Harbor Side Blue 740 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine stepping into a room where the air is light and refreshing, reminiscent of a serene coastal escape. That’s the magic of Harbor Side Blue, a captivating paint color from Benjamin Moore that transforms spaces into tranquil retreats. This isn’t just any shade of blue; it’s a harmonious blend of blue and soft green undertones that breathe life and calm into your home.

When you first lay eyes on this color, you might feel an immediate sense of peace, as if you’ve just wandered into a beachside cottage. It’s versatile enough to fit seamlessly into various decor styles, whether you’re drawn to coastal, modern, Scandinavian, or even farmhouse aesthetics. What’s remarkable about Harbor Side Blue is its ability to adapt, making it a fantastic choice for any room in your home.

Let’s dive deeper into what makes this color such a standout choice. First and foremost, the hue has a medium brightness level with an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 40.31%. This means it reflects about half of the light that hits it, creating a balanced yet airy atmosphere. In spaces with ample natural light, Harbor Side Blue can appear almost like a seafoam green, while in dimmer conditions, it leans more towards a tranquil blue. This shifting quality adds a layer of depth and intrigue to your walls, making each glance feel new and inviting.

One of the best features of Harbor Side Blue is how well it works in a variety of rooms. Picture it in your living room, paired with crisp white trims and perhaps some plush, muted upholstery. It creates a soothing backdrop that encourages relaxation and conversation. In a bedroom, this color can turn your space into a restful haven, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways also benefit from its refreshing essence, evoking the calming feel of a seaside retreat.

When it comes to application, you’re in for a treat. Harbor Side Blue is beginner-friendly, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable painting experience. Its good coverage means you’ll likely need only 1-2 coats, and the fast-drying formula allows you to complete your project in no time. Whether you’re using a roller or a brush, you’ll appreciate the ease of achieving a beautiful finish. Plus, it’s highly washable, making it a practical choice for busy households.

Now, let’s talk about the finishes available for Harbor Side Blue. While it looks great in any finish, for a polished look, I recommend opting for an eggshell or satin finish. These finishes reflect light softly, creating a subtle sheen that accentuates the color’s calming effects. If you’re aiming for a casual vibe, a flat finish works wonderfully in low-traffic areas.

Choosing the right colors to pair with Harbor Side Blue can be crucial in achieving the desired aesthetic. Its cool undertones harmonize beautifully with whites, creams, and natural woods. Think of pairing it with Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for a crisp contrast that feels fresh and inviting. If you want to add a touch of elegance, consider incorporating brass or gold fixtures, which can bring warmth to the coolness of the blue.

While Harbor Side Blue is a favorite among many, it’s essential to be mindful of its cooler tendencies. In certain lighting conditions, it may appear cooler than you expect, so it’s always a good idea to test the paint in your space before committing fully. Observe how it interacts with your existing furnishings and decor during different times of the day. This step is vital in ensuring that it truly complements the overall feel of your home.

For those of you considering smaller rooms, Harbor Side Blue can be a game-changer. Its cool tones can create an illusion of openness and airiness, making small spaces feel larger and more inviting. Just ensure you’re pairing it with sufficient lighting to maximize its potential.

Now, how does Harbor Side Blue stack up against other colors? If you’re familiar with Sherwin-Williams’ Riverway or even Benjamin Moore’s Ocean Breeze, you’ll notice the similarities in the calming, coastal vibes they all evoke. Harbor Side Blue manages to carve out its unique identity while still being in the same family of soothing hues.

As an expert in home design, I can’t stress enough the importance of the undertones in any paint color. For Harbor Side Blue, the subtle blue undertones lend it a modern edge that feels fresh and invigorating. The complexity of the color means it can take on different personalities depending on what it’s paired with, which adds to its versatility.

When you finally decide to bring Harbor Side Blue into your space, remember that it’s not just about the color itself. It’s about the mood you want to create. This shade invites calmness and restfulness, making it perfect for areas where relaxation is key. Whether you’re painting an accent wall or refreshing an entire room, the inviting nature of this blue will set the tone for countless cherished moments.

To wrap it all up, Harbor Side Blue is more than just a paint color; it’s a way to bring the spirit of the sea right into your home. With its serene and refreshing qualities, it can effortlessly elevate your interior design. So, why not take the plunge? Embrace the calming essence of Harbor Side Blue, and watch as it transforms your space into a breathtaking coastal retreat.

Real Room Photo of Harbor Side Blue 740

Undertones of  Harbor Side Blue ?

The undertones of Harbor Side Blue are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Blue. 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.

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HEX value: #5CB5B9

RGB code: 92, 181, 185

Is  Harbor Side Blue Cool or Warm?

Harbor Side Blue is considered a cool paint color. This characteristic plays a huge role in the overall feel of a room. Cool colors, like this one, tend to create a cozy, inviting, and energetic atmosphere, making them great for social spaces like living rooms and dining rooms. In contrast, warm colors often evoke a sense of calm and serenity, which is why they are popular in bedrooms and bathrooms. The coolth of Harbor Side Blue means it will pair beautifully with corresponding decor elements.

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 Harbor Side 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 Harbor Side Blue

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Harbor Side Blue is 40.31%, which places it in the Light Medium colors category. This means it reflect half of the incident 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  Harbor Side Blue

Harbor Side Blue is a delightful choice for anyone wanting to bring a touch of the sea indoors. Its calming presence makes it ideal for spaces meant for relaxation, like the bedroom or bathroom. When applied, the color shows a subtle depth that shifts with the light, allowing it to feel dynamic throughout the day. It’s versatile enough to work with various decor styles, from coastal chic to modern minimalism. The application process is smooth, especially with a quality roller, and the finish is impressively even. Overall, this color brings a breath of fresh air to any room.

Pros & Cons of  740 Harbor Side Blue

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Harbor Side Blue

FAQ on 740 Harbor Side Blue

What type of finish is best for Harbor Side Blue?

Harbor Side Blue works beautifully with various finishes, but for a more polished look, consider using an eggshell or satin finish. These finishes reflect light softly and provide a durable surface that’s easy to clean. If you’re aiming for a more relaxed, matte look, flat finishes can be used in low-traffic areas to enhance the calming effect of this color.

Is Harbor Side Blue suitable for small rooms?

Absolutely! Harbor Side Blue can create an illusion of space when used in smaller rooms. Its cool tones can make a room feel more open and airy, especially when paired with ample natural light. Just be mindful of your lighting; in dimmer areas, it might lean a bit cooler, so consider your overall decor when making your choice.

Comparisons Harbor Side Blue with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Harbor Side Blue 740