Swatchd
Sign inGet started
MinimalistUniversal

Ebony King

Benjamin Moore · 2132-20

The Analysis

Ebony King is a true, saturated charcoal that absorbs most light rather than reflecting it. Because of its very low LRV of 4.19, it will make a room feel more intimate and enclosed, effectively blurring the corners to create a cozy, shadow-heavy atmosphere.

It is best utilized as a dramatic accent wall, a moody backdrop for built-in cabinetry, or for an entire room if you want a bold, high-contrast look. It is too heavy to act as a neutral background for an entire home, but excellent for carving out a dedicated lounge or office space.

LRV 4

History & Origin

While dark tones appear in Victorian-era studies, this specific, clean charcoal feels distinctly modern and architectural. It fits well in contemporary renovations where the goal is to create a sophisticated, tailored look.

Undertoneneutral
FamilyNeutral

How to Use It

Pair this with warm, honey-toned wood or brass hardware to provide a necessary contrast that prevents the room from feeling flat. Use it in media rooms or bedrooms where you want to minimize glare and maximize comfort.

The Mood

This shade is deeply restful and grounding, functioning much like a quiet, dark sanctuary. It removes visual clutter from a space, making it a reliable choice if you want a room that feels serious, calm, and distraction-free.

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 Ink

    Benjamin Moore · 2127-20

  • Black Tar

    Benjamin Moore · 2126-10

  • Black Iron

    Benjamin Moore · 2120-20

  • Black Heron

    Valspar · V120-3

  • Mopboard Black

    Benjamin Moore · CW-680

  • Greenblack

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6994

Lighting

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

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