Downing Slate
With a focus on versatile tones, Downing Slate (2819) is a standout Neutral in our database. It was selected for this featured gallery for its ability to add character and warmth to any space. See it applied across 46 real world scenarios and find professional pairing data below.
Hex
#777F86
LRV
20.82
Downing Slate in Real Rooms
Downing Slate has a medium LRV of 20.82 — it adds real depth and will read noticeably darker as natural light fades. It's neutral in temperature and , making it adaptable across different lighting conditions and room orientations. Grouped in the Neutral family, the photos below show it applied in a living room, bedroom, kitchen cabinets, front door, house, bathroom and misc.
17 Living Room Photos
For open-concept living rooms, Downing Slate is a powerful tool for definition. It has enough presence to signal where the living area begins without creating a harsh visual break from the rest of the house. It defines the "zone" of relaxation through color psychology and sophisticated depth.
Living room walls in Downing Slate create refined sophistication.
@trianglepropainting
6 Bedroom Photos
The bedroom is where Downing Slate really earns its place as a sanctuary. Away from direct sunlight, the color settles into a rich, cocooning tone that actively promotes rest and psychological slowing. Pair it with crisp white bedding and warm-toned wood nightstands to keep the overall palette from feeling too heavy or closed-in.
Bedroom walls in Downing Slate establish a moody, sophisticated sleeping sanctuary.
@daaaaaamn_danielle
12 Kitchen Cabinets Photos
Cabinet color commits in a way wall color doesn't — it reads from every angle and dominates the room's material palette. Downing Slate earns that commitment. It pairs with hardware in brass, matte black, or unlacquered bronze without fighting any of them.
Kitchen cabinetry in Downing Slate brings refined, grounded elegance to storage.
@thecraftsmanfarmhouse
1 Front Door Photo
Front door color is the one exterior choice that gets examined up close. Downing Slate rewards that scrutiny — it has the kind of depth that looks richer the closer you get, rather than flatter. Pair with polished or unlacquered brass hardware for the best result.
Front door painted Downing Slate makes a bold, welcoming statement outside.
@john_ohfs
4 House Photos
When choosing Downing Slate 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 Downing Slate presents a sophisticated, modern curb appeal.
@kandor_painting
Siding finished in Downing Slate creates distinctive architectural character on the home.
@kandor_painting
Exterior siding in Downing Slate gives this house timeless curb appeal.
@thecolorconcierge
Board-and-batten siding wrapped in deep Downing Slate creates architectural character.
@thehousebrew
3 Bathroom Photos
In a powder room, Downing Slate can be used floor-to-ceiling to create a dramatic, high-impact experience for guests. Because these rooms are small and transitional, they can handle the full intensity of the color's personality without feeling overwhelming.
Bathroom walls in Downing Slate create a sophisticated, spa-like retreat.
@cm_customhomes
Vanity cabinetry painted in Downing Slate anchors this serene bathroom.
@kathrynchalasart
Vanity cabinetry in Downing Slate adds sophisticated depth to the bathroom.
@designing_in_iowa_
3 Misc Photos
Observe the use of Downing Slate on architectural "oddities"—slanted ceilings, built-in nooks, or under-stair closets. The color helps these strange angles feel like deliberate design features rather than construction afterthoughts.
Dresser painted Downing Slate transforms this bedroom accent piece.
@urbanrefinishingldn
Side table finished in Downing Slate adds subtle sophistication.
@urbanrefinishingldn
Bookcase in Downing Slate serves as functional living room decor.
@urbanrefinishingldn
Coordinating Colors
At LRV 50 vs 21, Monorail Silver is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 21 vs 5, Downing Slate is decisively the brighter choice.
Similar Colors
With LRVs of 23 and 21, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 23 vs 21), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 22 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.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 23 vs 21), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 21 vs 18), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 22 and 21, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 21 vs 19), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 22 vs 21), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 21 vs 19), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Complementary Colors
Truly Taupe reflects far more light (LRV 35 vs 21), opening up a space where Downing Slate encloses it.
Heavenly White reflects far more light (LRV 81 vs 21), opening up a space where Downing Slate encloses it.
At LRV 74 vs 21, Original White is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 35 vs 21, Palisade is decisively the brighter choice.
A 8-point LRV gap (21 vs 13) makes Downing Slate the marginally brighter of the two.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 21 vs 20), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Mercurial reflects far more light (LRV 61 vs 21), opening up a space where Downing Slate encloses it.
Lighter Colors
At LRV 42 vs 21, Morning Fog is decisively the brighter choice.
Steely Gray reads slightly lighter (LRV 30 vs 21), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
A 12-point LRV gap (32 vs 21) makes Dustblu the marginally brighter of the two.
With LRVs of 23 and 21, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Let it Rain reflects far more light (LRV 34 vs 21), opening up a space where Downing Slate encloses it.
Darker Colors
Downing Slate reads slightly lighter (LRV 21 vs 15), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Downing Slate reads slightly lighter (LRV 21 vs 14), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
A 7-point LRV gap (21 vs 14) makes Downing Slate the marginally brighter of the two.
A 9-point LRV gap (21 vs 12) makes Downing Slate the marginally brighter of the two.
At LRV 21 vs 6, Downing Slate is decisively the brighter choice.