What Color is Slate in Appliances?
Slate is a popular neutral color for appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, and washing machines. The slate color provides a modern, sophisticated look that works well in many kitchen designs. But what exactly defines the slate color in appliances? Here’s an in-depth look at what color slate is and how it’s used in major appliances.
Defining the Slate Color
Slate is a gray color that has subtle hints of blue or green undertones. It’s a cool-toned, desaturated shade that creates a natural, earthy look. Specifically, the slate color used in most appliances is a medium-light gray with a slight greenish-blue cast.
This blue-green slate shade lies somewhere between a true gray and a light blue on the color spectrum. It has more color saturation than a straight gray but less than a full blue. The slate has a muted, smoother appearance than a bright blue and reads as a neutral backdrop in most kitchens.
Some key characteristics that define the typical slate appliance color:
– Medium-light gray base
– Slight green-blue tones
– Lower color saturation than primary colors
– Neutral backdrop color
– Cool, smooth, earthy finish
Slate vs. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is another prevalent appliance finish. But stainless steel and slate colors have distinct differences:
| Stainless Steel | Slate |
| Silver-gray metallic shade | Green-blue tinted gray |
| High sheen finish | Matte, smooth finish |
| More contemporary look | More classic, elegant look |
| Higher contrast | Lower contrast, blends into kitchen |
| More industrial feel | More natural, earthy feel |
As you can see, stainless steel has a brighter, shinier, high contrast appearance, while slate offers a softer, more organic look. Slate feels warmer and less sterile than polished metal. So slate can provide visual interest without dominating a kitchen design like stainless steel often does.
Slate Color Codes
If you want to match other materials like countertops, backsplashes, or paint to slate appliances, here are some common slate color codes:
– Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue HC-144 – This is a greenish-gray slate paint color.
– Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52 – A light slate gray paint shade.
– Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray SW 7016 – A calming, greenish slate gray paint.
– Hex code #69776D – The closest web color match to standard slate appliance gray.
– RGB code 108, 119, 109 – The RGB values for average appliance slate color.
– CMYK code 30, 15, 20, 50 – A typical slate appliance CMYK color profile.
Knowing the precise slate color values allows you to coordinate your kitchen design for a cohesive, pulled-together look.
Slate Appliance Finish Types
Slate appliance finishes have varying textures and sheens to suit different styles:
– *Matte or flat slate* – This totally matte slate has no shine and provides an ultra-smooth, velvety finish that avoids fingerprints. Matte slate offers a soft, subtle look.
– *Brushed slate* – Brushed slate has a lightly textured appearance, with subtle linear brush marks running vertically or horizontally. This adds visible texture for visual depth.
– *Satin slate* – A low-sheen satin slate finish has a hint of shine but still avoids major fingerprints. Satin slate offers a bit more depth than flat slate.
– *Gloss slate* – Glossy slate has the most light reflective shine. It shows more fingerprints but provides a wet-look brightness that contrasts nicely against matte cabinetry.
So slate appliances can take on many finishes – from flat matte to high gloss – depending on the level of shine you prefer.
Top Slate Appliance Brands
Many leading appliance brands offer popular slate color options:
– *GE Slate* – GE slate finishes include satin, gloss, and matte textures to suit any style.
– *Samsung Slate* – Samsung slate appliances have a gently textured, fingerprint-resistant finish.
– *Whirlpool Slate* – Whirlpool slate offers a lightly brushed satin sheen on dishwashers, refrigerators, and more.
– *KitchenAid Slate* – KitchenAid slate has a soft matte finish and is offered across multiple product lines.
– *LG Slate Steel* – LG’s slate steel finish provides a satin sheen combined with a hint of brushed metal texture.
– *Maytag Slate* – Maytag slate appliances feature a low-sheen, satin-like surface.
– *Frigidaire Slate* – Frigidaire offers both sleek matte and subtle satin slate finishes.
– *Bosch Stainless-Look Slate* – Bosch stainless-look slate adds a brushed steel visual to the typical slate gray.
So most major brands now carry slate appliance options to meet consumer demand for this stylish neutral color.
Matching Other Colors with Slate Appliances
The muted slate gray color combines seamlessly with many cabinetry, flooring, and paint shades. Here are some top colors to match with slate kitchen appliances:
– White – Crisp bright white paired with slate appliances creates a fresh, modern contrast.
– Light Gray – Different shades of light gray cabinetry complement slate appliances nicely.
– Navy – Navy blue adds a bold accent color that works with neutral slate.
– Black – Slate’s gray tones contrast elegantly against deep black cabinets or granite.
– Wood Tones – Slate complements natural wood cabinetry for an organic feel.
– Greige – Greige, or a blend of gray and beige, pairs seamlessly with slate.
– Green – Earthy greens like sage pair great with slate’s blue-green undertones.
Keeping decor neutral allows the slate to stand out, while adding pops of color creates eye-catching contrast.
Is Slate Right for Your Kitchen?
So should you consider slate appliances for your kitchen remodel or redesign? Here are some pros and cons to help decide if slate is right for you:
Pros:
– Provides an elegant, timeless look
– Neutral color blends into most kitchen designs
– Cool undertones complement warm wood cabinetry
– Available in matte, satin and glossy finishes
– Resists fingerprints better than stainless steel
Cons:
– Less contemporary than stainless steel or black
– Requires more careful cleaning than stainless
– Cool tone may clash with some warm paint colors
– Less color contrast for high visual interest
Overall, slate appliances offer flexibility in design, a classic style, and a more subtle look than many other finishes. If you want an upscale, sophisticated kitchen with natural appeal, slate could be the perfect neutral choice.
Conclusion
Slate has become a sought-after alternative to plain white and stainless steel appliances. With its light gray color, subtle blue-green undertones, and adaptable finish, slate can blend in or stand out depending on your overall kitchen design.
Slate works equally well in traditional and contemporary spaces and pairs nicely with colors like white, black, gray, navy, and wood tones. Whether you select a matte, satin, or gloss finish, slate appliances provide an elegant and timeless air. If your style is more refined than industrial, slate could be the sophisticated neutral color you’ve been searching for.
