Dulux Lexicon: The Ultimate Cool White with Blue Undertone for Modern Interiors & Exteriors
Welcome back to Interiors by Style! I’m Bozica, a qualified interior designer and colour specialist. Today’s colour review is all about one of the most popular Dulux whites — Lexicon. Known for its cool blue undertone and fresh, crisp finish, Lexicon is a designer favourite, perfect for both contemporary interiors and coastal exteriors.
Whether you’re working on a new build, refreshing a bedroom, or selecting kitchen cabinetry, Lexicon can bring a modern, timeless look to your space — if you use it right.
What Is the Undertone of Dulux Lexicon?
Lexicon is a cool white with a blue undertone. To see its undertone clearly, compare it to Dulux Vivid White, which has no undertones. When natural light hits a Lexicon-painted wall, the coolness becomes more noticeable, especially in rooms with lots of windows or east/north-facing exposure.
This blue undertone makes Lexicon a great match for grey and taupe tones that also lean cool — like greys with blue or violet undertones, or taupes with a pink undertone.
What Is the LRV of Dulux Lexicon?
Lexicon has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 84, making it a bright white. While it reflects a lot of light, in low-light rooms (like north-facing) it may not brighten the room as much as expected. But don’t let that stop you — just layer with artificial lighting, accessories, and soft furnishings for balance and warmth.
Best Rooms to Use Lexicon
Bedrooms with grey-blue carpet or furniture
Living rooms for a crisp, modern feel
Kitchens with cool-toned marble or stone benchtops
Bathrooms with white tiles or cool-toned vanities
Trim and ceilings in homes with darker, cooler wall colours
Pair it with Lexicon Quarter or Vivid White for your architraves, skirtings, and doors to create a subtle but sophisticated contrast.
Interior Colour Pairings
If you're working with cool grey tones, Lexicon is a fantastic backdrop. Here are my go-to Dulux pairings:
Terrace White – a soft grey with blue undertone
Madigan – mid-tone grey-blue for depth on all walls or upholstery
Capital Grey – deeper grey-blue for feature bedrooms or cabinetry
These colours create a cohesive palette for open-plan living, where each room flows into the next. Repeating tones from walls to furniture and soft furnishings is key for balance.
Lexicon in Kitchens
Lexicon works beautifully in kitchens, especially when paired with:
Cool white or marble stone with subtle veining
Two-tone cabinetry – use Lexicon for upper or lower cabinets
Modern profiles and matte black or brushed nickel hardware
Always test against your stone and splashback first to ensure undertones match. The goal is to let the Lexicon enhance your fixed elements, not fight them.
Can You Use Lexicon Outside?
Yes, but with caution. While stunning, white exterior walls are hard to maintain. Dust, wind, and grime show up quickly, making white-on-white façades high maintenance.
Instead, use Lexicon as a trim colour:
On weatherboard trims, window frames, eaves, and garage doors
Pair with a main render colour that has a grey-blue undertone
Matches beautifully with Colorbond Surfmist or Shale Grey
Lexicon adds a crisp contrast without being too stark or too warm. It also looks fresh for longer when used in smaller doses.
Styling Tip: Repeat the Undertone
When using Lexicon:
Match flooring or large surfaces to its coolness — avoid warm-toned floors
Repeat the blue undertone in rugs, cushions, curtains, or artwork
Stick to two undertones max in one space for a cohesive look
Final Thoughts
Dulux Lexicon is the perfect cool white for homeowners who love minimalist, contemporary, or coastal style. It pairs effortlessly with greys, blue-toned marbles, modern lighting, and sleek finishes.
Whether you're refreshing one room or designing a whole home, Lexicon offers versatility, brightness, and elegance — just make sure your fixed elements align with its cool undertone.
If you’ve used Lexicon before or plan to, let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear how it’s worked for you.
🎁 Free Downloads to Help You Choose the Right White
Still unsure? Before you even pick up a brush, make sure you actually understand how to choose white paint and neutrals for your home. I’ve created two free downloads that will walk you through:
📌 Read This Before You Renovate or Build
📌 Understand the 4 Types of White + How to Choose the Right One for Your Home
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