Ref. #5C6274 · DE5922
Pencil Lead
12%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Pencil Lead Technical Profile
What color is Pencil Lead? It's a deep warm gray with the hex code #5C6274. Colors similar to Pencil Lead include Benjamin Moore Blue Gaspe, Benjamin Moore Blue Gaspe, Behr Curtain Call. Pencil Lead has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 12, Pencil Lead 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, Pencil Lead 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 Pencil Lead
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Pencil Lead
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Pencil Lead
#5C6274
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#75689B
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Pencil Lead
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Pencil Lead 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 Pencil Lead.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Pencil Lead — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Pencil Lead have?
Pencil Lead by Dunn-Edwards has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Pencil Lead from other brands?
The closest matches are Blue Gaspe by Benjamin Moore (#5D6375), Blue Gaspe by Benjamin Moore (#5D6375), Curtain Call by Behr (#5C6070). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Pencil Lead?
Pencil Lead has an LRV of 12.3, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Pencil Lead
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 Pencil Lead's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.