Nocturnal Gray
Often used for its genuinely dark qualities, Nocturnal Gray remains a staple for Benjamin Moore designers. It is widely considered one of the best colors in its class to anchor a room without demanding the spotlight. We've gathered 13 real-home scenarios to help you visualize this color alongside our expert data.
Hex
#55656B
LRV
13.81
Nocturnal Gray in Real Rooms
Nocturnal Gray has a low LRV of 13.81 — it absorbs light and reads as a genuinely dark, enveloping color. It's neutral in temperature, making it adaptable across different lighting conditions and room orientations. Grouped in the Blue family, the photos below show it applied in a kitchen cabinets, living room, front door and misc.
5 Kitchen Cabinets Photos
Nocturnal Gray cabinets paired with a matching backsplash create a "monolith" look that is incredibly popular in contemporary design. It's a bold, seamless approach that makes the kitchen feel integrated into the home's overall architecture.
Kitchen cabinetry in Nocturnal Gray delivers bold, contemporary style.
@not2shabbybycolleen
Nocturnal Gray cabinets establish a sophisticated, modern kitchen.
@not2shabbybycolleen
These kitchen cabinets in Nocturnal Gray make a striking statement.
@not2shabbybycolleen
Nocturnal Gray cabinetry provides timeless depth and character.
@paintyourkitchencabinets
Kitchen storage in Nocturnal Gray combines style with practicality.
@mc_designs_interiors
4 Living Room Photos
Choosing Nocturnal Gray for a main living area is a commitment to timelessness. It avoids the trend-cycle fatigue of brighter hues, offering a sophisticated neutrality that can be reimagined every few years simply by swapping out textiles or accent pillows. It is the ultimate foundation for an evolving home.
A fireplace accent wall in Nocturnal Gray anchors this living room.
@theretreatatbutterflygap
Nocturnal Gray walls create drama and sophistication in this living space.
@redbirdredesign
Living room walls in Nocturnal Gray provide a striking, refined backdrop.
@definition_by_dani
This fireplace surround in Nocturnal Gray becomes a focal point.
@theretreatatbutterflygap
2 Front Door Photos
A front door in Nocturnal Gray is a timeless choice that won't feel dated as trends shift. It's a versatile hue that can adapt to different porch decor—from modern planters to traditional rockers—with effortless ease.
Front door painted Nocturnal Gray makes a bold architectural statement.
@missfitzpainting
Nocturnal Gray on the front door provides curb appeal and contrast.
@missfitzpainting
2 Misc Photos
These "miscellaneous" applications of Nocturnal Gray prove that there is truly no room in the house that wouldn't benefit from its sophisticated, grounded, and endlessly adaptable presence.
Wall surfaces in Nocturnal Gray deliver moody, contemporary appeal.
@harmonyhaus
Painted furniture in Nocturnal Gray demonstrates the color's versatility.
@leannevazac
Coordinating Colors
Hazelwood reflects far more light (LRV 49 vs 14), opening up a space where Nocturnal Gray encloses it.
At LRV 54 vs 14, Gray Mirage is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 82 vs 14, Icicle is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 76 vs 14, Seapearl is decisively the brighter choice.
Similar Colors
With LRVs of 14 and 14, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 14 vs 13), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 14 and 13, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 17 vs 14), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Complementary Colors
A 8-point LRV gap (22 vs 14) makes Quietly Violet the marginally brighter of the two.
With LRVs of 14 and 12, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
At LRV 66 vs 14, Hint of Violet is decisively the brighter choice.
Antique Pearl reflects far more light (LRV 72 vs 14), opening up a space where Nocturnal Gray encloses it.
A 8-point LRV gap (14 vs 6) makes Nocturnal Gray the marginally brighter of the two.
A 3-point LRV gap (17 vs 14) makes Woodcliff Lake the marginally brighter of the two.
A 6-point LRV gap (14 vs 8) makes Nocturnal Gray the marginally brighter of the two.
Lighter Colors
Smokestack Gray reads slightly lighter (LRV 23 vs 14), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
A 9-point LRV gap (22 vs 14) makes Montpelier the marginally brighter of the two.
A 5-point LRV gap (19 vs 14) makes Providence Blue the marginally brighter of the two.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 17 vs 14), so neither reads brighter in a room.
A 11-point LRV gap (24 vs 14) makes Blue Echo the marginally brighter of the two.
Darker Colors
Nocturnal Gray reads slightly lighter (LRV 14 vs 9), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
A 5-point LRV gap (14 vs 8) makes Nocturnal Gray the marginally brighter of the two.
Nocturnal Gray reads slightly lighter (LRV 14 vs 9), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
A 8-point LRV gap (14 vs 6) makes Nocturnal Gray the marginally brighter of the two.
A 8-point LRV gap (14 vs 6) makes Nocturnal Gray the marginally brighter of the two.