Imperial Gray vs Lamp Black
Imperial Gray is a Benjamin Moore color while Lamp Black comes from Little Greene. Hue-wise, Imperial Gray belongs to the green-grey family and Lamp Black to the grey family. At LRV 47 vs 3, Imperial Gray will read as the brighter of the two — a 44-point gap that matters most in north-facing or low-light rooms. The tonal difference — Imperial Gray's green character against Lamp Black's purple — becomes most visible against white trim or in morning light. At ΔE 56.0, these are genuinely distinct colors — a strong contrast if used together, or a meaningful choice between two different directions. Below you'll find 3 real-room photo comparisons where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
Imperial Gray vs Lamp Black in Real Spaces
3 real rooms side by side. Seeing Imperial Gray and Lamp Black in actual rooms makes the difference concrete; browse the spaces below to get a feel for how each color lives on a wall.
Bedroom
Bedroom walls are often seen under warm artificial light, a context that shifts both colors from how they look on a chip. The LRV gap is large enough that Imperial Gray will make the room feel meaningfully brighter than Lamp Black would.
Kitchen
Kitchen lighting tends to be bright and directional, which sharpens contrast and makes undertone differences more apparent. The LRV gap is large enough that Imperial Gray will make the room feel meaningfully brighter than Lamp Black would.
Bathroom
Bathrooms amplify color — the enclosed space and reflective surfaces make what reads subtle elsewhere feel more present here. The LRV gap is large enough that Imperial Gray will make the room feel meaningfully brighter than Lamp Black would.
Color Details
Imperial Gray vs Lamp Black Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Imperial Gray on one side and Lamp Black 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 Imperial Gray comparisons
See how Imperial Gray stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
