, which means it’s a deeper shade that absorbs more light than it reflects.
In this blog, we’ll show you everything about Blue Nova. We’ll talk about its purple-violet undertones, how it looks in different lights, what rooms it works best in, and tips for painting with it.
Blue Nova might be the answer if you want a peaceful bedroom or a stylish living room! Learn how this blue-violet shade can convert your space from ordinary to extraordinary!
Understanding Blue Nova’s Undertones
Blue Nova by Benjamin Moore has distinctive undertones that are important to understand when considering this color for a home.
The color features purple-violet undertones that give it depth and character. These undertones can shift how the color appears throughout the day as lighting changes.
Blue Nova reveals more of its true blue nature in bright natural daylight.
However, in dimmer settings or artificial light, the purple undertones become more noticeable, giving the color a richer, more mysterious quality.
When pairing Blue Nova with other colors, consider these undertones. It works well with neutral grays with cool undertones and crisp whites.
The color creates an advanced atmosphere that remains conservative yet interesting in any space.
How Does Lighting Affect Blue Nova in Different Directions?
The appearance of Blue Nova changes significantly based on the direction of lighting:
- North-facing rooms: Appears more muted with stronger purple undertones.
- South-facing rooms: Shows as a truer blue with energetic clarity.
- East-facing rooms: Warmer in the morning light, cooler by afternoon.
- West-facing rooms: Deepens dramatically during sunset hours.
The Psychology of Different Color Families
Blue Nova belongs to a color family that evokes specific psychological responses. When people encounter this blue-purple shade in their environment:
- Blues typically create feelings of calmness, serenity, and relaxation.
- Purple undertones add elements of creativity and luxury.
- Deep blue-purple shades like Blue Nova suggest wisdom and contemplation.
- This color family can make spaces feel larger and more peaceful.
- In conservative settings, these colors project stability and trustworthiness.
Color Details
| ATTRIBUTE | VALUE |
| Color Code | 825 (also CC-260) |
| Hex Code | #5C6D92 |
| Light Reflective Value (LRV) | 16.98 |
| RGB Value | (92, 109, 146) |
What Does These Numbers Mean?
- 825 / CC-260: These are the official Benjamin Moore color codes.
- Hex Code (#5C6D92): A six-digit code representing the color in digital formats.
- RGB (92, 109, 146): The Red, Green, and Blue values define the color’s composition on screens. This means:
- Red = 92 (low intensity, giving it a cool tone)
- Green = 109 (moderate, balancing the color)
- Blue = 146 (dominant, making it a true blue-violet shade)
- LRV (16.98): Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures how much light the color reflects. On a scale of 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white):
- At 16.98, Blue Nova is a darker, moody shade, absorbing more light than it reflects.
- It works well in cozy, intimate spaces and contrasts beautifully with lighter tones.
Digital Uses of Blue Nova
Blue Nova by Benjamin Moore is a striking blue shade that works beautifully in digital projects. Here’s how you can use it:
- Perfect background color for websites about oceans or night skies.
- Great accent color for social media posts.
- It makes text pop when used as a highlight color.
- Works well for digital art showing winter or water scenes.
- Eye-catching color for online store buttons.
- It’s a beautiful shade for digital greeting cards.
- Stands out in email newsletters.
How to Evaluate Paint Colors?
Want to try Blue Nova? Here’s how to make sure it’s right for your space:
Test It First!
You can paint a small piece of cardboard or try it directly on your wall. A sample board lets you move it around the room.
Check Throughout the Day
The paint looks different in morning sunlight versus evening lamps. Blue Nova might appear brighter at noon but deeper at sunset.
Match With What You Already Have
Hold your paint sample next to your floor, couch, and other items. Blue Nova’s rich tone works well with white trim and natural wood.
Take your time deciding! The right color should look good all day and fit with everything in your room. You’ll know it’s the perfect choice when you love how Blue Nova looks in all lighting and with your stuff.
How Blue Nova Works in Different Rooms?
Living Spaces and Open Floor Plans
Blue Nova creates a calm feeling in big rooms. It makes your space feel bigger and more open.
- Pair with light wood for a beach house look
- Use white trim to make the blue pop
Bedrooms and Relaxation Areas
This blue helps you sleep better by making your room feel peaceful. It’s perfect for a good night’s rest.
- Add soft yellow lamps to warm up the room
- Use white bedding to balance the deep blue
Kitchens and High-Traffic Zones
Blue Nova stands up to messes in busy areas. It hides marks and stays looking fresh.
- Choose a semi-gloss finish for easy cleaning
- Match with silver handles for a clean look
Home Offices and Focus Spaces
This color helps you think better and stay on task. It’s not too dark or too bright for working.
- Place your desk near natural light
- Add plants to bring life to the blue backdrop
Bathrooms and Spa-Like Retreats
Blue Nova makes bathrooms feel clean and spa-like. It works great with white tiles.
- Use light gray towels for a perfect match
- Add a clear shower curtain to keep the room bright
Color Pairings and Combinations
Paper White (1590)
Paper White is a soft white with cool undertones that makes Blue Nova pop. This combo gives a fresh, clean look that feels open and airy. Great for modern spaces where you want blue to be the star.
Mount Saint Anne (1565)
Mount Saint Anne is a light blue-green that creates a calm feeling with Blue Nova. These colors work well together in bathrooms or bedrooms where you want a peaceful, water-inspired look.
Monterey White (HC-27)
Monterey White has warm cream tones that balance Blue Nova’s coolness. This mix feels cozy and welcoming, perfect for living rooms or kitchens where families gather.
Quincy Tan (HC-25)
Quincy Tan is a warm, sandy color that makes Blue Nova feel more grounded. This pair creates a beach-inspired look that reminds you of the shore meeting the ocean.
Texture Combinations
| Material Type | Best Texture Partners | Effect on Blue Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Matte, Satin | It adds warmth, creating a cozy contrast. |
| Brick | Rough, Painted | It enhances depth, making the color feel rich. |
| Metal | Brushed, Polished | Gives a sleek, modern feel with a cool contrast. |
| Glass | Clear, Frosted | Reflects light, making Blue Nova appear more energetic. |
| Marble | Polished, Honed | Enhances the luxurious feel, adding style. |
| Concrete | Raw, Stamped | It brings an industrial edge, balancing its richness. |
| Fabric (Velvet) | Plush, Soft | Creates an opulent and dramatic effect. |
Similar Paint Colors: Finding Your Perfect Alternative
Blue Heron (832)
Blue Heron is a softer blue that reminds you of a calm lake on a sunny day. It has a bit more gray in it than Blue Nova, making it perfect for bedrooms where you want a peaceful feeling.
Athens Blue (797)
Athens Blue is brighter and more cheerful than Blue Nova. It looks like a clear summer sky and works great in kitchens or bathrooms where you want a happy, clean feeling.
Old Glory (811)
Old Glory is a deeper, more serious blue. It has hints of navy but isn’t as dark. This color works well in dining rooms or offices where you want a strong but not too dark blue.
French Violet (1427)
French Violet has more purple mixed with its blue. It feels fancier than Blue Nova and adds a touch of royalty to any room, especially in living rooms or entryways.
Application Tips and Techniques
Blue Nova paint can change your space with its deep blue color. Here are some helpful tips to make your painting project successful:
- Surface Preparation Essentials: First, clean the walls. Fill holes with putty and sand rough spots. Use primer on dark walls.
- Selecting the Right Finish for Each Space: Pick eggshells for living rooms. Use semi-gloss in kitchens and bathrooms. A flat finish hides wall flaws.
- Tools and Techniques for Professional-Looking Results: Use good quality brushes. Paint in a “W” pattern. Let the first coat dry completely.
- Weather Considerations: Paint when it’s not too hot or cold. Good airflow helps paint dry better.
- Color Testing: Try a sample on your wall first. See how it looks in different lighting.
- Clean-up Tips: Wash brushes right away. Store leftover paint with the lid tightly closed.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing a paint color is a big step in making your home feel right. Blue Nova offers a rich blue with purple hints that can work in many rooms.
When you’re ready to decide, trust what makes you feel good. Look at your color sample in morning, afternoon, and evening light.
Place it next to your furniture, floors, and decorations. The right color will look beautiful all day and match well with your things.
If you’re still unsure, look at the similar colors we mentioned, like Blue Heron or Athens Blue. Each has its special feeling.
Remember, paint is one of the easiest ways to change a room. With these tips and your good taste, your home will soon feel exactly how you want it!
