Modern Traditional Style: Moody Blue Benjamin Moore Paint Colors For Your Home
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I’ve written about moody paint colors for bedrooms and living rooms, but I thought you may like a bit more of a deep dive into specific colors. Today I’m going to focus on one of the true loves of my life, the color blue.
Moody blue rooms are classic, and when paired with the warm textures, these deep, rich blues strike the perfect balance between timeless and fresh. Whether it’s a modern traditional colonial, or a coastal cottage, blue anchors the space with depth and sophistication while still feeling cozy, and livable.
If you’re drawn to the idea of a dramatic but welcoming home, moody blue paint is an easy place to start. Here are my favorite Benjamin Moore blue paint colors that work beautifully, plus tips on how and where to use them.
Related Post: Moody Paint Colors for a Cozy Transitional Bedroom
Related Post: Favorite Benjamin Moore Colors for Moody Transitional Living Rooms
1. Hale Navy (HC-154)
The classic navy that never fails.
Hale Navy is a tried-and-true favorite that brings structure and polish to a room. It's a true navy with gray undertones, making it a more muted, elevated option compared to primary blues. It makes every list of best blue paints colors for a reason!
Where it works:
Built-ins or bookcases
Dining room walls
Kitchen islands
Bathroom vanities
What to pair it with:
Creamy whites like BM White Dove, warm brass hardware, natural oak, and woven textures for contrast.
2. Newburyport Blue (HC-155)
A bold navy with a touch more vibrancy.
Newburyport Blue is just a bit brighter than Hale Navy but still moody enough to read traditional and dramatic. It’s especially stunning in rooms with lots of natural light.
Where it works:
Front doors
Accent walls
Library walls with layered artwork
What to pair it with:
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee, oil-rubbed bronze accents, and velvet upholstery in deep camel or olive tones.
3. Polo Blue (2062-10)
Dark, dramatic, and deeply saturated.
My favorite! This inky blue has a near-black quality to it, perfect for creating an enveloping, cocoon-like effect in smaller rooms. I love this for moody bedrooms and cozy dens.
Where it works:
Bedroom walls
Powder rooms
Cabinetry in a high-contrast kitchen
Exterior doors and shutters
What to pair it with:
Soft white trim, unlacquered brass, and vintage rugs with rust or ochre tones.
I linked additional items to get the look on a tighter budget in my LTK shop. Shop them HERE.
4. Mysterious (AF-565)
A smoky blue with a hint of charcoal.
If you want a blue that feels both mysterious and muted, this is the one. It has just enough gray in it to work as a neutral in a modern traditional palette.
Where it works:
Office walls
Entryways
Ceilings for an unexpected twist
Doors
What to pair it with:
Warm wood tones, cream-colored textiles, and antique bronze finishes.
5. Van Deusen Blue (HC-156)
A historic blue with modern appeal.
Van Deusen Blue is a gorgeous colonial-era hue that feels right at home in both traditional and updated spaces. It has just the right amount of gray to tone it down, making it incredibly versatile.
Where it works:
Kitchen cabinetry
Mudroom built-ins
Wainscoting
Laudry rooms
What to pair it with:
Woven textures, polished nickel, and structured linen fabrics.
Additional Tips for Using Moody Blues in a Modern Traditional Home
Layer in warmth. Moody blues can go cold if you don’t balance them with warm woods, cozy textiles, and soft whites. Think oak floors, jute rugs, and velvet throw pillows. Texture is key.
Keep your palette grounded. Stick to 3–5 coordinating colors throughout your home to avoid visual chaos. A mix of blues, warm neutrals, and aged metals creates a harmonious flow.
Let the blue be the star. Don’t overcomplicate the space with loud accessories. Moody blue works best when it anchors a room with intention.
If you’ve been craving depth in your home but want to stay rooted in timeless style, try one of these moody Benjamin Moore blues. They bring just the right amount of drama, and when paired with traditional elements, they create a space that feels thoughtful, layered, and effortlessly classic.
Check out the Rocky Hill Home LTK Shop for more mood boards and design ideas!
Want more color help?
Grab one of my Whole House Paint Guides for curated palettes. Each one is designed to help you create a warm, cohesive home that reflects your personal style, without second-guessing every paint chip.