Tavern Charcoal CW-90 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly balances sophistication and warmth, let me introduce you to Benjamin Moore’s Tavern Charcoal (CW-90). This deep, moody gray with subtle yellow undertones is a designer favorite for a reason—it’s versatile, timeless, and surprisingly inviting. Whether you’re revamping a living room, bedroom, or even a hallway, Tavern Charcoal has the depth to make a statement while still feeling grounded and approachable.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Tavern Charcoal is its rich, earthy presence. Unlike cooler grays that can feel stark or industrial, this shade leans warm, thanks to its yellow undertones. That warmth makes it incredibly adaptable—it can cozy up a modern space, add gravitas to a traditional room, or bring an organic touch to an industrial loft. The color reads differently depending on the light, too. In bright, natural light, those golden undertones peek through, creating an inviting glow. In lower light, it takes on a more mysterious, enveloping quality, perfect for intimate spaces like bedrooms or home offices.

Now, let’s talk about where Tavern Charcoal shines. It’s a fantastic choice for accent walls, especially in living rooms or dining areas where you want to create a focal point without overwhelming the space. Pair it with crisp white trim—Benjamin Moore’s White Dove or Pure White are excellent options—and you’ve got a classic, high-contrast look that feels both fresh and timeless. If you’re feeling bold, consider using it on all four walls in a room with plenty of natural light or ample artificial lighting. Just keep in mind that with an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 9.71%, this color absorbs light rather than reflecting it, so it’s best suited for spaces where you want to cultivate a cozy, intimate vibe.

Worried about using a dark color in a small room? Don’t be. Tavern Charcoal’s warmth prevents it from feeling oppressive, even in tighter spaces. The key is balance. Pair it with lighter furniture, mirrors, and metallic accents (brass fixtures are a match made in heaven) to keep the room feeling open and airy. If you’re painting a hallway, which can often feel narrow, use this color strategically—maybe on the lower half of the walls with a lighter shade above—to add depth without shrinking the space.

When it comes to application, Tavern Charcoal is beginner-friendly. It offers excellent coverage, often needing just one or two coats, and it’s touch-up friendly, which is a lifesaver if you’re doing the painting yourself. For finishes, I’d recommend eggshell or satin. These provide a soft sheen that enhances the color’s richness while being durable enough for high-traffic areas. Matte is also an option if you prefer a more subdued look, but keep in mind it may require more maintenance in spaces prone to fingerprints or scuffs.

As for decor pairings, Tavern Charcoal plays well with a wide range of colors. For a harmonious, monochromatic scheme, layer it with lighter grays like Benjamin Moore’s 1561 or 1491. If you want to inject some energy, try complementary shades with blue undertones—think deep navy or soft powder blue—to create a dynamic contrast. Warm woods, leather accents, and textured fabrics like linen or wool will amplify its earthy charm, making the space feel curated and lived-in.

A few things to watch out for? In very bright, sun-drenched rooms, Tavern Charcoal can appear more muted than you might expect, so test a swatch first to see how it behaves in your specific lighting. And while it’s a forgiving color, matching trims or touch-ups down the line requires attention—always keep a record of the color code (CW-90) for consistency.

So, is Tavern Charcoal right for your home? If you’re looking for a color that’s equal parts bold and comforting, with enough versatility to work in almost any style of decor, the answer is a resounding yes. It’s the kind of shade that doesn’t just sit on your walls—it interacts with your space, changing subtly with the light and the pieces around it. Whether you’re going for a dramatic accent wall or a full-room transformation, Tavern Charcoal delivers depth, warmth, and a touch of understated elegance. Grab a sample, paint a test patch, and see how it transforms your space. You might just fall in love with the way it makes your home feel.

Real Room Photo of Tavern Charcoal CW-90

Undertones of  Tavern Charcoal ?

The undertones of Tavern Charcoal are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Yellow. 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: #524F44

RGB code: 82, 79, 68

Is  Tavern Charcoal Cool or Warm?

Overall, Tavern Charcoal is warm, but its depth can create an interesting balance that may feel cool in certain lighting conditions. This duality allows it to adapt beautifully to various design themes, making it a flexible option for any room.

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 Tavern Charcoal

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 Tavern Charcoal

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Tavern Charcoal is 9.71%, which places it in the Dark colors category. This means it does not reflect 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  Tavern Charcoal

Tavern Charcoal stands out with its rich, earthy undertones that can transform any space into a serene retreat. When applied, it exhibits a depth that can feel both grounding and expansive, depending on the surrounding decor. This color shines particularly well in natural light, showcasing its warm undertones, while in dimmer environments, it offers a cozy ambiance that envelops the room. Whether you’re looking to create a statement wall or a full room makeover, Tavern Charcoal is adaptable enough to serve both purposes. It pairs well with lighter colors for contrast or can be used alongside other deep hues for a dramatic effect. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add sophistication without overwhelming the senses.

Pros & Cons of  CW-90 Tavern Charcoal

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Tavern Charcoal

FAQ on CW-90 Tavern Charcoal

Can Tavern Charcoal be used in small spaces?

Absolutely! While Tavern Charcoal is a darker shade, its warm undertones can actually enhance the space by making it feel more inviting. However, if you’re using it in a small room, consider pairing it with lighter colors on trim and furniture to create contrast and prevent the space from feeling too enclosed.

What kind of finish works best with Tavern Charcoal?

For Tavern Charcoal, an eggshell or satin finish is recommended, especially in areas like living rooms or bedrooms where you want a soft sheen that reflects light without being overly shiny. These finishes will also enhance the depth of the color while providing durability for high-traffic areas.

Comparisons Tavern Charcoal with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Tavern Charcoal CW-90