Ref. #18171C · 5004
Black Blue
1%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Black Blue Technical Profile
What color is Black Blue? It's a dark warm gray with the hex code #18171C. Black Blue has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 1, Black Blue 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, Black Blue 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 Black Blue
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Black Blue
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Black Blue
#18171C
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#37293D
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Black Blue
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Black Blue 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 RAL Colors
Other RAL colors close to Black Blue.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Black Blue — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Black Blue have?
Black Blue by RAL has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Black Blue from other brands?
The closest matches are Black is Back by MPC (#0B1013), Black Umber by MPC (#191412), Black Magic by MPC (#0A1013). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Black Blue?
Black Blue has an LRV of 0.9, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Black Blue
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 Black Blue's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.