Favorite Charcoal Gray Paint Colors

Have you ever though of going super dark with a paint color in one of your rooms? I decided to give it a try with a charcoal gray paint color. Our home office was the perfect room for experimenting with a dark paint color because there actually isn’t a ton of wall space. One side is entirely open to the hall and a lot of the other wall space in the room is taken up by a large built-in bookcase and windows.

I was searching for a paint color that would look almost black but slightly softer. Basically, the perfect charcoal gray paint color. Today I’m sharing the paint colors that I considered in my search (and have updated my post to share the one that I ended up going with!). (post includes affiliate links; full disclosure statement available {here})

Why Choose a Charcoal Gray Paint Color

A charcoal gray paint color can add a bit of sophistication and glamour to a room. When done right, if feels luxuriously moody without being gloomy. I especially love it in spaces with white furniture, molding, or cabinetry because the contrast between the “almost black” and white is stunning.

Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black (6258) LRV: 3

Living room painted in Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black — Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore (7069) LRV: 6

Iron Ore is described by Sherwin-Williams as a cool, deep, and mysterious charcoal.

Sherwin Williams Iron Ore paint color in dining room — Sherwin-Williams

Benjamin Moore Graphite (1603) LRV: 7.59

Graphite is described by Benjamin Moore as an elegant deep gray hue that adds depth and drama to any space.

Benjamin Moore Nightfall (1596) LRV: 8.3

Spoiler! Benjamin Moore Nightfall is the charcoal gray paint color that I ended up painting our home office. It’s described as a “blackened gray” which I think is a great description of it because it is about as close to the line between gray and black as you can get. I LOVE it! The contrast of the dark charcoal gray with our white bookcases is stunning: