ColorplanCarbon
N520-7 · Behr
LRV 5 · dark
0 black100 white
Behr Carbon (N520-7) is a very dark black with almost no visible undertone and an LRV of 5. Closest matches: Benjamin Moore Black Panther (2125-10), Sherwin-Williams Greenblack (SW 6994) and Farrow & Ball Pitch Black (No.256). For trim, try Nano White (HDC-MD-06).
Room Preview
This photo shows walls only. Photos show the color in a real room's light; your own light will change it.
Suggested trim and ceiling are Behr whites that share this color's undertone.
Color Details
| Family | Black |
| LRV | 4.8 (dark; 0 = black, 100 = pure white) |
| HEX | #3D3E3E |
| RGB | 61, 62, 62 |
| HSL | 180°, 1%, 24% |
About Carbon
Carbon (N520-7) is a true black from Behr with almost no visible undertone. With an LRV of 5, Carbon absorbs most light. It creates a dramatic, enveloping look and suits accent walls, cabinetry and well-lit rooms.
Because its undertone is so subtle, Carbon stays fairly consistent between north- and south-facing rooms. It's a good fit for accent walls, front doors, cabinetry and powder rooms. It's very close to Limousine Leather (MQ5-05); you'd mostly see the difference side by side.
How Carbon changes with the light
Carbon is a deep color. In north-facing or dim rooms it reads darker and cozier; in south-facing rooms it shows more of its color. Either can work, depending on the mood you want.
North-facing rooms
Carbon will read even deeper in north light: great for a cozy, enveloping room, less so if you want it bright.
East-facing rooms
Carbon will look warmer and brighter in the morning and cooler and grayer by afternoon; check a sample at both times.
South-facing rooms
South light keeps Carbon from feeling heavy, so deep colors work well here.
West-facing rooms
Carbon looks cool in the morning and warms up in the golden late-afternoon light.
See Carbon in real homes
Photos people have shared of Carbon in their own rooms. Opens Instagram or Pinterest in a new tab.
Carbon equivalents in other brands
The closest color from each brand. ΔE (“delta E”) scores how different two colors look: under 2.5 is very hard to tell apart on a wall, over 5 is clearly different.
Benjamin Moore
Nearly identical · ΔE 0.8
Also close: Black Jack (ΔE 1.1)
Compare side by side →Sherwin-Williams
Very close · ΔE 1.9
Also close: Iron Ore (ΔE 2.1)
Compare side by side →Farrow & Ball
Very close · ΔE 1.4
Also close: Black Blue (ΔE 2.5)
Compare side by side →Similar Behr colors
Carbon questions
What undertone does Carbon have?
Carbon is close to a true neutral, with almost no visible undertone. Because its undertone is so subtle, Carbon stays fairly consistent between north- and south-facing rooms.
Is Carbon a light or dark color?
Carbon has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 4.8 on a scale where 0 is black and 100 is pure white, which makes it a very dark color. With an LRV of 5, Carbon absorbs most light. It creates a dramatic, enveloping look and suits accent walls, cabinetry and well-lit rooms.
What is the closest match to Carbon in other paint brands?
Benjamin Moore: Black Panther 2125-10 (nearly identical, ΔE 0.8); Sherwin-Williams: Greenblack SW 6994 (very close, ΔE 1.9); Farrow & Ball: Pitch Black No.256 (very close, ΔE 1.4). Matches are calculated with the CIEDE2000 color difference formula; always check a physical sample before buying.
What trim and ceiling color goes with Carbon?
Try Nano White (HDC-MD-06) on both trim and ceiling. It's a Behr white that shares Carbon's undertone, so the room feels coordinated without looking stark.
Where does Carbon work best?
Carbon works well in accent walls, front doors, cabinetry and powder rooms. With an LRV of 5, Carbon absorbs most light. It creates a dramatic, enveloping look and suits accent walls, cabinetry and well-lit rooms.
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