Universal Black
2118-10 · #353435 · LRV 5 — neutral with no strong undertone, very dark — reads black in most rooms.
- 1Cordovan Brown0
- 2Universal Black5
What Color Is Universal Black, Really?
Universal Black reads as a neutral with no strong undertone — very dark — reads black in most rooms. The notes below cover how Benjamin Moore 2118-10 behaves in different light and the closest matches at competing US brands.
Best Rooms and Uses for Universal Black
Universal Black earns its keep as a statement: accent walls, a front door, cabinetry, a moody powder room, or exterior trim where you want sharp contrast. Near-blacks like this are best as contrast — doors, trim, cabinets, window frames.
How Lighting Changes Universal Black
At LRV 5, Universal Black is about as dark as paint gets — it reads near-black on a wall and reveals its character only in direct daylight or under warm bulbs. Because it carries almost no measurable hue, it stays a true neutral and pairs cleanly with nearly any trim or floor. In rooms with little natural light it can feel heavy, so reserve it for spaces you want to feel enveloping.
Most complaints about Universal Black are a light mismatch. Upload a photo of your actual room and see it on your walls — then ask for the same wall in north light or evening lamps before you buy a single sample.
Need It From Another Brand?
Any paint counter can custom-tint Benjamin Moore 2118-10 directly. If you would rather stay in one brand's own deck, these are the closest stock matches, measured as ΔE2000. Under 2 is a difference you will not see on the wall.
| Brand | Closest color | ΔE | LRV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherwin-Williams | DominoSW 6989 · Sherwin-Williams | 2.2 | 3 | Color page → |
| Behr | Bitter Chocolate790B-7 · Behr | 2.8 | 4 | Color page → |
| Valspar | Nevermore8004-48G · Valspar | 4.7 | 3 | Color page → |
| PPG / Glidden | Starless SkyPPG0995-7 · PPG / Glidden | 3.2 | 5 | Color page → |
| Glidden | Onyx Black00NN 05/000 · Glidden | 2.3 | 5 | Color page → |
| Dutch Boy | Deep Cosmos444-7DB · Dutch Boy | 4.0 | 4 | Color page → |
Similar Benjamin Moore Colors
The nearest shades to Universal Black within Benjamin Moore's own range, ranked by perceptual color distance — useful when you want the same look a touch lighter, darker, or warmer.
WCAG 2.1: AA is 4.5 : 1 for normal text, 3 : 1 for large text, AAA is 7 : 1.
Coordinated palette
Generated by hue-rotating #353435 in HSL space. Pair Universal Black with one accent and one neutral — the swatches below are starting points, not final picks.
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