Benjamin Moore Universal Black#353435 · LRV 5
Universal Black reads as a true neutral (no measurable hue) — very dark — reads black in most rooms. The notes below cover the spec, what Benjamin Moore 2118-10 actually looks like under different light, and the closest matches at competing US brands.
Color spec
| Brand | Benjamin Moore |
| Name | Universal Black |
| SKU | 2118-10 |
| Hex | #353435 |
| RGB | 53, 52, 53 |
| HSL | 300°, 1%, 21% |
| LRV | 5 |
| Undertone | true neutral (no measurable hue) |
| Family | Black |
About Benjamin Moore 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.
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.
Kompozit alternative
The closest hex in the Kompozit deck, ranked by ΔE2000 (perceptual color difference). ΔE under 2 is indistinguishable to most eyes; under 5 is a very close visual match.
Closest matches at every US brand
9 brands · top 5 each5 closest matches per brand by ΔE2000, computed against each brand's full deck. Tap any swatch for its full single-color spec; tap the brand title to browse all black from that brand.
Sherwin-Williams
Dunn-Edwards
Farrow & Ball
Behr
Magnolia Home
Valspar
PPG / Glidden
Clare
Similar Benjamin Moore colors
closest in the Benjamin Moore deckThe 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.
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.
Accessibility (WCAG contrast)
WCAG 2.1: AA = 4.5:1 normal text · AA Large = 3:1 large text · AAA = 7:1 normal text.