Black Pepper
We've categorized Black Pepper as a versatile Gray because of its unique LRV profile. We have documented it across our network because it can add character and warmth to any space so effectively. Explore our collection of 8 room photos to see how it looks alongside coordinating accent choices.
Hex
#717C86
LRV
21.12
Black Pepper in Real Rooms
Black Pepper has a medium LRV of 21.12 — it adds real depth and will read noticeably darker as natural light fades. It's neutral in temperature, making it adaptable across different lighting conditions and room orientations. Grouped in the Gray and Neutral family, the photos below show it applied in a living room, bathroom and misc.
1 Living Room Photo
Black Pepper provides a subtle architectural "lift" to a living room, especially those with high ceilings or intricate crown molding. The way shadows settle into the corners with this particular shade adds a layer of history and gravity to the space, making even a new build feel like it has stories to tell.
This living room's Black Pepper walls establish bold, modern sophistication.
@jogiesbrecht
2 Bathroom Photos
For bathrooms with limited natural light, Black Pepper provides a necessary "glow." It uses its subtle undertones to mimic the warmth of sunlight, preventing the space from feeling subterranean or overly dark, even in windowless layouts.
Black Pepper walls transform the bathroom with dramatic contemporary style.
@bassointeriors
Bathroom walls in Black Pepper deliver moody, sophisticated atmosphere.
@the_kyle_life
5 Misc Photos
Note how Black Pepper is used as a "ceiling color" in some of these rooms. This "fifth wall" application is a bold designer move that can make a room feel infinitely more cozy and architecturally unique.
A children's room painted in Black Pepper creates a modern, cool retreat.
@smontuffar
Kids' room walls in Black Pepper bring bold, contemporary style to the space.
@smontuffar
Bedroom walls in Black Pepper create a cozy retreat for children.
@smontuffar
Dark trim painted in Black Pepper defines architectural lines beautifully.
@mytwogirlshome
A single accent wall showcases the depth of Black Pepper.
@mhi.painting
Coordinating Colors
At LRV 46 vs 21, Misted Green is decisively the brighter choice.
Ice Cube Silver reflects far more light (LRV 74 vs 21), opening up a space where Black Pepper encloses it.
At LRV 82 vs 21, Chalk White is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 21 vs 6, Black Pepper is decisively the brighter choice.
Similar Colors
With LRVs of 21 and 21, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 21 and 21, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 21 vs 21), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 21 vs 20), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Complementary Colors
At LRV 21 vs 6, Black Pepper is decisively the brighter choice.
A 4-point LRV gap (21 vs 17) makes Black Pepper the marginally brighter of the two.
At LRV 44 vs 21, Silver Fox is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 39 vs 21, Upper West Side is decisively the brighter choice.
Himalayan Trek reflects far more light (LRV 47 vs 21), opening up a space where Black Pepper encloses it.
A 11-point LRV gap (32 vs 21) makes Briarwood the marginally brighter of the two.
Thunder reflects far more light (LRV 48 vs 21), opening up a space where Black Pepper encloses it.
Lighter Colors
With LRVs of 21 and 21, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
A 11-point LRV gap (32 vs 21) makes Sweatshirt Gray the marginally brighter of the two.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 21 vs 21), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 21 and 21, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 22 and 21, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Darker Colors
Black Pepper reads slightly lighter (LRV 21 vs 18), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Black Pepper reads slightly lighter (LRV 21 vs 14), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 21 vs 20), so neither reads brighter in a room.
A 10-point LRV gap (21 vs 11) makes Black Pepper the marginally brighter of the two.