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Grays
Dark Charcoal
Dark Charcoal is a very deep, true neutral color with almost no undertone. Its estimated light reflectance value (LRV) is about 3.2, so it reflects roughly 3% of the light that hits it.
Color facts
| Hex | #333232 |
|---|---|
| RGB | 51, 50, 50 |
| HSL | 0°, 1%, 20% |
| Estimated LRV | 3.2 |
| Temperature | true neutral |
| Text on it | White text, contrast 12.8:1 |
LRV here is estimated from the screen color (relative luminance). Paint brands publish measured LRVs on their own chips, which can differ.
How it reads on a wall
Close to black on the wall. Best for doors, window frames, cabinetry, a single accent wall or exterior trim. Needs strong light and careful sheen choice.
North-facing rooms get cool, indirect light that can push this color cooler and grayer. Test it there before committing, or pick a slightly warmer cousin.
South- and west-facing rooms get warm, strong light that will make this color look warmer and more saturated in the afternoon.
Rooms it suits
- Front doors and interior doors
- Cabinetry and built-ins
- Window frames and exterior trim
- One accent wall in a well-lit room
A 60-30-10 palette built on Dark Charcoal
White Beach
Dark Charcoal
Wet Concrete
The 60-30-10 rule splits a room into a main color, a secondary color and an accent. Swap in real paint and fabric samples before you buy.
Harmonies
Complementary
Wet Concrete#353838Analogous
Wet Concrete#353838Analogous
Wet Concrete#353838Triadic
Wet Concrete#353838Triadic
Wet Concrete#353838Split complementary
Wet Concrete#353838Tints and shades
Lighter tints work as a ceiling or adjoining-room color; deeper shades suit trim, doors or cabinets.
Similar named colors
Closest Colors of the Year
Getting Dark Charcoal in real paint
Dark Charcoal is a name from the open color-names list (MIT license), not a specific paint product. Most paint counters can mix a close match: bring a printed or physical sample, or use a brand color-match tool, then buy a sample pot and paint a 2 by 2 foot swatch on two walls. Screens and printers shift color.
On-screen colors are approximations. Pantone, Color of the Year and brand color names are trademarks of their owners.