Swatchd
Sign inGet started
IndustrialSouth-Facing

Pencil Point

Behr · PPU18-2

The Analysis

Pencil Point is a deep, charcoal gray that absorbs a significant amount of light due to its low Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 10.82. It will make a room feel more intimate and enclosed rather than expansive or bright.

This color serves best as a dramatic anchor; it is ideal for a bold accent wall, a moody library, or cabinetry. Using it on every wall in a small room creates a sophisticated 'jewel box' effect.

LRV 11

History & Origin

While deep grays are common in modern, minimalist design, this shade channels the masculine, tailored aesthetic of early 20th-century studies. It feels like a contemporary evolution of traditional, dark-paneled architectural styles.

Undertoneneutral
FamilyNeutral

How to Use It

Pair this color with warm wood tones like walnut or bright brass hardware to keep the room from feeling too cold. Use it in rooms where you want a high-contrast look, such as a home office or a theater space.

The Mood

Living with this shade creates a grounded, serious, and stable atmosphere. It is an excellent choice for areas where you want to focus, as it reduces visual clutter and provides a restful, non-distracting backdrop.

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.

  • Genesis

    Colourtrend

  • Carriage Wheel

    Valspar · V113-1

  • Flint

    Benjamin Moore · AF-560

  • Distant Thunder

    Behr · 760F-6

  • Smokey Grey

    Crown Paints

  • Graphic Charcoal

    Behr · N500-6

Lighting

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

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