Ref. #404149 · 1013-7
Napoleon
5%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
Napoleon Technical Profile
What color is Napoleon? It's a dark warm gray with the hex code #404149. Colors similar to Napoleon include Benjamin Moore Abyss, Valspar Downing Street, Valspar Very Black. Napoleon has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 5, Napoleon 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, Napoleon 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 Napoleon
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Napoleon
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Napoleon
#404149
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#5A4B71
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Napoleon
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Napoleon 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 PPG Colors
Other PPG colors close to Napoleon.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Napoleon — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Napoleon have?
Napoleon by PPG has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Napoleon from other brands?
The closest matches are Abyss by Benjamin Moore (#43454C), Downing Street by Valspar (#454751), Very Black by Valspar (#424449). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Napoleon?
Napoleon has an LRV of 5.4, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Napoleon
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 Napoleon's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.