BM Charcoal slate is a popular exterior house paint color known for its deep, dark gray hue with subtle blue undertones. As a neutral color, it provides a classic and sophisticated look for home exteriors. Understanding the undertones of BM Charcoal slate can help homeowners decide if it is the right shade of gray for their home.
The Color Profile of BM Charcoal Slate
BM Charcoal slate is part of the Benjamin Moore color collection. It is categorized under the gray paint colors with the following specifications:
| Hue Family | Blue |
| Hue | Blue-gray |
| Value/Lightness | Dark |
| Saturation/Chroma | Low |
| Hex Code | #3C4142 |
As a blue-gray, BM Charcoal slate is a darker color with hints of blue that give it a slightly cooler tone compared to true neutral grays. While it still reads as a gray color, the blue undertones become apparent upon closer inspection, particularly in natural lighting.
Cool Blue Undertones
The main undertone present in BM Charcoal slate is blue. This subtle blue tone arises from the mixture of blue and gray pigments used to create this shade. The blue undertones provide a cooler, more soothing effect than pure gray.
When the blue undertones are noticeable, BM Charcoal slate takes on the aesthetic qualities associated with blue – a sense of calm, tranquility, and relaxation. While the blue is subtle, it influences how the gray comes across visually. Compared to warm grays, BM Charcoal slate feels more reserved and soothing due to its cool blue bias.
Appears Neutral Gray in Some Lighting
While BM Charcoal slate clearly contains blue pigments, in certain lighting conditions and when viewed from a distance, the blue tones can be difficult to discern. In overcast or poorly lit conditions, the color may appear as a true, neutral medium-dark gray.
The blue only becomes evident upon close inspection, especially in natural daylight. The sun’s rays help accentuate the blue particles in the paint, bringing out the cooler undertones. So BM Charcoal slate can take on a more neutral gray appearance in low light but reveal blue hints in brighter settings.
Muted, Low Chroma Blue
The blue undertones in BM Charcoal slate are subtle and muted rather than bold and vibrant. The amount of blue pigment is carefully balanced to ensure the gray retains its dominant character.
Technically, BM Charcoal slate has a low chroma, meaning it appears less saturated on the color spectrum. The blue is a dusty, charcoal blue that blends seamlessly into the gray base. This results in a sophisticated, slightly understated color.
The muted cool blue sits in the background as a supporting player to the main gray color rather than clashing or competing with it. This balance and restraint with the blue creates an adaptable shade.
How Lighting Affects the Blue Undertones
Lighting conditions play a key role in whether BM Charcoal slate’s blue undertones are noticeable. Different types of light interact with the paint particles in unique ways. Here is how the blue undertones in BM Charcoal slate are affected by various lighting conditions:
Natural Daylight – Most Prominent Blue Tones
In natural daylight, especially midday to early afternoon when the sun’s rays directly hit the painted surface, the blue undertones in BM Charcoal slate are the most pronounced and evident. The blue particles in the paint absorb and reflect the natural light wavelengths, revealing the color’s cooler bias.
Overcast Lighting – More Neutral Gray
On overcast days when the sky is cloudy and natural light is diffuse and grayed out, the blue undertones in BM Charcoal slate recede. Without direct sunlight, the paint takes on a more straightforward neutral gray appearance with the blue influence less visible.
Indoor Lighting – Depends on Light Source
Indoors, the prominence of the blue undertones depends on the light source illuminating the BM Charcoal slate paint. Yellow incandescent bulbs downplay the blue, while white fluorescent lighting brings it out more. Neutral white LEDs render the truest color. Combinations of lights can mute or exaggerate the blue tones.
Darkness/Low Light – Blue Undertones Hidden
In darkness or very low light conditions, the blue particles in BM Charcoal slate become indistinguishable from the basic gray base. The undertones recede into the shadows and the paint color appears simply as a neutral dark gray without any evident coolness from blue influences.
How Finish Impacts the Blue
The finish of the BM Charcoal slate paint also affects how prominent the blue appears. Here is an overview:
Matte Finish – Muted Blue Undertones
Flat or matte finish minimizes the visibility of the blue undertones. The lack of shine and luster downplays the cooler blue bias in BM Charcoal slate. Matte finish provides a classic, understated neutral dark gray.
Eggshell Finish – Subtle Blue Hints
A soft eggshell finish allows a very minor amount of light reflection, creating a subtle sheen. This helps bring out extremely faint hints of the blue undertones on close inspection. But the blue influence remains downplayed.
Satin Finish – Blue Slightly More Noticeable
Satin finish starts to reveal the blue undertones a bit more due to increased light reflection and shine. The blue particles become a little more evident in certain lighting. But the color still maintains a primarily gray appearance.
Gloss Finish – Blue Undertones Enhanced
High gloss finish reflects the most light. This amplifies the visibility of the blue pigments in the paint. The increased shine and luster make the cool blue undertones more apparent compared to satin or matte.
Use of Blue Undertones in Design
The subtle blue undertones in BM Charcoal slate lend themselves well to certain exterior house color schemes and designs. Here are some potential uses that take advantage of the hints of blue:
Complementary Contrast to Orangey Hues
The cool blue particles provide visual contrast and pop against warm orange exterior accents like front doors, outdoor furnishings, pots and ornamentation. BM Charcoal slate creates a pleasing complementary scheme.
Harmonizing With Blue-Green Landscaping
Use BM Charcoal slate on a home exterior with blue-green landscaping like spruce trees or blue-hued flowering plants. The colors share a coolness that harmonizes beautifully together.
Neutral Backdrop to Bold Blues
With bolder blue accent colors, BM Charcoal slate acts as an adaptable neutral backdrop, allowing the vibrant blues to take center stage and pop. The blue undertones relate while staying muted.
Soothing Color Schemes
For a more tranquil exterior palette, keep accent colors in light blues, grays, and whites. BM Charcoal slate’s subtle coolness complements the scheme without overpowering.
Pairing with Other Exterior Colors
BM Charcoal slate can be paired with a wide variety of colors because of its neutral dark gray base. But its blue undertones also complement specific hues. Here are some recommended color pairings:
| Warm neutrals | Tans, camels, sandstone |
| Cool neutrals | Whites, silvers, grays |
| Pops of color | Brick red, mustard yellow, purple |
| Monochromatic | Navy blue, cobalt, gray-blues |
| Complementary | Peach, coral, pumpkin orange |
The cool blue undertones allow BM Charcoal slate to relate beautifully to analogous cool-toned hues while providing contrast against warm accent colors.
Considerations Before Choosing BM Charcoal Slate
While the blue undertones add subtle depth and interest, BM Charcoal slate leans toward a darker, moodier aesthetic. Here are some considerations before selecting this shade:
Best Suited to Modern Styles
The dramatic gray works well on contemporary style homes but might clash with lighthearted historical styles like cottage or Tuscan. Match the aesthetic.
Physical Surroundings Matter
Factor in the actual physical location and sunlight exposure. Is the home shaded and dark? Or bright and sun-drenched? This impacts whether the blue comes across.
Color Scheme Cohesion
When coordinating with other exterior colors, ensure accents relate cohesively so the blue undertones don’t end up clashing unexpectedly.
Undertones Impact First Impressions
While subtle, undertones influence the vibe and feel of a home. Make sure BM Charcoal slate gives the desired cohesive impression.
Conclusion
BM Charcoal slate’s blue-gray color profile creates a sophisticated, adaptable neutral that flatters both traditional and contemporary home styles. While its undertones lean cool, they remain muted enough for versatility in exterior color schemes. Choosing finishes and lighting conditions allows homeowners to showcase the hinting of blue for added visual interest. When thoughtfully coordinated, BM Charcoal slate’s undertones can bring a breezy pop of color to an otherwise monochromatic gray exterior.
