• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Painted by Kayla Payne

  • Home
  • Shop
  • Blog
    • Painted Cabinets
    • Painted Furniture
    • Painted Brick
    • Paint Guides
  • Freebies
    • FREE Cabinet Paint Supply List Download
    • FREE How To Fill Wood Grain Mini Course
    • FREE Glossy Furniture Guide Download
    • Get A Free Cabinet Painting Estimate!
  • Courses
    • DIY Cabinet Painting 101 Course
  • About Kayla
  • Login

Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal: Paint Guide

May 8, 2021 2 Comments

Looking for the perfect dark gray kitchen cabinet paint? Look no further than Kendall Charcoal! This paint shade by Benjamin Moore is quickly becoming one of their most popular shades – and for good reason! The creamy, dark gray slate shade can really make your cabinets pop, while also adding a luxe richness to your space.

In this post, we’ll talk about the undertones of this shade, what it pairs with, and even show some examples of what it looks like in different kitchens.

Kendall Charcoal Pinterest Image

I’m personally a huge fan of Kendall Charcoal. As a matter of fact…it’s at the very top of the list of my favorite shades of gray (literally!). I’ve used it on so many different pieces in the past, and every single time I do, I get compliments on the color.

Kendall Charcoal is one of Benjamin Moore’s most popular cabinet colors because it has an understated elegance that never goes out of style.

The deep gray-brown tone is perfect for pairing with lighter tones such as whites, neutrals, or even black! Of course, it works with some fun shades too, but we’ll get into all of that below 😉

What Undertones Does Kendall Charcoal Have?

If you are under the impression that gray is gray…your world is about to be shattered!!!

Gray is one of the most versatile colors out there, in my opinion – there are different undertones and variations for each shade.

Grays, just like every other color, will almost always have warm or cool undertones. Yes, there are a few unicorn colors out there that are “neutral”, but even those look warm or cool when paired with other colors.

In general, I find the warmer-toned colors more livable.

Kendall Charcoal is a warm gray with undertones of slight green, but it’s slight. I also get some subtle chocolate notes in this paint, depending on what other paint colors it’s paired with.

Where To Use Kendall Charcoal In Your Home

Of course, Kendall Charcoal is often used in kitchens and is absolutely gorgeous as a cabinet shade…but you don’t have to stop there.

If you love the shade, but don’t want to commit your entire kitchen to the color, Kendall Charcoal makes for an excellent hue to pair with lighter colors too. As you’ll see below, it pairs with many other colors.

Want to extend the vibe to the dining room?

Give the space an expensive-looking update by painting a sideboard or some accent chairs. If you need visual proof, check out this piece I painted in Kendall Charcoal. I still have all the feels for this baby!

Kendall Charcoal is also beautiful when used on furniture such as:

  • Dressers
  • Cabinets
  • Nightstands

It also can be used on desks, table tops, or even as an accent piece on your sofa. I mean…you can’t go wrong with it anywhere!

This versatle shade also works well as a highlight for doors and frames. Can’t you just imagine a cream room with lovely charcoal framing? 😍

While it works in so many places, I have to circle back and admit I’m pretty smitten with this shade in one particular area…the kitchen.

Kendall Charcoal is truly on of the best cabinet colors!

Shades That Pair Well With Kendall Charcoal From Benjamin Moore

If you haven’t guessed it already, Kendall Charcoal is an incredibly versatile shade. It pairs well with other colors like white, light blues, and greens, and even more vibrant, saturated colors like yellow.

Here are a few shades I recommend to pair Kendall Charcoal with:

  • White: Kendall Charcoal mixed with white will tone down the saturated color and give you a light, airy look.
  • Cream and beige: Beige or cream-colored tones work very well with the chocolatey undertones.
  • Buttercream: This shade is perfect for those who want to make their house feel warm and welcoming, but not too childish.
  • Seafoam green: When paired together on cabinetry and furniture, this shade gives the charcoal a nice pop and a bit of a vintage, nautical feel.
  • Light blue: Kendall Charcoal and light blues will give a space an ethereal feel, perfect for those with more modern tastes.
  • Deep purple: Darker shades like this one are the best way to give Kendall Charcoal depth without losing its cool tone.
  • Black: If your personal preference is for an a bold, modern kitchen, adding Kendall Charcoal cabinets can create an elegant contrast that still has warmth to it.

I also always recommend taking a look at what the manufacturer recommends pairing with the paint color. After all, mama knows best!

Ben Moore features Kendall as the perfect companion to creamy warm colors such as:

  • Old World Romance
  • White Vanilla
  • Mascarpone

Let’s See This Gray Paint In Action!

Okay, now that you know all the things about this pretty gray, let me show you just how awesome it can look.

Here are a few examples so you can see what I mean about versatility!

Kendall Charcoal With Marble Waterfall

I am a sucker for a good waterfall island, and this marble one from Mia Mia Mine is no exception. I love how Kendall makes that marble veining pop!

kendall charcoal kitchen cabinets with marble water fall
via Mia Mia Mine

Kendall Charcoal Wall And Backsplash

Yes, you read that right. The blogger behind House Mix Blog painted her kitchen walls Kendall, but then she took it a step further and painted her backsplash the same color too!

Keeping them the same color was a brilliant move that makes her white cabinets look extra crisp and clean.

Kendall Charcoal Wall And Backsplash
via House Mix Blog

Kendall Charcoal Kitchen Cabinets

Here we go…my favorite way to use this paint!

See what I mean about how this color creates a beautiful luxe feel? These painted cabinets from The Inspired Room look absolutely fantastic, especially when paired with all that clean white.

Kendall Charcoal Kitchen Cabinets
via The Inspired Room

Painted Dining Room Sideboard

Remember how I said this paint worked in basically every room of the home? Well, here’s proof.

This is a piece I painted Kendall Charcoal, and I am absolutely obsessed with how it turned out! I love the glossy, reflective finish too.

American of Martinsville in Kendall Charcoal

Now, I want to hear from you—what part of your home are you going to paint with Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal? Let me know in the comments!

More Posts To Read:

  • Olive Green Kitchen Cabinets
  • Kitchen Cabinets In Alabaster White
  • Using Sherwin Williams Dover White For Kitchen Cabinets
  • Best High Gloss Furniture Paint!
  • Kitchen Cabinets Painted In Neutral Ground
all about kendall charcoal paint color from benjamin moore

Paint Guides

Recent Posts

  • The Best Ready-To-Assemble Cabinets – My Cabinet Joint Review
  • Extreme DIY Kitchen Renovation (Before & After)
  • My ZLINE Appliance Review: Would I purchase them again?
  • 12 Best Tips For Using Fine Paints of Europe High Gloss
Previous Post: « Our Kitchen at Christmas! Holiday Home Tour 2020
Next Post: 10 Worst Cabinet Painting Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them) »

Reader Interactions


Trackbacks

  1. Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray: Paint Guide - Painted by Kayla Payne says:
    June 22, 2021 at 7:16 pm

    […] to put it another way, it’s darker than Edgecomb Gray but not as dark as Kendall Charcoal. I think that makes it pretty much the perfect medium gray […]

    Reply
  2. The Best Colors For Off-White Kitchen Cabinets - Painted by Kayla Payne says:
    July 30, 2021 at 3:48 pm

    […] This color looks amazing with warm browns, greiges, and grays (like Kendall Charcoal!). […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hi! I’m Kayla, and I’m so happy you’re here! For more than half of my life, I’ve been painting almost anything I can get my hands on because I’m in love with a good Before & After! Please stay a while and look around! Read More…

Let’s Get Social!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Most Popular Posts

Check out this antique china cabinet transformation. It went from dark Mahogany to looking mighty dapper using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. Click to learn more about the colors and techniques I used to create this traditional look!

Antique Painted China Cabinet In Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

Using automotive paint on furniture for a high gloss, durable finish.

How To Use Automotive Paint On Furniture

My Brand New Olive Green Kitchen Cabinets

How to paint get a perfect glossy paint finish

How To Get A Perfect Gloss Paint Finish On Furniture!

Sherwin Williams Alabaster Kitchen Cabinets

  • Home
  • Shop
  • Blog
    • Painted Cabinets
    • Painted Furniture
    • Painted Brick
    • Paint Guides
  • Freebies
    • FREE Cabinet Paint Supply List Download
    • FREE How To Fill Wood Grain Mini Course
    • FREE Glossy Furniture Guide Download
    • Get A Free Cabinet Painting Estimate!
  • Courses
    • DIY Cabinet Painting 101 Course
  • About Kayla
  • Login
  • Affiliate Disclaimer and Privacy Policy
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • Home

Copyright © 2025 · Simply Charming Pro Theme Theme by Restored 316