COLOR OF THE MONTH: GRAPHIC CHARCOAL

Autumnal sunset view from the mountains.

September is a month of days getting shorter, while post-sunset weather is perfectly enjoyable. It’s the ideal month for main courses cooked on a charcoal grill, as humid weather has left for the season. Behr’s Graphic Charcoal N500-6 perfectly captures the essence of a cool yet pleasant night outdoors.

An open paint can overview featuring wet paint tinted in a dark gray color called Graphic Charcoal.

Indoors, Graphic Charcoal makes a modern statement for an entryway, foyer or hallway in place of common white walls. This bold dark gray looks even more stunning when paired with white wall trim. An industrial wood-and-black table is right at home against a charcoal wall. Even a black coat rack becomes an artistic statement on this wall, using colors of each coat as visual accents for the space.

A modern hallway painted in a gray color called Graphic Charcoal. A metal coat rack shaped in an artistic wall statement. Several warm toned furniture and decorative elements.
Coat rack
wall: Graphic Charcoal N500-6

In a living room, Graphic Charcoal serves as an excellent shade for a focal wall for a space such as the area surrounding the fireplace. Lighter gray walls on either side offer a new way to think about decorating a room with a neutral color scheme. A play on patterns and textures in the forms of upholstery and even woven planters adds immense visual interest.

A living room featuring a fireplace with an antiqued wood finish mantle, the wall is painted in dark gray color called Graphic Charcoal. A mix of decorative elements including stacks of books, tin box, wall artwork, ceramic vases and plant in a basket.
Living room with fireplace
fireplace wall: Graphic Charcoal N500-6

Graphic Charcoal is also an excellent color for a studio apartment or a home with an open floor plan. Use Graphic Charcoal as the wall color for one area, such as the dining space, and another color, such as a lighter gray.

An open floor plan featuring a kitchen and dining area, painted in Graphic Charcoal.  A kitchen with plenty of cabinet storage. A dining area with warm toned wood and leather furniture.
left wall: Graphic Charcoal N500-6

A bedroom gets an added touch of serenity with Graphic Charcoal walls. This color offers a rest for the eyes; it also serves as a stunning backdrop for a black headboard and a bed decked out in whites and grays. Texture becomes a decorative element in this space, from the waffled texture on blankets and pillow shams to the fringe on a gray and white bedside rug. Dark wood floors look great in this room with charcoal walls.

A bedroom with Graphic Charcoal painted walls. A cozy dark wood bed  made with multi-textural bedding.
wall & trim: Graphic Charcoal N500-6

A gray monochromatic color scheme is ideal in a bedroom with a large window or sliding door, as it softens the light coming through during peak daylight hours, making it easier on the eyes.

Elegant, modern bedroom showcase various gray tones.   An upholstered gray bed dressed with simple yet  elegant bedding.
wall Pencil Sketch N500-4

This dark hue injects bold and rich qualities and gives items an industrial edge. The low-sheen treatment is soft and touchable, while a satin or semi-gloss creates a sleek look. Dark Charcoal is a key color, suggesting a heightened sense of mystery and drama.

A dark gray industrial kitchen showcasing cabinets and kitchen island.
cabinets & island: Graphic Charcoal N500-6

Matte finishes are a must, applied on all surfaces from walls to furniture and accessories.

Modern kitchen with matte dark gray, swing shelf and ladder bookshelf.  A wall painted with dark gray color, Graphic Charcoal.
wall: Graphic Charcoal N500-6

Dark are a key complement to pastels as well as brights such as orange.

Gray wall and side orange side table
wall: Graphic Charcoal N500-6

Outside the home, Graphic Charcoal makes a stunning presence as an exterior door color. On a door, this neutral color works well with just about any home exterior setting, from bright white paint to classic red bricks.

Entry porch and dark gray front door of an art deco style apartment.
door: Graphic Charcoal N500-6

For more color and design inspiration visit our Color Studio on Behr.com.

Colorfully yours,

Diana

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  • Yolanda Gubish says...

    How would this color look on garage door? I have slump block

    • Diana Olvera says...

      Hi Yolanda – Graphic Charcoal is a pretty versatile dark gray and we do feel like it would look great in a garage door.

      Colorfully yours,
      Diana

  • Erin Pantages says...

    I’m holding a sample in my low light room and it appears SO dark. I want a charcoal look, not black – do you think on a larger scale it would look less black? (We use dim lighting down there)

    • Diana Olvera says...

      Erin – Graphic Charcoal is definitely not a black but more of dark gray. If the space is not well lit a lighter variation to consider would be, Magnetic Gray N500-5.

      Colorfully yours,
      Diana

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