Blue Ground → Benjamin Moore
The closest Benjamin Moore matches for Farrow & Ball Blue Ground (No.210), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Benjamin Moore Equivalent for Blue Ground
If you love Farrow & Ball Blue Ground 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.
Blue Ground (No.210) is a medium-dark blue with historic blue-gray undertones. A historic blue-gray named for the blue ground used in gilding. More blue than Pigeon, lighter than De Nimes. Refined and versatile. To find a good Benjamin Moore match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 35) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Blue Ground 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 Gossamer Blue (2123-40) with a Delta E of 4.4, which is a "good match" level match. Gossamer Blue is similar. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Benjamin Moore Matches for Blue Ground
Gossamer Blue is similar.
| Blue Ground | Gossamer Blue | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 35 | 29.44 |
| Hex | #A9B9B9 | #A3B5B5 |
| Undertone | Historic Blue-Gray | Medium Blue-Gray |
| Family | Blue | Blue |
Undertone Comparison
Blue Ground has historic blue-gray undertones. A historic blue-gray named for the blue ground used in gilding. More blue than Pigeon, lighter than De Nimes. Refined and versatile.
Gossamer Blue has medium blue-gray undertones. A medium blue-gray with a silky, gossamer quality. More saturated than Boothbay Gray, lighter than Van Deusen Blue. Refined and calming.
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
Blue Ground in Your Room
In bright rooms, the blue is soft and present. In dim rooms, a sophisticated cool gray. Under warm light, the blue calms.
Gossamer Blue in Your Room
The blue-gray is consistent and refined. In bright rooms, a definite blue. In dim rooms, a sophisticated gray.
LRV and Brightness
Blue Ground has an LRV of 35, while Gossamer Blue has an LRV of 29.44. That means Blue Ground reflects noticeably more light. In the same room, Blue Ground will make the space feel brighter and more open than Gossamer Blue. If you are switching to the Benjamin Moore option, expect the room to feel slightly more intimate and cozy.
Best Rooms for Blue Ground
Farrow & Ball recommends Blue Ground for: bedroom, living room, bathroom, hallway, dining room. With an LRV of 35, 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.
Gossamer Blue is recommended for: bedroom, bathroom, office, living room, dining room. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Gossamer Blue in the same rooms you planned for Blue Ground.
Blue Ground in Other Brands
Looking for Blue Ground equivalents in other brands besides Benjamin Moore? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Benjamin Moore match for Blue Ground (No.210) is Gossamer Blue (2123-40) with a Delta E of 4.4, which rates as a "good match" match. Gossamer Blue is similar. 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. Blue Ground is a Farrow & Ball color with historic blue-gray undertones and an LRV of 35. Gossamer Blue is a Benjamin Moore color with medium blue-gray undertones and an LRV of 29.44. 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 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.