Swatchd
Sign inGet started
IndustrialSouth-Facing

Charcoal Blue

Behr · N490-5

The Analysis

Charcoal Blue is a mid-to-dark tone that absorbs a significant amount of light rather than reflecting it. Because of its low LRV of 19.21, it will make a room feel more intimate and enclosed rather than spacious or bright.

It is best used as a bold accent wall, on cabinetry, or in small rooms like a powder bath or study where you want high impact. Using it on every wall in a small room will make the space feel very dark, so ensure you have adequate artificial lighting.

LRV 19

History & Origin

This color leans modern and tailored. It avoids the stuffiness of traditional period colors and fits well into contemporary designs that prioritize clean lines and sophisticated, moody palettes.

Undertoneneutral
FamilyBlue

How to Use It

Pair this color with warm wood tones like walnut or white oak to prevent the space from feeling too cold. For metals, use unlacquered brass to add a necessary pop of warmth, or matte black for a seamless, monochromatic industrial look.

The Mood

This shade provides a restful and grounded atmosphere, making it excellent for spaces where you want to signal the end of the day. It feels stable and calm, which helps reduce visual clutter and creates a serious, focused environment.

Colour harmonies

Complementary

Opposite on the colour wheel — bold, high-contrast pairings. Use for a feature wall or furniture you want to command attention.

Analogous

Neighbouring hues — cohesive and calm, great for layered schemes that feel collected rather than matched.

Split complementary

Near-opposites for strong contrast with a little less tension than a pure complement. A favourite of interior designers.

Triadic

Three evenly spaced hues — balanced, vibrant, and versatile. Keep one dominant and use the others sparingly.

Tetradic (square)

Four hues in a square on the wheel — rich, dynamic palettes. Best when one colour leads and the others accent.

Monochromatic

Dark, mid, and light steps on the same hue — a failsafe gradient for trim, walls, and accents without shifting colour family.

Brand Matches

Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.

  • Black Pepper

    Benjamin Moore · 2130-40

  • Deep Channel

    Valspar · 8006-8E

  • Wolf Gray

    Benjamin Moore · 2127-40

  • Grey Splendor

    Dulux

  • Eclipse

    Benjamin Moore · 2132-40

  • Elephant Gray

    Valspar · 4006-2A

Lighting

See how this colour shifts across natural and artificial light conditions.

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
  • 2700K
  • 3500K
  • 4000K
  • 5500K