Using the anthracite color into your home decorating scheme is the perfect way to add a dramatic but subtle tone in your space. The anthracite color is a deep and moody dark gray, similar to charcoal, that is just a shade lighter than black.

Meridith Baer Home

Anthracite is a type of hard and compact coal with a submetallic luster. This luster keeps anthracite on the side of deep gray without venturing into black territory. According to graphic design experts, anthracite shades allow you to create a color palette with “nuance and sophistication”. This is because, unlike black, there is more room for undertones that create variance in the color.

Anthracite Color Options

You will not find many choices under that name if you look for a commercial anthracite paint color option. Instead, look for dark grays with blue undertones to find a color that will work as anthracite. Here are some great commercial options for you to consider if you want the color anthracite in your home.

Cracked Pepper PPU18-1 by Behr

Home Depot

The Cracked Pepper PPU18-1 color from Behr is a deep gray with hidden blue undertones. It has a sophisticated appeal and is easy to pair with other colors.

Wrought Iron 2124-10 by Benjamin Moore

Amanda Katherine

Wrought iron is considered an off-black rather than a gray. Use it if you want a dark anthracite color with deep blue undertones.

Down Pipe No. 26 by Farrow & Ball

Farrow & Ball

This is a dark lead gray with definite blue undertones. This color works well as a background for art and to create dramatic entrances and cozy nooks.

Cheating Heart 1617 by Benjamin Moore

The Fox Group

This one of the darkest anthracite options in our list. It is a dark gray with navy undertones. It also has a touch of brown which warms it and gives it a more neutral look.

Iron Ore 7069 from Sherwin Williams

A Thoughtful Place

This is a deep and rich dark gray (almost black) with some green undertones if you need a warmer anthracite color.

Colors to Pair with Anthracite

Grays like anthracite have become a staple color in interior design. One of the reasons for this is that anthracite works well with a variety of color ideas. Here are some of the most effective and some real combinations with the anthracite paint colors above.

Anthracite and Orange

Try using it in small doses and pairing it with anthracite if the bold color of orange attracts you but it seems too bright. The gray of the anthracite will soften the harsh edges of the orange and give it a subtle sophistication. Add in some other warm hues like a soft red to balance the orange with a complementing color. Pair Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron with Jack O’Lantern 2156-30 from Benjamin Moore if you like this color combination.

Anthracite and Green

Alisberg Parker

For a modern home look, use a combination of anthracite with green. Most greens will work with anthracite gray including sage, emerald, forest, mint, and even chartreuse. For an anthracite color with a mint green combination, try Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe with Arsenic No. 214 from Farrow & Ball.

Anthracite and Brown

Noble Johnson Architects

Anthracite and orange is a bold choice. Try anthracite gray and brown together if you like the warmth of this look but are not ready for orange The warm tones of the various shades of brown and soft lilac provide just the right contrast in this anthracite-painted room. Use Behr’s Cracked Pepper with the deep brown paint color, Pinecone Path HDC-CL-14 from Behr if you want to combine anthracite and dark brown in one design,

Anthracite and White

Luigi Rosselli Architects

White is a subtle color option that still provides plenty of contrast with anthracite. Create a modern look with white walls and anthracite cabinets. Add carrara marble to bridge the gap between these two distinct color choices. Combine Sherwin Williams’s Iron Ore with SW Extra White 7006 if you want to create this look of contrast.

Anthracite and Rose

Peruri Design Company

Gray and pink are a classic combination. Anthracite paired with a deep rose updates this look and gives it a more sophisticated edge. Bring in just a pop of yellow to add more vibrancy to the design. Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe complements their Rangwali No. 296 which is a bright and adventurous rose color.

Anthracite and Yellow

LEIVARS

Gray and yellow is another classic pairing. The dark moody gray with a sunny yellow is the perfect way to keep your home interior bold yet understated. Pair Behr’s Cracked Pepper with Ginger Jar M300 – 5 from Behr for a striking yet subtle combination. Or, try Hummus PPU6-11 from Behr if you want a more subtle yellow.

Anthracite and Warm Neutrals

Hartman Homes

Dark anthracite gray walls are an ideal way to keep a warm neutral color scheme from looking boring. The dark gray peeking out from the substantial white trim provides the right amount of contrast and blends with the dark gray tones of the stone fireplace. For a neutral color scheme with anthracite, pair Benjamin Moore’s Cheating Heart with BM’s Gray Huskie 1473, a warm gray brown.

Anthracite in Home Design

Anthracite is a wonderful color in home design in both interior and exterior spaces. We have gathered some of the best ways that designers are using this gorgeous color.

Exterior Trim Color

Duket Architects Planners

For this stone tudor cottage, the designer chose anthracite trim. This trim color is sophisticated yet earthy. It blends with the deep gray tones in the stone. It allows the cottage to blend better with the natural environment than a lighter tone.

Exterior Siding Color

Erica Keast Heroy, Architect

Try anthracite as the main color siding if you want to go bold with your exterior siding but still want an elegant look. The architect of this design, Erica Keast Heroy, used wood paneling in the entry area. This pairing of wood and anthracite warms up the gray and gives the home a more rustic style.

Wall Color

dSPACE Studio Ltd, AIA

One of the easiest ways that you can incorporate the anthracite colour into your home design is by painting your walls this shade. Use light toned furniture and fabrics to lighten the design if you are worried that anthracite will make your room too dark. You can also use a light-colored paint to call out an architectural feature in the room like the designer did with the fireplace.

Wall, Ceiling, and Trim Color

Meridith Baer Home

Anthracite is ideal if you want to create a moody and stylish room. Use this color for the walls, the trim, and the ceiling to create an elegant statement. This approach works best in rooms with large windows so that they don’t look like caves. Accessorize with brushed gold or brass light fixtures and hardware to provide just the right amount of shine.

Ceiling Color

This kitchen design features a coffered ceiling with deep molding. You can highlight features like molding if you paint the ceiling a contrasting color. The designer of this kitchen used a dark anthracite gray to balance the checkered tile floor.

Kitchen Cabinet Color

Dura Supreme Cabinetry

Gray kitchen cabinets are a classic choice. Use an anthracite option to give your kitchen a classic look with a twist. These anthracite cabinets from Dura Supreme are dark, but they are balanced with the white walls, backsplash, and colorful wallpaper.

Kitchen Island Color

Kitchens by Eileen

Painting all of your kitchen cabinets anthracite is not possible for everyone. Consider painting your kitchen island a deep gray like anthracite if you like this look. In this kitchen, the designer used anthracite to highlight the island and used a soft white on the other kitchen cabinets. The stone wall tile ties both colors together with a varied mix of soft gray hues.

Room Feature Color

splyce design

Splyce Design used anthracite to highlight the fireplace in this all-white modern living room in Vancouver. They tied this color in using the soft furniture throughout the room including the accent chairs and area rug. Use anthracite to highlight cabinets, alcoves, bookcases, and fireplaces, just to name a few.

Floor Color

SchappacherWhite Architecture D.P.C.

Use natural stone like slate to achieve an anthracite colored floor. Slate flooring has such variable hues that you need to look through all the tile options to find a gray slate with cool blue undertones. That color works well in this kitchen design paired with the warm wood paneling and floors.

Door Color

Jenny Martin Design

Look no further than your door if you are looking for a quick and easy way to incorporate the anthracite color into your home decor. Use anthracite on both interior and exterior doors. Anthracite is a bit more subtle than the all black door look that is so popular right now.

Countertop Color

Studio Dearborn

Anthracite colored countertops give this historic kitchen a sophisticated style. Consider soapstone, granite, and even types of marble if you are looking for a counter material that is anthracite in color

Anthracite vs Black: What is the Difference?

HEX to RAL

Anthracite and black are two colors that vary by a small degree. In the natural world, anthracite has a submetallic luster that gives it a softer color than true black. In terms of paint colors, these colors are even closer together. There are many off-black paint colors on the market today that are not true black but rather gray. The off-blacks with blue undertones can be classified as Anthracite.