Mined Coal vs Cement grey
Mined Coal (Behr) and Cement grey (RAL Classic) come from different manufacturers. These are both greys, so the question isn't which hue to choose — it's where within grey to land. The 9-point LRV gap — 24 for Cement grey vs 15 for Mined Coal — means Cement grey will open up a space more effectively. ΔE 9.8 means they're clearly different, but not dramatically so — they'd pair well in the same room. Below you'll find 4 real-room photo comparisons where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
Mined Coal vs Cement grey in Real Spaces
4 real rooms side by side. Mined Coal and Cement grey are close enough that the difference can be hard to judge from a chip alone — these photos show how each reads at scale, across different spaces and lighting conditions.
Living Room
A living room wall sees more varied light than almost any other surface in the house, which makes the choice between these two more nuanced than a chip suggests. Cement grey reflects noticeably more light off the walls, making the space read more open than Mined Coal.
Bathroom
Small bathrooms intensify color. A shade that seems quiet in a larger room can feel immersive when you're surrounded by it on four walls. Cement grey returns significantly more light to the room — in a smaller or darker space, that difference in perceived brightness is hard to miss.
House
A full exterior is the most demanding test for a paint color — scale and outdoor light both amplify differences that seem small on a swatch. Cement grey returns significantly more light to the room — in a smaller or darker space, that difference in perceived brightness is hard to miss.
Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinet color is always seen in context — against countertops, backsplash, and hardware — which amplifies undertone differences that might disappear on a plain wall. Cement grey returns significantly more light to the room — in a smaller or darker space, that difference in perceived brightness is hard to miss.
Color Details
Mined Coal vs Cement grey Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Mined Coal on one side and Cement grey on the other.
Digital color is approximate. These simulations are generated from the manufacturer's hex values and overlaid on grayscale room photos — your screen's calibration, brightness, and viewing angle all affect how they render. Before committing to either color, test physical samples in your own space under the light you actually live with.
More Mined Coal comparisons
See how Mined Coal stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
