Ref. #74797A · 4008-2B
Almost Charcoal
19%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Almost Charcoal Technical Profile
What color is Almost Charcoal? It's a deep cool gray with the hex code #74797A. Colors similar to Almost Charcoal include Dunn-Edwards Rhinoceros, PPG Volcanic Ash, Sherwin-Williams Before the Storm. Almost Charcoal has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 19, Almost Charcoal creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. As a cool neutral, Almost Charcoal pairs with cool whites for trim, gray-toned or rift-cut oak floors, and brushed nickel or polished chrome hardware. Black accents and natural greenery add contrast. Cool neutrals hold their crisp quality under 4000K+ daylight bulbs. Under 2700K warm light they soften considerably — particularly true for any blue or green undertone.
Colors Similar to Almost Charcoal
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Almost Charcoal
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Almost Charcoal
#74797A
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#7A89A7
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Almost Charcoal
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Almost Charcoal 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 Valspar Colors
Other Valspar colors close to Almost Charcoal.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Almost Charcoal — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Almost Charcoal have?
Almost Charcoal by Valspar has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Almost Charcoal from other brands?
The closest matches are Rhinoceros by Dunn-Edwards (#727A7C), Volcanic Ash by PPG (#6F7678), Before the Storm by Sherwin-Williams (#74777A). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Almost Charcoal?
Almost Charcoal has an LRV of 18.8, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Almost Charcoal
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 Almost Charcoal's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.