Silhouette AF-655 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly blends sophistication with warmth, let me introduce you to Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette (AF-655). This deep, moody hue isn’t just another shade of gray—it’s a rich, enveloping color that transforms spaces into cozy yet elegant retreats. Whether you’re redesigning your living room, bedroom, or home office, Silhouette has the versatility to adapt to your vision while adding a touch of modern charm.

Silhouette sits in the beige family, but don’t let that fool you. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of just 10.18%, it’s a medium-dark shade that absorbs light rather than reflecting it, creating an intimate atmosphere. Its red undertones give it warmth, making it feel inviting rather than stark or cold. This is a color that wraps a room in depth, perfect for those who want their space to feel grounded and intentional.

One of the standout qualities of Silhouette is its adaptability. It works beautifully in both natural and artificial light, shifting subtly throughout the day. In a sunlit room, it exudes a soft, earthy warmth, while in low light, it deepens into a more dramatic, moody tone. This makes it ideal for spaces where you want a balance of coziness and sophistication—think a bedroom where you unwind or a dining room where you entertain.

Now, let’s talk about pairing. Silhouette plays well with a variety of decor styles, from modern and contemporary to industrial and rustic. If you’re worried about it feeling too heavy, balance it with lighter furnishings or crisp white trim. Benjamin Moore’s White Dove or Pure White are excellent choices for trim and ceilings, offering a clean contrast that keeps the space feeling fresh. For a touch of luxury, pair it with brass fixtures or warm wood tones—they’ll highlight the red undertones beautifully.

If you love the idea of a dark accent wall but aren’t ready to commit to an entire room, Silhouette is a fantastic option. Use it on a single wall to create depth and focus, then layer in lighter complementary shades like soft greens (try Benjamin Moore’s 2136-40 or HC-145) to keep the room balanced. This approach works especially well in smaller spaces, where a full dark paint job might feel overwhelming.

Application is a breeze with Silhouette. It’s beginner-friendly, with good coverage in just one or two coats, and it’s touch-up friendly—a lifesaver if you’re painting around kids or pets. The finish you choose can also impact the final look. A matte or eggshell finish enhances its richness, while satin adds a slight sheen that can brighten things up. For trim, a satin or semi-gloss finish creates a lovely contrast against the deeper walls.

Worried about maintenance? Don’t be. Silhouette is highly washable, making it practical for high-traffic areas like living rooms or home offices. Plus, it’s low-VOC, so you won’t have to deal with strong fumes during or after painting. It’s a win for both aesthetics and air quality.

If you’re still on the fence, consider this: Silhouette is a designer favorite for a reason. It’s a color that feels timeless yet current, warm yet refined. It’s the kind of shade that makes a room feel curated rather than cookie-cutter. Whether you’re going for a cozy reading nook or a sleek, modern lounge, this color delivers.

So, is Silhouette right for your project? If you’re drawn to deep, warm tones and want a space that feels inviting and intentional, the answer is yes. Test it out in your home first—paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day. See how it interacts with your furniture, flooring, and lighting. You might just find that it’s the perfect backdrop for the room you’ve been dreaming of.

At the end of the day, paint is more than just color—it’s the foundation of your space’s mood and personality. And with Silhouette, you’re choosing a hue that’s as versatile as it is beautiful. Whether you’re refreshing a single wall or transforming an entire room, this shade has the depth and warmth to make your vision come to life. So grab a brush, trust your instincts, and let Silhouette work its magic.

Real Room Photo of Silhouette AF-655

Undertones of  Silhouette ?

The undertones of Silhouette are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Red. 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: #57504C

RGB code: 87, 80, 76

Is  Silhouette Cool or Warm?

This shade leans warm, thanks to its earthy undertones. It can help soften spaces that may feel too cold or sterile, especially when paired with cooler accents or furniture.

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 Silhouette

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 Silhouette

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Silhouette is 10.18%, 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  Silhouette

Silhouette is not just a paint color; it’s a statement. This deep, muted gray with subtle undertones creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, making it perfect for spaces where relaxation is key. Whether you’re looking to create a serene bedroom sanctuary or a sophisticated living area, Silhouette adapts beautifully. It works well with both natural and artificial lighting, enhancing the room’s features without overpowering them. It pairs excellently with lighter colors for contrast or other deep shades for a dramatic effect. If you’re after a color that evokes depth while still feeling cozy, Silhouette is an excellent choice.

Pros & Cons of  AF-655 Silhouette

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Silhouette

FAQ on AF-655 Silhouette

Can Silhouette be used in small rooms?

Absolutely! While Silhouette is a deep color, it can work beautifully in small rooms when paired with lighter furnishings and decor. To avoid the room feeling too enclosed, consider using it on one accent wall or as part of a two-tone scheme with lighter shades.

What finishes work best with Silhouette?

Silhouette shines in a matte or eggshell finish for walls, enhancing its depth and texture. For trim, a satin or semi-gloss finish can provide a lovely contrast, adding brightness and definition to your space.

Comparisons Silhouette with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Silhouette AF-655