Slate grey and charcoal are two popular dark neutral shades that are often used in home decor and fashion. At first glance, they can appear quite similar – so what’s the difference between slate grey vs charcoal? Let’s take a closer look.
Defining Slate Grey
Slate grey refers to a cool-toned, medium-dark grey with blue undertones. It takes its name from the natural stone slate, which ranges in color from light to dark grey with hints of blue and green. As a paint color, slate grey has an RGB value of around 112-125 for red, 116-135 for green, and 116-135 for blue.
Some examples of slate grey paint colors include:
– Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
– Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
– Behr Pewter Tankard
– Valspar Virtual Taupe
Slate grey is a versatile neutral that works well in spaces both modern and traditional. It has enough depth to ground a space without appearing too dark.
Defining Charcoal
Charcoal refers to a very dark grey with black undertones. It takes its name from the charred remains of burnt wood or coal. As a paint color, charcoal has an RGB value of around 68-90 for red, 68-90 for green, and 68-90 for blue.
Some examples of charcoal paint colors include:
– Benjamin Moore Nightsong
– Sherwin Williams Mega Greige
– Behr Soot
– Valspar Kettle Black
Charcoal makes a dramatic accent in small doses. It also works well as a neutral backdrop that allows other colors to pop. But use charcoal sparingly, as it can quickly overwhelm if overdone.
Comparing Slate Grey vs. Charcoal
Now that we’ve defined each shade, let’s directly compare slate grey and charcoal:
| Color | Slate Grey | Charcoal |
| Tone | Cool, with blue undertones | Neutral to warm, with black undertones |
| Lightness | Medium-dark | Very dark |
| Use | Versatile neutral for walls, furniture, etc. | Dramatic accent color in small doses |
As you can see, the main differences come down to depth of tone and recommended use:
– Slate grey is lighter, cooler in tone, and more versatile as an all-over neutral.
– Charcoal is extremely dark, neutral-to-warm in tone, and best used sparingly as an accent.
How Lighting Affects Their Appearance
Lighting plays an important role in how these two shades are perceived.
In bright, direct lighting, the differences between slate grey and charcoal will be most apparent. Slate grey will read as a cool, middle-of-the-road neutral grey. Meanwhile, charcoal will appear dramatically dark and moody.
However, under dim, indirect lighting, the two shades may start to converge. Slate grey will skew darker and blur more closely with charcoal. Discerning the subtle contrasts between the two greys becomes more difficult.
So if debating between slate grey vs charcoal, be sure to consider the lighting. Slate grey is a safer bet for naturally bright rooms. Charcoal may underwhelm in dim or shadowy spaces.
Using Slate Grey and Charcoal Together
What about pairing slate grey and charcoal in one space? This can work beautifully to add visual interest through contrast.
Some ideas for combining the two colors:
– Slate grey walls with charcoal trim and accents
– A mostly slate grey room with touches of charcoal in artwork, pillows, or other accessories
– Charcoal cabinets or furniture against a slate grey wall
– A slate grey sofa paired with charcoal throw pillows
Aim for a ratio of 60-90% slate grey to 10-40% charcoal for best results. Use charcoal sparingly so it doesn’t overpower the space. Slate grey offers a pleasant, lighter backdrop that prevents charcoal from appearing too domineering.
Matching Materials
When trying to match slate grey and charcoal paint colors, keep finish and material in mind. A charcoal gloss paint will read darker than a charcoal flat paint. And charcoal granite will appear subtly different than charcoal metal, for example.
To best match slate grey and charcoal:
– Stick to the same finish (gloss, satin, flat)
– Match material types if possible
This helps ensure the two shades will coordinate seamlessly. Trying to match a charcoal metal lamp to a slate grey painted wall is tricky. But pairing charcoal and slate grey granite countertops is much easier since it’s the same base material.
Alternatives to Slate Grey and Charcoal
What about similar shades that offer a middle ground between slate grey and charcoal? Here are a few options:
– Onyx: A very dark gray with brown undertones. Darker than slate grey but not quite full charcoal.
– Peppercorn: A warm, brown-tinged dark grey. More inviting than charcoal but murkier than slate grey.
– Galveston Gray: A soft, warm-toned grey with more brown than slate grey but less black than charcoal.
– Naval: A darker slate grey that almost overlaps with the lighter end of charcoal. A good compromise.
– Blueprint: A cool-toned, middling neutral grey that falls neatly between slate grey and charcoal on the value scale.
Conclusion
So in summary, while slate grey and charcoal are often lumped together, they are distinctly different shades:
Slate grey is a versatile, medium-dark cool grey that works well on walls. Charcoal is an intensely dark, warm-leaning grey best used sparingly as accent. Slate grey has blue undertones; charcoal has black undertones.
However, the two colors can work beautifully together in one space, with slate grey providing a lighter backdrop to charcoal accents. Just be mindful of lighting conditions, which can affect how dark the shades appear.
When in doubt between slate grey vs charcoal, explore near-neutral alternatives like onyx or galveston gray that split the difference. With the right awareness and balance, any combination of these rich, dramatic greys are sure to add stylish sophistication.
