If you’re looking for a soft green with a touch of blue, Benjamin Moore Dragonfly (AF-510) might be the right color for your home.
It’s calm, peaceful, and easy on the eyes—great for bedrooms, bathrooms, or anywhere you want a relaxing atmosphere.
Dragonfly isn’t too bright or too dark, which makes it flexible and easy to pair with other colors. If your style is modern, coastal, or something in between, this shade can work really well.
In this post, I’ll examine what kind of color Dragonfly really is, what colors complement it, and how to use it in your home.
You’ll also see real-life examples and learn a few common mistakes to avoid. If you’re curious about this well-liked paint color, keep reading to see if Dragonfly is the right pick for your space.
What Kind of Color Is Dragonfly (AF-510)?
Dragonfly (AF-510) by Benjamin Moore is a soft mix of blue and green. On the color wheel, it falls between cool blue and earthy green, making it a good balance of the two.
Some people call it teal, but Dragonfly is a little softer and more toned down than a bright teal. Its slightly gray undertone gives it a calm, grounded feel.
This color feels very natural, almost like something you’d see in a quiet forest or near a peaceful lake.
In a small room, Dragonfly can make the space feel cozy and soothing. It wraps the walls in color and adds depth without feeling dark or heavy.
In a bigger room with lots of natural light, the blue and green tones come alive and feel fresh and open.
Dragonfly gives off a relaxed, peaceful vibe. It’s great for bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices, or any space where you want to feel calm. It also works well with wood tones, soft whites, brass accents, and natural textures like rattan or linen.
The LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of Dragonfly (AF-510) by Benjamin Moore is 16.8.
If you’re looking for a color that feels grown-up, a little moody, and still easy to live with, Dragonfly is a great pick.
Is Dragonfly a Warm or Cool Color?
Dragonfly is a cool color with a strong blue base, softened by hints of green and gray.
This mix gives it a relaxed, balanced feel – never too harsh or icy. In natural daylight, it leans greener and feels light and fresh.
In low light or evening settings, the blue and gray tones come forward, creating a deeper, cozier vibe. Warm indoor lighting can bring out a slightly warmer green tone, especially near wood or warm trim.
Overall, Dragonfly is a versatile cool shade that feels calm and steady in many spaces.
What Paint Finish Should You Choose?
Choosing the right paint finish depends on where you’re using the color and how much traffic the area gets. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Walls: Choose eggshell or matte. These finishes give a soft look and are easy to clean without being shiny. They are great for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas.
- Trim and Doors: Use a semi-gloss or satin finish. These are smoother and reflect more light, which helps show details and makes them easier to wipe down.
- Cabinets or Furniture: Choose satin or semi-gloss for strength and a clean look that withstands everyday use.
- Ceilings: Keep it flat or matte so the light doesn’t bounce in strange ways.
A soft eggshell Dragonfly wall with crisp white trim in semi-gloss? That’s a simple combo that works in almost any room.
Real Home Ideas Using Dragonfly
Dragonfly is one of those colors that can work just about anywhere in your home. The mix of blue, green, and gray makes it feel calm and cozy without being too dark or too plain.
It gives a soft touch of color that’s easy to live with and works nicely with other shades and textures.
Bedrooms
Dragonfly is a great choice for bedrooms, especially if you want a space that feels peaceful and helps you wind down.
When used on the walls, it adds a calm color without feeling too strong. Pair it with clean white bedding, soft gray blankets, or light tan pillows for a soothing look.
Natural wood furniture, like oak or pine nightstands, gives the room a grounded feel.
To add a bit of shine, I use small touches of gold and brass on lamps, drawer pulls, or photo frames. The result is a bedroom that feels simple, calm, and grown-up, without trying too hard.
Kitchens
In kitchens, Dragonfly is often used on lower cabinets or islands. It provides just the right amount of color, enough to stand out but not so much that it takes over the space.
You can balance it with white or off-white upper cabinets, light countertops, and floating wood shelves to keep the room feeling open and warm.
If you like a little contrast, add black hardware or soft metal finishes like I’ve done in my kitchen. Dragonfly fits well in kitchens that aim to feel lived-in but still put together.
Living Rooms
Dragonfly is also a solid pick for living rooms. When used on the walls, it makes the room feel more relaxed and comfortable.
It goes well with wood floors, soft-toned couches, and simple fabrics like cotton or linen. Throw blankets, pillows, or curtains in light shades or natural textures can add layers.
Dragonfly helps the room feel inviting, like a place where people want to sit down and hang out.
Accent Walls or Doors
You don’t have to paint a whole room to enjoy Dragonfly. Try it on an accent wall behind your bed, on a door, or even on a dresser or shelf.
These smaller uses still bring in color and interest without making the space feel too busy.
A Dragonfly-painted front door, for example, can add a cool, welcoming look to the outside of your house. Inside, a painted bookcase or a table in Dragonfly can add just enough color to make a room feel more fun and fresh.
Mistakes to Avoid
Dragonfly is a beautiful and versatile color, but it still requires some planning. The right lighting, pairings, and finish make all the difference.
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when using it
Using It Without Checking the Lighting
Dragonfly color changes greatly depending on the light. In bright natural light, it looks greener. In dim or warm light, it leans more toward blue or gray.
Always test it on your wall before painting the whole room, especially if your space doesn’t get much sunlight.
Pairing It with the Wrong Whites
Not all whites work well with Dragonfly. Super cool or bluish whites can make the color look dull or flat.
Stick to warmer whites like White Dove or Simply White to keep the space feeling soft and even.
Going Too Dark Everywhere
If you use Dragonfly on the walls and pair it with dark floors, dark furniture, and heavy curtains, the room might feel a little too heavy.
Break things up with light or natural textures, such as wood, woven baskets, or soft rugs, to keep the space cozy but not gloomy.
Forgetting the Finish
A flat or matte finish might look nice, but it can be hard to clean, especially in bathrooms or kitchens.
Use eggshell for walls, semi-gloss for trim or cabinets, and a finish that fits the room’s use.
With a little planning, Dragonfly can bring just the right mix of color and calm to your home.
Conclusion
Benjamin Moore’s Dragonfly is a calm, rich color that can work in almost any space. Its soft mix of blue, green, and gray makes it feel both peaceful and stylish.
If you use it on walls, cabinets, or just as a small accent piece, it brings a cozy, grounded vibe to your home.
It pairs well with warm whites, natural wood, brass, and even soft pinks. Just be sure to test it in your space first—lighting can change how it looks.
Dragonfly fits many styles, such as modern farmhouse, coastal, traditional, and boho. It’s a flexible color that can feel soft and relaxing or bold and moody, depending on how you use it.
If you want something colorful but still calm and easy to live with, Dragonfly might be the perfect shade for your next project.