Calico Blue 707 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly balances sophistication with tranquility, let me introduce you to Benjamin Moore’s Calico Blue. This muted, blue-gray hue with subtle green undertones is a designer favorite for a reason—it’s versatile, elegant, and creates a serene atmosphere in any space. Whether you’re refreshing a bedroom, designing a home office, or giving your living room a cozy update, Calico Blue might just be the perfect choice. But before you commit, let’s dive into everything you need to know to decide if it’s right for your home.

Calico Blue (color code 707) is a dark, cool-toned shade with an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 9.30%, meaning it absorbs light rather than reflecting it. This makes it ideal for creating intimate, cocoon-like spaces. Don’t let the “dark” label scare you—while it won’t brighten a room, it adds depth and richness that lighter colors simply can’t achieve. In daylight, it leans into its bluish-gray character, feeling soft and airy. Under artificial light, it becomes more subdued, making it a fantastic backdrop for evening gatherings. Just keep in mind that in smaller rooms, it can feel cozier, so balance it with lighter furnishings or use it on an accent wall to avoid overwhelming the space.

One of the standout qualities of Calico Blue is its versatility. It plays well with a range of decor styles, from modern farmhouse to coastal and Scandinavian. Its muted tone means it won’t clash with bold furniture or artwork, and its green undertones give it just enough warmth to keep it from feeling sterile. Pair it with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for a classic look, or go bold with black windows or warm wood trim for added contrast. If you love metallic accents, both brushed gold and cool chrome work beautifully against this hue.

Application is a breeze—this paint is beginner-friendly, with good coverage in just one or two coats. It’s touch-up friendly, wipeable, and low in VOCs, so you won’t have to worry about strong odors during your project. Matte and satin finishes are the best choices here, as they enhance the color’s sophisticated, understated vibe. Semi-gloss can work for trim if you want a subtle sheen, but matte will give you that designer-approved, velvety look.

Now, let’s talk about room suitability. Calico Blue shines in bedrooms, where its calming presence promotes restful sleep. It’s equally at home in a living room or dining area, especially if you’re aiming for a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Home offices benefit from its serene quality, helping to create a focused yet relaxed workspace. Even nurseries can work with this color—just balance it with plenty of soft whites or creams to keep the space feeling light and airy.

If you’re worried about committing, test it first. Paint a large swatch on your wall and observe it at different times of day. Notice how the green undertones come forward or recede depending on the light. This is especially important if your room has limited natural light, as darker colors can feel more intense in low-light conditions. But don’t shy away—sometimes, leaning into the moodiness of a dark paint color can transform a space from forgettable to unforgettable.

For those who love Calico Blue but want something a touch lighter or darker, Benjamin Moore offers a range of similar shades. Lighter options like HC-124 or 637 provide a softer take, while darker alternatives like AF-625 or CSP-480 amp up the drama. If you’re looking for equivalent colors from other brands, Farrow & Ball’s Blue Gray or Sherwin-Williams’ Atmospheric are close matches.

At the end of the day, Calico Blue is more than just a paint color—it’s a mood. It’s the feeling of sinking into a plush armchair with a good book, or the quiet calm of a misty morning. If that’s the vibe you’re after, this color won’t disappoint. Just remember to pair it with the right lighting, balance it with lighter elements, and let its understated elegance do the rest. Your walls are about to become your favorite feature in the room.

Real Room Photo of Calico Blue 707

Undertones of  Calico Blue ?

The undertones of Calico Blue are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Green. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

R

G

B

HEX

HEX value: #4A5950

RGB code: 74, 89, 80

Is  Calico Blue Cool or Warm?

Calico Blue leans towards the cool side of the color spectrum, making it an excellent choice for creating a calm, tranquil atmosphere. It’s perfect for spaces where you want to encourage relaxation and peace.

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 Calico 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.

4800K

2000K

3000K

4000K

5000K

6000K

7000K

LRV of Calico Blue

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Calico Blue is 9.30%, which places it in the Dark colors category. This means it does not reflect 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  Calico Blue

Calico Blue is truly a standout choice for anyone looking to enhance their space with a touch of sophistication. The blend of blue and gray offers a serene vibe, making it perfect for bedrooms or living areas where relaxation is key. Its versatility shines through as it pairs beautifully with both warm wood tones and cooler metallic accents. When applying, you’ll find that it goes on smoothly, providing good coverage. Just two coats should be sufficient for most surfaces, and the color doesn’t lose its charm under different lighting. If you’re aiming for a serene and welcoming environment, Calico Blue is a fantastic option that won’t disappoint.

Pros & Cons of  707 Calico Blue

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Calico Blue

FAQ on 707 Calico Blue

Can Calico Blue be used in small rooms?

Absolutely! While Calico Blue can make smaller spaces feel cozier, it’s essential to balance it with lighter furnishings or accents to avoid a cramped feeling. Using it on an accent wall can also add depth without overwhelming the room.

What trim colors work best with Calico Blue?

Calico Blue pairs beautifully with a variety of trim colors. For a classic look, white or off-white trims like White Dove or Simply White work well. If you prefer a bolder contrast, black windows or warm wood trims can add a touch of elegance.

Comparisons Calico Blue with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Calico Blue 707