When I was deciding on the perfect color to accent my walls, I found Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams.
It was the perfect color to incorporate the sea for an ocean lover like myself.
Instead of the bright blues of the sunkissed beaches, I chose a near-midnight color to add personality to my home.
Charcoal Blue SW 2739 answered my prayers and I have never been happier with my choice.
Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams is an almost too dark navy with greyish undertones that creates a classic, sophisticated ambiance for your home.
Some describe it as ‘burple’ but personally, but I see the deep sea – the moment in a dive, where the sunlight starts to end.
Today we will go into the nitty-gritty of charcoal blue, how it looks under different lighting, its compatible colors, where it best shows character and how it works best as a wall accent.
What color is Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams?
If you are looking for a more mature but not too dull look, charcoal blue sherwin williams offers a dark and almost black shade of navy that does it rather well.
It does not strike your eyes with its vibrance but draws you in with its soft and grounded feel.
A subtle, moody look for those looking to something understated to their home.
A gray of charcoal with a tone of blue that is as deep as the one you’d imagine a whale to have in your mind.
Of course, what you see in reality may be different from your imagination but how can we stroke our creativity without it?
Here are some key particulars about Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams.
| Charcoal Blue SW 2739 | Details |
| Color Family | Blue (Gray Blue) |
| Hex Value | #3D4450 (dark shade of cyan blue) |
| RGB | 61, 68, 80 |
| HSL | 218°, 13%, 28% |
| Wavelength | 476.77 nm |
| LVR | 6 (high light absorption) |
| Undertone | Subtle gray, subtle violet/purple. almost black navy |
| Used In | Bedroom, bathroom, cabinets, front door, exterior |
How to paint Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams? Here is a table for your understanding.
| Preparation | Start by cleaning, repairing damage and taping off trim |
| Prime | Use a gray base for best results (eg: Sherwin Williams Grey Tinted Primer)Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond Primer for metal, tile or glossy surfaces which are hard to paint |
| Paint Exterior/Interior | Emerald Interior/Exterior (highly recommended)Duration Interior/Exterior (good performance)SuperPaint Interior/Exterior (general use, budget friendly) |
| Best Finish | For Wall: Stain or MatteFor Trim and Cabinets: Semi-Gloss |
Understanding the Depth of Color and Undertones of Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams
This particular color is something you have to see and feel for yourself before choosing to commit to it.
Its hue of blue is almost invisible in dark lighting as the depth of its color does not reflect much light.
You have to pair charcoal blue Sherwin Williams with lighter, complimentary hues to get the best results.
With a subtle gray undertone that leans into a deep navy, this color will take your breath away when used for an accent wall with its sophisticated look as a focus color in your home.
I used a mood board that I created with particular focus to my home’s lighting before incorporating charcoal blue.
You have to be attentive since charcoal blue sherwin williams is a color that changes greatly under different lighting.
On a home exterior, it looks vibrant under the sun and takes on a more sombre tone once dusk settles.
Your interiors will also have a different look under the light of the sun vs the light from your lamps.
What is the LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams 2739?
Charcoal Blue SW 2739 has an LRV of 6, which means that it highly absorbs light.
Its low light reflecting value makes it a bold, dark color for your home which you can pair with more neutral or lighter shades to make it a statement piece inside or outside your home.
The mood of my space has completely shifted ever since I added charcoal blue as an accent in my bedroom.
The morning light softens the cozy ambience of the room into something more alive.
The shift from day to night changes everything for me.
If you’re thinking about painting your whole room with charcoal black, you might be in for a dark surprise.
It absorbs light, which means your room will be too dark and suffocating if you don’t add other lighter colors.
Always understand the lighting in your room before you start and let it elevate the feel of your space.
A Review of Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams
To match the boldness of a charcoal blue Sherwin Williams accent wall without diminishing it as a statement piece, we have to consider a few things.
The mood or feel you want to set, the color palette and the materials.
It is easy to become lost in the design without a plan.
To avoid clutter and keep focus, we will consider the following with examples from my own work.
Mood and Feel
I have already established my vision of the deep sea, but moody darkness alone does not fulfil the requirement.
I sought to elevate the sophisticated depth of charcoal blue Sherwin Williams by incorporating elements that reminded me of the ocean with shell like vases in neutral and glossy hues, picture frames, and ship decor.
A warm ambience without the cold harshness of the ocean was the result.
Aside from decor elements, lighting was another game changer.
In cool lighting, the feel became mature and mysterious, while warm lighting made it welcoming and comfortable.
Sherwin-Williams Charcoal Blue Color Palette to try
The following are the recommended coordinating colors for Charcoal blue Sherwin Williams:
Sherwin Williams Creamy SW 7012
Sherwin Williams Gossamer Veil SW 9165
Sherwin Williams Moonlit Orchid SW 9153
Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige SW 7036
Sherwin Williams Incredible White SW 7028
Sherwin Williams Wheat Penny SW 7705
We will discuss in depth about these colors in the next section of this piece.
For the best result, I recommend getting a sample of the colors to mix and match before you decide to invest your time and energy.
Prepare well so that your vision comes alive without any mishaps.
Elements For Your Accent Wall
You can set the charm and tone of any room with furnishings and wall decor.
Consider dark brown wood furnishings against the backdrop of Sherwin Williams charcoal blue for one. The look immediately takes on a classic and ageless feel.
With set pieces like lamps, frames or candle stands in neutral hues like gray or in metallic hues like gold, brass and silver, the change and effect was immediate.
The design style will affect the mood of your home, and combined with charcoal blue, the vision becomes an elaborate blend of classic and modern that remains ageless through different seasons.
The goal is to find accents that compliment your charcoal blue accent wall, not to cover it up.
Lighting Considerations
Charcoal blue SW takes on different looks under different lighting.
Under cool lighting, it feels moody and drawn which may wet the palette of someone who enjoys dark tones that feel mysterious.
Warm lighting makes it akin to a comfortable embrace which is best for getting a cozy feel for your space.
Its dark navy hue tends to engulf your vision under direct sunlight.
A house with its dominant exterior as charcoal blue stands out but it can be overwhelming for an interior space with direct sun.
It is best as an accent or used with complimentary neutrals and whites.
Finish Recommendations
It will please me to tell you that Charcoal blue SW comes in different finishes that cater to your exterior and interior needs.
A semi gloss or high gloss finish is advantageous for your exterior walls and the front door as it is easier to maintain.
Glossy finishes are moisture resistant and easier to clean, therefore, an annual washing is all that is necessary for your exterior walls.
A damp cloth with little soap is all you’ll need to wipe away dust and stains.
The same glossy finish is recommended for your interiors like the kitchen and bathroom as they are moisture prone since gloss resists moisture.
Wash with mild soap and wipe regularly to maintain a clean space.
Pick matte or flat, even satin or eggshell for your interior rooms that witness less traffic and are not prone to stains like your bedroom, hallways, dining room.
It hides imperfections to satisfaction and regular light dusting is all you need.
Charcoal Blue SW 2739 Coordinating Colors To Enhance The Look
It is important to know what compliments charcoal blue sherwin williams to get the best results.
Some of the recommended colors are Creamy SW 7012, Gossamer Veil SW 9165 and Moonlit Orchid SW 9153.
Let us have a look at how each color will reflect the heart you want to put in your home.
The following are the coordinating colors suggested for Sherwin Williams Charcoal Blue which I have used in my home makeover.
Sherwin Williams Creamy SW 7012
Creamy SW 7012 is a bright white with mild yellow undertones that uplifts the feel of the room when paired with charcoal blue.
Its cool, neutral tone makes the boldness of charcoal blue pop without getting overwhelmed by it.
Since it has a high LRV of 81, the room does not descend into darkness and the space looks wider, even livelier with it.
You can paint your trims, cabinets and ceilings with it to contrast the moody depth of charcoal blue.
Sherwin Williams Gossamer Veil SW 9165
Gossamer Veil SW 9165 is a misty gray neutral which I personally adore.
It has a cool undertone of blue or violet that compliments Sherwin Williams Charcoal Blue like two puzzle pieces coming together.
It has an LRV of 62 which reflects the right amount of light for wide spaces like the living or family room.
With Charcoal Blue as an accent wall, Gossamer Veil bordered it like the white of the sandy beaches I know and love.
The finished results gave the room a wide, airy and relaxing feel which I still enjoy coming home to.
Sherwin Williams Moonlit Orchid SW 9153
Moonlit Orchid SW 9153 is a faded lilac or purple with gray undertones.
It has a light, cool shade with a mild blue touch and an LRV of 29 that pairs well with Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams.
I was apprehensive about using this in my bedroom but the mock piece looked so good and the results did not disappoint.
My bedroom immediately became a cozy haven with both moonlit orchid and charcoal blue paired together to give it that cool touch I wanted.
According to popular suggestions, the following colors also complement charcoal blue.
Lets have a look to see if you will find some to fall in love with for your home.
Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige SW 7036
If you love neutrals, this gray toned beige might do it for you.
We all want our personal spots to be as cozy as our bed, and with an LRV of 58, Accessible Beige SW 7036 will pair well with Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams to give you a warm nesty feel.
Be it your bedroom, living room or study, you can incorporate both colors together and become cocooned with ease.
Sherwin Williams Incredible White SW 7028
Similar to Creamy SW 7012, Incredible White SW 7028 will brighten any room when paired with Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams since it has an LRV of 74.
The gray undertones of this cool white will highlight your trims, cabinets and other accents to lift the mood of your room.
Charcoal blue on its own is overwhelming as the color has too much depth, so complimenting it with a light shade will never fail you.
Sherwin Williams Wheat Penny SW 7705
For an earthy, warm feel for your room,
Wheat Penny SW 7705 is just right.
The color of orange with the brown of red clay delivers a homey and vintage feel.
It goes well as an accent color for cabinets and metal finishes.
You can decorate your entryways, kitchens or living space to get an ageless look with the warm orange of Wheat Penny.
| Color | Color Family | LRV | Hex Value | RGB | Undertone | Use on |
| Creamy SW 7012 | White | 81 | #EFE8DB | 239, 232, 219 | Mild Yellow | Trims, cabinets, ceilings |
| Gossamer Veil SW 9165 | Neutral | 62 | #D3CEC4 | 211, 206, 196 | Misty Gray | Trims, cabinets, walls |
| Moonlit Orchid SW 9153 | Purple | 29 | #949194 | 148, 145, 148 | Purple with gray | Ceilings, walls, accents |
| Accessible Beige SW 7036 | Neutral | 58 | #D1C7B8 | 209, 199, 184 | Gray | Walls, cabinets |
| Incredible White SW 7028 | White | 74 | #E3DED7 | 227, 222, 215 | Gray | Trims, cabinets, ceilings |
| Wheat Penny SW 7705 | Orange | 18 | #976B53 | 151, 107, 83 | Orange with brown | Metallic accents, cabinets |
Bring Life To Your Home With Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams (SW 2739)
The vision for a deep sea like feel for my home came together piece by piece, and Charcoal Blue SW was the glue that held it all together.
It has been the highlight of my home design.
From figuring the best finish, to finding complimentary colors, the process was just as enjoyable as the harvest.
Let’s take a look at how the canvas was finished, paint by paint, through a labour of love and dedication.
Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams Exterior
A house becomes a home through personal touch.
My skepticism over using charcoal blue sherwin williams on the exterior of my residence melted away the moment I saw it under direct sunlight, as it was more vibrant and alive on the outside and in the night, it was the vision of comfort.
You can pair charcoal blue with Creamy SW 7012 or Incredible White SW 7028 by painting the arches, pillars and trims of your house with these brighter colors to contrast the deep blue.
I suggest either a semi gloss or high gloss finish for the exterior as it will provide more durability with good moisture resistance and easy cleaning for areas used to regular movement.
Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams Bedroom
The bedroom is the last destination of your long day, and Sherwin Williams Charcoal Blue welcomes you like a comforting hug.
You can paint your four walls with charcoal blue and contrast it by painting the trim and ceiling with Moonlit Orchid SW 9153.
With neutral accents, creamy or misty gray pillows and sheets, the look comes together like a warm nest in the lamp light.
Go for a matte or flat finish for your bedroom as it absorbs light and will not irritate your eyes in the mornings.
This finish will help hide imperfections and give a clean look for your private space.
Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams Bathroom
With Charcoal Blue SW as an accent wall, the feel of my bathroom became wider and more airy.
The bold pull of the dark blue with contrast to the ceiling, trims and adjacent walls painted the brighter hue of Creamy SW 7012 turned out incredible. It was like a small beach getaway.
You can even substitute Creamy for Accessible Beige SW 7036 and get a similar feel.
The finish you would need for your bathroom should be heat, moisture and stain resistant with good washability, so choose either satin or semi gloss for the best durability.
You can achieve a more cozy look by adding neutral rugs to give it a warmer feel.
Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams Front Door
Oftentimes, the entry of the house is the most memorable part of a home visit.
Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams will immediately make your front door stand out.
With either Creamy SW 7012 or Incredible White SW 7028 for the door frames, the core vision of your door with Charcoal Blue SW 2739 forms a very good contrast.
It has an elevated look that is classy without being too overbearing.
The recommended finish for your front door is high gloss or semi gloss for its durability and washability.
I am quite satisfied with the glossy finish of my front door and its depth that draws favorable comments from family and friends.
Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams Cabinets
No longer moody but with a mature note, charcoal blue Sherwin Williams cabinets in my kitchen felt like I had been placed on a design board.
The muted gray and lilac hue of Moonlit Orchid SW 9153 walls with charcoal blue Sherwin Williams as accent cabinets was breathtaking.
You can paint the cabinets of your bedroom, family room and bathroom to immerse in this sophisticated look and feel.
Keep note that the finish is different depending on requirements.
Go with a satin or semi glossy finish for your kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
For the living room, hallways and bedrooms, matte or eggshell works to satisfaction.
Color Comparison of Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams with Other Colors
Charcoal blue Sherwin Williams is not the only go for a deep, bold color for your home or accent walls.
Colors can come in multiple varieties like the changing hues of sea water and the goal is to choose the one that speaks to you best.
Let us look at some similar dark hues with a brief detail of their LRVs and undertones to see if any of them may stoke the fire in you.
Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams vs Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
We have noted that Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams 2739 is prominently blue while being ranked as neutral for its depth and darkness.
Similarly, Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154 is a deep navy with gray undertones and is described to create a ‘maritime feel’ by Benjamin Moore.
With an LRV of 8.36, its tones are slightly lighter than charcoal blue with its depth of color showing through under bright light.
The colors seem almost the same but charcoal blue has invisible undertones of violet while hale navy has invisible undertones of green.
For a cool and darker feel, stick to charcoal blue.
But if you want something warmer, Benjamin Moore hale navy will lighten your surroundings.
Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams vs Sherwin Williams Iron Ore
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore SW 7069 has a mysterious depth of soft black and dark gray, with muted undertones of green that show through under defined light with particular glossy finishes.
With an LRV of 6, it reflects little light like charcoal blue Sherwin Williams and should be used to accent your space in good lighting.
It is a cool charcoal that gives a more midnight feel than charcoal blue which is more vibrant due to its dark navy color.
It compliments red to brown brick walls and you can easily decorate your space with dark or light wood for a more grounded, sophisticated feel.
Should You Choose Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams for your space or not?
Charcoal Blue SW is a complex color to work with.
It can add a classic personality to your home with a sophistication that isn’t too on the nose if used well.
But the depth of its color is such that it can overwhelm if you let the color take over your entire space.
Let us look at some things you should and should not do when working with charcoal blue.
When you should choose this color
Some colors need good lighting to be appreciated and charcoal blue Sherwin Williams is such a color.
It stands out as a main colour for your house exterior and looks ageless, its blue showing vibrantly under natural light.
Wide spaces like family rooms and narrow hallways can easily take on charcoal blue with complimentary whites or neutrals.
It is best for a statement piece as an accent wall or accent door, and makes small spaces look wider as a focused backdrop if used to accent the cabinets in your bathroom or kitchen.
In your bedroom, it will convey an intimate ambience under warm light and comfortably draw you in.
When you should not choose this color
With charcoal blue Sherwin Williams, avoid making it the dominant color if you want a lighter interior or exterior.
It is almost black in dim light, so good lighting is of the essence to enjoy its dark navy hue.
Coloring all your walls with charcoal black will make the space too moody and sombre.
For spaces where you want more cheer and openness, overwhelming use of charcoal blue can make it feel restricted and suffocating.
The pick of coordinating colors is also important since warm colors like reds or oranges can clash with it.
The key is to get the best by doing less with charcoal blue, and using other elements to elevate it.
Conclusion
This review was aimed at allowing those who are unfamiliar with using charcoal blue to get a better idea on how to use it effectively to dominate their personal spaces.
After a deep dive into Charcoal Blue SW 2739, I am sure you have understood the core details of charcoal blue and what compliments it to best decide how you will work with it in the future.
We now have an idea about its tone and mood.
The depth of its dark navy color that comes off as a deep gray with blue hues in dim lighting, makes for an ambience that is both moody and comfortable.
It will touch your senses with how vibrant it looks under the sun, and stands alone as a statement piece on its own.
With its cool sophistication and warm coziness, you can highlight your personal space through accents, both wood and metallic.
It is complex yet versatile, so open your moodboard, sample it and create your own story with charcoal blue Sherwin Williams.
FAQs on Charcoal Blue Sherwin Williams
What color is Sherwin Williams Charcoal Blue?
Charcoal blue Sherwin Williams 2739 is a deep navy that is almost black with grey undertones. With an LRV of 6, it looks black in dim lighting with hints of grayish navy that looks vibrant and more blue under direct sunlight. It works well as an accent wall with complimentary neutrals or whites to bring out its moody ambiance when used as an elevated backdrop with wood, metal or leather amenities.
Is charcoal blue warm or cool?
Charcoal blue Sherwin Williams is a cool color, with blue, almost purple and gray undertones that creates a mild and moody ambience. It welcomes you with a calm comfort under warm lighting in your bedroom, and can be a statement piece for your home when applied on the front door or as a wall accent.
Is charcoal blue good for bedrooms?
With the right combination, charcoal blue Sherwin Williams looks spectacular in the bedroom. It can go on the walls or cabinets as an accent piece to give your bedroom a refined and cozy ambiance that calms the nerves. You can compliment it by painting your trims and ceilings with neutrals like Gossamer Veil SW 9165 to achieve an elegant atmosphere.
What color goes best with charcoal blue?
Charcoal blue Sherwin Williams 2739 is complimented by neutrals, white and gray. It gives a modern and sophisticated feel when combined with light hues that uplifts its domineering visual. It can go from looking blue to gray depending on the lighting, so the mood can shift depending on the accents you use. Wood and metallic decor add to its versatile appeal.
