You know that friend who can work a tux at a wedding and show up in jeans the next day without missing a beat? That’s Sherwin Williams Moody Blue in paint form. This isn’t your standard navy that screams, “I’m playing it safe.” It has depth, a hint of mystery, and just enough green undertones to keep things interesting.
SW 6221 sits in that sweet spot between bold and chill. It appears blue in some lights, leans green in others, and never fully commits to either. That’s the magic. Whether you’re going for coastal vibes or something more modern and moody, this shade adapts without trying too hard.
Let’s break down what makes this color tick, where it works best, and how to pair it without overthinking the whole thing.
What Makes Moody Blue Different from Regular Blues
Most blue paints follow a script. They’re either sky-light and airy or navy-deep and serious. Sherwin Williams Moody Blue throws that playbook out the window. It’s a medium-to-dark blue with strong green undertones and a whisper of gray that keeps it from feeling too saturated or heavy.
The LRV sits at 27, meaning it absorbs a decent amount of light. Translation? It’s not gonna bounce brightness around your room like a pastel would. But it’s also not so dark that it swallows space whole. You get richness without the cave effect, especially if your room sees natural light.
What really sets it apart is that chameleon quality. In cool daylight, the blue tones step forward. Under warm incandescent bulbs, those green undertones come alive. It’s like having two colors in one can, which is why designers keep coming back to it for spaces that need flexibility.
This isn’t a color that demands attention. It earns it by being quietly versatile and interesting enough to carry a room solo or play nice with a full palette.
How Lighting Changes Everything with This Shade
Here’s where Moody Blue gets fun. Depending on your light source, this color shifts gears like a sports car cruising through different RPMs. Natural light during midday brings out the blue, giving it that fresh, almost aquatic vibe. Think spa bathroom or breezy bedroom energy.
Warm artificial lighting at night? That’s when the green undertones show up to the party. It takes on a softer, cozier feel that works killer in living rooms or hallways where you want warmth without going full beige. Cool LED bulbs will deepen the blue and add drama, perfect for accent walls or exteriors.
If your space doesn’t get much natural light, you’ll want to test this color first. In dim rooms, Moody Blue can lean gloomy—hence the name. Pair it with brighter trim or lighter furniture to balance things out. Or lean into the mood and create a cozy den vibe where darker tones actually make the space feel more intimate.
Pro tip: grab a sample and paint a poster board. Move it around your room at different times of day. You’ll see exactly which version of Moody Blue you’re living with before committing to gallons.
The Best Colors to Pair with Moody Blue
Pairing paint colors doesn’t need a design degree. Sherwin Williams Moody Blue plays well with warm neutrals, crisp whites, and even bolder accent shades if you’re feeling adventurous. The key is balancing its cool undertones with colors that either complement or contrast without clashing.
Restful White (SW 7563) is a solid go-to. It’s a warm white with soft yellow undertones that keeps Moody Blue from feeling too cold. Perfect for trim, ceilings, or adjacent walls if you’re doing a two-tone look. Topsail (SW 6217) brings that coastal, airy vibe if you want to lighten things up without going pure white.
For something warmer, try Ecru (SW 6135). It’s a golden yellow with tan tones that adds cozy energy to Moody Blue’s coolness. Works great in bedrooms or living rooms where you want a balance between calm and inviting. If you’re going bold, Socialite (SW 6025) is Moody Blue’s complementary color—a dark red-brown that creates contrast without screaming for attention.
Metallic accents are your cheat code here. Gold hardware, bronze light fixtures, or brass drawer pulls add warmth and luxury without competing with the paint. Think cabinet handles, mirror frames, or even curtain rods. These small touches elevate the whole look and make Moody Blue feel intentional rather than accidental.
Where Moody Blue Works Best in Your Home
This color isn’t a one-trick pony. You can flex it in almost any room if you know how to work with its personality. Bedrooms are an obvious win—Moody Blue creates that calm, restful vibe without feeling sterile or boring like some lighter blues do.
Living rooms benefit from their depth, especially as an accent wall behind a sofa or entertainment center. It adds visual weight without overwhelming the space. If your living room gets solid natural light, go all in and paint the whole room. Just make sure your furniture and decor include lighter tones to keep things balanced.
Bathrooms? Total spa vibes. Pair Moody Blue with white subway tiles, natural wood vanities, and gold fixtures. You’ll feel like you stepped into a bougie hotel every time you brush your teeth. It works on walls or even cabinets if you want something less conventional than standard white or gray.
Kitchens are where Moody Blue really flexes its versatility. Use it on lower cabinets with lighter uppers, or paint your island for a pop of color that doesn’t dominate. It pairs beautifully with white countertops, stainless steel appliances, and open shelving. Exteriors are fair game too—this shade looks sharp on front doors, shutters, or even full siding if you’re going for that modern farmhouse or coastal cottage aesthetic.
Moody Blue vs. Similar Paint Colors
If you’re comparing options, here’s how Moody Blue stacks up against colors that look similar but aren’t quite the same. Benjamin Moore Sea Star (2123-30) is probably the closest match from another brand. It has a slightly higher LRV at about 33, making it a touch lighter. Same blue-green-gray blend, just a bit more forgiving in low-light spaces.
Sherwin Williams Riverway (SW 6222) sits one shade darker on Moody Blue’s color strip. It’s got more green, less blue, and feels more earthy. If you want something that leans forest-meets-ocean rather than straight-up blue, Riverway’s your move. Rain (SW 6219) goes the other direction—lighter, airier, and more spa-like with less drama.
Copen Blue (SW 0068) is often compared, but actually leans way more green. It’s brighter, warmer, and doesn’t have that moody depth. If you put them side by side, Moody Blue feels richer and more complex. Copen Blue is great for lighter, coastal spaces, but it won’t give you the same sophisticated edge.
Real-Life Examples That Actually Work
Theory’s cool, but let’s talk about how this color shows up in actual spaces. One popular move is using Moody Blue on kitchen cabinets with white walls and countertops. The contrast is clean without feeling stark. Add some brass hardware and open wood shelving, and you’ve got a kitchen that feels current but timeless.
Bedrooms with Moody Blue walls and crisp white bedding hit that hotel-chic sweet spot. Throw in some natural wood nightstands, soft gray curtains, and maybe a woven rug. The room feels restful but interesting—like it has a personality beyond just being a place to sleep.
Front doors painted in Moody Blue make a statement without screaming. It’s confident but not aggressive, especially when your siding is neutral. Pair it with a simple wreath and modern house numbers. Your entryway immediately feels more curated and less cookie-cutter suburban.
Bathroom vanities get an upgrade fast with this shade. Paint your lower cabinets Moody Blue, keep the walls white, add a round mirror with a gold frame, and install some pendant lights. Suddenly, your basic builder-grade bathroom feels like something you’d find on a design blog.
Should You Go All In or Play It Safe
Here’s the deal: if your room has good natural light and you’re okay with a color that demands a little attention, painting all four walls works. Moody Blue has enough depth to carry a space without needing constant visual breaks. Just balance it with lighter furniture, bright textiles, and plenty of white or warm wood accents.
But if you’re nervous about commitment or your space is on the smaller side, start with an accent wall. Pick the wall behind your bed, the one facing your entryway, or wherever your eye naturally lands when you walk in. You get the impact without the full plunge.
Cabinets and furniture are another safe entry point. Paint a dresser, bookshelf, or bathroom vanity. You’ll see how Moody Blue vibes with your existing decor before making it a permanent wall fixture. Plus, furniture is easier to repaint if you change your mind down the road.
If you’re doing trim or doors, pair Moody Blue with a brighter wall color like Restful White or Alabaster (SW 7008). The contrast creates visual interest and makes both colors look more intentional. It’s a designer trick that works in literally any room.
Why Moody Blue Sticks Around
Trends come and go, but certain colors earn staying power. Sherwin Williams Moody Blue isn’t chasing whatever’s hot on Pinterest this month. It’s got that timeless quality because it works across multiple design styles—coastal, modern, traditional, even farmhouse if you style it right.
Versatility is key. You’re not locked into one vibe or aesthetic. Swap out your decor, change your lighting, adjust your accents, and Moody Blue adapts. That’s rare for a paint color with this much personality. It gives you room to evolve your space without needing a full repaint every few years.
Plus, it’s just interesting to look at. Flat, one-note colors get boring fast. Moody Blue shifts depending on time of day, light source, and surrounding colors. Your walls feel alive rather than static. That’s the kind of detail that makes a house feel like a home—small moments of surprise that keep things fresh.
If you’re ready to move past safe beiges and predictable grays, this is your gateway color. It’s bold enough to make a statement but chill enough to live with long-term. And honestly, isn’t that the whole point?