Hague Blue No. 30 Hue Family
In context of its Hue Family neighborhood, 9 B (Blue), on The Color Strategist Color Wheel. The pink arrows point to where it fits in among the other colors according to its Value 3.17 rounded to 3.12 and Chroma of 1.86 rounded to 1.75.
🎨 Color Review: Farrow & Ball Hague Blue No. 30
Before we get into real-life applications, let’s look at Hague Blue’s factual color DNA:
Colorography Overview
- Brand: Farrow & Ball
- Color Name & Number: Hague Blue No. 30
- HEX: #2B343F
- L (Lightness): 32.6
- C (Chroma): 8.5
- h° (Hue Angle): 246.0°
- Munsell Hue Family: B (Blue)
- Munsell Value / Chroma: 3.25 / 2
- LRV: 5.6
- Average Perceived Color Temperature: Warm
Vibes: Dark, Moody, Shadowed
How It Behaves in Real Homes
- General Vibe / Emotional Impressions: Hague Blue delivers a rich, enveloping depth. It’s often described as inky, classic, and stately — a color that evokes both heritage and modern edge.
- Popular Rooms / Surfaces Used: Commonly used in libraries, dining rooms, front doors, kitchen cabinets, and powder rooms.
- Standout Testimonials or Patterns: “It doesn’t scream navy,” one designer notes, “but it has presence.” Many users report a chameleon effect — it can lean bold or receding depending on surrounding finishes and light.
Lighting and Finish Observations
- Natural Daylight:
- North-facing: Appears deeper, almost blackened navy.
- South-facing: Richer and more dimensional, navy with visible blue tones.
- Warm Light (incandescent/sunset): Leans slightly toward teal or petrol tones without becoming green.
- Cool Light (LED/overcast): May flatten into a cooler charcoal blue.
- Sheen Effects: In estate eggshell or full gloss, it reflects light beautifully and adds polish. In matte finishes, it feels velvety and grounded.
- Common surprises or “gotchas” to watch for: In small or dim spaces, it can read almost black — a strategic feature if drama is the goal, but worth planning for.
Comparisons to Other Whites / Neutrals
- Compare to Sherwin-Williams Naval: Hague Blue is lower in chroma and darker — more atmospheric and muted.
- Compare to Benjamin Moore Hale Navy: Hague Blue has more of a moody, smoky profile, where Hale Navy reads more traditional.
- Compare to Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue: Hague Blue is darker and more neutral-blue, while Stiffkey leans more saturated and contemporary.
- Position on the spectrum: It sits on the warm side of the Blue hue family. Its low chroma and deep lightness give it an enveloping, near-neutral feel in some contexts.
Strategic Application Notes
- Best Used For: Accent walls, cabinetry, trim, or entire rooms where you want richness and restraint.
- Avoid If: You need brightness or high reflectivity — its LRV is only 5.6, meaning it absorbs most light.
- Looks Best With:
- Crisp white trim (e.g., Farrow & Ball All White or Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace)
- Natural textures like oak, leather, rattan
- Soft neutrals or muted ochres and dusty pinks
- Rich finishes like unlacquered brass, matte black, or honed marble
Final Takeaway
Hague Blue is a great choice if you want a deeply grounded blue that adds gravitas without shouting. It’s not just a pretty navy — it’s a strategic move when you need a strong anchor or a timeless backdrop that flexes between classic and edgy.