Ref. #5B5E5D · 4008-2C
Muted Ebony
11%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Muted Ebony Technical Profile
What color is Muted Ebony? It's a dark cool gray with the hex code #5B5E5D. Colors similar to Muted Ebony include Hirshfield's Zen Retreat, Vista Paint Zen Retreat, Vista Paint Great Graphite. Muted Ebony has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 11, Muted Ebony 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, Muted Ebony 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 Muted Ebony
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Muted Ebony
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Muted Ebony
#5B5E5D
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#5E868E
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Muted Ebony
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Muted Ebony 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 Muted Ebony.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Muted Ebony — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Muted Ebony have?
Muted Ebony by Valspar has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Muted Ebony from other brands?
The closest matches are Zen Retreat by Hirshfield's (#5B5D5C), Zen Retreat by Vista Paint (#5B5D5B), Great Graphite by Vista Paint (#5E5F5D). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Muted Ebony?
Muted Ebony has an LRV of 11.0, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Muted Ebony
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 Muted Ebony's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.