RAL 5003 Sapphire Blue — Hex, RGB, LRV, and Best US Paint Matches
RAL 5003 Sapphire Blue hex #1D1E33 · LRV 4. Closest matches at Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Valspar.
Color spec
| Hex | #1D1E33 |
| RGB | 29, 30, 51 |
| LRV | ~4 |
| RAL Classic | RAL 5003 |
Also known as / near matches
RAL 5003 Sapphire Blue is a profoundly deep blue that often reads as an elegant, nuanced black until the right light reveals its rich sapphire undertone. It stands distinct from brighter blues, sitting closer to the charcoal family with a cool, sophisticated depth. While it lacks direct German synonyms, its character places it alongside very dark, almost-black blues. It is not typically confused with other specific RAL codes but rather with pure black or very deep charcoal tones, making its subtle blue identity a delightful discovery. Pantone equivalents would reside in the realm of saturated, near-black blues, offering a similar sense of quiet drama.
What it looks like in real life
This color wraps a room in an incredibly deep, almost inky embrace, where its blue essence quietly asserts itself without shouting. In north-facing light, it presents as a soft, velvety charcoal, offering a sense of calm and anchoring the space with its profound depth. Turn to a south-facing room, and the sapphire blue begins to emerge, lending a richness that feels expansive yet intimate, absorbing light to create a wonderfully atmospheric quality. As late afternoon light softens, RAL 5003 can drape walls in a sophisticated, almost painterly shadow, where the blue becomes a whisper of color against the fading day.
Closest matches at US paint brands
Closest matches at US paint brands
| Color | Brand | Name | SKU | LRV | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore | Onyx | 2133-10 | 3 | — | |
| Sherwin-Williams | Black Magic | SW 6991 | 3 | — | |
| PPG / Glidden | Black Magic | PPG1001-7 | 4 | — | |
| Magnolia Home | Coal | JG-040 | 3 | — | |
| Pratt & Lambert | Black Lacquer | 32-2 | 3 | — | |
| Clare | Headspace | Clare 18 | 3 | — | |
| Backdrop | Hocus Pocus | BD-HP | 3 | — | |
| Kompozit | Eleanor Ann | 1229 | 4 | — | |
| Behr | Dark Navy | PPU14-20 | 5 | — | |
| Dunn-Edwards | Black | DEA187 | 3 | — | |
| Valspar | Vintage Black | 4011-3 | 3 | — | |
| Farrow & Ball | Railings | No. 31 | 6 | — |
Benjamin Moore Onyx (2133-10) is the closest match by ΔE, closely mirroring RAL 5003’s near-black depth, while PPG / Glidden Black Magic shares an identical LRV. Kompozit Eleanor Ann (1229) stands out with its more distinct, warmer greige undertone, offering a softer alternative to RAL 5003’s crisp blue-black. The overall spread of matches leans heavily into very deep, almost-black hues, with a clear preference for cool, blue-leaning or neutral charcoal casts, though a few warmer, softer blacks are also present.
When to use this color
Great for:
- Powder rooms with deliberate, layered lighting to showcase its rich depth.
- A cozy library or study, creating an enveloping, sophisticated retreat.
- Cabinetry in a kitchen or built-ins, grounding the space with an unexpected elegance.
Tricky in:
- Rooms with minimal natural light, where its deep LRV of 4 can make the space feel heavy or oppressive.
- Large, unbroken wall expanses in open-plan areas, where its intensity might overwhelm rather than soothe.
Pairs well with
Pairs well with
Painting tips
- Primer: For RAL 5003 Sapphire Blue, with its deep LRV of 4, a high-quality tinted gray primer is essential to ensure true color development and optimal coverage.
- Sheen: A matte sheen for walls will allow this profound blue-black to drape surfaces with a velvety, light-absorbing elegance, while a satin or semi-gloss finish is perfect for cabinetry or trim to introduce a subtle reflective quality.
- Coats: Due to its deep color and low LRV, expect to apply three coats of a quality paint over a tinted primer for full, uniform coverage.
- Application: When applying such a deep, rich color, spraying is ideal to achieve a perfectly smooth finish, as brush or roller marks can become quite noticeable under raking light.