Van Deusen Blue → Behr
The closest Behr matches for Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue (HC-156), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Behr Equivalent for Van Deusen Blue
If you love Benjamin Moore Van Deusen 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.
Van Deusen Blue (HC-156) is a dark blue with smoky blue undertones. A medium-dark smoky blue from the Historical Collection. More approachable than a full navy, with gray undertones that keep it sophisticated and versatile. A popular choice for accent walls and home offices. To find a good Behr match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 11.52) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Van Deusen 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 Compass Blue (PPU13-08) with a Delta E of 5.2, which is a "good match" level match. Compass Blue is lighter. No close Behr match at this depth. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Behr Matches for Van Deusen Blue
Compass Blue is lighter. No close Behr match at this depth.
| Van Deusen Blue | Compass Blue | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 11.52 | 28 |
| Hex | #586C76 | #9AACB0 |
| Undertone | Smoky Blue | Medium Blue-Gray |
| Family | Blue | Blue |
Undertone Comparison
Van Deusen Blue has smoky blue undertones. A medium-dark smoky blue from the Historical Collection. More approachable than a full navy, with gray undertones that keep it sophisticated and versatile. A popular choice for accent walls and home offices.
Compass Blue has medium blue-gray undertones. A medium blue-gray with coastal character. More saturated than Reflecting Pool, less dark than a navy. The color of the ocean on an overcast day. Calm and confident.
These two colors share the same undertone family, which is a good sign for a cross-brand swap. The undertone similarity means they will behave similarly as lighting changes throughout the day, and they should coordinate well with the same accent colors, trim, and furnishings.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Van Deusen Blue in Your Room
In bright light, the blue is rich and distinctive. In dim rooms, the gray softens it into a moody neutral. Under warm light, it feels cozy. Under cool light, the blue sharpens.
Compass Blue in Your Room
The blue is definite and present. In bright rooms, it reads as a soft medium blue. In dim rooms, the gray calms it into a sophisticated neutral. A nice step beyond the typical light blue-grays.
LRV and Brightness
Van Deusen Blue has an LRV of 11.52, while Compass Blue has an LRV of 28. That means Compass Blue reflects more light. If you switch from Van Deusen Blue to Compass Blue, the room should feel slightly brighter and more open.
Best Rooms for Van Deusen Blue
Benjamin Moore recommends Van Deusen Blue for: accent wall, office, bedroom, dining room, exterior. With an LRV of 11.52, this is a dark color that absorbs more light than it reflects. It makes a bold statement and works beautifully on accent walls, front doors, exterior trim, and features where drama is the goal. In a full room, make sure you have good lighting and bright white trim for contrast.
Compass Blue is recommended for: bedroom, bathroom, office, accent wall, living room. The recommended applications differ slightly between brands, but the color's properties should work in the same rooms regardless of which brand you choose. Trust the LRV and undertone data more than the specific room suggestions, and always test in your actual space.
Van Deusen Blue in Other Brands
Looking for Van Deusen Blue equivalents in other brands besides Behr? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Behr match for Van Deusen Blue (HC-156) is Compass Blue (PPU13-08) with a Delta E of 5.2, which rates as a "good match" match. Compass Blue is lighter. No close Behr match at this depth. 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. Van Deusen Blue is a Benjamin Moore color with smoky blue undertones and an LRV of 11.52. Compass Blue is a Behr color with medium blue-gray undertones and an LRV of 28. With a Delta E of 5.2, 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 5.2, 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.