Onyx vs Soot
Onyx and Soot come from the same Benjamin Moore collection. Onyx reads as grey, while Soot reads as blue-grey — two distinct hue families, not close cousins. Their light reflectance values are nearly the same — 5 vs 6 — so neither will read significantly brighter or darker than the other. Where Onyx leans red, Soot reads blue — a distinction that shifts noticeably depending on the light source and surrounding finishes. ΔE 5.3 means they're clearly different, but not dramatically so — they'd pair well in the same room. Below you'll find 6 real-room photo comparisons where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
Onyx vs Soot in Real Spaces
6 real rooms side by side. Onyx and Soot 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. Soot brings more warmth to the space, while Onyx keeps things cooler and crisper.
Bedroom
Bedrooms are typically lit with warmer, lower light than the rest of the house — a condition that flatters warm tones and deepens cool ones. Onyx reads more restrained here, while Soot adds a sense of enclosure and warmth.
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. Onyx reads more restrained here, while Soot adds a sense of enclosure and warmth.
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. Onyx reads more restrained here, while Soot adds a sense of enclosure and warmth.
Front Door
On a front door, the color is both the first and last thing you see — a context where even a modest tonal difference reads clearly. Soot brings more warmth to the space, while Onyx keeps things cooler and crisper.
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. Onyx reads more restrained here, while Soot adds a sense of enclosure and warmth.
Color Details
Onyx vs Soot Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Onyx on one side and Soot 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 Onyx comparisons
See how Onyx stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
