Ref. #C4BEB2 · 861
Shale
52%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Shale Technical Profile
What color is Shale? It's a medium warm gray with the hex code #C4BEB2. Colors similar to Shale include Sherwin-Williams Skyline Steel, Sherwin-Williams Roycroft Mist Gray, Vista Paint Silver Spree. Shale has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. At LRV 52, Shale sits in the comfortable mid-light range — bright enough for living areas yet soft enough for bedrooms, and adaptable across most lighting conditions. As a warm neutral, Shale pairs with off-whites for trim, white oak or walnut floors, and brass or warm brushed nickel hardware. Deep green, navy, or terra-cotta all read well as accent colors. Warm neutrals come alive under 2700K bulbs, where their underlying yellow or peach undertones add visible warmth. Under 4000K daylight they read cleaner and slightly cooler.
Colors Similar to Shale
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Shale
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Shale
#C4BEB2
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#A7AD85
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Shale
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Shale 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 Benjamin Moore Colors
Other Benjamin Moore colors close to Shale.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Shale — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Shale have?
Shale by Benjamin Moore has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Shale from other brands?
The closest matches are Skyline Steel by Sherwin-Williams (#C6BFB3), Roycroft Mist Gray by Sherwin-Williams (#C2BDB1), Silver Spree by Vista Paint (#C2BDB0). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Shale?
Shale has an LRV of 51.8, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Shale
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 Shale's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.