ColorplanBenjamin Moore Char Brown (2137-20) is a very dark warm gray (greige) with a warm yellow undertone and an LRV of 8. Closest matches: Sherwin-Williams Van Dyke Brown (SW 7041). For trim, try Vintage Taupe (2110-70).
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 Benjamin Moore whites that share this color's undertone.
Color Details
| Family | Gray |
| LRV | 8.1 (dark; 0 = black, 100 = pure white) |
| HEX | #5A4F40 |
| RGB | 90, 79, 64 |
| HSL | 35°, 17%, 30% |
About Char Brown
Char Brown (2137-20) is a very dark warm gray (greige) from Benjamin Moore with a warm yellow undertone. With an LRV of 8, Char Brown absorbs most light. It creates a dramatic, enveloping look and suits accent walls, cabinetry and well-lit rooms.
In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down Char Brown's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward. It's a good fit for accent walls, front doors, cabinetry and powder rooms. Next to Otter Brown (2137-10), it's lighter.
How Char Brown changes with the light
Char Brown 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
Char Brown will read even deeper in north light: great for a cozy, enveloping room, less so if you want it bright.
East-facing rooms
Char Brown 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 Char Brown from feeling heavy, so deep colors work well here.
West-facing rooms
Char Brown will glow warmer in the late afternoon.
See Char Brown in real homes
Photos people have shared of Char Brown in their own rooms. Opens Instagram or Pinterest in a new tab.
Char Brown 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.
Sherwin-Williams
Close · ΔE 4.6
Also close: Thunder Gray (ΔE 4.9)
Compare side by side →Farrow & Ball
Closest available · ΔE 5.6
Also close: Salon Drab (ΔE 7.9)
Compare side by side →Behr
Closest available · ΔE 6.6
Also close: Stealth Jet (ΔE 6.7)
Compare side by side →Similar Benjamin Moore colors
Char Brown questions
What undertone does Char Brown have?
Char Brown has a warm yellow undertone, so it reads as a warm color. In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down Char Brown's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward.
Is Char Brown a light or dark color?
Char Brown has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 8.1 on a scale where 0 is black and 100 is pure white, which makes it a very dark color. With an LRV of 8, Char Brown absorbs most light. It creates a dramatic, enveloping look and suits accent walls, cabinetry and well-lit rooms.
What is the closest match to Char Brown in other paint brands?
Sherwin-Williams: Van Dyke Brown SW 7041 (close, ΔE 4.6); Farrow & Ball: Reduced Green No.313 (closest available, ΔE 5.6); Behr: Black Mocha PPU24-01 (closest available, ΔE 6.6). Matches are calculated with the CIEDE2000 color difference formula; always check a physical sample before buying.
What trim and ceiling color goes with Char Brown?
Try Vintage Taupe (2110-70) on trim and Opulence (OC-69) on the ceiling. Both are Benjamin Moore whites that share Char Brown's undertone.
Where does Char Brown work best?
Char Brown works well in accent walls, front doors, cabinetry and powder rooms. With an LRV of 8, Char Brown absorbs most light. It creates a dramatic, enveloping look and suits accent walls, cabinetry and well-lit rooms.
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