Stratton Blue → Behr
The closest Behr matches for Benjamin Moore Stratton Blue (HC-142), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Behr Equivalent for Stratton Blue
If you love Benjamin Moore Stratton Blue but need a Behr alternative, you are not alone. This is one of the most common cross-brand paint matching searches, whether you are working with a painter who prefers Behr, your local store does not carry Benjamin Moore, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Stratton Blue (HC-142) is a medium-dark blue with muted blue-green undertones. A muted blue-green from the Historical Collection. Lighter than Wythe Blue, bluer than Beach Glass. Named for Vermont's Stratton Mountain, it carries a cool, alpine freshness. To find a good Behr match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 39.55) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Stratton Blue and every Behr color using the CIE2000 Delta E formula, which measures how different two colors look to the human eye. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart. Between 2 and 4, you might notice a difference in certain lighting. Above 5, the difference is clearly visible side by side.
The results are decent but not perfect. The closest Behr option is Ocean Air (MQ3-20) with a Delta E of 4.4, which is a "good match" level match. Ocean Air is less blue. Stratton Blue is bluer. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Behr Matches for Stratton Blue
Ocean Air is less blue. Stratton Blue is bluer.
| Stratton Blue | Ocean Air | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 39.55 | 60 |
| Hex | #B1C1BF | #C7D3CA |
| Undertone | Muted Blue-Green | Soft Green-Blue |
| Family | Blue | Green |
Undertone Comparison
Stratton Blue has muted blue-green undertones. A muted blue-green from the Historical Collection. Lighter than Wythe Blue, bluer than Beach Glass. Named for Vermont's Stratton Mountain, it carries a cool, alpine freshness.
Ocean Air has soft green-blue undertones. A soft, calming green-blue gray. Captures that spa-like serenity without committing to a strong green or blue.
The undertone difference is worth paying attention to. While they are close in overall appearance, the different undertones mean they may diverge in certain lighting. Stratton Blue's muted blue-green quality may read differently than Ocean Air's soft green-blue character, especially in rooms with strong directional light or colored accents that could pull out one undertone more than the other. Test a sample in your specific room before committing.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Stratton Blue in Your Room
In bright light, the blue-green is soft and fresh. In dim rooms, the gray takes over. A versatile, calming color that shifts beautifully throughout the day.
Ocean Air in Your Room
Shifts between green and blue depending on light. In bright light, the green is more apparent. In cool or dim rooms, the blue comes forward. A beautiful chameleon.
LRV and Brightness
Stratton Blue has an LRV of 39.55, while Ocean Air has an LRV of 60. That means Ocean Air reflects more light. If you switch from Stratton Blue to Ocean Air, the room should feel slightly brighter and more open.
Best Rooms for Stratton Blue
Benjamin Moore recommends Stratton Blue for: bathroom, bedroom, living room, nursery, kitchen. With an LRV of 39.55, this is a medium-dark color that is in the medium range, adding real depth and presence to a room. It works best in rooms with good natural light or as an accent wall color. In smaller or darker rooms, pair it with bright white trim to keep the space from feeling closed in.
Ocean Air is recommended for: bathroom, bedroom, nursery, laundry room, spa-like spaces. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Ocean Air in the same rooms you planned for Stratton Blue.
Stratton Blue in Other Brands
Looking for Stratton Blue equivalents in other brands besides Behr? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Behr match for Stratton Blue (HC-142) is Ocean Air (MQ3-20) with a Delta E of 4.4, which rates as a "good match" match. Ocean Air is less blue. Stratton Blue is bluer. Delta E measures perceptual color distance on a scale where under 2 means nearly identical, 2 to 4 means close with subtle differences, and over 5 means clearly noticeable.
No, they are not identical. Stratton Blue is a Benjamin Moore color with muted blue-green undertones and an LRV of 39.55. Ocean Air is a Behr color with soft green-blue undertones and an LRV of 60. With a Delta E of 4.4, you will likely notice a difference, especially in bright or direct lighting. Paint formulations differ between brands, so even colors with similar values can look slightly different due to pigment concentration, binders, and finish.
With a Delta E of 4.4, the difference is enough that they should not be used on adjacent walls in the same room. You can use them in separate rooms of the same house, but be aware that walking from one room to the other may reveal the difference, especially if the rooms have similar lighting. For the most consistent look, pick one brand for all connected living spaces and reserve the other brand for visually separate rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms behind closed doors.
There are several practical reasons to look for a Behr equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Behr. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Behr work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.