Ashland Slate 1608 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly balances sophistication and versatility, let me introduce you to Benjamin Moore’s Ashland Slate (1608). This isn’t just another gray—it’s a chameleon of a shade, adapting to your space with a quiet elegance that makes it a standout choice for almost any room. Whether you’re designing a cozy bedroom, a sleek home office, or an inviting living room, Ashland Slate brings depth, warmth, and a touch of modern refinement to the table.

First, let’s talk about its undertones. Ashland Slate leans into a subtle blue hue, giving it a cool, contemporary vibe without feeling stark or sterile. But here’s the magic: in certain lighting, those undertones soften, allowing the color to warm up just enough to feel inviting. This duality makes it incredibly flexible—pair it with warm woods for a rustic farmhouse look or crisp whites and metals for a more industrial edge. The key is to test it in your space. Paint a large swatch and observe how it shifts throughout the day. You’ll notice how morning light brings out its softer side, while evening shadows emphasize its cooler, moodier personality.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: its Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 16.12%. This places Ashland Slate in the medium-dark category, meaning it reflects very little light. That doesn’t mean it’s off-limits for smaller rooms, though. With the right lighting and decor choices, it can actually make a small space feel intimate and cozy rather than cramped. Try pairing it with lighter furniture, mirrors, and plenty of layered lighting to keep the room feeling open. In larger spaces, it creates a grounded, anchored effect—perfect for making high ceilings feel more human-scaled or open-concept areas feel cohesive.

One of the biggest strengths of Ashland Slate is its adaptability to different finishes. An eggshell or satin finish is ideal for most living spaces, offering just enough sheen to highlight its depth while standing up to daily wear and tear. If you’re going for a more modern, matte look, that works too—just be prepared for a bit more maintenance over time. And since it’s low-VOC and beginner-friendly, you won’t have to worry about harsh fumes or a tricky application process. It rolls on smoothly, covers well in one to two coats, and is easy to touch up if life happens (because let’s be honest, it always does).

When it comes to decor pairings, Ashland Slate plays well with others. Its blue undertones make it a natural companion for crisp whites like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, which keeps trim and ceilings looking fresh. For a bolder contrast, try pairing it with warm, earthy tones—think terracotta, mustard yellow, or even a soft blush. These combinations bring out its warmth and prevent it from feeling too cold. If you’re feeling adventurous, an accent wall in Ashland Slate paired with deep navy or emerald green creates a striking, designer-approved look.

So, is Ashland Slate right for your home? If you’re after a color that’s equal parts calming and sophisticated, with just enough character to stand out without overwhelming, the answer is probably yes. It’s a favorite among designers for a reason—it works in modern farmhouse kitchens, transitional living rooms, and even moody, industrial-inspired bedrooms. Just remember: lighting is everything. If your room gets limited natural light, consider supplementing with warm artificial lighting to keep it from feeling too dark. And don’t forget to sample, sample, sample. Paint a large section, live with it for a few days, and see how it makes you feel.

At the end of the day, Ashland Slate is more than just paint—it’s a backdrop for your life. It’s the kind of color that lets your furniture, art, and personal style take center stage while quietly elevating the entire space. Whether you’re refreshing a single wall or transforming an entire room, this shade delivers a timeless, lived-in elegance that’s hard to beat. So grab a brush, trust your instincts, and get ready to fall in love with your home all over again.

Real Room Photo of Ashland Slate 1608

Undertones of  Ashland Slate ?

The undertones of Ashland Slate are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Blue. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #696D72

RGB code: 105, 109, 114

Is  Ashland Slate Cool or Warm?

Ashland Slate is predominantly a cool gray, but its undertones allow it to warm up slightly in certain conditions. This makes it a versatile choice that can complement both warm and cool decor elements. You can confidently use it in spaces designed with warm woods or cooler metals, creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Ashland Slate

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of Ashland Slate

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Ashland Slate is 16.12%, which places it in the Medium Dark category. This means it reflects very little light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Ashland Slate

When it comes to versatility, Ashland Slate stands out as a remarkable neutral gray. It can effortlessly adapt to various lighting conditions, shifting from a warm, cozy tone in the morning to a cooler, more sophisticated hue in the evening. This flexibility allows it to pair beautifully with a range of accent colors — think bold jewel tones or soft pastels. Its matte finish gives it a contemporary edge, making it suitable for both accent walls and full rooms. Whether you’re looking to create a serene bedroom retreat or an inviting living space, Ashland Slate delivers a chic backdrop that enhances your decor without stealing the show.

Pros & Cons of  1608 Ashland Slate

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Ashland Slate

FAQ on 1608 Ashland Slate

Can I use Ashland Slate in a small room?

Absolutely! Ashland Slate can work wonderfully in smaller rooms. Its balanced undertones and moderate LRV help maintain a cozy atmosphere without feeling cramped. Just be mindful of the lighting; pairing it with lighter accents can help brighten the space and create the illusion of more room.

What type of finish should I choose for Ashland Slate?

For Ashland Slate, an eggshell or satin finish is highly recommended, especially for areas like living rooms or bedrooms. These finishes provide a soft sheen that enhances the color’s depth while being durable enough for everyday wear. If you prefer a more matte look, that can work too, but keep in mind it may require more maintenance over time.

Comparisons Ashland Slate with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Ashland Slate 1608