Finding that perfect blue is a nightmare. Honestly, it is. You walk into the paint store, look at a thousand tiny paper squares, and everything starts to look like a nursery or a hospital waiting room. But then you see Benjamin Moore Summer Blue 2067-50. It looks like the sky on a perfect July afternoon.
It’s refreshing. It’s crisp.
But here’s the thing: Summer Blue isn't just a simple "sky blue." If you slap it on the wall without understanding how it behaves, you might end up with a room that feels a lot more purple than you bargained for.
What Exactly Is Benjamin Moore Summer Blue?
This color is part of the Benjamin Moore Color Preview collection. It’s a mid-tone blue, which means it isn't quite a pastel, but it certainly isn't dark. Think of a bold cornflower.
Technically speaking, it has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 45.09.
In the world of paint, LRV is a scale from 0 to 100. Zero is absolute black; 100 is pure white. At 45, Summer Blue sits just below the halfway mark. It’s going to absorb a bit more light than it reflects. It has "weight." You’ll definitely notice the color on the wall—it won’t fade into the background like a pale gray-blue would.
The Purple Secret
Most people see the name "Summer Blue" and think of the ocean. But this shade is distinguished by its violet undertones.
That’s the "cooling dose of purple" Benjamin Moore mentions in their own descriptions. In a room with North-facing light—which is naturally bluish and cool—those violet undertones can really jump out. Suddenly, your "blue" room feels a bit like a lavender field. Some people love that. Others? Not so much.
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Where Summer Blue Actually Works
You can't just put this everywhere. Well, you could, but you might regret it.
Because it’s a saturated, "clear" color, it doesn't have a lot of gray in it. This makes it feel very energetic. It’s a popular choice for kids' bedrooms and playrooms because it feels happy without being neon.
- Bathrooms: It feels incredibly clean. Pair it with crisp white tile and it’s like a high-end spa.
- Ceilings: This is a pro move. In a room with white walls, painting the ceiling Summer Blue creates a "porch ceiling" vibe that opens up the space.
- Kitchen Cabinets: If you’re tired of navy but want something colorful, this works surprisingly well on a kitchen island.
I’ve seen designers use it in laundry rooms too. Let’s be real, doing laundry sucks. A bright, cheerful blue makes the chore feel slightly less depressing.
The Lighting Test: Don't Skip This
Natural light changes everything.
If your room has South-facing windows, the warm, yellow sunlight will balance out the violet undertones. The color will look like a true, vibrant blue.
However, in East-facing rooms, the light is very blue in the morning and shadowy in the afternoon. This is where Summer Blue can start to look a bit "electric" or overly purple. You’ve got to test it. Buy a sample. Paint a large piece of foam board and move it around the room at different times of the day.
Coordinating Colors That Won't Clash
Summer Blue is a bit of a diva. It wants to be the star. If you try to pair it with a "dirty" or muddy beige, the blue will make the beige look like literal mud. You need clean companions.
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The Best Whites
Stick to clean, slightly cool whites or very neutral whites.
- White Diamond 2121-60: A cool white that mimics the blue's crispness.
- White Heron OC-57: A reliable, slightly more neutral option.
- White Dove OC-17: A classic, though it has a tiny bit of warmth that can make the blue pop.
The Darker Side
If you want some drama, look at Ebony Slate 2118-30. It’s a deep, dark charcoal that grounds the flighty energy of Summer Blue. It’s a sophisticated combo for an office or a bedroom accent wall.
The Bold Path
Want a coastal vibe? Try it with Stone White 2120-70. This keeps the palette airy and light.
Common Mistakes with Summer Blue 2067-50
The biggest mistake is assuming it's a neutral. It isn't.
If you paint an entire large living room in Summer Blue and you have a lot of beige furniture, the room is going to feel "off." The blue is too "clean" for "muddy" neutrals.
Also, watch out for your flooring. If you have very orange-toned oak floors, the blue/purple in the paint is going to emphasize that orange. It’s basic color theory—blue and orange are opposites on the color wheel. They make each other look more intense. If you want to tone down your orange floors, this is not the paint for you.
Real World Performance
Aura or Regal Select?
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If you’re painting a bathroom, go with Aura Bath & Spa. It’s a matte finish that can handle high humidity. Summer Blue looks incredible in a matte finish because it lets the pigment feel deep and velvety.
For high-traffic hallways, Regal Select in an Eggshell finish is the standard. It gives you a soft glow without being shiny.
How to Get It Right
Start by assessing your "fixed elements." These are the things you aren't changing: your flooring, your countertops, that giant velvet sofa you bought on sale.
If your room is full of warm wood and earthy tones, Summer Blue might feel like an intruder. But if you have white trim, gray accents, or modern furniture? It’s a match made in heaven.
Basically, you’re looking for a balance.
Actionable Steps for Your Project
- Check the exposure: Does the room face North, South, East, or West? Remember, North light makes it more purple.
- Order a Samplize sheet: Don't mess with messy sample cans yet. Use a peel-and-stick sample of Summer Blue 2067-50 and put it next to your trim.
- Audit your furniture: Look for "clash" potential. If you have a lot of cream or tan, consider a more "muted" blue like Smoke 2122-40 or Normandy 2129-40 instead.
- Pick your sheen: Use Flat for ceilings, Eggshell for walls, and Semi-Gloss for trim.
- Paint the trim first: If you’re doing a DIY job, getting the crisp white trim done first makes the Summer Blue look much better as you roll it onto the walls.
Summer Blue is a "happy" color. It’s for the homeowner who isn't afraid of a little personality. It’s not a safe, boring gray, and that’s exactly why it’s so popular for those looking to bring a bit of the outdoors in.