Ref. #283235 · N520-7
Carbon
5%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Carbon Technical Profile
What color is Carbon? It's a dark cool gray with the hex code #283235. Colors similar to Carbon include RAL Anthracite Grey, Sherwin-Williams Night Watch, Benjamin Moore Black Knight. Carbon has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 5, Carbon creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. As a cool neutral, Carbon pairs with cool whites for trim, gray-toned or rift-cut oak floors, and brushed nickel or polished chrome hardware. Black accents and natural greenery add contrast. Cool neutrals hold their crisp quality under 4000K+ daylight bulbs. Under 2700K warm light they soften considerably — particularly true for any blue or green undertone.
Colors Similar to Carbon
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Carbon
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Carbon
#283235
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#3A4156
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Carbon
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Carbon Room Palettes
Color schemes built around this color — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Warm & Inviting
Warm tones with cozy appeal — welcoming and comfortable
Cool & Calm
Cool hues with soft contrast — serene and restful
Bold Contrast
Complementary hues with punch — dynamic and striking
Similar Behr Colors
Other Behr colors close to Carbon.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Carbon — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Carbon have?
Carbon by Behr has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Carbon from other brands?
The closest matches are Anthracite Grey by RAL (#293133), Night Watch by Sherwin-Williams (#303636), Black Knight by Benjamin Moore (#313637). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Carbon?
Carbon has an LRV of 5.0, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Carbon
Related Reading
How to Match Paint Colors Across Brands
The science behind Delta E and CIEDE2000 — find a Behr equivalent of any Sherwin-Williams shade, or a Benjamin Moore alternative when your store is out of stock.
Understanding Paint Color Undertones
Why Carbon's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.