BM Kendall Charcoa vs SW Peppercorn: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect deep, dark gray paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar rich shades. Popular options like Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal HC-166 and Sherwin Williams Peppercorn SW 7674 appear very similar at first glance. But what really differentiates these two dramatic grays?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Kendall Charcoal vs Peppercorn in-depth to help you determine the right bold gray paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.

Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Key Differences Between Kendall Charcoal and Peppercorn

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal and Sherwin Williams’ Peppercorn:

Undertones – Kendall Charcoal is a cool dark gray, Peppercorn is a true dark gray
Light Reflectance – Kendall Charcoal has an LRV of 10, Peppercorn has an LRV of 14.61
Use – Kendall Charcoal suits modern spaces, Peppercorn works in any style
Rooms – Kendall Charcoal excels in bold modern kitchens, Peppercorn shines in dramatic living rooms
Availability – Both come in all paint sheens

Now let’s explore Kendall Charcoal and Peppercorn more thoroughly.

Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal HC-166

With its dramatic charcoal gray color, Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal HC-166 creates a bold, sophisticated backdrop that feels chic and contemporary. This deep cool gray works across many styles.

Here are some key details about Kendall Charcoal:

LRV: 10
Undertones: Cool dark gray
Finish: Available in all paint sheens
Rooms: Modern kitchens, dining rooms, offices, living rooms
Pairs Well With: White, green, black, metallics

Kendall Charcoal is an intense charcoal gray with subtle hints of blue undertones. In certain lights it takes on a bold graphite gray appearance. The sophisticated color has modern appeal.

The 10 light reflectance value creates a deep, dramatic feel while avoiding feeling too dark and gloomy. Kendall Charcoal strikes a perfect balance of depth and vibrancy.

This adaptable gray complements both cool and warm accents. Popular Kendall Charcoal color pairings include:

Sherwin-Williams Pure White
Benjamin Moore Mountain Moss
Matte black hardware
Brushed brass and gold accents
Crisp white trim

While suitable anywhere in the home, Kendall Charcoal excels in these chic, modern spaces:

Kitchens
Dining Rooms
Offices
Living Rooms
Bathrooms

Kendall Charcoal’s bold sophistication helps create a dramatic yet livable backdrop. Use it to create an upscale modern feel.

Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn SW 7674

Real Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn — Image Credit:@ amyloufarmer

With its deep, intense blackish-gray color, Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn SW 7674 creates a striking, dramatic backdrop. This versatile true dark gray works across all styles.

Here are some details about Peppercorn:

LRV: 14.61
Undertones: True dark gray
Finish: Available in all paint sheens
Rooms: Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Light neutrals, blue, green, wood tones

Peppercorn is an extremely deep gray without any noticeable undertones. In all lighting it maintains its pure dark charcoal gray appearance.

The 14.61 light reflectance value creates a bold dramatic look while avoiding feeling too inky or black. Peppercorn strikes an ideal balance of sophistication and depth.

This adaptable gray complements light neutrals and vivid accent colors nicely. Popular Peppercorn color pairings include:

Sherwin-Williams Extra White
Benjamin Moore Nebulous Blue
Vibrant green and teal accents
Crisp white trims
Rich wood finishes

While suitable anywhere at home, Peppercorn truly excels in these dramatic spaces:

Living Rooms
Dining Rooms
Bedrooms
Offices
Libraries

Peppercorn’s deep smoky color helps create an elegant, moody feel. Use it to dramatize any space.

Comparing Kendall Charcoal vs Peppercorn

Now that we’ve examined Kendall Charcoal and Peppercorn independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Kendall Charcoal has an LRV of 10 compared to Peppercorn’s slightly darker 14.61 LRV. Both offer very low illumination.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Kendall Charcoal is a cool-toned dark gray while Peppercorn is a true neutral dark gray.

Use & Rooms

Kendall Charcoal’s modern vibe excels in contemporary kitchens and dining rooms. Peppercorn’s versatility suits any dramatic space.

Availability

Both Kendall Charcoal and Peppercorn come in any sheen from matte to glossy.

Kendall Charcoal vs Peppercorn Comparison Chart

Paint Color	Kendall Charcoal HC-166	Peppercorn SW 7674
LRV	10	14.61
Undertones	Cool dark gray	True dark gray
Use	Modern kitchens, dining rooms	Any dramatic space
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Modern, contemporary	Versatile

Real-Life Photos: Kendall Charcoal vs Peppercorn

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Kendall Charcoal and Peppercorn:

Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal

Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn

While they can overlap, Kendall Charcoal generally appears slightly cooler than the pure true dark gray of Peppercorn. But lighting affects their appearance.

Should I Choose Kendall Charcoal or Peppercorn?

So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal or Sherwin Williams’ Peppercorn for your home? Here are a few tips:

Choose Kendall Charcoal HC-166 if you want:

A cool, bold charcoal gray
A dramatic color suitable for modern styles
A sophisticated backdrop for contemporary kitchens and dining rooms
To allow lighter accents to pop

Choose Peppercorn SW 7674 if you want:

An intense true dark gray without undertones
A versatile dramatic color suitable for any room
A moody but livable backdrop with depth
A bold neutral that fits well with varied schemes

Get samples of both Kendall Charcoal and Peppercorn. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how they’ll look in your lighting.

You can also pair them with decor you already have. Both offer gorgeous deep grays that provide dramatic elegance.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Kendall Charcoal and Peppercorn paint colors:

Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal

Kitchens
Dining Rooms
Offices
Living Rooms
Bathrooms

Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn

Living Rooms
Dining Rooms
Bedrooms
Offices
Libraries

While both deep grays work well in many elegant spaces, the above rooms tend to make optimal use of their unique tones.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

Complement Kendall Charcoal and Peppercorn with other colors and materials to let them shine:

Kendall Charcoal HC-166 Pairings

Sherwin-Williams Pure White
Benjamin Moore Mountain Moss
Matte black hardware
Brushed brass and gold accents
Crisp white trim

Peppercorn SW 7674 Pairings

Sherwin-Williams Extra White
Benjamin Moore Nebulous Blue
Vibrant green and teal accents
Crisp white trims
Rich wood finishes

Kendall Charcoal vs Peppercorn – Which is Better?

So which deep gray paint color is better for your home – Kendall Charcoal or Peppercorn?

Consider Kendall Charcoal HC-166 if you want:

A sophisticated cool-toned dark gray
A bold modern color for contemporary kitchens and dining rooms
To allow lighter accents to pop against the backdrop
A dramatic yet livable backdrop

Consider Peppercorn SW 7674 if you want:

An intense true dark gray without any undertones
A versatile dramatic color suitable for any room style
A moody but livable backdrop with depth
A bold neutral that fits well with varied color schemes

While Kendall Charcoal offers modern edge, Peppercorn provides versatile drama.

Get samples before deciding. Either rich deep gray you choose will create a gorgeous focal point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Kendall Charcoal or Peppercorn? Here are answers to some common questions:

What are the main differences between Kendall Charcoal and Peppercorn?

The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. Kendall Charcoal is a cool dark gray while Peppercorn is a true neutral dark gray.

What colors complement Kendall Charcoal?

Crisp whites, fresh greens, black and brass metallics, and light wood tones complement Kendall Charcoal’s bold charcoal hue nicely. Vivid colors also pop against it.

Can you use Peppercorn in a bedroom?

Yes, Peppercorn can work nicely in a bedroom if paired with lighter accent colors and fabrics to balance its intensity. Avoid making the whole room dark.