When searching for the perfect dark gray paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades. Popular choices Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray SW 7068 and Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal HC-166 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful dark grays?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Grizzle Gray vs Kendall Charcoal in-depth to help you determine the ideal neutral 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 Grizzle Gray and Kendall Charcoal
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Grizzle Gray and Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal:
- Undertones – Grizzle Gray is a cool gray, Kendall Charcoal is a warm gray
- Light Reflectance – Grizzle Gray has an LRV of 13, Kendall Charcoal has an LRV of 14.61
- Use – Grizzle Gray suits modern styles, Kendall Charcoal fits traditional decor
- Rooms – Grizzle Gray excels in living rooms, Kendall Charcoal shines in bedrooms
- Availability – Grizzle Gray comes in all sheens, Kendall Charcoal comes in eggshell and below
Now let’s explore Grizzle Gray and Kendall Charcoal more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray SW 7068
With its understated charcoal appearance, Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray SW 7068 creates an elegant backdrop well-suited for contemporary spaces. This versatile dark neutral works across styles.
Here are some details about Grizzle Gray:
- LRV: 13
- Undertones: Cool gray
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Whole home color, especially living rooms and dining rooms
- Pairs Well With: Pops of color, black and white, wood tones
Grizzle Gray is a hushed charcoal gray with the slightest hint of blue undertone. In all lighting it maintains its understated dark gray appearance.
The 13 light reflectance value provides ideal moody illumination without being too dark. Grizzle Gray gives an open, breathable feel.
This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular Grizzle Gray color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Tradewind
- Sherwin WilliamsPure White
- Crisp white trims
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Navy blue accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Grizzle Gray truly excels in these sleek, modern spaces:
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Foyers
- Open Floor Plans
- Kitchens
Grizzle Gray’s versatility helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating contemporary styles.
Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal HC-166
With its warm charcoal appearance, Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal HC-166 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for accentuating traditional decor. This versatile dark neutral works in both formal and casual spaces.
Here are some details about Kendall Charcoal:
- LRV: 14.61
- Undertones: Warm gray
- Finish: Eggshell and below
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Blues, greens, blacks, wood tones
Kendall Charcoal is a relaxed, muted charcoal gray with faint brown undertones. In certain lights it can read as a weathered slate gray. The welcoming neutral has traditional appeal.
The 14.61 light reflectance value prevents the shade from feeling too dark or moody. Kendall Charcoal strikes a cozy yet bright balance suitable for most rooms.
This versatile neutral complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Kendall Charcoal color pairings include:
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Benjamin Moore Forest Path
- Black accent pieces
- Aged wood finishes
- White trim and mouldings
While suitable anywhere at home, Kendall Charcoal truly excels in these spaces:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Libraries
Kendall Charcoal’s warmth helps create a welcoming, traditional feel perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to allow bold colors to stand out.
Comparing Grizzle Gray vs Kendall Charcoal
Now that we’ve examined Grizzle Gray and Kendall Charcoal independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Grizzle Gray and Kendall Charcoal have similar LRVs of 13 and 14.61 respectively. Grizzle Gray will feel slightly brighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Grizzle Gray is a cooler gray, while Kendall Charcoal is subtly warm-toned.
Use & Rooms
Grizzle Gray’s modern crispness excels in open living areas and dining rooms. Kendall Charcoal’s cozy warmth is perfect for bedrooms and offices.
Availability
Grizzle Gray comes in any sheen. Kendall Charcoal only comes in eggshell finish and below.
Grizzle Gray vs Kendall Charcoal Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Grizzle Gray SW 7068 | Kendall Charcoal HC-166 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 13 | 14.61 |
| Undertones | Cool gray | Warm gray |
| Use | Contemporary spaces | Traditional rooms |
| Finishes | All sheens | Eggshell and below |
| Style | Modern, contemporary | Traditional, classic |
Real-Life Photos: Grizzle Gray vs Kendall Charcoal
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the subtle differences between Grizzle Gray and Kendall Charcoal:
Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray
Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal
While they can overlap, Grizzle Gray generally appears slightly crisper and cooler than the subtle warm brown tone of Kendall Charcoal. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Grizzle Gray or Kendall Charcoal?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Grizzle Gray or Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Grizzle Gray SW 7068 if you want:
- A cooler, crisper dark gray
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- An airy feel for open concept rooms
- To allow colors to pop against the backdrop
Choose Kendall Charcoal HC-166 if you want:
- A slightly warmer, brown-influenced dark gray
- A cozy yet sophisticated neutral for bedrooms
- A versatile color that works with traditional decor
- A soft, welcoming backdrop
Get samples of both Grizzle Gray and Kendall Charcoal. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the undertones read in your environment.
You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful dark gray tones that suit many styles.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Grizzle Gray and Kendall Charcoal paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Foyers
- Open Floor Plans
- Kitchens
Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Libraries
While both grays work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Grizzle Gray and Kendall Charcoal create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
Grizzle Gray SW 7068 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Tradewind
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Crisp white trims
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Navy blue accents
Kendall Charcoal HC-166 Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Benjamin Moore Forest Path
- Black accent pieces
- Aged wood finishes
- White trim and mouldings
Grizzle Gray vs Kendall Charcoal – Which is Better?
So which dark gray paint color is better for your home – Grizzle Gray or Kendall Charcoal?
Consider Grizzle Gray SW 7068 if you want:
- A cool, crisper dark gray
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- An airy open feel for living areas
- To allow accent colors to pop
Consider Kendall Charcoal HC-166 if you want:
- A slightly warm, brown-influenced dark gray
- A welcoming backdrop for bedrooms and offices
- A versatile color that works with traditional decor
- A soft, cozy ambiance
While Grizzle Gray offers modern crispness, Kendall Charcoal provides subtle warm character.
Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful dark gray you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Grizzle Gray or Kendall Charcoal? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Grizzle Gray and Kendall Charcoal?
The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. Grizzle Gray is a cooler gray while Kendall Charcoal is a slightly warm brown-gray.
What colors complement Kendall Charcoal?
Kendall Charcoal looks beautiful paired with richer blues, sage greens, black and white graphic patterns, and wood tones for nice contrast.
Can you use Grizzle Gray in a bathroom?
Yes, Grizzle Gray’s subtle and sophisticated dark gray hue would work wonderfully in a bathroom to create a relaxing oasis.
Is Kendall Charcoal suitable for northern exposure?
Yes, Kendall Charcoal’s 14.61 LRV provides enough brightness for a north facing room without appearing too dark or overwhelming.
Does Grizzle Gray come in satin finish?
Yes, Grizzle Gray is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat to satin to semi-gloss.
