Black Magic vs Anthracite grey
Black Magic (PPG) and Anthracite grey (RAL Classic) come from different manufacturers. Black Magic reads as grey, while Anthracite grey reads as blue-grey — two distinct hue families, not close cousins. The 4-point LRV gap — 8 for Anthracite grey vs 4 for Black Magic — means Anthracite grey will open up a space more effectively. ΔE 4.2 means they're clearly different, but not dramatically so — they'd pair well in the same room. Below you'll find 3 real-room photo comparisons where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
Black Magic vs Anthracite grey in Real Spaces
3 real rooms side by side. Black Magic and Anthracite 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. Anthracite grey has the edge in reflectance, which shows as a quiet sense of added space rather than an obvious contrast.
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. Anthracite grey has the edge in reflectance, which shows as a quiet sense of added space rather than an obvious contrast.
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. Anthracite grey reads slightly lighter here — a subtle but real difference in how open the space feels.
Color Details
Black Magic vs Anthracite grey Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Black Magic on one side and Anthracite 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 Magic comparisons
See how Black Magic stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
