Marlboro Blue HC-153 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine stepping into a room bathed in soft, tranquil blue, where every corner invites you to breathe a little deeper and relax a little more. That’s the essence of Marlboro Blue by Benjamin Moore. It’s not just a paint color; it’s a mood, a feeling, and a transformative force for your space. As a home designer with years of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the right color can elevate a room from ordinary to extraordinary, and Marlboro Blue is one of those standout choices that can truly refresh your home.

Let’s dive into why this serene hue might be your next go-to for your painting project. First, let’s talk about its stunning description. Marlboro Blue is a soft, gentle blue that embodies tranquility. With its subtle undertones, it reflects calmness and serenity, making it an excellent choice for spaces focused on relaxation, like bedrooms and bathrooms. The color brings a breath of fresh air that can instantly lift your spirits and create a soothing atmosphere.

One of the most appealing aspects of Marlboro Blue is its versatility. This color is like a chameleon, seamlessly fitting into various decor styles. Whether you’re aiming for a coastal vibe, a modern aesthetic, a Scandinavian touch, or a minimalist approach, Marlboro Blue adapts beautifully. Imagine it on the walls of a cozy living room adorned with natural textures or in a home office that feels both inspiring and calming. It’s a color that works in harmony with your personal style, enabling you to create a space that feels uniquely yours.

When it comes to application, Marlboro Blue excels in making your painting experience easy and enjoyable. It spreads smoothly, providing good coverage with just one or two coats. This makes it a fantastic option for both seasoned DIY enthusiasts and beginners. You won’t need to fuss over complicated techniques or multiple layers. Just grab your brushes or rollers, and you’ll find it goes on effortlessly, leaving a beautiful finish that’s sure to impress.

Now, let’s talk about how this color interacts with light. Marlboro Blue shines particularly well in natural light, where its bright, airy qualities come to life. It reflects a fair amount of light, thanks to its Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of around 46.07%. This means it can brighten up spaces without overwhelming them, making it ideal for areas that need a little lift. In dimmer settings, it retains its charm and provides a cozy, inviting glow, perfect for those intimate spaces where you want to unwind after a long day.

However, it’s essential to consider how Marlboro Blue will look under different lighting conditions. While it’s generally a calming and inviting choice, the way it appears can change depending on the light in your room. In bright light, it’s refreshing and vibrant; in darker rooms, it can take on a more muted, cozy quality. If you’re contemplating using Marlboro Blue in a particularly dark space, you might want to test it out with some swatches before fully committing.

One of the best things about Marlboro Blue is how well it pairs with other colors. It works beautifully with crisp whites, such as White Dove or Simply White, which can help brighten the space further. If you’re looking to add warmth, consider complementing it with muted earthy tones or warm woods that bring out its serene qualities. Pastel shades also blend harmoniously, creating a gentle, cohesive palette that’s easy on the eyes.

For those who love experimenting with accents, Marlboro Blue is a versatile choice for accent walls or furniture pieces too. Imagine a bold statement wall in your living room or a serene backdrop for your bedroom that draws in soft furnishings and decor. It’s an inviting background that allows your decor to shine while providing a peaceful environment.

Let’s not overlook one of the practical aspects of Marlboro Blue: it’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. The paint is washable and scrubbable, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with children and pets. It holds up well over time, maintaining its beauty without extensive upkeep. Plus, with its low VOC content, it’s a healthier choice for your home environment, ensuring that you can breathe easy while enjoying your freshly painted space.

If you’re still on the fence about using Marlboro Blue in a small room, rest assured. This color can actually create an illusion of space, making tight quarters feel more open and airy. Its lightness helps reflect natural light, enhancing the overall feel of the room. This means you can confidently use it in smaller spaces without worrying about it feeling cramped or overwhelming.

As you consider your project, think about how you want your space to feel. Marlboro Blue creates a calm, inviting, and restful mood, making it perfect for spaces designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you choose to apply it in a bedroom, bathroom, or even a home office, it’s sure to create an atmosphere that feels welcoming and serene.

Incorporating Marlboro Blue into your home decor is more than just a color choice; it’s about fostering an environment that nurtures your well-being. It invites you to pause, take a deep breath, and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. So, as you embark on your painting project, consider this soft blue hue as a canvas for your creativity. Let it inspire your decor, your furnishings, and ultimately, your way of living.

In summary, Marlboro Blue is a remarkable choice when you’re looking for a color that combines beauty, versatility, and tranquility. With its serene qualities and adaptability to various styles, this soft blue can transform any space into a calming retreat. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a first-time painter, the ease of application and the delightful finish make it a favorite among many. Embrace the opportunity to create a fresh, inviting atmosphere in your home, and let Marlboro Blue take center stage. Your walls are waiting for that breath of fresh air!

Real Room Photo of Marlboro Blue HC-153

Undertones of  Marlboro Blue ?

Marlboro Blue features subtle green undertones that give it a refreshing quality. This makes it adaptable to both warm and cool palettes, allowing you to pair it with a variety of colors and materials without clashing.

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HEX value: #95B9C6

RGB code: 149, 185, 198

Is  Marlboro Blue Cool or Warm?

This shade leans more towards the cool side of the color spectrum, creating a serene and refreshing ambiance. It balances well with warmer tones, making it a versatile choice for diverse decor schemes.

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 Marlboro 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 Marlboro Blue

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Marlboro Blue is approximately 50, indicating that it reflects a fair amount of light. This quality helps it to brighten up spaces without overwhelming them.

Detailed Review of  Marlboro Blue

Marlboro Blue is a standout choice for anyone seeking a calm and inviting atmosphere. This soft blue exudes a sense of peacefulness, making it particularly well-suited for bedrooms and bathrooms where relaxation is key. Its versatility allows it to fit seamlessly into various decor styles, from coastal to minimalist. When applying, you’ll find that it spreads evenly, providing good coverage with just one or two coats, making it beginner-friendly for DIY enthusiasts. This paint not only looks great but also feels fresh and airy, enhancing natural light in your space. Whether you’re updating a small room or a more expansive area, Marlboro Blue delivers a chic yet comforting vibe that’s sure to impress.

Pros & Cons of  HC-153 Marlboro Blue

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Marlboro Blue

FAQ on HC-153 Marlboro Blue

Can I use Marlboro Blue in a small room?

Absolutely! Marlboro Blue can actually make small rooms feel more spacious and airy. Its lightness helps to reflect natural light, giving the illusion of a larger space. Just be mindful of how it interacts with your room’s lighting to ensure you achieve the desired effect.

What colors pair well with Marlboro Blue?

Marlboro Blue pairs beautifully with crisp whites like White Dove or Simply White. For a more dynamic look, consider complementing it with warm woods or muted earthy tones that bring out its serene qualities. It also works well with subtle pastels for a gentle, harmonious palette.

Comparisons Marlboro Blue with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Marlboro Blue HC-153