Drama, boldness and richness are some ways to describe Soot Benjamin Moore.
The more you know about it the more you will get attracted to its deep, dark and modern feels.
We often think dark color makes rooms appear smaller but this color proved us wrong.
Charcoal shades make any room of your choice richer and more stylish while adding a subtle warmth.
It can transform your ordinary walls into something valuable and praiseworthy.
Its soft black color with blue and gray undertones gives a high-end and luxurious look.
But before coloring your walls with this color you need to understand soot benjamin moore in more detail.
From where it looks best to where it can make your house dull, or from its coordinating colors to its comparison with other blacks.
We are digging up every possible piece of information about this color.
Also read:
Benjamin Moore Soot: A Soft, Off-Black Paint
Benjamin Moore Soot 2129-20 is a soft and bold black color that has deep blue undertones.
And it’s often described as a dark charcoal which also gives depth to the interior.
It is softer than a true black color and rather than giving a dark look it makes the space refined and modern.
Benjamin Moore Soot color code is HEX ~#373C41 and has cool to slightly blue-gray undertones.
Due to its low LRV, the amount of light it reflects is very low which offers a dark and moody interior.
In natural light, it leans towards blue and charcoal undertones while the warm lighting softens the blue tones making it ethereal and cozy.
At first look, it’s dark to see its undertones because it looks just like any other black in the market.
But lighting brings its undertones completely out.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Color Type | Soft black/dark charcoal |
| Undertones | Cool blue with gray |
| HEX / RGB | ~#373C41 / ~55, 60, 65 |
| LRV | Very low (absorbs light) |
| Natural Light | Leans blue-charcoal |
| Warm Light | Blue softens, feels cozy |
| Overall Feel | Modern, refined, moody |
| Compared to Black | Softer and less harsh |
What Undertones Does Benjamin Moore Soot Have?
Undertones are the main reason how a color is going to look in real life.
Let me break it down for you. Undertones are the hidden colors that reside in a main color.
You might not notice them but they get visible under lighting.
Benjamin Moore primarily has blue-gray and navy undertones which are subtle and you may actually see them in natural light or with light colors.
And they prevent blue-gray from feeling just black. Its cool tones offer a modern and minimalist vibe to the interior and balances the both warm and cool tones on the palettes.
Natural daylight brings out cool undertones like blue in Soot by BM while in warm indoor lighting, Soot appears gray and off-black.
What is the LRV of Soot Benjamin Moore?
LRV of a color means how much light it’s going to reflect and absorb.
This color has an LRV of 6.19 which is mostly absorbed by the lights than its reflection.
Most of the daylight that is going to come in will eventually make this color black or charcoal-like.
Rooms with Soot Benjamin Moore feel intense and dramatic which shows the true personality of your interior.
Lighting plays a very significant part in shaping this color and making your interior bright and intimate.
You will need very strong lighting to keep the rooms from feeling overly dark and underlit.
The best use of this color could be in the accent walls, cabinetry or with some light colors rather than making all four walls black.
In evening or south-facing rooms it looks richer and softer with its blue undertones.
While in the north-facing or morning lights, it looks cooler and deeper and its gray undertones become more visible.
My Experience with Soot Benjamin Moore 2129 20 House Interior?
The very first thought that came to my mind when I saw this color was, “How am I going to make this black work”? But somehow this color didn’t make that stress out.
On the contrary, it was quite easy to work with. The rich blue and gray undertones of it made my whole interior modern and bold, which is exactly what I wanted.
I used Soot Satin Benjamin Moore in almost every space of my house.
Let me break it down for you so you can better understand it.
First Impression Of This Color
Like any other black, I assumed it to be an all-black color but it exceeded my expectations and gave me a soft black with cool blue undertones.
When I applied it to my wall, I saw an off-black color with an almost dark charcoal like feel.
My white room instantly looked more bold which can make anyone attracted to it.
After painting the whole interior, I was awestruck by it.
Like, how can a black paint look this ethereal and serene? I was amazed and confused at the same time.
Spaces Recreated With Soot by BM
The spaces that I have recreated with Soot by BM turned out so beautiful with a hint of modernisation.
The kitchen and the bathroom cabinets are in their new era of modernisation after wearing Soot by Benjamin Moore.
My bedroom and living area are so cozy now that whenever I come home, I straight up close my eyes and go to my dreamland.
I paired this color with wood accents and textures like linen and leather to give a feel of a modern yet classic look.
Maintenance and Durability
This color comes with high durability and low maintenance because of its premium quality.
For my rooms, I bought Soot Benjamin Moore (satin version) for a little shine and easy maintenance.
This choice as a whole made my life easy.
A damp sponge, water or just a soft detergent in the water is all you need to wipe the marks of a stained wall.
And especially in the kitchen, living room and kids’ room, Soot BM 2129-20 will really help you out.
If you want easy and low-maintenance walls then go for premium colors.
Effects of Lighting
The effects of lighting on Soot Benjamin Moore 2129-20 are as follows:
In daylight, it looks charcoal rather than black and looks modern and dimensional.
In the north-facing room it looks cool with its subtle blue undertones.
And looks more dramatic and darker.
In a south-facing room, the blue gets softened and Soot Benjamin Moore looks richer and warmer.
And in the artificial light, the color shows a soft charcoal black which creates an intimate and cozy interior.
Cost and Availability
Benjamin Moore products’ prices vary depending on their sheen, coverage and product line.
The more premium the product, the higher the price. When I purchased it for my house each gallon cost me around $70.
The peel-and-stick paint sample costs around $6.95-$9.95, so before purchasing the whole paint, you can do a test and trial.
The Ben, Regal and Aura lines are the most expensive ones but give you the best durability with less maintenance.
You can buy Benjamin Moore Soot 2129-20 at local Benjamin Moore retailers across the U.S. (independent paint stores and select dealers).
Color Comparison Of Soot Benjamin Moore With Other Popular Blacks
This section includes some popular or you can say an alternative to Soot Benjamin Moore.
These colors are slightly different from Soot in terms of LRV, undertones and their appearance in different lighting.
The more you see the more differences you can count.
So let’s discuss these colors in depth and explore more choices for your house decor.
Benjamin Moore Soot 2129 20 vs Wrought Iron 2124-10
Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore is a charcoal-gray black color with visible gray undertones.
When you can compare both, the Soot will appear cool and deeper while the Wrought iron appears lighter and gray.
Soot looks stronger and more dramatic in daylight while wrought iron tends to stay deep charcoal.
Both can be used in the house as interior or exterior paints.
You can also use the same in the house palette as coordinating colors to bring a smooth transition and harmony.
Benjamin Moore Soot vs Iron Ore (SW 7069)
Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams is a lighter version of black-gray color that has subtle yellow undertones.
Soot 2129-20 with its blue undertones looks much deeper and darker than iron ore while Iron Ore appears to be a warm yet depthful color.
Both of these have around the same LRV Soot (6.19) and Iron Ore (6%) which makes iron ore very close to a true black color.
Both colors look different depending on natural and artificial light. Soot will look bluer in daylight while Iron Ore appears more true neutral.
Benjamin Moore Soot vs Onyx 2133-10
These two colors are dark black colors, but soot is a bit softer, whereas Onyx is a warmer true, almost like a neutral black with no to few undertones.
Onyx shows us what a true black is with its deep, rich and luxurious feel.
Onyx is best for creating contrast with any light color and offers a defined and bold space.
Your house’s cabinets, accent walls and trims in this color balance the light and dark pairing in the palette.
So if you want an intense and more dramatic house, Onyx would be a better option for you.
Benjamin Moore Witching Hour 2120-30 Vs Soot 2129-20
Witching hour 2120-30 is lighter and has blue/gray undertones to it, same as Soot 2129-20.
Witching hour works best when you need a dark yet soft feel with any lighting of your choice.
Choose which hour if you want a deep color that still reads a bit more like charcoal than pure black.
And pick Soot Benjamin Moore if you want to feel all black, rich and bold interior.
When you compare the both you will definitely see Witching Hour to be bluer than Soot, which is a great difference.
Benjamin Moore Soot In Your House Spaces For A Statement Interior Aesthetic
With Soot Benjamin Moore 2129 20, you can create every space with it without any second thought.
Be it a kitchen, cabinets, bathroom or your bedroom, all can rock in this color and that’s something I can guarantee you.
Be with me and I will share how you can make your house interior praiseworthy and extraordinary without much effort.
Soot Benjamin Moore Front Door
Soot 2129-20 by BM on the front door of your house or any room, offers a great contrast and makes your entrance pop.
It embraces the beige or off-white color well, making both of them well-balanced.
A black door paired with light-colored trim and green planters on both sides creates a welcoming entrance.
To make the door intentional, add Soot by BM to your shutters or the stairs in the interior.
Soot Benjamin Moore Cabinets
Benjamin Moore Soot 2129-20 on the cabinets around your house makes them distinct and dramatic.
Just like how Benjamin Moore Soot Kitchen Cabinets makes that area more ethereal and deep, just the perfect vibe to cook.
With black cabinets, golden knobs or handles, an all-black interior give a dark academia aesthetic.
While the silver handles and white countertops and fixtures offer a contrasting and modern-minimalist vibe.
The flooring could be in light brown or dark, whichever suits your house aesthetic.
Soot Benjamin Moore Bedroom
Soot Benjamin Moore bedroom, makes you sleep like a baby in his mom’s lap.
Soothing and calm, just the perfect vibe for a bedroom.
A white ceiling, light brown flooring and golden frame mirrors or fixtures enhance the space greatly.
White bedding or a lighter shade of blue bedding works well in the house’s color palette.
Dark black window frames, white curtains and wood fixtures offer a great balance of colors in the interior.
Soot Benjamin Moore Exterior
On the exterior, this color works well with pure white trim and a roof in a light charcoal color.
The white trims help in adding lines and defining the exterior while adding a sharp contrast.
You can’t miss a wood accent door on the entrance for that pop-up.
Soot Benjamin Moore 2129-20 is a color that can make your exterior more bold and intriguing to people.
Pair the black with a landscape with perfect greenery and good lighting to make the look more ethereal.
To add texture and variation, you need two-toned siding or a brick and batten siding to add depth to the exterior.
Benjamin Moore Soot: Complementary Colors That Transform and Enhance the Home
Complementary colors are defined by their perfect pairing with a particular color.
These colors complement each other and make themselves enhanced and contrast.
These colors lie on the opposite side of that color palette wheel.
You can use them in the adjacent wall, as trims, or in the furniture of the house.
Colors like chantilly lace, cumulus cloud offer contrast and soften the BM Soot 2129-20 beautifully.
Benjamin Moore Putnam Ivory HC-39 and Ice Cap 1576, like colors that have a hint of a particular color, makes the Soot palette vibrant and balanced.
Gray cashmere 2138-60 like soft hues, colors can be used in the furniture and materials around the house.
White or beige colors can be used as trims or in the countertops across the house for an elevated interior.
Or paint your cupboards, chairs and other furniture in the complementary color for variety and vividness.
You can also paint the main wall or feature one with a complementary color and then go for a dark or a shade lighter color on the other walls.
These colors are as follows-
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65
- Benjamin Moore Cumulus Cloud 1550
- BM Ice Cap 1576
- Benjamin Moore Putnam Ivory HC-39
- Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere 2138-60
| Color | LRV | Tone | Best Way to Use with BM Soot |
| Chantilly Lace OC-65 | ~90 | Crisp, clean white | Trim, ceilings and doors for sharp contrast and brightness |
| Cumulus Cloud 1550 | ~52 | Soft neutral gray | Main walls to soften Soot and keep the spaces balanced |
| Ice Cap 1576 | ~67 | Cool light neutral | Adjacent walls or light accents for a modern feel |
| Putnam Ivory HC-39 | ~58 | Warm creamy neutral | Walls to add warmth and prevent Soot from feeling cold |
| Gray Cashmere 2138-60 | ~64 | Soft gray with a green hint | Bedrooms, secondary walls, or calm transition spaces |
Pros and Cons Of Soot Benjamin Moore 2129 20
Every color has its own pros and cons so before choosing any color, you have to consider these to make sure the suitability for your house interior.
Like, whether it fits your home interior well or not, does it make the space enhance or not, etc.
So, below are the exact pros and cons of this color you can go through to avoid any regret at all.
–Pros of Soot Benjamin Moore:-
1. Deep and rich modern visual: it’s a true black but that subtle depth makes it profound and helps in giving a space its own character.
2. Excellent contrast: it offers a great contrast with crisp whites and lighter neutrals and delivers definition on the doors, built-ins and trims around the house.
3. A Versatile design choice: This color works in every type of house whether it’s contemporary, modern or traditional. It is great for feature cabinets, trims on the exterior or a door on the entrance.
4. Hides the flaws: as you know, dark colors can perfectly hide smudges or any imperfections that look bad on any white or light-colored wall.
–Cons of Benjamin Moore:
1. Heavy on the interior: if your space doesn’t have enough lighting and is small in dimension, you can feel it overwhelming and more closed in.
2. Depends on the lighting: it can look very different in natural or artificial light and can look flat in low light and cooler in bright light.
3. Harder to coordinate: the most important thing is coordinating a color with the right texture and shades. To avoid it looking dark or muted you need careful consideration of colors and materials.
Conclusion
The final thoughts on this color are the same as my first ones “You have to paint your house in Soot Benjamin Moore to achieve your dream house aesthetic”.
And after all these months, I never regretted my decision. This color can not only work as the primary color but can be used in the trims or furniture to enhance the overall appeal.
From its lrv to the undertones and to its complementary colors, this color offers you everything in perfection.
Whether it’s your house interior, exterior, kitchen, living room or bathroom.
You can’t miss this color in any space or corner of your house. Like why left a space in a modest and dull environment.
For whatever reason but you can’t happen to miss this color aesthetic, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
From being modest to modern, you can’t miss a color that gives a rich, soft and powerful feel to the interior or exterior. Soot and your aesthetic will be long lasitng and always praiseworthy.
FAQs on Soot Benjamin Moore
For Soot Benjamin Moore 2129-20, colors like white, beige or light black-gray and charcoal work best. These colours enhanced the look by contrasting or coordinating the color palette. You can use them in the trims, furniture color, architectural details and doors or windows.
Benjamin Moore Soot 2129-20 is a very deep charcoal gray and not a true black. Just because of its cool blue undertones it can read nearly black in dim lighting but shows its gray character in brighter light, making it softer and more dimensional than pure black.
Benjamin Moore Soot has 2129-20 number. And 2129 is its unique color code -20 means it’s a very dark shade. A deep charcoal gray with cool blue undertones Low LRV (~6), so it looks almost black in most lighting.
Onyx (2133-10), Wrought Iron (2124-10), Soot (2129-20) and Black Satin (2131-10) are some popular colors that benjamin moore have in their collection. These colors are black and dark, providing a bold and deep look for someone who wants their interior to look classic yet modern.
