I knew this paint color was special when I first saw Sherwin Williams Outer Space (6251).
It’s a rich, deep blue-black shade brings drama and comfort to any room.
As a color expert, I often recommend it to people who want something darker than navy but softer than pure black.
Its perfect balance makes this color stand out in the blue-black family. During the day, you’ll see subtle blue undertones peek through.
At night, it reads as a soft black. I find it incredibly versatile – it works beautifully on cabinets, walls, or even as an accent color.
Let me tell you more about it!
What makes outer space unique?
Outer Space (SW 6251) stands out from other dark shades with its mix of charcoal blue and gray undertones.
It has a Light Reflection Value (LRV) of 12, which means it absorbs 88% of the light that hits it. This makes it a notably dark shade but not as intense as pure black.
While navy blues sometimes feel bright or stark, Outer Space offers a gentler look.
The gray undertones help soften the blue, creating a more subtle effect. This subdued quality makes it easier to use in different spaces.
The color shifts throughout the day. In bright rooms, the blue notes become more visible. In dim lighting, it takes on a deeper, more neutral appearance.
This changing nature works well in north-facing rooms with cool light and south-facing spaces with warm sunlight. It performs equally well on walls, cabinets, doors, and furniture.
Best Uses for Sherwin Williams Outer Space
Kitchen Cabinetry
This color really shines in kitchens. It’s a top choice for lower cabinets, creating a solid base for lighter upper cabinets.
When used on kitchen islands, it makes them stand out without being too bold.
Many homeowners paint all their cabinets in Outer Space, which looks great with marble or quartz countertops.
Bathroom Design
In bathrooms, Outer Space pairs wonderfully with marble and stone. The color picks up the gray veins often found in these materials.
It creates a nice balance when used with brass fixtures or wooden vanities. The depth of this color can make even small bathrooms feel more put together.
Exterior Applications
Outer Space proves its worth on home exteriors. Next to the red brick, it adds character without clashing.
White trim makes the color pop, giving homes a fresh, updated look. Paired with black hardware and gutters, it creates clean lines that enhance curb appeal.
The color holds up well in different types of light, making it reliable for exterior use.
Color pairing suggestions for SW Outer Space (6251)
| Color Pairing | Suggestions |
|---|---|
| With Warm Tones | – Pairs beautifully with warm metals like champagne gold and brass |
| – Works with both light and dark woods, adding elegance | |
| With Cool Tones | – Complements gray elements, adding depth without overwhelming the space |
| – Ideal for modern or industrial designs | |
| Accents and Contrasts | – Pairs well with black, creating a sophisticated, sharp contrast |
| – Excellent backdrop for bold colors like red, navy, or gold accents |
Comparing Outer Space with other similar options!
| Color | Undertones | LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | Character | Best Use | Daylight Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outer Space (6251) | Stronger blue undertones | 12 | Casual, modern, and dynamic | Casual or modern spaces | Blue tones are more noticeable in daylight |
| Cyberspace (7076) | More charcoal-gray | 11 | Formal, serious, and neutral | Traditional or formal settings | Maintains gray character consistently throughout the day |
| Naval (6244) | Much bluer and brighter | 4 | Bold, vibrant, and energetic | Bold accent or statement color | Strongly blue, much brighter than Outer Space |
| Peppercorn (7674) | Pure gray without blue undertones | 10 | Sophisticated and neutral | Neutral background or industrial designs | Consistently neutral gray |
| Iron Ore (7069) | It has similar depth but with brown undertones | 6 | Warm, deep, and earthy | Traditional or cozy spaces | Warmer, darker hue with brown undertones |
Is there a Benjamin Moore equivalent of Outer Space?
| Paint Color | Brand | LRV | Undertones | Closest Match Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outer Space | Sherwin-Williams | 12 | Blue-gray | Original |
| Raccoon Fur | Benjamin Moore | 13 | Blue-gray | Very Close Match |
| Blue Note | Benjamin Moore | 10 | Navy-gray | Similar but bluer |
| Soot | Benjamin Moore | 11 | Blue-black | Similar but darker |
The closest match is Benjamin Moore Raccoon Fur (2126-20). Here’s why:
- Almost identical LRV (13 vs 12)
- Similar blue-gray undertones
- It shows the same subtle color shifts in different lights
- Works in the same spaces (cabinets, walls, exteriors)
Main differences:
- Raccoon Fur shows slightly more blue in natural light
- Outer Space reads a bit softer in artificial light
- Raccoon Fur has marginally better coverage in most cases
- Outer Space is often less expensive per gallon
Summing Up
This blue-black paint color hits the sweet spot between drama and subtlety.
With an LRV of 12, it’s dark without being too intense, making it a practical choice for various spaces.
It adapts beautifully to different settings and light conditions, from kitchen cabinets to exterior walls.
Whether paired with warm metals, cool stones, or classic white trim, Outer Space offers the perfect mix of modern style and timeless appeal.
Alex Guerrero, a graduate with a Fine Arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, has been a visionary in the world of color and design for over 15 years. His professional journey began in the heart of the fashion industry in Milan, where he developed an acute sense for color harmonies and trends. Alex joined our team in 2018, offering fresh and innovative perspectives on color utilization in various spaces. Renowned for his ability to blend contemporary trends with timeless elegance. Outside of work, Alex is an accomplished painter and a volunteer art therapist, his artistic talents further enriching his professional insights.
