Blue Grotto CC-964 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re looking for a paint color that brings depth, sophistication, and a touch of serenity to your home, Benjamin Moore’s *Blue Grotto* (CC-964) is a stunning choice. This captivating deep blue hue evokes the tranquil beauty of ocean depths and twilight skies, making it perfect for creating a calming atmosphere in any space. Whether you’re redesigning a living room, bedroom, or home office, this color has the versatility to adapt to your vision while making a bold statement.

One of the first things you’ll notice about *Blue Grotto* is its rich, moody presence. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of just 6.22%, it falls into the dark color category, meaning it absorbs light rather than reflecting it. This gives it an intimate, cozy feel—ideal for spaces where you want to unwind. But don’t let that intimidate you. In a well-lit room or an open-concept space, this color shines with a vibrant intensity, while in softer lighting, it takes on a deeper, more mysterious tone. The way it shifts throughout the day is part of its magic, making it a dynamic choice for walls that catch natural light.

When it comes to application, *Blue Grotto* is beginner-friendly. It rolls on smoothly and offers good coverage, typically needing just one or two coats for full opacity. If you’re using it in a high-traffic area like a dining room or living room, a satin or semi-gloss finish is ideal—it enhances the color’s richness while making the surface easy to clean. Just keep in mind that glossy finishes can show fingerprints, so if that’s a concern, a matte or eggshell finish might be a better fit.

Now, let’s talk about where this color works best. *Blue Grotto* is incredibly versatile, complementing a range of decor styles from coastal to modern farmhouse. In a bedroom, it creates a restful retreat, especially when paired with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s *White Dove*. For a home office, it adds a sense of focus and sophistication—imagine it with brass fixtures and warm wood tones for a balanced, inviting look. If you’re hesitant about committing to an entire room, try it on an accent wall first. The depth of this blue makes it a natural focal point, especially when contrasted with lighter furnishings or neutral decor.

One of the most common questions about *Blue Grotto* is whether it works in small rooms. The answer? It depends. While this color can make a cozy nook feel intimate, it might darken a small space with limited natural light. If you love the shade but have a smaller room, consider using it strategically—on a single wall, a piece of furniture, or even cabinetry. Pairing it with plenty of light-colored textiles and reflective surfaces (like mirrors or metallic accents) will help keep the space feeling airy.

Another thing to love about *Blue Grotto* is its undertones. This is a true blue, leaning cool without any muddy or grayish interference. That purity makes it incredibly flexible when pairing with other colors. For a classic look, combine it with crisp whites and soft creams. Want something bolder? Its complementary hue is orange, so touches of terracotta, rust, or even peach can create a striking contrast. If you prefer a more subdued palette, try layering it with charcoal grays or deep greens for a moody, sophisticated vibe.

Maintenance is also a breeze with *Blue Grotto*. Thanks to its highly washable finish, it’s a practical choice for busy households. Whether it’s fingerprints in a hallway or the occasional scuff in a dining room, a quick wipe-down will keep it looking fresh. Plus, as a low-VOC paint, it’s a healthier option for indoor air quality, making it a smart pick for families or anyone sensitive to strong paint odors.

If you’re still on the fence, here’s a pro tip: test it in your space before committing. Paint a large swatch on your wall and observe it at different times of day. Notice how it interacts with your furniture, flooring, and lighting. You might be surprised at how it transforms—sometimes appearing more vibrant, other times more subdued. That adaptability is part of what makes *Blue Grotto* such a designer favorite.

At the end of the day, *Blue Grotto* is more than just a paint color—it’s a mood. It’s the feeling of sinking into a plush sofa at the end of a long day, the quiet elegance of a well-designed room, the subtle drama of a space that feels both inviting and refined. Whether you’re going for a modern coastal look or a timeless classic, this shade has the depth and versatility to make it work. So if you’re ready to bring a little serenity and sophistication into your home, *Blue Grotto* might just be the perfect place to start.

Real Room Photo of Blue Grotto CC-964

Undertones of  Blue Grotto ?

The undertones of Blue Grotto 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: #353963

RGB code: 53, 57, 99

Is  Blue Grotto Cool or Warm?

Blue Grotto leans towards the cool side of the color spectrum, providing a refreshing and calming presence. This cooler undertone is perfect for creating serene environments, especially in spaces meant for relaxation.

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 Blue Grotto

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 Blue Grotto

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Blue Grotto is 6.22%, 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  Blue Grotto

Blue Grotto stands out with its stunning depth and versatility. When applied, it transforms walls into a statement-making backdrop that pairs beautifully with various decor styles, from coastal to modern. The color feels both sophisticated and inviting, making it perfect for spaces where relaxation is key. Whether you’re creating an accent wall or painting an entire room, expect a smooth application. Just keep in mind that the color can appear darker in small spaces, so it’s best used in larger areas or well-lit rooms. Overall, Blue Grotto is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance and serenity to their home.

Pros & Cons of  CC-964 Blue Grotto

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Blue Grotto

FAQ on CC-964 Blue Grotto

Is Blue Grotto suitable for small rooms?

While Blue Grotto is a stunning color, it may darken smaller rooms, especially if they lack natural light. To counteract this, consider using it on an accent wall or in a well-lit room to maintain an airy feel. Pairing it with lighter furnishings can also help balance the richness of the color.

What finishes work best with Blue Grotto?

Blue Grotto works beautifully in various finishes, but for a classic look, a satin or semi-gloss finish is recommended. These finishes enhance the color’s depth while providing durability, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or spaces that require easy cleaning.

Comparisons Blue Grotto with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Blue Grotto CC-964