Black vs Distant Gray
Black and Distant Gray come from the same Benjamin Moore collection. Hue-wise, Black belongs to the grey family and Distant Gray to the green-grey family. The 84-point LRV gap — 88 for Distant Gray vs 5 for Black — means Distant Gray will open up a space more effectively. Where Black leans neutral, Distant Gray reads green — a distinction that shifts noticeably depending on the light source and surrounding finishes. A ΔE of 75.6 puts these firmly in different territory — two distinct design choices rather than close alternatives. Below, 5 simulated room previews show how each color reads at scale — real-room photos will be added as they become available.
Color Details
Black vs Distant Gray Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Black on one side and Distant Gray 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 Black comparisons
See how Black stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
White Dove reflects far more light (LRV 83 vs 5), opening up a space where Black encloses it.
At LRV 52 vs 5, Purbeck Stone is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 30 vs 5, Evergreen Fog is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 60 vs 5, Agreeable Gray is decisively the brighter choice.
Accessible Beige reflects far more light (LRV 58 vs 5), opening up a space where Black encloses it.
Denim Drift reflects far more light (LRV 27 vs 5), opening up a space where Black encloses it.
At LRV 43 vs 5, French Gray is decisively the brighter choice.
Tranquil Dawn reflects far more light (LRV 55 vs 5), opening up a space where Black encloses it.
Hardwick White reflects far more light (LRV 44 vs 5), opening up a space where Black encloses it.
At LRV 84 vs 5, Pure White is decisively the brighter choice.
Balboa Mist reflects far more light (LRV 66 vs 5), opening up a space where Black encloses it.
Shoji White reflects far more light (LRV 74 vs 5), opening up a space where Black encloses it.
Pewter Green reads slightly lighter (LRV 12 vs 5), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Duck Green reads slightly lighter (LRV 8 vs 5), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Skimming Stone reflects far more light (LRV 68 vs 5), opening up a space where Black encloses it.
Vintage Vogue reads slightly lighter (LRV 12 vs 5), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Saybrook Sage reflects far more light (LRV 45 vs 5), opening up a space where Black encloses it.
At LRV 31 vs 5, Pale Green is decisively the brighter choice.