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IndustrialSouth-Facing

Cinder Block

Dulux

The Analysis

Cinder Block is a deep, earthy mid-tone grey that absorbs light rather than reflecting it. With an LRV of 19.3, it will make a room feel more intimate and enclosed rather than expansive or airy.

It functions best as a sophisticated anchor for a room or a high-contrast accent wall. Because of its depth, it works well as a grounding element behind furniture or as a dramatic, moody finish for a home office or media room.

LRV 19

History & Origin

This is firmly a modern, urban-inspired choice that leans into contemporary design trends. It lacks the decorative flourishes of heritage palettes, favoring clean, architectural lines instead.

Undertoneneutral
FamilyNeutral

How to Use It

This colour shines in rooms with plenty of artificial lighting or natural brightness to prevent it from feeling too dark. Pair it with warm, natural wood tones or matte black metal hardware to emphasize its industrial, grounded aesthetic.

The Mood

This shade provides a grounded, stable, and neutral backdrop that is highly restful. It reduces visual clutter, making it an excellent choice for a space where you want to minimize distraction and feel calm.

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.

  • Amazon Stone

    Behr · 790F-5

  • Chain Link

    Valspar · 1-877

  • Grey 16

    Lick · Grey 16

  • Spark's Grey

    Little Greene · 6154

  • Glen Plaid

    Valspar · V118-3

  • Asphalt

    Benjamin Moore · CC-548

Lighting

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

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
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