Ref. #3F4043 · 4011-2
Dark Kettle Black
5%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Dark Kettle Black Technical Profile
What color is Dark Kettle Black? It's a dark neutral gray with the hex code #3F4043. Colors similar to Dark Kettle Black include Behr Totally Black, Dunn-Edwards Dark Engine, Benjamin Moore Black Jack. Dark Kettle Black has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 5, Dark Kettle Black creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. Dark Kettle Black is a true neutral — pair with any wood, any metal, any trim color. Off-white trim works in most homes; brushed nickel or matte black hardware both read well across spaces. True neutrals read consistently across lighting conditions, which is why they're popular base colors. They inherit a faint warm cast under 2700K and a cool cast under 4000K, but never dramatically.
Colors Similar to Dark Kettle Black
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Dark Kettle Black
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Dark Kettle Black
#3F4043
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#51486D
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Dark Kettle Black
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Dark Kettle Black 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 Dark Kettle Black.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Dark Kettle Black — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Dark Kettle Black have?
Dark Kettle Black by Valspar has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Dark Kettle Black from other brands?
The closest matches are Totally Black by Behr (#3E3F41), Dark Engine by Dunn-Edwards (#3E3F41), Black Jack by Benjamin Moore (#3E3E3F). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Dark Kettle Black?
Dark Kettle Black has an LRV of 5.1, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Dark Kettle Black
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 Dark Kettle Black's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.