What Color is Anthracite (and How to Use It in Your Home)

Anthracite is possibly the most luxurious shade of grey, a trendy color for interior and exterior design. But not everyone is familiar with or even heard of this color. If you want to know more about this color, we will give you all the information you need.

The name anthracite comes from a precious variety of carbon: a black rock with a metallic shine, hence the reason anthracite appears on the black side even though it is a shade of deep grey that’s almost black but in a softer version. This color has a pearly finish, giving any room an air of sophistication.

Still, want to know more? Then keep reading for more interesting insights into the advantages of anthracite and how to use it in your home. 

Why Use Anthracite in Interior Design?

The once-forgotten shade of grey, anthracite, has made a comeback to modern homes and is put under the spotlight by interior designers. The following reasons should convince you to use this metallic shade of grey in your own home: 

  • Anthracite creates a relaxing and calming effect: this shade of grey restores the inner peace as long as it’s used in proper doses. If not overdone, the pearlescent reflections of anthracite on dark grey surfaces create a mesmerizing effect that’s both calming and relaxing for the mind. 
  • Excellent versatility: this shade works in both spacious and compact rooms. You can combine anthracite with light and dark tones, pastel and rich hues, and just about any pattern or texture as an excellent backdrop to your accessories. It is certainly a highly versatile color for the home. 
  • Can complement bright colors: if you are unsure of complementing colors to use with anthracite, you’ll be pleased to know most bright hues work with this metallic shade of grey. It can accent the tone or act as a color partner to any bright hue. 

Keep in mind that anthracite is a relatively neutral shade of grey, which in addition to the mentioned advantages, can also work very well with other neutral colors like cream or white. But more on those color combinations a little later. 

How to Use Anthracite in Your Home

Thanks to the timeless appeal of anthracite, it can be combined with countless materials and colors. Whether you want to incorporate this color into your home’s interior or exterior decor, it is a great black alternative.

This is because anthracite boasts a much softer look compared to black, plus it can feature different tones. For example, a tint of green anthracite can add warmth to any room rather than make it look harsh.

The beauty of anthracite is that it can be combined with any material, including wood, steel, or concrete, to complement a rustic, minimalist, or contemporary home. 

Just like white, this neutral color even blends well with all brown brick colors. So if you want to paint the outside of your home white and pair them with an anthracite front door color, you will create a harmonious combination. What is more, anthracite provides a beautiful background for vivid colors and is therefore worth experimenting with both very bright colors. 

Whether you want anthracite faucets for your kitchen or bathroom, an anthracite front door, or anthracite grey countertops, you’ll be amazed at all the options out there. 

Which Colors Go With Anthracite 

White

White

This is perhaps the most widely used color in a home. When combined with a shade of anthracite grey, white will stand back and let the latter shine.

For example, an anthracite wall and chest of drawers next to a white sofa will transform an otherwise bland interior into a fresh and noble design. Since white is just as versatile as anthracite, you can combine the two hues almost anywhere in your home. 

Yellow

Yellow

Sunny shades of yellow make anthracite grey tones feel warm and positive. In fact, when the two are combined, anthracite will balance the bright yellow and prevent it from looking tired.

In a yellow kitchen setting, for example, you can use anthracite accents to tone down the color. The same can be said about bright yellow living rooms in which anthracite furniture will work beautifully next to yellow walls. 

Brown

Brown

While some people may think that an anthracite and brown color duo sounds too dark or gloomy, in this case, however, it is better to leave it to the eyes to decide.

Just look at the images of brown and anthracite interiors in living and dining rooms to find inspiration. You’ll soon understand how harmonious these two color combos can be. For example, brown leather sofas and metallic accents add an air of sophistication to the living room. After all, anthracite is an impressive color that brings depth and refinement to any interior. 

Deep Red

Deep Red

If you want much more brightness in your home but without giving up the elegance of dark colors, then try combining anthracite grey with a deep shade of red.

For example, dark red curtains will look majestic next to anthracite grey wallpaper.

Mint Green

Mint Green

A subtle shade of green with anthracite grey can be a match made in designer heaven. Mint green adds positivity, while anthracite provides a calming effect.

For example, a mint green leather sofa against an anthracite wall will look stunning in a modern living room. 

Metallic Tones

Metallic Tones

Since anthracite is a metallic shade of grey, combining it with other such tones in the form of silver lamps, gold-framed mirrors, and metal furniture makes sense.

This dark grey color enhances the glossy sheen of metallic tones, thus creating a chic and sophisticated look. 

Conclusion 

The versatility and depth of anthracite color make it possible to use this mysterious-looking shade of grey in most modern interiors.

Whether your interior design is in industrial, contemporary, or retro style, a smart combination of anthracite with other tones will highlight the beauty of this noble grey color in your home.