What Makes Hague Blue No. 30 Unique?
Hague Blue (No. 30) by Farrow & Ball is a color that stands out for its rich, deep character and versatility. This paint is famous for its dark teal tone with strong green undertones, creating a look that feels both dramatic and timeless. Many people are drawn to Hague Blue because it can appear as different shades-sometimes navy, sometimes deep teal-depending on the light in the room. The main keyword, Hague Blue, is known for its ability to transform spaces, making it a favorite among designers and homeowners alike.
The name “Hague Blue” comes from the beautifully colored woodwork found in Dutch interiors. This historical touch adds a sense of tradition to the color, while its boldness feels fresh and modern. Unlike many other blue paints, Hague Blue is hard to copy. Its depth and complexity are due to the unique blend of pigments that Farrow & Ball uses, resulting in a color that is almost iridescent and changes throughout the day as light shifts.
One of the most interesting facts about Hague Blue is its low Light Reflectance Value (LRV), which means it absorbs a lot of light and appears very saturated and dark. In bright rooms, it looks vibrant and teal, but in darker spaces, it can appear nearly black. This chameleon-like quality makes it a statement color that still feels versatile and approachable.
Hague Blue is not just for walls. It is often used on woodwork, cabinets, and even exteriors, showing its adaptability. Whether you want to create a cozy reading nook, a bold kitchen, or a dramatic front door, Hague Blue can handle it all. Its eco-friendly, water-based formula also makes it a safe and responsible choice for families.
Designers and homeowners love Hague Blue because it brings a sense of luxury and comfort to any space. Its ability to look different in various lighting and settings means you’ll never get bored of this color. Many people who try it in one room end up wanting to use it throughout their home.
Color Terminology
| ATTRIBUTE | VALUE |
|---|---|
| Company Code | No. 30 |
| LRV | 7 |
| Hex Value | #3f4d57 |
| RGB | 63, 77, 87 |
The Color Profile: Depth, Undertones, and Light
Hague Blue is best described as a deep, dark blue with noticeable green undertones. This unique combination gives it a jewel-like quality, making it more than just another navy or teal. In fact, depending on the time of day and the type of light in the room, Hague Blue can appear anywhere from a rich teal to a nearly blackened blue-green.
The color’s depth comes from its low LRV, which measures how much light a color reflects. With an LRV around 7, Hague Blue absorbs over 90% of the light that hits it, making it one of the darkest blues in the Farrow & Ball collection. This quality gives rooms painted in Hague Blue a cozy, cocooning feel, perfect for creating intimate spaces like libraries, bedrooms, or dining rooms.
The green undertones in Hague Blue set it apart from other dark blues. These undertones are especially noticeable in natural light, where the color can shift and shimmer, almost like the surface of deep water. In artificial or low light, the color becomes moodier and more dramatic, sometimes reading as a soft black with a hint of blue-green.
One of the reasons Hague Blue is so popular is its complexity. Unlike flat, one-dimensional blues, Hague Blue has layers of color that reveal themselves over time. This makes it a favorite for designers who want to add depth and interest to a space without overwhelming it.
If you’re considering Hague Blue, it’s important to test it in your own space. The color’s appearance can change dramatically depending on the direction your room faces, the amount of natural light, and even the type of bulbs you use. Many people are surprised by how different Hague Blue looks at various times of day, which only adds to its charm and appeal.
Where and How to Use Hague Blue
Hague Blue is a versatile color that works beautifully in many parts of the home. Its rich, dramatic tone makes it a great choice for feature walls, entire rooms, or even as an accent on woodwork and cabinetry. Many designers recommend using Hague Blue in spaces where you want to create a sense of luxury or coziness, such as living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and libraries.
One popular way to use Hague Blue is on kitchen cabinets. The color brings a bold, sophisticated look to kitchens, especially when paired with brass hardware or marble countertops. In fact, some designers have used Hague Blue to create stunning, modern kitchens that feel both classic and fresh. Another favorite spot for Hague Blue is the bedroom, where its calming and enveloping feel can help create a restful retreat.
Hague Blue also shines in smaller spaces, like powder rooms or entryways. Because it’s so dark and saturated, it can make these areas feel like intimate jewel boxes. Some homeowners have even painted all the walls, trim, and ceilings in Hague Blue for a dramatic “color-drenched” effect that feels both modern and timeless.
If you’re nervous about using such a bold color, try it as an accent. Hague Blue looks fantastic on baseboards, doors, or even a fireplace surround. It can also be used on exteriors, where it brings a touch of European charm to front doors, shutters, or garden walls. The color’s versatility means you can use it in both traditional and contemporary settings.
When planning your project, remember that Hague Blue pairs well with a variety of finishes. Farrow & Ball offers it in matte, eggshell, gloss, and more, so you can choose the right sheen for your space. Matte finishes create a soft, velvety look, while gloss can make the color pop and reflect more light, adding even more depth to the color.
Pairing Hague Blue: Best Colors and Finishes
Pairing Hague Blue with the right colors and finishes can make your space truly stand out. Because Hague Blue has green undertones, it works beautifully with both warm and cool colors. Many designers recommend pairing it with crisp whites, such as Farrow & Ball’s Wimborne White or James White, to create a fresh, clean contrast that highlights the richness of the blue.
For a more dramatic look, try pairing Hague Blue with other jewel tones, like emerald green or deep burgundy. These combinations can create a luxurious, layered feel that’s perfect for formal spaces. If you prefer a softer look, pale grays and blush pinks can help balance the intensity of Hague Blue and add a touch of warmth to the room.
Hague Blue also works well with natural materials. Wood, brass, and marble all complement the color’s depth and bring out its sophisticated side. In kitchens, pairing Hague Blue cabinets with white marble countertops and brass fixtures creates a timeless, elegant look that never goes out of style.
When it comes to finishes, the choice depends on the look you want to achieve. Farrow & Ball offers Hague Blue in several finishes, including Estate Emulsion (a soft, chalky matte), Modern Emulsion (durable and washable), Estate Eggshell (for wood and metal), and Full Gloss (for a high-shine effect). Matte finishes are great for walls and ceilings, while eggshell and gloss are perfect for trim, doors, and cabinetry.
If you’re painting a high-traffic area or a room that needs to be cleaned often, Modern Emulsion is a smart choice because it’s both durable and washable. For a more traditional, velvety look, Estate Emulsion is ideal for living rooms and bedrooms. On woodwork, Estate Eggshell and Full Gloss add a touch of shine and are easy to wipe clean.
Experimenting with different finishes and pairings can help you find the perfect look for your home. Don’t be afraid to mix and match-Hague Blue’s versatility means it can handle almost any combination you throw at it.
Real-Life Examples: Hague Blue in Action
Many homeowners and designers have shared their love for Hague Blue by showcasing it in real-life projects. One well-known example is a cozy library painted entirely in Hague Blue, from the walls to the trim and even the shutters. The result is a jewel-box space that feels intimate and luxurious, perfect for curling up with a good book.
In kitchens, Hague Blue has been used to stunning effect on cabinets and islands. Designer Ben Pentreath used Hague Blue in a London kitchen, combining it with arched windows and classic details to create a space that feels both modern and rooted in history. The color’s richness pairs beautifully with brass hardware and white countertops, making the whole room feel special.
Bedrooms painted in Hague Blue often feel like peaceful retreats. The color’s deep, calming tone is perfect for creating a restful atmosphere, especially when paired with soft linens and natural textures. Some people even paint the ceiling in Hague Blue for a truly immersive experience.
Hague Blue isn’t just for interiors. It’s also a popular choice for front doors and garden walls, where it adds a touch of elegance and drama to the exterior of a home. Because the paint is durable and weather-resistant, it holds up well outdoors and continues to look beautiful year after year.
One homeowner shared their experience using Hague Blue on a fireplace surround. The bold color made the fireplace the focal point of the room, adding warmth and character to the space. Stories like these show how Hague Blue can transform ordinary spaces into something truly memorable.
Durability, Eco-Friendliness, and Safety
Farrow & Ball is known for its commitment to quality and the environment, and Hague Blue is no exception. All Farrow & Ball paints, including Hague Blue, are water-based and low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them a safe choice for families and pets. The paint is quick-drying and low-odor, so you don’t have to worry about strong smells lingering in your home.
Hague Blue is available in several finishes, each designed for different surfaces and needs. The Modern Emulsion finish is especially popular for busy areas like kitchens and bathrooms because it’s washable, wipeable, and resistant to scuffs and stains. If you have kids or pets, this finish is a great choice for keeping your walls looking fresh.
For woodwork and metal, Estate Eggshell and Full Gloss finishes offer durability and a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. These finishes are ideal for doors, trim, cabinets, and even radiators. If you want a seamless look, you can use Hague Blue in the same finish on both walls and woodwork for a unified effect.
Farrow & Ball also takes safety seriously. Their paints are child-safe and eco-friendly, with packaging that can be recycled. This means you can feel good about choosing Hague Blue for your home, knowing it’s a responsible and sustainable option.
The brand recommends using their Dark Tones primer and undercoat with Hague Blue to ensure the best color payoff and durability. Proper preparation helps the paint adhere better and last longer, so your beautiful blue walls will stay vibrant for years to come.
Final Thoughts: Is Hague Blue Right for You?
Hague Blue (No. 30) by Farrow & Ball is more than just a paint color-it’s a design statement. Its rich, deep blue-green tone brings drama, elegance, and comfort to any space. Whether you use it on walls, cabinets, or exteriors, Hague Blue’s unique blend of depth and versatility makes it a favorite among designers and homeowners alike.
If you’re looking for a color that changes with the light and adds personality to your home, Hague Blue is a top choice. Its ability to look different throughout the day means you’ll never get bored, and its compatibility with a wide range of colors and finishes makes it easy to incorporate into any style. From cozy libraries to bold kitchens, Hague Blue proves that dark colors can be both inviting and exciting.
Before making your final decision, it’s always a good idea to test Hague Blue in your own space. The color’s appearance can shift based on lighting and surroundings, so seeing it in person will help you feel confident in your choice. Once you experience the magic of Hague Blue, you may find yourself wanting to use it in more rooms than you planned.
In the end, Hague Blue is a timeless, sophisticated color that brings out the best in any home. Its eco-friendly formula, durability, and stunning good looks make it a smart investment for anyone who wants to create a space that feels both classic and current. If you’re ready to make a bold, beautiful change, Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball could be the perfect color for you.
In the end, if you want a color that brings beauty and style to your home, Hague Blue is a wonderful choice-thanks for reading with thisolderhouse.