Kendall Charcoal HC-166 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly balances boldness and subtlety, Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore might just be your perfect match. This sophisticated gray, with its warm undertones and medium-dark depth, has become a favorite among designers and homeowners alike. It’s the kind of shade that doesn’t just sit on your walls—it transforms them, adding a layer of richness and warmth that makes any room feel intentional and inviting.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Kendall Charcoal is its versatility. Whether you’re working with a modern farmhouse aesthetic, an industrial loft, or a transitional living room, this color adapts beautifully. Its LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 13.32% means it reflects very little light, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. That makes it ideal for spaces where you want to foster warmth, like living rooms, bedrooms, or even a home office where you crave a sense of calm focus.

But here’s where Kendall Charcoal really shines: its undertones. Unlike cooler grays that can feel stark or sterile, this shade has a subtle yellow base that gives it depth and warmth. In natural light, it softens, almost leaning into a muted taupe, while under artificial lighting, it deepens into a richer, more dramatic hue. This adaptability means it plays well with a variety of complementary colors—think creamy whites like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for trim, or bold blues and soft greens for accents.

Choosing the right finish is key to getting the most out of this color. An eggshell or satin finish works wonders in high-traffic areas like living rooms or hallways, offering durability without sacrificing that velvety look. If you’re after something more dramatic, a matte finish can elevate an accent wall, giving it a sophisticated, almost gallery-like feel. And don’t overlook trim—pairing Kendall Charcoal with crisp white trim creates a striking contrast that highlights the color’s depth.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY beginner. The coverage is excellent, often requiring just one or two coats, and it dries to a smooth, even finish. Plus, it’s touch-up friendly, so small imperfections or scuffs won’t leave you scrambling to repaint an entire wall. And because it’s low-VOC, you won’t have to worry about harsh fumes lingering in your home.

Now, let’s talk about decor pairings. This color loves natural materials—think warm wood tones, brass fixtures, and textured fabrics like linen or wool. It also plays well with bold accents. Try pairing it with deep blues or earthy greens for a dynamic look, or keep things serene with soft neutrals and metallics. If you’re working with a small space, don’t shy away—Kendall Charcoal can actually make a room feel more intimate and purposeful, especially when balanced with plenty of light and reflective surfaces.

Of course, no color is without its considerations. In low-light rooms, Kendall Charcoal can appear darker than expected, so it’s always wise to test a sample on your walls before committing. And while its warm undertones are a strength, they can clash with certain colors, so take the time to swatch it alongside your existing furniture and finishes.

So, is Kendall Charcoal right for your home? If you’re looking for a color that’s equal parts elegant and approachable, with enough depth to make a statement but enough warmth to keep things cozy, the answer is likely yes. It’s a timeless choice that won’t feel dated in a few years, and its adaptability means it can grow with your style. Whether you’re painting a single accent wall or refreshing an entire room, this shade has the power to elevate your space in a way that feels both intentional and effortless.

At the end of the day, the best paint color is one that makes you feel something—and Kendall Charcoal has a way of making a room feel like home. It’s not just a backdrop; it’s a mood, a vibe, a foundation for the stories you’ll tell in your space. So grab a sample, see how it looks in your light, and get ready to fall in love with the possibilities.

Real Room Photo of Kendall Charcoal HC-166

Undertones of  Kendall Charcoal ?

The undertones of Kendall 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: #666662

RGB code: 102, 102, 98

Is  Kendall Charcoal Cool or Warm?

This color leans more towards the warm side of the spectrum. It offers a cozy feel that can help create inviting spaces, making it particularly suitable for living areas and bedrooms.

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 Kendall 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 Kendall Charcoal

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Kendall Charcoal is 13.32%, 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  Kendall Charcoal

Kendall Charcoal is more than just a shade; it’s a statement. When applied, it brings a sense of sophistication to walls without overwhelming the space. The color adapts beautifully to varying lighting conditions, appearing softer during the day and more dramatic at night. Its versatility allows it to be used across different decor styles, from contemporary to industrial, making it a must-have for any home. Whether you’re painting an accent wall or refreshing an entire room, Kendall Charcoal provides a rich backdrop that enhances other colors and decor elements beautifully. It’s easy to work with, dries relatively quickly, and leaves a smooth finish, ensuring a professional look even for DIY enthusiasts.

Pros & Cons of  HC-166 Kendall Charcoal

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal

FAQ on HC-166 Kendall Charcoal

How does Kendall Charcoal compare to other gray paints?

Kendall Charcoal stands out with its warm undertones, making it less harsh than many cooler grays. Unlike some grays that can feel sterile or cold, this shade invites warmth and comfort into a room. It also pairs beautifully with various colors, unlike more neutral grays that might clash, making it a versatile choice for many homeowners.

What kind of finish should I choose for Kendall Charcoal?

Choosing the right finish depends on the room’s use. For living areas or bedrooms, an eggshell or satin finish offers durability while maintaining a soft appearance. If you want a more dramatic effect, a matte finish can add a sophisticated touch, while a semi-gloss finish can be great for trim or cabinetry, enhancing the color’s richness.

Comparisons Kendall Charcoal with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal HC-166