Black grey vs Link Gray
Black grey (RAL Classic) and Link Gray (Sherwin-Williams) come from different manufacturers. Black grey reads as blue-grey, while Link Gray reads as grey — two distinct hue families, not close cousins. The 14-point LRV gap — 21 for Link Gray vs 6 for Black grey — means Link Gray will open up a space more effectively. A ΔE of 33.1 puts these firmly in different territory — two distinct design choices rather than close alternatives. Below you'll find 2 real-room photo comparisons where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
Black grey vs Link Gray in Real Spaces
2 real rooms side by side. Seeing Black grey and Link Gray in actual rooms makes the difference concrete; browse the spaces below to get a feel for how each color lives on a wall.
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. Link Gray returns significantly more light to the room — in a smaller or darker space, that difference in perceived brightness is hard to miss.
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. Link Gray returns significantly more light to the room — in a smaller or darker space, that difference in perceived brightness is hard to miss.
Color Details
Black grey vs Link Gray Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Black grey on one side and Link 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 Black grey comparisons
See how Black grey stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.












































