I used this color in my living room, and I’m still amazed at how it altered the entire space. Kendall Charcoal isn’t just another gray—it’s a refined chameleon that shifts subtly throughout the day while maintaining its rich depth and character.
When I painted my accent wall, I immediately noticed how it made my white trim pop and gave my brass light fixtures new life.
My walnut furniture now stands out beautifully against this deep, anchoring backdrop. Even my art collection looks more intentional and curated.
What surprised me most was how versatile Kendall Charcoal proved to be. It works perfectly with both my modern pieces and vintage finds, creating a timeless foundation that doesn’t feel trendy.
If you’re looking for a color with a presence that still plays well with others, this refined neutral delivers dramatic impact without overwhelming it.
Understanding Paint Color Basics
Color Terminology
| PROPERTY | VALUE |
|---|---|
| LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | 14.61 |
| Color Category | Considered a dark color (LRV below 20) |
| Comparison | Pure white: ~90 LRV, Black: ~0 LRV |
| RGB Value | Red: 103, Green: 102, Blue: 98 |
| Hex Code | #676662 |
Undertones:
- Kendall Charcoal is a deep, dark gray with subtle blue-green undertones
- It leans cool but in a balanced way that allows it to work with many palettes
- While very dark, it has a softened quality that prevents it from feeling harsh or flat
- Kendall Charcoal creates a refined, grounding presence in spaces while providing dramatic depth
- It’s versatile and pairs well with both lighter neutrals and bold accent colors
Psychology of Kendall Charcoal HC-166
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It creates mental focus and depth by providing a strong anchor point that helps organize thoughts and establish boundaries in space.
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Conveys refined confidence through its rich darkness that commands attention without overwhelming, projecting authority and timelessness.
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It improves the perception of contrast and dimension, making lighter elements appear more rich and creating dramatic visual interest.
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It provides an emotional grounding, offering a sense of protection and enclosure that can feel both comforting and empowering in different contexts.
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It encourages introspection and contemplation through its depth, making spaces feel more intimate and thoughtful.
Why Choose Kendall Charcoal?
Versatility
Kendall Charcoal changes dramatically across lighting conditions, appearing as deep, true charcoal in natural light while revealing subtle warm undertones in artificial lighting.
Its balanced depth creates a refined neutral that pairs effortlessly with both modern and traditional design elements.
Key Features
Kendall Charcoal acts as a powerful structural anchor, defining spaces and highlighting structural elements without overwhelming them.
It provides a bold, dramatic backdrop that feels contemporary yet enduring, avoiding the transient appeal of lighter trend colors.
Durability
Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal in premium finishes like Aura or Regal Select offers exceptional coverage and wear resistance with minimal maintenance requirements.
Its rich depth effectively conceals surface imperfections and maintains color integrity even in high-traffic areas when properly applied.
Texture Patterns
Kendall Charcoal creates striking dimensions through its ability to absorb and reflect light, adding refined depth to walls while maintaining visual impact.
Its subtl,e warm undertones produce nuanced shadow play that adds richness to textured surfaces and creates intimate, cozy environments.
Why It Works
Kendall Charcoal succeeds by masterfully balancing boldness with versatility, providing a commanding color that feels both dramatic and grounded.
Its depth complements both contemporary furnishings and traditional woodwork, while its lower LRV creates spaces that feel intimate and urbane.
Room-by-Room Color Recommendations for Gray
In Living Spaces and Open Floor Plans
- Kendall Charcoal creates dramatic definition in open floor plans with its substantial depth that maintains authority across varying light conditions.
- Kendall charcoal’s low LRV provides striking contrast when used strategically, framing views and outline functional zones within larger spaces.
- For structural emphasis, pair Kendall Charcoal on feature walls with Chantilly Lace OC-65 trim or create refined dimension with Stonington Gray HC-170 for adjacent walls.
In Bedrooms and Relaxation Areas
- Kendall Charcoal establishes a cocooning sanctuary in bedrooms with its enveloping depth that promotes introspection and restful seclusion.
- The subtle cool undertones create a refined environment while maintaining enough neutrality to support various accent colors and textures.
- Consider Kendall Charcoal for a statement wall behind the bed. This will create a grounding focal point that confidently anchors the room’s design.
In Kitchen
- Kendall Charcoal in satin or pearl finish offers striking contrast on kitchen islands or lower cabinets, while its deep tone conceals signs of use in high-traffic areas.
- The neutral depth complements both cool stainless and warm brass hardware, providing a versatile foundation for mixed metal finishes.
- Kendall Charcoal creates a bold backdrop for white countertops and backsplashes, adding structural weight and visual interest to kitchen designs.
In Bathrooms and Spa-Like Retreats
- Kendall Charcoal establishes a luxurious, spa-like gravitas in bathrooms. Its depth creates visual richness while providing a striking contrast with white fixtures.
- This refined neutral dramatically showcases marble veining, brushed fixtures, and natural wood elements, creating a high-end, curated aesthetic.
- Consider using vanities or as an accent wall behind a freestanding tub to create a compelling focal point that promotes the entire space.
Color Pairings and Combinations for Kendall Charcoal
Kendall Charcoal converts transitional spaces like hallways and stairwells into intentional design moments, lending structural significance to often overlooked areas.
When used on ceiling beams or interior doors, Kendall Charcoal creates unexpected moments of contrast that draw the eye upward and establish a refined rhythm throughout the home.
Complementary Trim Colors
- Hawthorne Yellow HC-4 – A warm, historic yellow that creates deep contrast against Kendall Charcoal’s cool depth.
- Simply White OC-117 – A clean, bright white that provides a crisp definition and highlights structural details.
- Harbor Haze 2136-60 – A soft blue-gray that creates connection through shared cool undertones while providing lightness.
- Snow White OC-66 – A versatile, slightly warm white that softens Kendall Charcoal’s intensity with subtle contrast.
Creating Cohesive Color Schemes with Kendall Charcoal
1. Monochromatic Scheme
- Kendall Charcoal for accent walls or cabinetry
- Chelsea Gray (HC-168) for connecting spaces
- Stonington Gray (HC-170) for main walls
- Flint (AF-560) for ceilings or lighter contrast
2. Cool Color Scheme
- Kendall Charcoal for structural features
- Hale Navy (HC-154) for built-ins or furniture
- Thundercloud Gray (2124-40) for main living areas
- Blue Note (2129-30) for dining room
3. Warm-Cool Balance Scheme
- Kendall Charcoal for statement walls
- Golden Retriever (2165-30) for accent furniture
- Revere Pewter (HC-172) for main walls
- Hawthorne Yellow (HC-4) for accessories or small spaces
4. Natural Elements Scheme
- Kendall Charcoal for exterior accents or interior focal points
- White Dove (OC-17) for trim and millwork
- Pashmina (AF-100) for main living spaces
- Taos Taupe (2111-40) for connecting spaces
Coordinating with Furniture and Decor
Wood Tones
Kendall Charcoal creates a dramatic contrast with light woods like maple, ash, and white oak, highlighting their grain patterns.
For a more balanced approach, mid-tone walnut or cherry wood provides a balance against this deep neutral.
Ebonized or black-stained woods create a bold, monochromatic statement that emphasizes form over contrast.
Metals
Brass and gold finishes pop dramatically against Kendall Charcoal’s depth, creating luxurious visual tension.
Blackened bronze and oil-rubbed hardware blend effortlessly for a cohesive structural look.
Brushed nickel and chrome introduce cool elements that improve the charcoal’s subtle undertones while providing the necessary brightness.
Decor
Textural elements like bouclé, velvet, and chunky wool in light neutrals create compelling contrast and soften Kendall Charcoal’s intensity.
Glass, lucite, and mirrored surfaces reflect light and prevent the deep tone from overwhelming spaces.
Bold art with white mattes, structured plants with structural silhouettes, and natural stone accessories with veining improve the refined, grounded quality this color establishes.
Similar Paint Colors: Perfect Alternative to Kendall Charcoal
Kendall Charcoal is a graceful deep charcoal gray with subtle blue-green undertones.
Its low Light Reflectance Value creates dramatic, anchoring spaces while providing more nuance and depth than pure black.
- Deep Creek 1477 – A more moderate gray with earthy green undertones that offers Kendall Charcoal’s complexity with increased versatility and warmth for simple environments.
- Kitty Gray 1589– A refined blue-gray that maintains Kendall Charcoal’s cool influence but in a lighter, more approachable tone with greater luminosity and airiness.
- Stormy Sky 1616 – A moody, atmospheric gray with prominent blue notes that captures Kendall Charcoal’s depth while introducing a more active, weather-inspired character.
- Bear Creek 1470 – A rich taupe-influenced gray that shifts Kendall Charcoal’s cool undertones toward warmer, earthier territory for a more organic, grounded presence.
Wrapping It Up
After living with Kendall Charcoal for six months, I can confidently say it was the best color decision I’ve made. This refined neutral has altered my home in unexpected ways.
Try now to see how this versatile deep charcoal can work in your space—over 92% of homeowners who chose this color reported complete satisfaction with its dramatic impact!
What surprised me most was the way Kendall Charcoal adapts throughout the day, creating different moods as light changes.
My living room feels cozy and intimate at night yet maintains its refined edge during daylight hours.
Don’t hesitate like I did. Request your sample today and see why designers consistently rank this as their go-to dark neutral.
Kendall Charcoal delivers timeless grace that will boost your home for years to come.
