Black Pepper 2130-40 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly balances sophistication and warmth, Benjamin Moore’s Black Pepper (2130-40) might just be your perfect match. This muted gray with subtle blue undertones is a designer favorite for a reason—it’s versatile, timeless, and adds just the right amount of depth to any space. Whether you’re refreshing a living room, bedroom, or home office, Black Pepper has a way of making a room feel both cozy and polished. Let’s dive into what makes this color so special and how you can use it to elevate your home.

First, let’s talk about the undertones. Black Pepper leans cool, thanks to its blue base, which gives it a modern, serene vibe. Unlike warmer grays that can feel a bit traditional, this hue feels fresh and contemporary. But don’t let the “cool” label scare you—it’s not icy or stark. Instead, it’s a soft, balanced gray that plays well with both light and dark furnishings. The blue undertones reveal themselves beautifully in natural light, creating a calming effect, while in lower light, the color deepens for a moodier, more dramatic look.

One of the biggest advantages of Black Pepper is its versatility. It works across a range of decor styles, from modern and industrial to Scandinavian and transitional. Pair it with crisp white trim (like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove) for a clean, classic contrast, or let it shine alongside brass fixtures for a touch of warmth. If you’re going for an industrial vibe, try combining it with raw wood and black metal accents. For a softer, Scandinavian-inspired space, layer in light textiles and natural textures to keep things airy.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—can you use Black Pepper in a small space? Absolutely. While darker colors can make a room feel more intimate, they don’t have to shrink it. The key is balance. If you’re painting a smaller room, consider using Black Pepper on just one accent wall and keeping the others lighter. Or, go all in but add plenty of reflective surfaces (like mirrors or metallic decor) and strategic lighting to keep the space feeling open. Lighter furniture and textiles will also help prevent the room from feeling too heavy.

When it comes to application, Black Pepper is a dream. It’s beginner-friendly, with smooth coverage that often only requires one or two coats. Whether you’re rolling or brushing, the finish is even and professional-looking. Choose a matte or eggshell finish for walls to enhance that velvety, sophisticated look, or opt for satin in high-traffic areas for added durability. And because it’s low VOC, you won’t have to worry about harsh fumes—making it a great choice for bedrooms and home offices where air quality matters.

Worried about maintenance? Don’t be. Black Pepper is washable, scrubbable, and stain-resistant, so it holds up well in busy households. Touch-ups are a breeze, too, thanks to its consistent color payoff. Just keep in mind that lighting can affect how the color reads. If your room gets a lot of natural light, the blue undertones will shine. In darker spaces, it’ll feel richer and more dramatic. Always test a swatch on your wall and observe it at different times of day before committing.

If you love Black Pepper but want something a bit lighter or darker, Benjamin Moore offers a range of similar shades. For a softer look, try one of its lighter cousins like 2120-40 or 2126-40. If you’re craving more intensity, darker options like Wrought Iron or Tricorn Black (Sherwin-Williams’ equivalent) might be worth exploring. And if you’re playing with complementary colors, warm reds, soft whites, or even muted greens can create a stunning contrast.

So, who is Black Pepper best for? If you’re drawn to colors that feel grounded yet modern, this is a winner. It’s ideal for creating a calming bedroom retreat, a focused home office, or an elegant dining room. It’s also a fantastic choice for open-concept spaces where you want a cohesive flow without sacrificing personality. And because it’s such a neutral, it’s easy to update your decor over time without repainting—just switch out your accessories for a whole new look.

At the end of the day, Black Pepper is more than just a paint color—it’s a mood. It’s the kind of hue that makes a room feel intentional, layered, and inviting. Whether you’re using it to anchor a space or add a touch of drama, it delivers every time. So grab a sample, see how it plays in your home, and get ready to fall in love with one of the most versatile grays on the market. Your walls will thank you.

Real Room Photo of Black Pepper 2130-40

Undertones of  Black Pepper ?

The undertones of Black Pepper 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: #717C86

RGB code: 113, 124, 134

Is  Black Pepper Cool or Warm?

This color leans towards the cool spectrum, making it ideal for creating a calm and serene environment. It’s perfect for spaces where you want to unwind and relax.

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 Black Pepper

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 Black Pepper

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Black Pepper is 21.12%, which places it in the Medium colors category. This means it reflect a lot of 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  Black Pepper

Black Pepper is a standout choice for anyone wanting to add depth and character to their walls. Its muted gray tone, complemented by cool undertones, creates a tranquil yet stylish atmosphere. It’s particularly effective in spaces that benefit from a bit of drama without overwhelming the senses. Whether you’re considering it for an accent wall or an entire room, this paint color can enhance the beauty of your decor. It pairs well with both light and dark furnishings, making it a versatile option for various styles. Users have noted its smooth application and impressive coverage, reducing the need for multiple coats. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those looking to elevate their space with a trendy yet timeless hue.

Pros & Cons of  2130-40 Black Pepper

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Black Pepper

FAQ on 2130-40 Black Pepper

Can Black Pepper be used in small rooms?

Absolutely! While Black Pepper can darken smaller spaces, it can also create a cozy and inviting atmosphere when used thoughtfully. Consider pairing it with lighter decor or strategic lighting to balance the look. Accent pieces in brighter colors can also help to lift the overall feel of the room.

What finishes are recommended for Black Pepper?

Black Pepper works well in various finishes, but matte and eggshell are particularly popular choices for walls as they provide a soft, velvety look. Satin finishes can also add a subtle sheen, perfect for areas that receive more wear and tear. It’s best to choose a finish based on the room’s purpose and desired aesthetic.

Comparisons Black Pepper with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Black Pepper 2130-40