New York State of Mind 805 by Benjamin Moore

There’s something undeniably captivating about a deep, moody blue—the kind of color that wraps a room in sophistication while still feeling inviting. Benjamin Moore’s *New York State of Mind* (color code 805) is exactly that. It’s a rich, velvety blue with a hint of twilight mystery, like the Hudson River at dusk. If you’re looking for a paint color that brings depth, calm, and a touch of urban elegance to your home, this might be the one.

First, let’s talk about the practical stuff. This paint is a dream to work with. It offers excellent coverage—usually just one or two coats—and it’s touch-up friendly, so you won’t have to stress about perfecting every brushstroke. It dries fast, rolls on smoothly, and comes in finishes like eggshell and satin, which are perfect for walls. If you’re painting a high-traffic area, like a hallway or dining room, the semi-gloss option adds extra durability and washability. Plus, it’s low VOC, so you won’t be dealing with harsh fumes while you work.

Now, the fun part: how it looks. *New York State of Mind* is a deep blue with a cool undertone, which means it leans toward the serene and sophisticated side of the color spectrum. Its Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is 10.51%, so it absorbs a lot of light rather than reflecting it. That makes it ideal for creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. In a sunlit room, it’ll show off its true depth—think luxurious and velvety. At night, under warm artificial light, it takes on a softer, more enveloping feel. Just keep in mind that in rooms with very little natural light, it can appear even darker, so you’ll want to balance it with lighter accents or strategic lighting.

Where should you use it? Pretty much anywhere you want to add a sense of calm and sophistication. It’s stunning in a living room, especially if you pair it with crisp white trim (Benjamin Moore’s *White Dove* is a classic choice) and warm brass or gold fixtures. In a bedroom, it creates a restful retreat—imagine it with linen bedding and natural wood tones. A home office? Perfect. This color helps foster focus and creativity without feeling sterile. Even an entryway can benefit from its moody charm, making a bold first impression.

One of the best things about *New York State of Mind* is its versatility across design styles. Love modern farmhouse? Pair it with shiplap and rustic wood furniture. Prefer industrial chic? Combine it with black metal accents and concrete finishes. Coastal vibe? Add woven textures and sandy neutrals. It even works in contemporary spaces, where clean lines and minimalist decor let the color shine. And if you’re not ready to commit to painting an entire room, try it on an accent wall. It’s a great way to add drama without overwhelming the space.

When it comes to coordinating colors, you’ve got options. Since it’s a cool blue, warm tones like creams, taupes, and soft oranges (its complementary hue) will make it pop. For a monochromatic look, layer it with lighter blues like *CSP-560*. If you want something bolder, try pairing it with deep greens or charcoal grays. And don’t forget about metallics—brass, gold, and even matte black hardware look incredible against this shade.

A few things to keep in mind: because it’s a darker color, you’ll want to test it in your space before committing. Paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day to see how the light affects it. If you’re using it in a small room, balance it with plenty of light-reflecting elements—think mirrors, glossy finishes, or lighter furniture. And while it’s a forgiving paint when it comes to touch-ups, always keep a little extra on hand for future fixes.

So, is *New York State of Mind* right for you? If you’re drawn to colors that feel both timeless and current, if you love the idea of a room that’s cozy yet refined, and if you’re ready to embrace a shade that works as hard as it looks—then yes, absolutely. This isn’t just a paint color; it’s a mood. It’s the feeling of coming home to a space that’s thoughtfully designed, effortlessly stylish, and deeply comforting. And isn’t that what great design is all about?

Real Room Photo of New York State of Mind 805

Undertones of  New York State of Mind ?

The undertones of New York State of Mind 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: #355473

RGB code: 53, 84, 115

Is  New York State of Mind Cool or Warm?

With its cool blue base, New York State of Mind leans towards the cooler spectrum. This makes it an excellent choice for creating a calming environment, especially in rooms where relaxation is key.

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 New York State of Mind

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 New York State of Mind

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of New York State of Mind is 10.51%, 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  New York State of Mind

New York State of Mind brings a unique blend of tranquility and elegance to your home. This rich blue pairs beautifully with a variety of decor styles, from modern to rustic. Its ability to transform a space is remarkable—use it in a living room for a cozy vibe or a home office for a calming backdrop. When applying, expect good coverage, typically needing only one to two coats. It’s also touch-up friendly, making it easy to maintain that perfect finish over time. This paint’s depth can create an inviting atmosphere without overwhelming the senses, making it a top choice for anyone looking to refresh their space.

Pros & Cons of  805 New York State of Mind

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore New York State of Mind

FAQ on 805 New York State of Mind

Can I use New York State of Mind in smaller rooms?

Absolutely! While New York State of Mind is a deep hue, it can work beautifully in smaller spaces. To prevent it from feeling too heavy, pair it with lighter trim or accent pieces. Use strategic lighting to enhance its calming qualities, making your small room feel cozy and inviting rather than cramped.

How does this paint perform in high-traffic areas?

New York State of Mind is a solid choice for high-traffic areas, thanks to its washability and durability. It can withstand the wear and tear of daily life while maintaining its rich color. For added protection, consider a semi-gloss finish in these areas, as it offers extra resistance to scuffs and stains.

Comparisons New York State of Mind with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore New York State of Mind 805