Are you tired of bland, boring walls that make your home feel ordinary?
Most homeowners struggle to find that perfect paint color that makes a real statement. They want something bold and sophisticated, but they’re afraid of making the wrong choice.
Onyx 2133-10 by Benjamin Moore solves this problem perfectly. This rich, deep black paint creates instant drama and sophistication in any space. Unlike other black paints that can look flat or chalky, Onyx has incredible depth and richness.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to use Onyx 2133-10 to change your home. We’ll cover the best rooms for this color, what colors pair perfectly with it, and pro tips for getting flawless results every time.
Color Description
Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
- LVR: 4.99
- Onyx 2133-10 is a deep, rich black paint color
- It has an extremely low Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of approximately 2-4%
- It creates dramatic, refined spaces when used as an accent or feature wall
- It can make a space feel smaller and more intimate due to its light-absorbing qualities
- Works well in spaces that receive ample natural light
Undertones
Onyx 2133-10 presents a complex depth beyond simple black, revealing subtle undertones that emerge under various lighting conditions.
This refined hue carries faint blue-green undertones that provide a cool, slightly maritime quality rather than a flat, neutral darkness.
When bathed in natural daylight, these understated blue-green notes become more perceptible, giving the color a jewel-like richness reminiscent of its namesake stone.
Under artificial lighting, particularly warm-toned bulbs, the color may appear softer and less severe than expected.
These undertones prevent Onyx from feeling harsh or overly stark, allowing it to create dramatic spaces that still maintain an element of nuance and hospitality.
The color’s undertones complement brushed metals, light woods, and cream textiles, helping to reveal its multidimensional character.
Why Choose Benjamin Moore’s Onyx 2133-10?
This bold, refined color creates spaces that feel dramatic and refined. It works anywhere you want to impact, from accent walls to doors.
Onyx pairs beautifully with modern and traditional décor, making it a versatile choice for your home.
1. Dramatic Depth
- Onyx 2133-10 is a rich, true black with subtle blue undertones.
- It creates a striking backdrop that feels like a luxurious statement.
- The color perfectly balances boldness and refinement, making spaces feel stylish and polished.
2. Ideal for Any Space
- Dining rooms change into grand entertaining areas
- Living areas become more refined and defined
- Kitchens gain a modern, high-end quality
- Entryways make powerful first impressions
3. Versatile Companion
- Light furniture creates a beautiful contrast against it
- Metallic accents look stunning and vibrant
- Wood tones appear more distinctive and structured
- Colors like white, gray, and red pop dramatically
4. Emotional Benefits
- Creates visual depth in bland spaces
- Helps rooms feel intentional and designed
- Promotes a sense of drama and luxury
- Makes large spaces feel more intimate and defined
5. Lighting Effects
- Morning light brings out its deep richness
- The afternoon sun enhances its velvety texture
- Evening lamps create a cozy, enveloping atmosphere
- This adaptability makes it perfect for creating different moods throughout the day
How to Use Benjamin Moore Onyx 2133-10 in Interior Design?
Benjamin Moore’s Onyx (2133-10) is a deep, rich charcoal black that adds complexity and drama to any space.
Its versatile nature makes it ideal for modern and traditional settings, offering a bold yet calming presence. Onyx is perfect for creating a striking contrast or a grand backdrop in interiors.
Texture Partners that Will Go Well Onyx
Onyx is a deep, rich black color that creates a bold statement in interior spaces. When pairing textures with this dramatic hue, it’s important to consider options that improve its depth and complexity.
Here are some complementary texture partners for Onyx (2133-10):
Polished metal surfaces – Chrome, stainless steel, or brushed nickel add reflective contrast that brightens spaces and prevents the black from feeling too heavy.
Natural stone textures – Marble (especially with white veining), slate, or granite create refined, organic contrast against the solid black.
Rich wood grains – walnut, mahogany, or oak in medium to light tones—warm up the coolness of Onyx.
Matte and gloss variations – Using the same Onyx color in different sheens creates subtle texture through light reflection differences.
Velvet or suede textiles – These add tactile softness and depth that complement the boldness of black.
Glass elements – Clear, frosted, or textured glass lightens the visual weight of Onyx.
Concrete finishes – Industrial textures provide an interesting contrast to the refinement of deep black.
Woven textures – rattan, sisal, or jute—bring natural warmth and textural interest that balance the intensity of Onyx.
Perfect Places to Use Onyx
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Home offices
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Dining rooms
- Hallways and transitional spaces
- Nurseries
- Meditation or yoga spaces
Today’s Home Design with Onyx
Onyx by Benjamin Moore is a bold, refined charcoal black that adds depth and drama to any interior. Its rich, dark hue serves as a striking contrast, creating a sophisticated backdrop for both contemporary and traditional spaces.
Onyx pairs beautifully with lighter accents, metallic finishes, and rich wood tones, offering a versatile foundation for a variety of design schemes.
This striking color changes under different lighting, creating an atmosphere that evolves from day to night. Onyx makes a powerful statement in any room, whether used for accent walls or as an all-over hue.
Onyx (2133-10) Profile By Benjamin Moore
1. Color Values
RGB Value: 53, 56, 57.
HEX Code: #353839
Onyx 2133-10 is a refined, deep black paint color in Benjamin Moore’s collection. This rich, saturated hue creates a dramatic impact when applied to walls, cabinetry, or as an accent.
Unlike flat blacks, Onyx has subtle undertones that give it depth and dimension, preventing it from appearing too stark or flat.
In various lighting conditions, Onyx reveals its complexity – in natural daylight, it maintains its true black character, while artificial lighting might highlight its subtle undertones.
2. What Does These Numbers Mean
The RGB values show how Benjamin Moore’s Onyx 2133-10 gets its special look:
- The extremely low red, green, and blue values (approximately 53, 56, 57) create this color’s deep, dramatic black appearance
- The slightly higher blue value compared to red and green gives it that subtle cool undertone
- The balanced, minimal RGB components create true depth rather than flatness
- The limited light reflection (around 3-4% LRV) contributes to its rich, absorbing quality.
3. Digital Uses
Benjamin Moore’s Onyx 2133-10 is a refined backdrop for modern website designs, lending depth and polish to luxury brand platforms and creative portfolios alike.
This versatile deep black enhances digital branding for fashion houses and firms, conveying a sense of refinement and contemporary style.
Professional photographers favor Onyx for digital content requiring dramatic contrast, as it creates striking visuals that immediately capture viewers’ attention.
E-commerce platforms utilize this rich hue to showcase high-end products against a bold and timeless backdrop. Graphic designers incorporate Onyx into digital illustrations and print materials to evoke feelings of luxury, refinement, and modern minimalism.
4. Quick Tips
Benjamin Moore’s Onyx 2133-10 creates a stunning partnership with crisp whites and metallic accents for a modern, worldly atmosphere.
Consider applying this bold black in well-lit spaces where natural light balances its depth and prevents rooms from feeling closed-in or dark.
Use Onyx as an accent wall detail to create dramatic focal points that add character and definition to neutral spaces.
For a high-contrast look, pair this shade with bright whites on trim and ceilings, allowing the color to make a powerful statement.
Observe how this versatile black adapts throughout the day, displaying more depth and dimension in natural daylight and becoming more enveloping and intimate in the evening light.
Onyx provides the perfect backdrop for colorful art pieces and sleek furnishings, creating a gallery-like setting that showcases other elements with dramatic grace.
Using Benjamin Moore’s Onyx (2133-10) for Your Home
The Living Room
1. Helps with sleep
2. Morning light friendly
3. Good for reading nooks
The Dining Area
1. A clean, fresh look
2. Works with white items
3. It makes spaces feel bigger
4. Easy to keep fresh
The Bedroom
1. A clean, classy look
2. Works with white gray items
3. It makes spaces feel bigger
4. Easy to keep luxury
Color Pairings for Benjamin Moore’s Onyx (2133-10)
Best colors to pair with black paint include both dark and light options that create stunning visual combinations:
A. Dark Color Combinations
1. Onyx + Hale Navy
- Perfect for: Master bedrooms and home offices.
- How to use: Paint Onyx on the accent wall behind the bed, use Hale Navy on the remaining walls.
- Why it works: Creates a sophisticated, cocoon-like atmosphere that feels both bold and calming.
2. Onyx + Kendall Charcoal
- Perfect for: Living rooms and dining areas.
- How to use: Use Onyx for built-in shelving, Kendall Charcoal for main walls.
- Why it works: The subtle contrast adds depth without overwhelming the space.
3. Onyx + Wrought Iron
- Perfect for: Modern kitchens and bathrooms.
- How to use: Onyx on lower cabinets, Wrought Iron on upper walls or backsplash areas.
- Why it works: Creates a sleek, industrial look that feels current and sophisticated.
4. Onyx + Black Beauty
- Perfect for: Accent walls and architectural details.
- How to use: Onyx for main surfaces, Black Beauty for trim and moldings.
- Why it works: The slight variation in black tones adds subtle dimension and interest.
5. Onyx + Cheating Heart
- Perfect for: Dramatic entryways and powder rooms.
- How to use: Onyx on three walls, Cheating Heart as an accent wall.
- Why it works: The deep red undertones warm up the space while maintaining drama.
B. Light Color Combinations
1. Onyx + Simply White
- Perfect for: Any room needing high contrast.
- How to use: Onyx accent wall with Simply White on remaining walls and trim.
- Why it works: Creates the most dramatic contrast, making both colors appear more vibrant.
2. Onyx + Cloud White
- Perfect for: Bedrooms and living spaces.
- How to use: Onyx behind headboard or fireplace, Cloud White everywhere else.
- Why it works: The softer white prevents the contrast from feeling too stark.
3. Onyx + Chantilly Lace
- Perfect for: Modern farmhouse and contemporary spaces.
- How to use: Onyx on kitchen island, Chantilly Lace on walls and cabinets.
- Why it works: Creates a fresh, clean look while adding bold focal points.
4. Onyx + Paper White
- Perfect for: Small spaces and bathrooms.
- How to use: Onyx for vanity or single accent wall, Paper White for remaining surfaces.
- Why it works: The pure white makes small spaces feel larger, while Onyx adds depth.
5. Onyx + White Dove
- Perfect for: Traditional and transitional homes.
- How to use: Onyx for built-ins and trim, White Dove for primary wall color.
- Why it works: The warm undertones in White Dove soften Onyx’s intensity.
Expert Tips for Using Onyx 2133-10 in Your Home
Preparation and Application
1. Start with proper prep work. Clean all surfaces thoroughly with mild detergent. Fill any holes with spackling compound and sand smooth. This deep black shows every imperfection, so take time with preparation.
2. Use quality primer first. A dark or tinted primer helps achieve better coverage. This saves you time and paint in the long run.
3. Test before you commit. Paint 2′ x 2′ samples on different walls. Onyx looks different throughout the day, so observe it in morning, afternoon, and evening light.
4. Apply two full coats. Use premium synthetic brushes for trim and a ¾” nap roller for walls. Apply in “W” patterns for even coverage.
Similar Benjamin Moore’s Colors
Gray Owl OC-52
Versatile Neutral: Gray Owl OC-52 is a soft, light gray with subtle green undertones. It is a versatile choice for any room and complements a wide range of decor styles.
Perfect for Natural Light: This color enhances spaces with natural light, creating a calm and serene atmosphere while offering a refined, airy feel.
Black Jack 2133-20
Bold and Dramatic: Black Jack 2133-20 is a deep, rich black with subtle warm undertones, perfect for creating a bold and refined atmosphere in any space.
Versatile Accent: This color works beautifully as an accent or feature wall, offering high contrast against lighter tones and adding depth to modern and traditional designs.
Summing It Up
Benjamin Moore’s Onyx 2133-10 stands as one of the most versatile and refined black paint colors on the market.
Its deep, rich tone with subtle blue-green undertones offers designers and homeowners a powerful tool for creating dramatic, refined spaces.
While demanding in its application, requiring careful preparation and multiple coats, Onyx rewards these efforts with a timeless grace that transforms any space.
Whether used as an accent wall to create depth, on cabinetry for a bold statement, or as trim for architectural definition, Onyx delivers a refined darkness that feels intentional rather than severe.
Its ability to harmoniously pair with light neutrals and other dark tones makes it extraordinarily adaptable to various design aesthetics, from modern minimalist to traditional luxury.
For those willing to assume the boldness of black, Onyx 2133-10 represents not simply an absence of color but rather a presence of refined depth that can anchor and promote any interior space.
How will you use Benjamin Moore Onyx 2133-10 at home? Share your ideas and the room you’re most excited to transform with this black paint in the comments.
With a Master’s in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, Mitchell Green has spent over two decades dedicated to the study and practical application of home fixture design. His career started in an architectural firm, providing him a strong foundation in the structural and aesthetic aspects of home interiors. Mitchell brought his comprehensive knowledge to our platform, where he has been an influential voice in our home fixtures and fittings section. Since 2018, he has been guiding our readers through the intricacies of selecting and installing fixtures, combining technical know-how with design flair. In his spare time, Mitchell is a keen photographer, capturing architectural details and design elements, an interest that complements his professional focus.
