I’ve had Nocturnal Gray (BM 2135-30) in my home for a while now, and I’m excited to share my experience with this cultured, moody color. This deep, dark gray has quickly become one of my favorite paint choices, offering a perfect balance of warmth and drama.
In this blog, you’ll learn:
- What Nocturnal Gray actually looks like in real homes
- Which rooms work best with this color
- Colors that pair perfectly with it
- How to test it properly before buying
- My tips for making this deep gray work in your space
Having lived with this color in various rooms under different light exposures, I can tell you what works and what doesn’t. Let’s find the world of Nocturnal Gray and see if it’s right for your home.
What Kind of Color Is Nocturnal Gray?
Nocturnal Gray is a rich, dark gray with warm undertones that gives it a cozy, intimate feel. It has a deep, classy vibe that evokes a sense of calm without feeling too cold or stark.
This shade reminds me of the quiet of evening as the sky darkens, the perfect color for creating a space that feels both grounded and luxurious.
Throughout the day, Nocturnal Gray changes subtly based on the lighting in your room.
In natural daylight, it appears as a deep charcoal, but as evening falls, it takes on a softer, warmer look.
With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 13.81, it’s a dark color that absorbs a lot of light, making it perfect for creating cozy, intimate spaces.
What stands out about Nocturnal Gray is its versatility. It can feel dramatic yet cozy, which makes it an excellent choice for both contemporary and traditional settings.
This color provides a classy, timeless look that adds depth and richness to any space.
What Rooms Work Best with Nocturnal Gray?
Based on my experience, here are the spaces where Nocturnal Gray truly shines: from cozy bedrooms to cultured living rooms, this versatile color creates depth and warmth in any setting.
Living Rooms
Nocturnal Gray creates a beautiful backdrop for living rooms, adding depth and drama without overpowering the space.
It pairs beautifully with soft lighting and neutral-colored furniture, making the space feel grounded and inviting.
The walls in my living room are a nocturnal gray, which makes the space feel more intimate and cozy.
My light-colored sofa and warm wood accents stand out beautifully against it. This color is perfect for rooms where you want to create a comfortable atmosphere.
Bedrooms
If you’re looking for a color that promotes relaxation, Nocturnal Gray is a great choice for bedrooms.
The deep, warm undertones make it feel cozy and intimate, perfect for unwinding at the end of the day.
I painted my master bedroom in Nocturnal Gray, and it creates a peaceful, luxurious retreat.
It pairs wonderfully with soft whites, deep blues, or muted golds for a classy touch. This color helps create a space where you can truly relax and recharge.
Bathrooms
While dark colors in bathrooms may seem intimidating, Nocturnal Gray works wonderfully to create a spa-like atmosphere. The deep tones lend an air of luxury and culture to the room.
In my guest bathroom, Nocturnal Gray walls are paired with marble accents and chrome fixtures, creating a high-end, serene space.
It’s a great option if you want a bathroom that feels both luxurious and calming.
Home Offices
For home offices, Nocturnal Gray brings a professional yet warm energy that fosters focus and productivity.
It’s not as stark as other dark colors, so it creates a space that feels grounded and thoughtful without being too oppressive.
In my home office, the dark gray walls provide a perfect backdrop for my desk and bookshelves, making the space feel beautiful and organized.
The color also makes video calls look more professional.
Kitchens
Nocturnal Gray adds a modern touch to kitchens, whether it’s on the walls or used on cabinetry. It’s a great way to elevate the space while keeping it balanced and stylish.
I helped a friend repaint her kitchen island in Nocturnal Gray, and the results were amazing.
The dark gray island paired with white cabinetry and brass accents creates a beautiful, timeless kitchen that feels both modern and welcoming.
What Colors Go Well with Nocturnal Gray?
- White: A crisp, clean contrast that makes Nocturnal Gray pop.
- Soft Beige or Taupe: These warmer neutrals add a cozy touch.
- Muted Golds and Brass: Adds a touch of beauty and luxury.
- Deep Greens: Rich, earthy greens complement the warm undertones of Nocturnal Gray.
- Light Wood Tones: Natural wood elements balance the richness of this dark shade.
For example, in my living room, I’ve combined Nocturnal Gray walls with white trim and brass accents.
The result is a space that feels welcoming, with just the right balance of warmth and coolness.
What Style Works Well with This Color?
Nocturnal Gray is incredibly adaptable and can work with various design styles.
In modern homes, it offers a beautiful contrast that works well with clean lines and minimalist furniture.
For more traditional spaces, Nocturnal Gray provides a timeless, luxurious look that enhances both classic and vintage pieces.
I’ve used it in both contemporary and more traditional settings, and it always enhances the space with its depth and richness.
If you’re designing a modern loft or a classic family room, Nocturnal Gray brings a level of cultured that feels just right.
Is It a Warm or Cool Color?
Nocturnal Gray is a warm, dark gray that leans slightly toward the neutral side. The warm undertones give it a more inviting and comfortable feel compared to some cooler grays.
It doesn’t feel too cold, even though it’s dark, making it perfect for rooms that need a cozy yet classy vibe.
The warmth of Nocturnal Gray makes it perfect for spaces where you want to avoid the cold, sterile feeling that some other dark grays can create.
It’s a rich, grounded color that works beautifully with both natural and artificial light.
Color Characteristics Table
| Characteristic | Nocturnal Gray | What This Means For Your Space |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Warm | Adds coziness and depth |
| Undertones | Warm, neutral | Offers a timeless and grounded vibe |
| Light Reflectance Value | 13.81 | A dark color that absorbs light, creating depth |
| Seasonal Feel | Year-round | Works well in all seasons, adding warmth in winter and cultured in summer |
| North vs. South Rooms | Adaptable | Looks great in both light and dark rooms, adjusting based on the light available |
What Paint Finish Should You Choose?
- Flat: This works great for ceilings with minimal texture.
- Matte: My preferred finish for most walls. It keeps the deep color rich without too much shine.
- Eggshell: Good for kitchens and bathrooms where the walls need to be wiped down, but you don’t want a shiny finish.
- Satin: Adds a slight sheen, which can make the color look a bit lighter.
- Semi-gloss: Too shiny for walls but works well for trim and doors.
I used matte for the walls in my living room and eggshell in my kitchen for easier cleaning. Both finishes work well with Nocturnal Gray, but matte provides the most luxurious feel.
Real Home Ideas Using Nocturnal Gray
- Full Room: Painting all the walls in Nocturnal Gray creates a rich, immersive space.
- Accent Wall: Use it as an accent wall in a lighter-colored room for a dramatic focal point.
- Trim: Using it on trim against white or light-colored walls adds a custom touch.
- Furniture: When painting furniture, like a bookcase or side table, this color can add an unexpected element to the room.
- Exterior: A Nocturnal Gray front door can provide a chic, modern entrance.
A friend of mine painted her kitchen cabinets in Nocturnal Gray, and the result is a beautiful, contemporary look that feels both refined and welcoming.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Not using enough lighting: This dark color needs good lighting to show its true beauty.
- Using warm yellow lighting: This can make Nocturnal Gray appear dull and wash out its warmth. Stick to balanced, white lighting for the best effect.
- Not testing in your actual space: Always test this dark color in your room before making a final decision.
- Using too many cool elements: Balance the color with warm woods, creams, or metals to avoid a cold, impersonal feel.
Why People Like Nocturnal Gray?
Nocturnal Gray is popular for its depth and richness. It adds culture and warmth to any room without feeling too overwhelming.
People love it because it’s versatile, offering both a modern edge and a cozy, inviting vibe.
The color’s ability to adapt to various lighting conditions makes it even more desirable.
Whether in a bright, sun-filled space or a dimmer room, Nocturnal Gray maintains its character without feeling too dark or heavy.
Its warm undertones make it a comfortable choice, creating an atmosphere that feels grounded yet chic.
Nocturnal Gray pairs beautifully with both light and dark furniture, making it easy to incorporate into different interior design styles, from contemporary to traditional.
Whether you’re looking to create a serene bedroom or a classy living room, Nocturnal Gray’s timeless appeal makes it a favorite choice for homeowners and designers alike.
Is Nocturnal Gray Right for Your Home?
Nocturnal Gray creates grounded spaces that feel timeless and cozy. After using it in multiple rooms, I’m still in love with its ability to transform a space.
It’s perfect for anyone looking for a dark, moody color that still feels inviting and livable.
If you’re ready to embrace dark tones with depth, Nocturnal Gray is a color worth considering.
Whether you want a cozy living room, a luxurious bedroom, or a modern kitchen, it’s sure to provide the cultured and warmth your space needs.