ColorplanBenjamin Moore Universal Black (2118-10) is a very dark black with almost no visible undertone and an LRV of 3. Closest matches: Sherwin-Williams Black Magic (SW 6991), Farrow & Ball Pitch Black (No.256) and Behr Limousine Leather (MQ5-05). For trim, try Mirage White (2116-70).
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 | Black |
| LRV | 3.5 (dark; 0 = black, 100 = pure white) |
| HEX | #353435 |
| RGB | 53, 52, 53 |
| HSL | 300°, 1%, 21% |
About Universal Black
Universal Black (2118-10) is a true black from Benjamin Moore with almost no visible undertone. With an LRV of 3, Universal Black absorbs most light. It creates a dramatic, enveloping look and suits accent walls, cabinetry and well-lit rooms.
Because its undertone is so subtle, Universal Black 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 Twilight Zone (2127-10); you'd mostly see the difference side by side.
How Universal Black changes with the light
Universal Black 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
Universal Black will read even deeper in north light: great for a cozy, enveloping room, less so if you want it bright.
East-facing rooms
Universal Black 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 Universal Black from feeling heavy, so deep colors work well here.
West-facing rooms
Universal Black looks cool in the morning and warms up in the golden late-afternoon light.
See Universal Black in real homes
Photos people have shared of Universal Black in their own rooms. Opens Instagram or Pinterest in a new tab.
Universal Black 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
Nearly identical · ΔE 1.0
Also close: Caviar (ΔE 1.3)
Compare side by side →Similar Benjamin Moore colors
Universal Black questions
What undertone does Universal Black have?
Universal Black is close to a true neutral, with almost no visible undertone. Because its undertone is so subtle, Universal Black stays fairly consistent between north- and south-facing rooms.
Is Universal Black a light or dark color?
Universal Black has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 3.5 on a scale where 0 is black and 100 is pure white, which makes it a very dark color. With an LRV of 3, Universal Black absorbs most light. It creates a dramatic, enveloping look and suits accent walls, cabinetry and well-lit rooms.
What is the closest match to Universal Black in other paint brands?
Sherwin-Williams: Black Magic SW 6991 (nearly identical, ΔE 1.0); Farrow & Ball: Pitch Black No.256 (close, ΔE 2.7); Behr: Limousine Leather MQ5-05 (close, ΔE 3.2). Matches are calculated with the CIEDE2000 color difference formula; always check a physical sample before buying.
What trim and ceiling color goes with Universal Black?
Try Mirage White (2116-70) on trim and Wedding Veil (2125-70) on the ceiling. Both are Benjamin Moore whites that share Universal Black's undertone.
Where does Universal Black work best?
Universal Black works well in accent walls, front doors, cabinetry and powder rooms. With an LRV of 3, Universal Black absorbs most light. It creates a dramatic, enveloping look and suits accent walls, cabinetry and well-lit rooms.
Planning more than one room?
Build a whole-house palette and share it with your contractor. Free.