Bedford Blue 1679 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly blends sophistication with tranquility, let me introduce you to Benjamin Moore’s Bedford Blue. This soft, muted blue with subtle gray undertones is a designer favorite for a reason—it’s versatile, calming, and works beautifully in almost any space. Whether you’re refreshing a bedroom, creating a serene home office, or adding character to a living room, Bedford Blue has the perfect balance of cool elegance and understated warmth.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Bedford Blue is how adaptable it is. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 17.43%, it sits in the medium-dark range, meaning it reflects very little light. This makes it ideal for rooms where you want a cozy, intimate feel without the heaviness of a true dark shade. In well-lit spaces, it takes on an airy, almost ethereal quality, while in dimmer rooms, it leans into its gray undertones for a more grounded look. If you’re worried about it feeling too dark, pairing it with crisp white trim—like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove—can instantly brighten the space and highlight its softness.

Application is a breeze with Bedford Blue. It’s beginner-friendly, dries quickly, and typically requires just one or two coats for full coverage. The finish options—matte, eggshell, or satin—give you flexibility depending on the room’s needs. Eggshell and satin are particularly great for high-traffic areas since they’re washable and stain-resistant, making them practical for families or busy households. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you won’t have to worry about harsh fumes during or after painting.

Now, let’s talk about where this color shines. Bedford Blue is a natural fit for bedrooms and nurseries, where its calming presence promotes relaxation. Imagine it on an accent wall behind a bed, paired with linen bedding and warm wood tones—it instantly creates a retreat-like vibe. In a home office, it fosters focus without feeling sterile, especially when balanced with natural light and greenery. Living rooms and dining spaces also benefit from its versatility; it plays well with both modern and coastal decor, whether you’re leaning into Scandinavian minimalism or a more transitional style with layered textures.

If you’re working with a small space, don’t shy away from this color. Its softness actually helps open up a room, especially when paired with light-reflecting decor and strategic lighting. Just keep in mind that in low-light areas, it can appear more muted, so consider supplementing with lamps or lighter furnishings to keep the space feeling airy.

When it comes to pairing Bedford Blue with other colors, the options are endless. Its cool, balanced tone harmonizes beautifully with warm neutrals like beige and taupe, as well as crisp whites and deeper blues for a monochromatic look. For a bit of contrast, try accents in complementary hues—think terracotta or blush pink—to add warmth and dimension. Natural materials like rattan, oak, and marble also enhance its organic appeal, making it a great choice for earthy, textured interiors.

A few things to keep in mind: While Bedford Blue is incredibly versatile, it may not be the best pick if you’re after a bold, high-impact color. Its muted quality is part of its charm, but if you love vibrant shades, you might find it too subtle. Additionally, depending on your wall’s surface and lighting, a second coat might be necessary for even coverage. But for most, these are minor trade-offs for a color that brings such effortless elegance to a space.

So, is Bedford Blue right for your next project? If you’re looking for a timeless, soothing hue that adapts to your decor rather than dictates it, the answer is a resounding yes. It’s one of those rare colors that feels both classic and fresh, making it a smart investment for any home. Whether you’re painting an entire room or just an accent wall, Bedford Blue has a way of making spaces feel intentional, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. And really, isn’t that what great design is all about?

Real Room Photo of Bedford Blue 1679

Undertones of  Bedford Blue ?

The understone of Bedford Blue leans slightly gray, which grounds the color and adds depth. This undertone allows it to maintain a calm demeanor, making it suitable for both airy spaces and more intimate areas. It harmonizes wonderfully with natural materials like wood and stone, enhancing the organic feel of your decor.

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Is  Bedford Blue Cool or Warm?

Bedford Blue is considered a cool color, but its subtle warmth allows it to feel inviting rather than cold or stark. This balance makes it an excellent choice for creating cozy atmospheres, especially in rooms meant for relaxation or creativity.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Bedford Blue

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of Bedford Blue

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Bedford Blue is 17.43%, which places it in the Medium Dark category. This means it reflects very little light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Bedford Blue

Bedford Blue is a delightful choice for anyone looking to infuse their home with a serene vibe. Its muted quality ensures that it doesn’t overwhelm a room, making it perfect for larger spaces or accent walls. When applied, it offers a smooth finish that enhances the overall ambiance without being too bold. This color works beautifully with natural light, changing subtly throughout the day to create different moods. Whether you’re aiming for a coastal retreat or a chic modern space, Bedford Blue adapts effortlessly, making it a favorite among homeowners and designers alike. Its ability to pair well with both warm and cool tones adds to its versatility, allowing for a range of decor options.

Pros & Cons of  1679 Bedford Blue

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Bedford Blue

FAQ on 1679 Bedford Blue

How does Bedford Blue perform in low light?

Bedford Blue has a tendency to appear more muted in low light, showcasing its gray undertones. While it still maintains an elegant presence, it may not provide the same brightness that it does in well-lit conditions. If you’re using it in a darker room, consider pairing it with lighter trim or decor to help enhance its visual appeal.

Can Bedford Blue be used in small spaces?

Absolutely! Bedford Blue can work wonderfully in small spaces. Its soft tone creates an illusion of openness and tranquility, making the area feel larger and more inviting. When combined with adequate lighting and complementary decor, it can enhance the overall aesthetic without overwhelming the space.

Comparisons Bedford Blue with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Bedford Blue 1679