If you are a fan of gray paint colors, you will know that charcoal is one of the best shades to use. Not only is it a neutral paint color but also an excellent alternative to black if you do not want too much saturation. However, there are many shades, and narrowing your choices is not a walk in the park.
More importantly, selecting colors that go well with charcoal can be tedious. Because it is a dark neutral shade, almost all colors in all shades work with it. But some pair better with it than others. And we have picked the best of them from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams so you do not have to do the job.
Table of Contents
Do Charcoal Paint Colors Have Undertones?
All charcoal paint colors have undertones. The common undertones include green, blue, brown, yellow, and violet. Some charcoal gray paint colors are true grays because they are balanced between warm and cool tones.
This means that although they have undertones, they are imperceptible. Therefore, they have a solid look with no extra hue. The undertones in any charcoal gray paint color can determine their tone, which means they can be warm or cool, depending on the undertones.
Warm charcoal gray paint colors have violet, brown, yellow, or green undertones. Cool charcoal gray paint colors have blue or purple undertones. You must keep this in mind when picking colors that match the specific charcoal gray in your decor.
Where Can You Use Charcoal Gray Paint Colors?
Charcoal gray is a versatile neutral that fits any and every room. In other words, you can use it in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, entryways, hallways, accents, or porches. It all depends on your style and decor needs.
For some, the color feels too saturated and deep for bedrooms or any personal space. In such a case, they use it minimally in the interiors and more in the exteriors. But others are bolder with their choice of colors and are not afraid of using charcoal gray in bedrooms and other personal spaces.
Simply put, you can use charcoal gray in any room, depending on what you want. And if you combine it with the right colors, the result is usually breathtaking.
25 Ideal Colors to Match with Charcoal Gray in 2023
Some of the best colors that go well with charcoal gray are blush pink, navy blue, orange, white, green, burgundy, and greige. Let’s look at these colors from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams.
13 Best Paint Colors from Benjamin Moore that Go Well with Charcoal Gray
1. Chantilly Lace OC-65
White paint color with neutral tones
One of the most popular white paint colors from Benjamin Moore is Chantilly Lace. It is not because of its classic warm white shade but also because it fits everything. And that is why we believe it works well with charcoal gray. What can go wrong with two neutral paint colors coming together?
Chantilly Lace has a high LRV of 90.04 and an RGB color code of 244, 246, and 241 respectively. Consider pairing it with White and Horizon or Seapearl and Edgecomb Gray along with charcoal gray.
2. Natural Cream OC-14
Light greige paint color with neutral tones
Natural Cream looks more off-white or cream than greige, but the best part of it is that it favors warm and cool color schemes. That means you can use for any type of decor and complement it with any color, including charcoal gray. The color will tone down intense or saturated colors, so consider using it for this purpose.
You may want to match it with colors such as Cloud Cover and Thunder or Granite and Boothbay Gray for the best results. Natural Cream has an RGB color code of 219, 211, and 197 respectively, with an LRV of 64.78.
3. Lily Lavender 2071-60
Purple paint color with a tinge of blush
As part of the colors that go well with charcoal gray, Lily Lavender is a soft purple color that has a hint of blush. Its soft hue makes it compatible with many colors, especially dark and saturated hues. You can use it to soften the moodiness of charcoal gray if it seems too heavy.
With an LRV of 64.33, Lily Lavender is light enough to throw light back into a room. And with an RGB color code of 219, 206, and 232 respectively, coordinate this paint color with White Heron and Blue Note or Alabaster and Cinder.
4. Edgecomb Gray HC-173
Greige paint color with slightly green undertones
It sounds like a gray paint color, but Edgecomb Gray is a greige paint color. Because of how light and neutral greige is, it is a perfect fit for charcoal gray or other deep neutral colors. Edgecomb Gray also be a standalone color because of its warmth and tone.
Pair it with other Benjamin Moore colors like Boothbay Gray and White Heron or Pashmina and Dove Wing. The paint color has an LRV of 63.09 and an RGB color code of 217, 211, and 196 respectively.
5. Guilford Green HC-116
Mid-tone green paint color with slightly yellow undertones
Add a bit of color to your decor with Guilford Green. It is a mid-tone green that pairs well with charcoal gray to make it look amazing. While it has some depth, this green paint color relieves the somberness that naturally comes with charcoal gray and softens the color.
The best colors that match Guilford Green include Louisburg Green and Wickham Gray or Palest Pistachio and Boothbay Gray. This paint color has an LRV of 57.22 and an RGB color code of 203, 205, and 174 respectively.
6. Lavender Mist 2070-60
Light violet paint color with hints of gray
It would have been a stronger color except for the gray hints you notice in it. Lavender Mist is another purple color that goes well with charcoal gray, as most soft pastels do. Since it is light and soft with gray, it is the perfect blend to make charcoal gray work in any decor.
Lavender Mist has an LRV of 63.19 and an RGB color code of 207, 207, and 224 respectively. Match it with colors like Distant Gray and Day’s End or Chantilly Lace and Bordeaux Red for the best results.
7. Sage Wisdom CSP-775
Sage green paint color with gray undertones
To keep it from being too bright or too soft, gray was added to this paint color. The result is a moderately-tempered sage color that eases the way for other colors to blend into the decor. It is green but does not overshadow colors while holding its own.
Sage Wisdom has an LRV of 43.98 and an RGB color code of 169, 181, and 165 respectively. Coordinate it with Paper Doll and Mythic or Steam and Fossil.
8. Soft Pumpkin 2166-40
Light orange paint color with creamy undertones
Add a burst of color to your decor with this almost-apricot shade. It is a beautiful orange color that does not overwhelm or feel too bright in any room. Pairing it with charcoal gray will make it mellow while the color also brings the gray to life.
With an RGB color code of 226, 162, and 110 respectively, with an LRV of 41.77, consider matching Soft Pumpkin with Cloud White and November Rain or Simply White and Pale Smoke.
9. Yellow Highlighter 2021-40
Light yellow paint color
As the name suggests, Yellow Highlighter makes everything better by highlighting the beauty. With charcoal gray in the decor, this yellow paint brings the decor alive with its brightness. You can use it on accent walls or the ceiling if you are adventurous, to complement the gray.
Its bright hue makes the paint easy to pair with light neutrals. So, coordinate it with Chantilly Lace and Bunny Gray or Simply White and Pale Straw, all from Benjamin Moore. Yellow Highlighter has an LRV of 70.94 and an RGB color code of 255, 212, and 101 respectively.
10. Paradise Peach 011
Mid-tone coral paint color with pink undertones
Color is always good in any decor, although some of us like the monochromatic decor. But if you want softness and lushness in your charcoal gray decor, consider Paradise Peach for the job. It is a fun color that allows you to add other soft and light neutrals to the mix.
Paradise Peach has an RGB color code of 248, 163, and 147 respectively. It also has an LRV of 46.52, so pair it with White Heron and Delray Gray or Pink Damask and Yorktowne Green.
11. Patriot Blue 064-20
Bright blue paint color
Patriot Blue is a dark yet vibrant shade of blue that presents a royal face. It looks regal and sophisticated when paired with charcoal gray, bringing color and beauty to the room. If it appears too blue, use upholstery or accessories with this color to avoid overwhelming other colors.
Patriot Blue has an LRV of 8.24, surprisingly lower than it looks. And with an RGB color value of 24, 74, and 124 respectively, it is best to coordinate this color with Ice Mist and Black Ink or White Diamond and Wickham Gray.
12. Classic Burgundy HC-182
Burgundy paint color
Classic Burgundy is such a rich red color that you cannot ignore it. It has a lot of depth and saturation, and it may feel too much when used predominantly in a room. However, it blends well with charcoal gray, deepening the look and creating classy and elegant decor.
The paint color has an RGB color balance of 101, 26, and 26 respectively, with an LRV of 7.23, which is not surprising. Coordinate it with Kendall Charcoal and Light Pewter or Bleeker Beige and Swiss Coffee.
13. Revere Pewter HC-172
Gray paint color with slightly green undertones
At first glance, Revere Pewter seems to have neutral tones but it leans toward green undertones in certain lighting. However, it is one of the most neutral and popular gray paint colors on the market because of how well it matches any decor.
With such a lovely and bright hue, consider pairing it with charcoal gray colors like Kendall Charcoal. Revere Pewter has an LRv of 55.05 and an RGB color code of 203, 198, and 184 respectively. Coordinate it with Chelsea Gray, which is a dark gray, and White Dove or Sparrow and Fog Mist.
12 Best Paint Colors from Sherwin Williams that Go Well with Charcoal Gray
1. Perfect Greige SW 6073
Mid-tone greige paint color with slightly red undertones
It is great that this paint color does not show a lot of red, but it is still a warm paint color. Its shade makes it ideal for charcoal gray as it will brighten the decor. Throw in some vibrant colors to complete the look.
Coordinate it with Heron Plume, Hushed Auburn, or Aesthetic White. Perfect Greige has an LRV of 42 and an RGB color code of 183, 171, and 159 respectively.
2. Evergreen Fog SW 9130
Sage green paint color with a hint of gray
What can go wrong with Evergreen Fog? Nothing, we say. It is a versatile paint color that changes its hues with other colors or elements around it. This makes it ideal for every decor, even when you have charcoal gray. Use it as a backdrop and spark a color conversation.
To make the most of this muted sage green, pair it with Dried Edamame, Neutral Ground, or Ethereal White. Evergreen Fog has an LRV of 30 and an RGB color code of 149, 151, and 138 respectively.
3. Pure White SW 7005
White paint color with slightly yellow undertones
We know that white goes well with anything and loos striking with charcoal gray. Pure White is one of the brightest whites in the market, and while it is a little warm, it still performs well with charcoal gray, regardless of the tone.
So, you can throw in a few decor accessories of charcoal gray and keep the rest of the room white. Or paint charcoal gray on an accent wall to complement Pure White. This paint color has an RGB color code of 237, 236, and 230 respectively, with an LRV of 84. Coordinate it with Perle Noir and March Wind for the best results.
4. Brittlebush SW 6684
Mid-tone yellow paint color with orange undertones
Spice up your mood with this medium bright yellow in your decor. While it is a relatively bright color, it is not loud. However, you can use it to complement charcoal gray, removing somberness from the decor.
Coordinate this cheery color that has a hint of orange with Almond Roca, Dover White, or Full Moon. Brittlebush has an LRV of 48 and an RGB color code of 234, 174, and 71 respectively.
5. Burgundy SW 6300
Deep burgundy paint color with slightly purple undertones
This is such a rich and saturated color, especially because it has purple undertones. The hint of purple in it makes the color deeper and fuller, so you may want to use it in a large room like a living room. Alternatively, use it in a personal space to enjoy its beauty.
Although the color is saturated, the pop of color perfectly complements charcoal gray without overwhelming the decor. Consider adding a bit of white or other light neutrals to brighten it. Burgundy has an RGB color code of 99, 51, and 62 with an LRV of 5. Pair it with Silvermist, Creamy, or Ibis White.
6. Naval SW 6244
Deep blue paint color with gray-green undertones
Does it look too deep to pair with charcoal gray? Naval is one of the best shades of blue to complement charcoal gray. It is deep and muted, yet has an undeniable color that sits well with gray. Blue and gray will always be a timeless combination, and this pair is no different.
Is it surprising that Naval claimed a whole year to itself, being the 2020 color of the year? It has an RGB color code of 47, 61, and 76 respectively, with an LRV of 4. Consider coordinating it with Roycroft Suede, Ramie, or Icicle.
7. Mellow Coral SW 6324
Light coral paint color with slightly red undertones
It looks like peach color, but Mellow Coral is a soft shade of coral. It looks beautiful and complements charcoal gray because it is a warm burst of color. As the name says, it is a mellow color that makes everything pretty.
Mellow Coral has an LRV of 52 and an RGB color code of 227, 181, and 168 respectively. You may want to coordinate it with Cocoa Whip, Aged White, or Intimate White.
8. Lavish Lavender SW 6975
Bright lavender paint color
Although it is an archived color and only available in Clor to Go or Paint, Lavish Lavender is great for complementing charcoal gray. The burst of color enlivens the decor and makes charcoal gray look brighter.
Lavish Lavender has an LRV of 22 and an RGB color code of 153, 117, and 165 respectively. Coordinate it with Colonial Revival Green Stone or Warm Beige for a striking result.
9. Anew Gray SW 7030
Mid-tone gray paint color
Anew Gray is a popular and well-loved paint color from Sherwin Williams. It is mellow and versatile, blending well with other colors because of its neutrality and warm stone undertones. Some call this paint color greige, but whatever name you give it, it is the perfect light neutral for charcoal gray.
You can add potted plants and colorful accessories if you want a bit of color. Anew Gray has an RGB color code of 191, 182, and 170 respectively, with an LRV of 47. Match it with Little Blue Box, Pure White, or Incredible White.
10. Clary Sage SW 6178
Sage green paint color with yellow undertones
Keep your decor calm and elegant with a combination of Clary Sage and charcoal gray. The hint of yellow peeking through the color gives it more depth and character. Add bright green and white to the decor and see everything perfectly come together.
Clary Sage is a mellow color with an RGB code of 172, 173, and 151, and an LRV of 41. Coordinate it with Tumblin’ Tumbleweed, Dover White, or Sagey.
11. Sun Bleached Ochre SW 9011
Light ochre paint color with golden hints
This paint color leans toward the orange family of colors, although it is more of a mellow ochre yellow. It is another great color to pair with charcoal gray because of its bright color. Sun Bleached Ochre removes the moodiness or lack of color from charcoal gray and makes it more alive.
Sun Bleached Ochre has an LRV of 47 and an RGB color code of 227, 171, and 123 respectively. While the paint color works well with charcoal gray, you can coordinate it with Prairie Grass, Westhighland White, or Choice Cream.
12. Leapfrog SW 6431
Bright green paint color with gray undertones
Leapfrog has a nature-like feel to it, making you feel as if you are one with nature. It is a pretty color that sits well as a backdrop for light neutrals. You can add wood tones to the decor to complete the look.
Leapfrog has an LRV of 26, low for such a clear color. And with an RGB color code of 136, 145, and 93 respectively, coordinate the color with Blustery Sky, Oyster White, or Sprout.
Conclusion
There are quite a number of colors that go well with charcoal gray, mostly because it is a neutral color. In a broad sense, all colors match charcoal gray, but some work better than others. White is usually the first choice, but you can also use blush pink, green, yellow, blue, or burgundy.
We picked different colors from the list of the best matching colors for charcoal gray and reviewed each one. Find what you need from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, or both to turn around that charcoal gray decor into something cheery, sophisticated, and elegant.
Have you recently decorated with any of these colors? We would love to hear what you think. Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
17 Best Sherwin Williams Green Paints (Trend 2023)
23 Perfect Sherwin-Williams Front Door Colors (2023 Trends)
31 Best Light Blue Paint Colors: Review and Inspiration
25 Most Popular Sherwin Williams Colors in 2023
15 Best Creamy White Paint Colors For 2023
15 Best Light Paint Colors For Dark Rooms In 2023
