Thinking about giving your home a bold refresh? Sometimes, the right paint color can completely shift the atmosphere of a room, adding personality and sophistication without feeling heavy.
Choosing deeper hues can make a space feel more intentional and welcoming, especially when paired with thoughtful design touches.
In this blog, I’ll talk about one of the shades that designers adore for its perfect mix of drama and comfort. You’ll learn how to use it in different rooms and how a darker palette can make your home feel both stylish and cozy.
Understanding Soot by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore Soot is not your average black paint. It’s a dark, moody charcoal with a hint of navy that adds depth without feeling flat or overly stark.
It’s perfect for those who want to go dark without feeling overwhelmed. Subtle undertones give it a warmth that keeps spaces cozy and balanced, making it a favorite for creating sophisticated yet comfortable interiors.
| Color Code | 2129-20 |
| LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | 6.19 |
| RGB | 55, 60, 65 |
| HEX | #363C40 |
| Collection | Part of Benjamin Moore’s Color Preview® Collection, known for bold, high-impact colors. |
| Undertones | Cool blue-gray undertones that become more obvious in well-lit spaces. |
Why it’s special: Instead of feeling harsh, this Benjamin Moore black paint has a velvety depth that makes it perfect for creating cozy, warm spaces.
Interior Design Inspiration: How to Use BM Soot Inside
Here’s how soot’s versatile hue works in every room, offering a classic and stylish way to bring depth and drama to your home:
1. Accent Walls
Use Soot as a feature wall in rooms like the bedroom or living room to introduce a dramatic yet subtle depth to the space.
The rich, dark hue draws attention without overpowering the room. To maximize the visual impact, pair Soot with crisp white trim, which upgrades the contrast and highlights the wall’s presence.
2. All-Over Walls for a Cozy Feel
In larger, open spaces with plenty of natural light, painting all the walls in Soot can create a bold and inviting cocoon-like atmosphere.
The dark, blue-gray tone envelops the room, making it feel intimate and cozy. To prevent the space from feeling too heavy or dark, balance it out with light and warm furnishings.
3. Bedrooms
Soot is an excellent choice for creating a classy, moody retreat in your bedroom. Use it as an accent color on a headboard wall, or go bold and cover the entire room for a more enveloping, restful effect.
The blue undertones in Soot bring a cool, serene feel that’s perfect for winding down after a long day. To soften the dark color, incorporate plush bedding in white, cream, or muted jewel tones like deep emerald or rich plum.
4. Cabinetry & Built-Ins
The cool blue undertones in Soot make it an ideal choice for cabinetry, built-ins, or accent furniture in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
Using Soot on kitchen islands, custom shelves, or bathroom vanities can uplift the look of your space and create a modern, high-end feel. For an added touch of charm, incorporate sleek hardware in gold, brushed nickel, or matte black.
5. Dining Rooms
When used in dining rooms, Soot creates an intimate and inviting atmosphere, perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.
Pair it with a warm wood dining table for a grounded, earthy look that complements the depth of the color. The dark hue sets a cozy, comfortable tone that motivates relaxed dining experiences.
Exterior Applications: Curb Appeal with Soot
From sleek front doors to statement trim, witness how Soot can change your home’s exterior with style:
1. Front Doors
A front door painted in Soot makes an immediate, bold statement and can be the focal point of your home’s exterior.
It stands out beautifully, especially when paired with lighter siding colors like white, cream, or gray, creating a striking contrast. This color combination brings edge and drama to the entrance.
2. Window Trim & Shutters
On homes with white or brick exteriors, Soot works beautifully as an accent color for window trim and shutters.
The dark hue offers a sharp contrast to the lighter surroundings, framing the home’s windows and creating visual interest.
This use of color highlights architectural details and gives the exterior a polished, well-defined look.
3. Siding on Modern Homes
For contemporary or modern-style homes, Soot works wonderfully as a primary color for the entire exterior.
This deep, rich hue gives the house a sleek, architectural look that feels bold and refined. Soot’s blue undertones add a subtle layer of complexity to the design, making it stand out in an understated, stylish way.
To break up the darkness and add dimension, pair it with natural elements like wood, stone, or metal accents.
Soot vs. Other Benjamin Moore Blacks
When you’re choosing a dark paint, it helps to understand how your options compare. Here’s how Soot stacks up against other popular choices:
Soot vs. Black Ink (2127-20)
Black Ink (2127-20) is a rich, deep black with cool blue undertones, giving it a sleek and modern edge. It feels slightly more dramatic and crisp compared to Soot (2129-20), which leans warmer and more welcoming.
Choose Black Ink when you want bold contrast with a contemporary vibe, and Soot when you prefer a softer, more inviting depth
Soot vs. Midnight (2131-20)
Midnight (2131-20) is an intense, almost-black shade with faint blue tones that give it a moody, sophisticated feel. It carries a touch more color than Soot, which stays closer to true charcoal.
Go with Midnight if you want a deep hue that hints at navy, or choose Soot for a balanced, neutral darkness that complements a wider range of spaces
Soot vs. Black Iron (2120-20)
Black Iron (2120-20) offers a sleek, powerful black with a cool undertone that feels strong and refined. It’s slightly crisper than Soot, which has a softer finish and more adaptable warmth.
Pick Black Iron for maximum depth and sophistication, or Soot for a bold look that still feels livable and versatile
Best Color Pairings for Soot
One of the best things about Soot is how well it plays with other colors. The key is understanding which combinations will uplift its character versus which might make it feel too harsh.
Trim and Ceiling Suggestions
Chantilly Lace (OC-65): This crisp, clean white creates beautiful contrast without competing undertones. It’s my go-to choice for Soot because it keeps things modern and sharp.
Cloud White (OC-130): A softer option that’s still bright but feels less stark. Great if you want contrast without the high-drama look.
Super White (OC-152): The brightest option that really makes Soot pop. Use this if you want maximum contrast and a very contemporary feel.
Accent Wall and Furniture Colors
- Soft sage greens complement Soot’s cool undertones beautifully
- Dusty blues create a classy, monochromatic scheme
- Warm whites and creams add softness without competing
- Blush pinks provide unexpected warmth that plays off the purple undertones
Hardware and Flooring Compatibility
- Brushed brass or warm gold: Creates beautiful contrast and adds warmth to balance Soot’s coolness.
- Polished chrome or brushed nickel: Keeps things sleek and modern, emphasizing the cool undertones.
- Matte black: Bold choice that creates a cohesive, high-contrast look.
- Aged bronze: Adds warmth while maintaining class.
Best Paint Finish for Benjamin Moore Soot
Matte Finish: Matte gives dark shades like Soot a smooth, velvety look that hides wall imperfections beautifully while adding depth and richness, making it ideal for bedrooms, dining rooms, and other low-traffic areas.
Eggshell Finish: Eggshell offers a soft sheen that reflects just enough light to keep dark walls from feeling flat, while still maintaining a refined, matte-like texture, making it perfect for living rooms, hallways, and medium-traffic areas that need a balance of beauty and practicality.
Satin Finish: Satin brings a gentle shine and high durability, making it easy to clean and maintain, which makes it best suited for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic spaces where both style and toughness matter.
Tips Before Buying Benjamin Moore Soot
- Test in different lighting: Natural daylight, warm bulbs, and cool LEDs all bring out different tones. Paint a few sample spots and watch how the color changes throughout the day.
- Try larger samples: Small paint chips can be misleading. Use at least 12″x12″ swatches or peel-and-stick samples to see the true depth of the color.
- Compare finishes: A matte wall will look richer and softer, while an eggshell or satin finish reflects more light, each of which changes the overall mood.
- Consider surrounding colors: Look at how Soot pairs with your flooring, furniture, and trim to ensure harmony.
- Start small: If you’re unsure, begin with a single accent wall or smaller area before committing to the whole room.
Soot Equivalents in Other Brands
Here are some closely matched alternatives to Benjamin Moore Soot 2129‑20 in other U.S. paint brands:
From Sherwin-Williams:Black of Night (SW 6992) and Inkwell (SW 6994) both capture Soot’s deep, moody character.
Black of Night offers a crisp, modern black with subtle warmth, while Inkwell leans slightly blue, giving it a sophisticated, inky depth that feels rich and dramatic.
From Behr:Little Black Dress (PPU24-23) echoes Soot’s refined darkness. Little Black Dress delivers a smooth, charcoal-like finish with a touch of softness.
Final Thoughts
Benjamin Moore Soot proves that dark paint doesn’t have to feel cold or intimidating. Its deep charcoal base and subtle blue undertones bring warmth, balance, and a refined sense of calm to both interiors and exteriors.
Whether you’re highlighting architectural lines, defining cabinetry, or creating a cozy retreat, this shade adds sophistication without overpowering the space.
Soot also pairs beautifully with natural materials and contrasting whites, offering flexibility for any design style.
Start by testing the paint in different lighting and finishes to see how its depth and character redefine your home’s atmosphere.
