Stratford Blue 831 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a space that wraps you in a soothing embrace, instantly making you feel at home. The color of the walls plays a crucial role in crafting that atmosphere, and one shade that can truly transform your environment is Benjamin Moore’s Stratford Blue. This muted blue hue is a delightful option for homeowners seeking to create a tranquil and elegant space.

Stratford Blue, with its cool undertones and subtle depth, has a unique ability to evoke feelings of serenity while remaining versatile enough to adapt to various decor styles. Whether you’re leaning towards modern minimalism, charming coastal aesthetics, or the cozy vibes of farmhouse decor, this color offers a refreshing backdrop that can seamlessly transition between spaces.

One of the standout features of Stratford Blue is its calming quality. It resembles a serene sky at dusk, providing a peaceful atmosphere that encourages relaxation. This makes it particularly effective in rooms designed for unwinding, such as bedrooms and living rooms. In a home office, it can foster a productive yet calming environment, helping you focus while keeping stress at bay.

When you’re contemplating a new paint color, it’s essential to consider how it interacts with light. Stratford Blue plays beautifully with natural light, becoming more vibrant during the day while retaining its calming essence in dimmer settings. With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of approximately 25.10%, it brightens a room without overwhelming it. In spaces with ample sunlight, it will dance with the light, creating an inviting atmosphere. In darker rooms, though, it can appear a bit deeper, so pairing it with lighter furnishings can help balance the overall aesthetic and prevent the space from feeling too enclosed.

Now, let’s talk practicality. Stratford Blue is beginner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts. The application process is a breeze, whether you’re using a roller or brush. It levels out beautifully, leaving a smooth finish that enhances the color’s depth without looking overly glossy. And if you’re concerned about maintaining that fresh look, you’ll be pleased to know that this paint boasts excellent washability and is highly stain-resistant. You can keep your walls looking pristine without the stress of constant upkeep.

As a color that leans towards the cool spectrum, Stratford Blue offers a refreshing vibe that feels airy and light. Its subtle gray undertones contribute to its muted appearance, allowing it to work harmoniously with both warm and cool palettes. This versatility makes it a favorite among designers, as it can complement a wide range of color combinations. Pairing it with crisp whites, like White Dove or Pure White, creates a clean, modern look that feels both fresh and sophisticated. Additionally, it works beautifully alongside warm hues, introducing a balanced and inviting atmosphere throughout your home.

For homeowners wondering about which rooms are best suited for Stratford Blue, the possibilities are vast. It’s an ideal choice for living rooms and bedrooms, creating calm and inviting spaces. In dining rooms, it can foster a cozy yet elegant environment for family gatherings. And don’t overlook the potential of this color in your home office; the soothing nature of Stratford Blue can help cultivate focus and creativity while still keeping the work environment professional and polished.

If you’re considering using Stratford Blue in a smaller space, don’t hesitate. It can work wonders, providing a sense of openness and tranquility. Just keep in mind that, in compact areas, the color may appear slightly darker. To counterbalance this, ensure your small space has plenty of natural light or pair it with lighter furnishings that can brighten the overall feel.

One of the most exciting aspects of Stratford Blue is its versatility in finish options. It excels in eggshell and satin finishes, which enhance its depth while providing a subtle sheen that’s easy to clean. If you prefer a more traditional look, a matte finish can be a great choice, especially in areas where a cozy feel is desired. Each finish allows the color to shine in its unique way, so you can choose based on your aesthetic preferences and functional needs.

For those who want to explore complementary colors, there are several shades that pair wonderfully with Stratford Blue. Warmer tones like muted oranges can create a beautiful contrast, while off-whites and soft grays can provide balance. Colors like Benjamin Moore’s Gray Cashmere or Sherwin Williams’ Sea Salt can serve as excellent alternatives or companions if you’re looking for something slightly different but with a similar vibe.

In terms of coverage, Stratford Blue performs well, usually requiring just one to two coats for full opacity. This makes it touch-up friendly and easy to maintain. However, if you’re planning to use it in areas prone to wear and tear, it’s worth investing a little extra effort for complete coverage, ensuring the color remains vibrant and fresh over time.

As you embark on your painting project, remember to test the color in your space. Lighting can dramatically affect how a color appears, so it’s always wise to grab a sample and paint a small area on your wall. Observe how it changes throughout the day as the light shifts. This simple step can save you from potential regrets down the line.

In conclusion, Stratford Blue is much more than just a color — it’s a statement of calm and elegance. Its ability to adapt to various styles, combined with its practical performance attributes, makes it a standout choice for any homeowner looking to refresh their space. Whether you’re creating a serene bedroom retreat, a stylish living area, or a productive home office, Stratford Blue can help you achieve that perfect blend of tranquility and sophistication. So why not embrace this beautiful hue and see how it can transform your home into a sanctuary of style and comfort?

Real Room Photo of Stratford Blue 831

Undertones of  Stratford Blue ?

Stratford Blue features subtle gray undertones, which contribute to its muted appearance. This gentle understone allows it to harmonize beautifully with both warm and cool color palettes, making it a versatile option for various interior styles.

R

G

B

HEX

HEX value: #7685A1

RGB code: 118, 133, 161

Is  Stratford Blue Cool or Warm?

This color leans more towards the cool spectrum, offering a refreshing vibe that feels airy and light. However, its soft undertones ensure it doesn’t feel too stark, allowing it to create a balanced atmosphere in your home.

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 Stratford 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 Stratford Blue

Stratford Blue has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of approximately 40, placing it in the mid-range for reflectivity. This means it will brighten a room without being overly reflective, maintaining comfort and serenity.

Detailed Review of  Stratford Blue

When it comes to Stratford Blue, this paint truly delivers on both aesthetics and performance. The color is reminiscent of a serene sky at dusk, creating a peaceful atmosphere in any room. It’s versatile enough to pair well with a variety of decor styles, from coastal to modern. The application process is a breeze, even for those newer to DIY projects. It levels out beautifully, leaving a smooth finish that enhances the color’s depth without looking overly glossy. Plus, the washability means you can maintain its beauty without stress. Overall, Stratford Blue is a standout choice for anyone looking to refresh their space with a calming yet elegant hue.

Pros & Cons of  831 Stratford Blue

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Stratford Blue

FAQ on 831 Stratford Blue

Can I use Stratford Blue in a small space?

Absolutely! Stratford Blue can work wonders in small spaces, providing a sense of openness. Just remember that in smaller areas, the color may appear a bit darker, so it’s often best to use it with plenty of natural light or pair it with lighter furnishings to balance the overall aesthetic.

What finishes are best for Stratford Blue?

Stratford Blue shines in various finishes, but it particularly excels in eggshell and satin. These finishes enhance its depth while providing a subtle sheen that’s easy to clean. For a more traditional look, matte can also be a great choice, especially in living areas or bedrooms where a cozy feel is desired.

Comparisons Stratford Blue with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Stratford Blue 831