Benjamin Moore Steel Wool 2121-20: Undertones, Best Uses, & More -

Are you searching the dating apps for a gray with benefits? You’ve come to the right place. Benjamin Moore Steel Wool has a lot up its sexy lil’ sleeves, and it can’t wait to share it all with you.

When it comes to dark gray paint colors, it’s about finding those sneaky undertones and connecting them with your interior finishes. This is why I’m glad you’re here, taking an up-close-and-personal look at one of my FAVORITE darker gray paint colors…

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99.5% of the photos in my blog are of REAL HOMES from my Online Color Consulting clients, readers, and friends. While not always magazine-perfect, they’re packed with ideas and proven color choices to help you create a home you’ll love.

THE LRV OF BENJAMIN MOORE STEEL WOOL

Steel Wool has an LRV of 20.73 (according to Benjamin Moore), putting it in the medium-dark range and not even close to the super dark end of things. This means Steel Wool is a great depth for a bright room or even a dark space, assuming you’re looking for a more DRAMATIC look.

In this foyer, notice how bright Steel Wool looks on the right and how gloriously moody it looks on the lower left. Also notice Doug the Doodle…

Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.

WHAT ARE STEEL WOOL’S UNDERTONES OR TENDENCIES?

Steel Wool appears with blue-purple undertones that aren’t super subtle but also not crazy overwhelming (unless you’re sensitive to blue-purple hues). Remember, EVERY GRAY has undertones; may as well pick your poison!

WHAT’S THE BEST WHITE TRIM WITH STEEL WOOL?

Steel Wool is WILDLY flexible (like me in my early 20s). When it comes to the best whites to partner with Steel Wool, you can look anywhere from the warmth of Cloud White and White Dove to the more simple approach of Chantilly Lace or the slightly gray look of Decorators White.

Shown above, Steel Wool with Cloud White trim and Creamy upper walls

Get your Peel & Stick sample of Steel Wool

IS IT A GOOD EXTERIOR PAINT COLOR?

While Steel Wool could be lovely on SOME homes, it has a bit too much undertone for the average roof, brick, and stonework. This doesn’t mean it won’t suit YOUR home, but be sure to check it out on the sunny side as well as the shady side! There’s also a chance that your home suits a different type of gray, in which case you’ll want to explore these TOP 10 dark gray paint colors.

North, East, South, West – Which Paint Color is the Best?

5 Tips for Choosing an Exterior Paint Color

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR?

While there will never be a perfect match (every color has its own personality and nuances), Sherwin-Williams has some pretty options, such as Software and Serious Gray (which has MUCH more undertone than Steel Wool).

Not sure if Steel Wool is right for you? Want a bit warmer or cooler? I’ve got more!

Benjamin Moore’s 10 Best DARK Gray Paint Colors

Get the best paint color advice with Kylie M’s Online Paint Color Consulting – I’d love to help!