Swatchd
Sign inGet started
IndustrialSouth-Facing

Charcoal Slate

Benjamin Moore · PM-8

The Analysis

Charcoal Slate is a deep, moody grey that absorbs a significant amount of light, making it a powerful choice for creating a cozy, enclosed atmosphere. Because it has a low Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 13.43, it will make large rooms feel more intimate and smaller spaces feel like a dark, dramatic 'jewel box.'

This is best used as a bold accent wall, on cabinetry, or in a den to establish a focal point. Using it as a wall-to-wall color is a high-impact design move that requires ample lighting to keep the room from feeling flat.

LRV 13

History & Origin

This color is a modern take on industrial-era finishes, often found in contemporary lofts or updated mid-century homes. It deviates from traditional period palettes by favoring a clean, monochromatic edge over ornate Victorian darkness.

Undertoneneutral
FamilyNeutral

How to Use It

It pairs exceptionally well with warm, natural wood tones like walnut or oak to balance its coolness. For hardware, use brushed brass for a high-contrast luxury look or matte black for a seamless, minimalist aesthetic.

The Mood

Living with this color provides a grounding, restful experience that reduces visual stimulation. It feels sophisticated and solid, offering a sense of stability rather than high-energy excitement.

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.

  • Stormy Sky

    Benjamin Moore · 1616

  • Web Gray

    Sherwin-Williams · SW7075

  • High-Speed Steel

    Valspar · HIGH-SPEED

  • Thunder Clouds

    Dulux

  • Greybeard 0528

    Colourtrend

  • Isobar

    Colourtrend

Lighting

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

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