Steel Wool
Often used for its versatile qualities, Steel Wool remains a staple for Benjamin Moore designers. It is widely considered one of the best colors in its class to add character and warmth to any space. We've gathered 11 real-home scenarios to help you visualize this color alongside our expert data.
Hex
#787B7D
LRV
20.73
Steel Wool in Real Rooms
Steel Wool has a medium LRV of 20.73 — 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 house, kitchen cabinets, bathroom and misc.
5 House Photos
When choosing Steel Wool for an exterior, you are opting for a color that respects the landscape. It feels like it grew out of the earth rather than being dropped onto it, creating a harmonious relationship between the architecture and the garden.
House exterior in Steel Wool presents a refined, modern aesthetic.
@ellenkparks
Exterior painted Steel Wool offers sophisticated, contemporary curb appeal.
@bcpaintersltd
Siding in Steel Wool creates a striking modern home exterior.
@bcpaintersltd
House exterior painted Steel Wool delivers sleek, contemporary style.
@lambertcoatingsllc
Exterior walls in Steel Wool present a bold, modern appearance.
@herbertpainting
2 Kitchen Cabinets Photos
The depth of Steel Wool on kitchen cabinets is excellent for hiding the inevitable wear and tear of a busy kitchen. It's a practical choice that doesn't sacrifice an ounce of style, providing a durable-looking finish that remains elegant for years.
Kitchen cabinets painted Steel Wool bring contemporary elegance to this space.
@maurie.minichiello.design.co
Cabinetry in Steel Wool creates a sophisticated kitchen aesthetic.
@maurie.minichiello.design.co
3 Bathroom Photos
The interaction between Steel Wool and steam or humidity creates a beautiful, diffused atmosphere in a bathroom. It's a color that feels "alive," shifting slightly in character as the environment changes during a hot shower or a long soak.
Bathroom vanity in Steel Wool adds modern sophistication to this space.
@samoreclosets
Vanity painted Steel Wool brings cool, contemporary style to the bathroom.
@samoreclosets
Bathroom vanity in Steel Wool creates a refined, modern look.
@jldesignsphilly
1 Misc Photo
These examples of Steel Wool in transitional spaces—like entryways or landings—show how the color can act as a "thread" that ties the upper and lower floors of a house together into one cohesive story.
Wall painted in Steel Wool delivers cool, neutral sophistication.
@maurie.minichiello.design.co
Coordinating Colors
Cotton Balls reflects far more light (LRV 89 vs 21), opening up a space where Steel Wool encloses it.
At LRV 84 vs 21, White is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 56 vs 21, Prescott Green is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 57 vs 21, Fernwood Green is decisively the brighter choice.
Similar Colors
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 21 vs 21), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Rock Gray reads slightly lighter (LRV 24 vs 21), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
With LRVs of 23 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.
Complementary Colors
A 9-point LRV gap (21 vs 12) makes Steel Wool the marginally brighter of the two.
Hint of Violet reflects far more light (LRV 66 vs 21), opening up a space where Steel Wool encloses it.
At LRV 72 vs 21, Antique Pearl is decisively the brighter choice.
Steel Wool reflects far more light (LRV 21 vs 6), opening up a space where Night Shade encloses it.
Steel Wool reads slightly lighter (LRV 21 vs 17), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Silver Fox reflects far more light (LRV 44 vs 21), opening up a space where Steel Wool encloses it.
Upper West Side reflects far more light (LRV 39 vs 21), opening up a space where Steel Wool encloses it.
Lighter Colors
Englewood Cliffs reads slightly lighter (LRV 24 vs 21), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Rock Gray reads slightly lighter (LRV 24 vs 21), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
At LRV 34 vs 21, Pewter is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 35 vs 21, Delray Gray is decisively the brighter choice.
A 8-point LRV gap (29 vs 21) makes Deep Silver the marginally brighter of the two.
Darker Colors
A 6-point LRV gap (21 vs 15) makes Steel Wool the marginally brighter of the two.
Steel Wool reads slightly lighter (LRV 21 vs 16), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
A 9-point LRV gap (21 vs 12) makes Steel Wool the marginally brighter of the two.
A 11-point LRV gap (21 vs 10) makes Steel Wool the marginally brighter of the two.
With LRVs of 21 and 18, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.