Hematite
Behr · N460-6
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The Analysis
Hematite is a dark, grounded charcoal that pulls light out of a room rather than reflecting it. With an LRV of 11.81, it will significantly shrink the visual footprint of a space, making large rooms feel intimate and small rooms feel like a cocoon.
This is a bold, high-impact colour best used as an accent wall or to fully 'drench' a room, including the trim and doors. Avoid using it as a main wall colour in small, windowless spaces unless you want the room to feel intentionally moody.
LRV 12History & Origin
This is a distinctly modern choice that leans into contemporary design trends. It moves away from traditional light, airy palettes and embraces the current shift toward high-contrast, sophisticated interiors.
How to Use It
Pair this with warm, natural wood tones or brushed brass hardware to prevent the room from feeling too cold. It works exceptionally well in dining rooms or studies; just ensure you have layered lighting, like floor lamps and sconces, to keep the corners from disappearing into darkness.
The Mood
Living with this shade feels incredibly calm, structured, and restful. It reduces visual clutter by minimizing contrast, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms or media rooms where you want to signal to your brain that it is time to wind down.
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.
Add harmony palette to a room
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Brand Matches
Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.
Lighting
See how this colour shifts across natural and artificial light conditions.
- Natural
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
- Overcast
- 2700K
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- 4000K
- 5500K