Black Licorice vs Graphite grey
Black Licorice (Cloverdale Paint) and Graphite grey (RAL Classic) come from different manufacturers. Black Licorice reads as grey, while Graphite grey reads as blue-grey — two distinct hue families, not close cousins. The 3-point LRV gap — 9 for Graphite grey vs 6 for Black Licorice — means Graphite grey will open up a space more effectively. ΔE 3.5 means they're clearly different, but not dramatically so — they'd pair well in the same room. Below you'll find 2 real-room photo comparisons where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
Black Licorice vs Graphite grey in Real Spaces
2 real rooms side by side. Black Licorice and Graphite 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.
Kitchen
Kitchens often have the harshest, most revealing light in the house — under-cabinet LEDs and overhead fixtures that strip away subtlety. Graphite grey has the edge in reflectance, which shows as a quiet sense of added space rather than an obvious contrast.
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. Graphite grey has the edge in reflectance, which shows as a quiet sense of added space rather than an obvious contrast.
Color Details
Black Licorice vs Graphite grey Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Black Licorice on one side and Graphite 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 Black Licorice comparisons
See how Black Licorice stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
