De Nimes → Benjamin Moore
The closest Benjamin Moore matches for Farrow & Ball De Nimes (No.299), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Benjamin Moore Equivalent for De Nimes
If you love Farrow & Ball De Nimes but need a Benjamin Moore 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 Benjamin Moore, your local store does not carry Farrow & Ball, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
De Nimes (No.299) is a dark blue with denim blue undertones. A sophisticated denim blue named for the French city of Nimes where denim originated. Muted and masculine, like well-worn jeans. More restrained than a bright blue. To find a good Benjamin Moore match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 16) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between De Nimes and every Benjamin Moore 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 Benjamin Moore option is Van Deusen Blue (HC-156) with a Delta E of 4.8, which is a "good match" level match. Van Deusen Blue is darker. De Nimes is lighter and more gray. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Benjamin Moore Matches for De Nimes
Van Deusen Blue is darker. De Nimes is lighter and more gray.
| De Nimes | Van Deusen Blue | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 16 | 11.52 |
| Hex | #73878E | #586C76 |
| Undertone | Denim Blue | Smoky Blue |
| Family | Blue | Blue |
Undertone Comparison
De Nimes has denim blue undertones. A sophisticated denim blue named for the French city of Nimes where denim originated. Muted and masculine, like well-worn jeans. More restrained than a bright blue.
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.
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
De Nimes in Your Room
In bright light, the denim blue is visible and appealing. In dim rooms, the gray calms it into a sophisticated neutral. A distinctive, characterful blue.
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.
LRV and Brightness
De Nimes has an LRV of 16, while Van Deusen Blue has an LRV of 11.52. These two colors reflect a very similar amount of light, so you should not notice a significant difference in room brightness when switching between them. The room will feel approximately the same in terms of light and space, which makes this a smoother transition.
Best Rooms for De Nimes
Farrow & Ball recommends De Nimes for: bedroom, living room, accent wall, office, kitchen. With an LRV of 16, 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.
Van Deusen Blue is recommended for: accent wall, office, bedroom, dining room, exterior. 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.
De Nimes in Other Brands
Looking for De Nimes equivalents in other brands besides Benjamin Moore? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Benjamin Moore match for De Nimes (No.299) is Van Deusen Blue (HC-156) with a Delta E of 4.8, which rates as a "good match" match. Van Deusen Blue is darker. De Nimes is lighter and more gray. 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. De Nimes is a Farrow & Ball color with denim blue undertones and an LRV of 16. Van Deusen Blue is a Benjamin Moore color with smoky blue undertones and an LRV of 11.52. With a Delta E of 4.8, 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 4.8, 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 Benjamin Moore equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Benjamin Moore. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Benjamin Moore 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.