Ref. #656579 · DE5936
Graphite
14%LRV Value
Cool (Violet)Undertone
Graphite Technical Profile
What color is Graphite? It's a deep warm gray with the hex code #656579. Colors similar to Graphite include MPC Diplomat, MPC Asgard Wall, Vista Paint Purple Pansies. Graphite has a cool (violet) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 14, Graphite creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. As a warm neutral, Graphite 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 Graphite
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Graphite
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Graphite
#656579
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8971A0
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Graphite
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Graphite 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 Dunn-Edwards Colors
Other Dunn-Edwards colors close to Graphite.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Graphite — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Graphite have?
Graphite by Dunn-Edwards has a cool (violet) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Graphite from other brands?
The closest matches are Diplomat by MPC (#5F6173), Asgard Wall by MPC (#6C6A7C), Purple Pansies by Vista Paint (#6B6678). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Graphite?
Graphite has an LRV of 13.5, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Graphite
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 Graphite's cool (violet) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.