Down Pipe vs Kendall Charcoal
A side-by-side comparison of Farrow & Ball Down Pipe (No.26) and Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal (HC-166).
| Farrow & Ball Down Pipe | Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal | |
|---|---|---|
| Code | No.26 | HC-166 |
| Hex |
#5F5D58
|
#6D6D67
|
| RGB | 95, 93, 88 | 109, 109, 103 |
| LRV | 10 | 12.67 |
| Undertone | Warm Green-Gray | Warm Green-Gray |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
| Best Rooms | Front Door, Accent Wall, Cabinets, Exterior, Powder Room | Accent Wall, Exterior, Front Door, Office, Powder Room |
LRV Comparison
Light Reflectance Value measures how much light a color reflects. Down Pipe has an LRV of 10 (dark) and Kendall Charcoal has an LRV of 12.67 (dark). These two colors reflect a similar amount of light, so the brightness of a room will feel comparable with either choice.
The Full Comparison
Two dramatic dark grays from Farrow and Ball and Benjamin Moore. Down Pipe has cool blue undertones that give it a moody, atmospheric quality. Kendall Charcoal has warm green undertones that make it feel more organic and earthy. For a dramatic bathroom or moody kitchen, Down Pipe's blue coolness creates a spa-like atmosphere. For an exterior or study where you want darkness without coldness, Kendall Charcoal's warmth is more inviting. Both look incredible with white marble and brass, but the mood they set is distinctly different.
Down Pipe Undertones
A deep, warm dark gray with subtle green undertones. Softer and warmer than Railings, less blue than Off-Black. A classic F&B dark neutral.
Kendall Charcoal Undertones
A deep, warm charcoal with subtle green undertones. Dark enough to make a statement without going full black.
Lighting Behavior
Down Pipe: In bright light, the warm green character is visible. In dim rooms, it reads as a sophisticated dark charcoal. Less dramatic than black but with real presence.
Kendall Charcoal: Reads as a rich charcoal in most rooms. The green undertone shows in very bright light. Pairs beautifully with warm whites and brass accents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, Down Pipe (Farrow & Ball) and Kendall Charcoal (Benjamin Moore) are not the same color. They're in the same family (gray), but they differ in undertone, LRV, and how they behave in different lighting. Down Pipe has warm green-gray undertones, while Kendall Charcoal has warm green-gray undertones. Always compare physical samples before choosing.
Kendall Charcoal is lighter with an LRV of 12.67, compared to Down Pipe's LRV of 10. LRV (Light Reflectance Value) measures how much light a color reflects on a scale from 0 (black) to 100 (white).
That's a popular combination. Using the darker Down Pipe (LRV 10) on walls and the lighter Kendall Charcoal (LRV 12.67) on trim creates a classic contrast that makes the trim pop.