Benjamin Moore Silhouette AF655: Color Review

Is it purple? Is it brown or gray? Let’s find out.

Well, it looks like Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year is Silhouette. While I’m surprised, I’m actually pleasantly surprised. More so than in some years, I think this color has a shot at working in the average home.

As I’ve been saying for years, Colors of the Year should be chosen for real people with real homes. For example, does Raspberry Blush (COTY 2023) appeal to you? As a dessert, sure. As a paint color? Not so much. 

Benjamin Moore October Mist was one of their BEST choices in recent years (COTY 2022) – 3 years later and it’s still kickin’ it. 

But first, let it be known that I don’t kiss the arse of ANY paint brand when it comes to paint colors I do and don’t love. They don’t pay me to write a single word (sadly). I pay myself in personal high fives and lattes (with a shot of Bailey’s when I’ve done an especially good job). 

This means you’re getting an honest opinion (probably more of it than you even wanted).

As mentioned above, I see potential in Silhouette. Why?

a) It’s usable in the ‘average home’ to some degree. I’m not saying you’re painting every room this color, but it has its place.

b) Can it be used on more than one surface? You bet your boot scootin’ booty it can; we’ll be exploring its usage shortly.

c) Does it get people EXCITED to paint? While no color will make everyone happy, Silhouette is more likely to appeal to a wide range of people, especially compared to many other potentially disastrous choices. 

So, without further ado, let’s check out this hue…

WHAT ARE SILHOUETTE’S UNDERTONES?

At first glance, Silhouette might seem like a dark neutral paint color. In some lights it’s more obviously warm; in others, not so much. 

However, there’s more to this moody Judy than meets the eye; she has a few tricks up her sleeve. 

Silhouette is a blend of purple, brown, and gray. In some lights, you might find it appearing more purple-gray (not as warm). In other lights (especially rooms with south-facing exposure), it picks up a gorgeous warmth with a wink of brown coming through. 

At its heart, Benjamin Moore Silhouette is a warm purple-brown paint color…with a buttload of gray to calm it down. 

WHAT’S THE LRV OF BM SILHOUETTE?

If you don’t know what LRV is – THREE SLAPS WITH A WET NOODLE! Just joking (or not). Seriously, though, it’s one of the best color tools out there, learn about it here. 

Silhouette has an LRV of 10.18. This means it straddles the very deep and ample bosom between the medium-dark and dark ranges. Once you drop lower, some colors can look a bit blackish. And while Silhouette certainly has some meat on its bones, it’s not an overly ‘blackish’ shade. 

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Silhouette…

WHAT’S THE BEST TRIM COLOR WITH SILHOUETTE?

While some might play around with off-whites, creams, and tans, most people are looking for the best WHITE colors for trims and cabinets. As far as Silhouette’s concerned, it’s super flexible and can humor a wide range, including…

• Benjamin Moore White Dove is my favorite option
• Benjamin Moore Cloud White is an oldie and a goodie
• Benjamin Moore Simply White offers a brighter contrast

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO SILHOUETTE?

You should never pick a paint color without comparing it to similar shades. So, let’s take a little wander through some of my favorites…

SILHOUETTE VS. BENJAMIN MOORE IRON MOUNTAIN

Iron Mountain is one of my favorite, darker, moody hues from Benjamin Moore, so they have that in common. 

The Best Paint Colors for the INSIDE of Your Front Door

With its LRV of 10.96, Silhouette and Iron Mountain are kissin’ cousins (illegal in some States). Again, where you see a shift in intentions is with undertones. While Iron Mountain has a very comparable, dusky gray backdrop, it can pick up a bit more blue in its travels instead of a purple-brown blend. While this can make it look cooler, it still has a gorgeous, moody softness.

SILHOUETTE VS. BENJAMIN MOORE WILLOW

If you were surprised to read about Silhouette’s purple undertone and want something more neutral, you HAVE to check out Willow. 

Benjamin Moore Willow shutters with a soft, creamy tan siding color

Willow’s LRV of 9.06 makes it super comparable to Silhouette’s 10.18. Where you see a difference is that Willow appears a bit browner (therefore, warmer) and a bit richer, as it doesn’t have the same gray backdrop. 

The Best Dark Brown Paint Colors

• If you want more richness and less gray, check out Benjamin Moore Stone Brown
• For more warmth and less gray, Benjamin Moore Topeka Taupe is a stunner

WHAT ABOUT SHERWIN WILLIAMS? DOES IT HAVE SIMILAR SHADES?

There will never be a perfect color match; however, some colors have similar intentions. As for Silhouette, compare it with… 

• Sherwin Williams Peppercorn for the closest match (notice how Silhouette appears more purple-brown)
• For a bit more purple, while still being subtle (as far as purples go), definitely check out Sherwin Williams Metropolis. 

WHERE CAN YOU USE SILHOUETTE?

Now THIS is the fun part, as Silhouette can be used on a ton of surfaces, including…

• Kitchen cabinets, kitchen islands, or bathroom vanities
• All of the walls in a room with white trim
• In a room that’s color-drenched (all surfaces the same color in different sheens)
• On the outside of your front door or the inside
• As an exterior paint color for stucco or siding
• Silhouette makes for a GORGEOUS accent wall. Keep reading to find out what paint colors go best with it.

DOES SILHOUETTE GO WITH CREAM TRIMS & CABINETS?

Yes, it can work with some cream paint colors, but it depends on your particular cream’s degree of yellow.

For example, if your trim or cabinets are painted something like Benjamin Moore White Down or Ballet White (intensely muted creams), yes, it works. 

Cream cabinets liks this can work well with Silhouette…

How to Update Older Granite Countertops Without Replacing Them

However, if you’re dealing with a stronger cream like Benjamin Moore Windswept, I get a little nervous, as the yellow can be a bit overpowering for a color like Silhouette.

WHAT COLORS GO WITH BENJAMIN MOORE SILHOUETTE?

Oooo, Silhouette has SO many great partners, where do I even start? Well, it depends on whether you need a color for adjoining walls, an adjoining room, or something else. No matter, these should have you covered one way or the other! 

• I would absolutely check out darker, equally as moody green paint colors, including shades of green-gray. 
• Silhouette can be gorgeous in a palette with a wide range of warm off-white paint colors, including Benjamin Moore Ballet White.
• Explore a range of taupe paint colors, as their natural purple-pink undertones can settle in beautifully. 
• Silhouette can even go with some of the best beige and tan paint colors, including those with a bit more depth.
• I rarely love a color like this with shades of gray (other than green-grays). 
• A wide range of greige paint colors can be AMAZEBALLS with Silhouette, as the green undertones can play so well with its purple backdrop. In the medium range, check out colors like Benjamin Moore Pashmina (mad love), Gettysburg Gray, and many other stone-inspired paint colors. 

READ MORE

The Best Purple Paint Colors – Light to Dark

The Best Gray Paint Colors With Purple Undertones

The Best Neutral Paint Colors for Accent Walls

The Best Richer, Browner, Sable-Inspired Paint Colors

Get the best paint color advice.