Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal Is Our Designers’ Go-To Moody Gray Paint

Time Several Hours

Budget $ $$$

Skill Level

WORDS BY Kelsey Clark

Fill 1Created with Sketch.

Published on December 21, 2023

Last year, we reported that warm neutrals like ivory, beige, and cream were slowly usurping omnipresent shades of gray. While we stand by that statement (and can pinpoint countless design aesthetics that ladder up to this color trend), we’ll always make an exception for Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal.

A beautiful dark neutral, Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal is a forever go-to for the Havenly design team. It complements a wide range of colors, from tan and sage to dusty pink and glam gold, in addition to bringing a hint of inviting warmth to any space. Ahead, see why Havenly designers can’t get enough of this timeless, dramatic gray:

Why is Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal a designer favorite?

Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal

Aside from it being absolutely stunning (sorry to state the obvious), Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal is an incredibly versatile paint color. It’s deep, rich, and complex, boasting a striking gray-black hue with hint of green that lends a warm, moody touch to any space. Plus, it bodes well with a lot of the natural tones and materials that are currently in style. In our book, Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal paired with a rattan pendant light and brass accents is a foolproof design combination.

Is Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal warm or cool?

Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal

Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal has a very subtle warm undertone to it, but as the brand states, it’s incredibly multifaceted and “works beautifully with a wide spectrum of colors.” As mentioned above, the slightly green-ish tint to the tone weaves in more earthy olive undertones than a cool emerald, for context, but still reads a very dark, timeless gray.

What colors go well with Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal?

Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal

While we’d argue that Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal can function as a clean neutral, this adaptable color pairs beautifully with lighter hues with warm undertones (specifically Benjamin Moore Simply White and Chantilly Lace). In that vein, this rich gray looks equally great with warm brass accents, light wood tones, earthy terra cotta, and natural materials like jute, sisal, and wicker. When building a palette around Kendall Charcoal, we recommend leaning into the overall warmth and adding a splash of bright white.

Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal in the living room

Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal

Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal is the perfect moody color for a living room with plenty of natural light. Keep the overall palette neutral with a tonal gray sofa, white curtains, and natural wood tones, and add a soft pop of color via cognac and rusty red accents.

Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal in the dining room

Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal

If you’re looking to add a hint of depth and drama to a classic dining room, Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal is a no-brainer. We especially love the addition of crisp-white wainscoting and a crystal chandelier in the above space for even more traditional charm. Finish the look with mis-matched furniture for a modern edge!

Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal in the bedroom

Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal

This moody gray is arguably the perfect hue for a calming bedroom. With subtle hints of green, it looks beautiful when paired with equally tranquil tones like natural olive and sage. Finish off the look with warm wood furniture, a light gray rug, and woven wall art for the perfect serene sanctuary.

From trending paint colors to perfecting room flow, our designers are chock-full of expert tips. Start with our style quiz to work with a design pro one-on-one.

Words by Kelsey Clark