Lamp Black vs Rare Gray
Lamp Black is a Little Greene color while Rare Gray comes from Sherwin-Williams. These are both greys, so the question isn't which hue to choose — it's where within grey to land. At LRV 38 vs 3, Rare Gray will read as the brighter of the two — a 35-point gap that matters most in north-facing or low-light rooms. The tonal difference — Lamp Black's purple character against Rare Gray's neutral — becomes most visible against white trim or in morning light. At ΔE 49.7, these are genuinely distinct colors — a strong contrast if used together, or a meaningful choice between two different directions. Below you'll find 2 real-room photo comparisons where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
Lamp Black vs Rare Gray in Real Spaces
2 real rooms side by side. Seeing Lamp Black and Rare Gray in actual rooms makes the difference concrete; browse the spaces below to get a feel for how each color lives on a wall.
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 Rare 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 Rare Gray will make the room feel meaningfully brighter than Lamp Black would.
Color Details
Lamp Black vs Rare Gray Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Lamp Black on one side and Rare 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 Lamp Black comparisons
See how Lamp Black stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
