Benjamin Moore’s Cheating Heart (1617) is a deep, rich black with subtle blue undertones that creates warmth in any room.
This shade stands out because it adds depth without making spaces feel smaller – a common worry with darker colors.
This blog is for you if:
- You’re updating your home with new wall colors
- You want a bold choice that still feels comfortable
- You need a versatile shade that works in multiple rooms
I’ll walk you through real examples of Cheating Heart in different lighting conditions, show you matching color schemes, and provide tips from painting professionals who use it regularly.
Having painted over various rooms with this exact shade, I know the tricks to get a perfect finish. By the end of this blog, you’ll know exactly if Cheating Heart is right for your space.
The Rich Undertones of Cheating Heart by Benjamin Moore
Cheating Heart is a deep charcoal with soft taupe undertones that give it a unique character. It’s not pure black – it has depth that changes throughout the day.
The color has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 8.79. This low number tells you it absorbs most light rather than reflecting it. I’ve noticed how different this color looks depending on when you see it:
- Morning light: The color shows more of its gray undertones
- Afternoon sun: Warmer brown notes become visible
- Evening light: It can be read almost completely black
You might walk into a room and think, “That’s just black paint.” But look again. Is it truly black? No – there’s something more there.
When I painted my office with Cheating Heart, friends kept asking what the color was. They could tell it wasn’t ordinary black. The taupe quality softens what could be a harsh color. This makes it feel welcoming rather than stark or cold.
- In rooms with cool lighting (like LED bulbs), the gray tones become stronger.
- In spaces with warm lighting (like traditional incandescent), the brown notes get richer.
I find it fascinating how one color can shift so much. You’ll see it change from room to room and hour to hour in your home.
The Psychology of Cheating Heart by Benjamin Moore
Dark colors like Cheating Heart affect how we feel in a room. This isn’t just about looks – it’s about the mood it creates. I’ve seen this color change the feel of a space completely.
When I painted my dining room with Cheating Heart, gatherings became more focused, and conversations felt more meaningful. This deep shade can make you feel:
- Confident – dark colors often create a sense of strength
- Calm – the depth absorbs noise and creates quiet
- Collected – unlike bright colors that excite, this one settles the mind
Why does it work so well for cozy spaces? Dark walls can actually make a room feel smaller in a good way. They create a “hug” effect that makes movie nights and reading corners feel extra comfortable.
But here’s the surprise. The same color can make formal spaces feel more refined. When I used Cheating Heart in my home office, clients commented on how professional it felt.
The key is how you use it. Paint all four walls for a cozy den feeling. Use it on one wall to create a focal point that grounds the room without overwhelming it.
Your furniture will stand out more against this background. Light-colored sofas, artwork, and even houseplants pop against the deep backdrop.
Why Cheating Heart is Perfect for Any Room
Benjamin Moore’s Cheating Heart offers a perfect balance between dark beauty and everyday livability. This deep, rich shade sits between black and charcoal gray, creating a look that works well in nearly any space.
1. It Works in Multiple Spaces
I’ve tried Cheating Heart in several rooms of my home. The same can of paint created different feelings in each space. This color doesn’t limit you to one type of room.
You can use it in living rooms where it makes furniture stand out. In bedrooms, it creates a restful backdrop for sleep. Home offices gain a professional touch without feeling cold.
2. It Fits Various Home Styles
Your home style doesn’t matter with this color. I’ve seen Cheating Heart look pretty in ultra-modern homes with clean lines and minimal furniture.
Then I visited a friend’s 1920s craftsman house where the same color highlighted the old woodwork beautifully. The deep tone respects both new and old design choices.
3. It Adds Depth and Not Just Darkness
Some dark colors just make rooms feel smaller and darker. That’s not what happens here. I painted my small guest room with Cheating Heart and found that it didn’t shrink the space – it added layers of depth.
The walls seem to recede rather than close in, making even tight spaces feel like they have more dimension.
4. It Makes Decor Stand Out
Your furniture and art will thank you for this background color. White picture frames, natural wood tables, brass lamps – they all pop against Cheating Heart.
I noticed my ordinary bookshelf suddenly looked like a planned design feature after painting the wall behind it. This color makes even simple decor items look planned and purposeful.
5. It Changes Throughout the Day
The color shifts as light changes, giving you many colors in one. Morning light brings out subtle gray tones. Afternoon sun warms it up with brown notes.
Evening lamp light makes it rich and deep. You’ll notice new aspects of the color depending on the time of day, which keeps your space feeling fresh.
Best Places to Use a Cheating Heart in Your Home
Cheating Heart works wonderfully in various rooms throughout your home. This versatile color adapts to different spaces, creating distinct moods depending on where you use it.
Bedroom Walls
I painted my bedroom with Cheating Heart, and sleep has never been better. The deep tone creates a cozy, cocoon-like feeling that helps me rest.
You might think dark colors would make it hard to wake up, but I find the opposite – the contrast when I open curtains to morning light feels refreshing and helps me start the day with energy.
Kitchen Cabinets or Islands
Kitchen cabinets in Cheating Heart create a wow factor without trying too hard. I updated my old oak cabinets with this color and saved thousands compared to replacing them.
You can start with just the island if you’re not ready for all-dark cabinets. The color hides fingerprints and cooking splatters better than light colors do.
Living Room Accent Wall
A Cheating Heart accent wall gives your living room focus without painting the whole space. I chose the wall behind my sofa, and it makes the room feel balanced.
You’ll notice your artwork and photos stand out more against this background. Add lamps with warm light to bring out the color’s depth during evening hours when you gather with family.
Flooring Options that Pair Beautifully with Cheating Heart
Cheating Heart creates striking combinations with various flooring materials. The right floor pairing can enhance this paint color’s impact while keeping your space balanced.
- Warm Wood Tones: Pairing Cheating Heart with warm wood floors like oak or walnut creates a balanced look. The natural grain of wood adds texture and softens the depth of the color.
- Light Neutral Floors: Light-colored floors, such as creamy limestone tile or pale oak, create a striking contrast with Cheating Heart. This high-contrast combination brings a clean, modern feel to the space.
- Dark Matching Floors: For a bold, cohesive look, pair Cheating Heart with dark floors like dark walnut or ebony-stained oak. This creates a comfortable, wrapped-in feel and makes the room feel more grounded.
Cheating Heart vs Other Warm-Neutral Paints
| Paint Color | How It Looks | What Makes It Special | Where It Works Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheating Heart | A deep charcoal with taupe undertones | I find this color has the most warmth among the group. | Perfect for bedrooms, dining rooms, and studies where you want a rich, intimate feeling |
| Wrought Iron | A softer charcoal with blue-gray undertones |
This color feels cooler than Cheating Heart.
|
Works well in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and north-facing spaces that need depth without darkness |
| Kendall Charcoal | A true mid-tone gray with green undertones | I consider this the most versatile of the group. | Great for living rooms, hallways, and spaces that need warmth without being too dark |
| French Beret | A soft black with purple undertones | This color reads almost black but not quite. | Best in formal dining rooms, home offices, or as an accent on doors and windows |
My personal take: After testing all four colors in my home, Cheating Heart offers the best balance of depth and warmth. The others are beautiful too, but serve different purposes depending on your space and light conditions.
Conclusion
Cheating Heart offers what few colors can: depth that doesn’t overwhelm. After using it in multiple homes, I’m still impressed by how this rich shade adapts to different spaces.
Before you commit, follow these simple steps:
- Paint a large poster board sample (at least 2×2 feet)
- Move it around your room at different times of day
- Look at it next to your furniture and flooring
You might worry that deep colors will make your space too dark. I had the same concern. But these rich tones often create a cozy feeling rather than a gloomy one.
Your home should reflect who you are. If you’re drawn to Cheating Heart, that says something about your style – you value depth over passing trends.
Ready to try something beyond white and beige? This color might be the perfect next step for your home.