Best Dupes for Charleston Gray
Charleston Gray is a cultured taupe with a touch of plum—deeper than greige, softer than black. It’s ideal for living rooms, kitchens, and masonry where you want drama without the severity of Down Pipe.
Dupes for Charleston Gray
| Brand ▲ | Colour ▲ | Rating ▲ | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fired Earth | Amber Gris | 3 ⭐ | |
| Benjamin Moore | Castle Gate | 2 ⭐ | |
| Benjamin Moore | Gothic Arch | 2 ⭐ | |
| Benjamin Moore | Cathedral Gray | 2 ⭐ | |
| Dulux Trade | Urban Walk | 2 ⭐ | |
| Benjamin Moore | Studio Clay | 1 ⭐ | |
| Little Greene | Silt | 1 ⭐ | |
| Benjamin Moore | Smoked Truffle | 1 ⭐ | |
| Dulux Trade | Rich Praline 3 | 1 ⭐ | |
| Fired Earth | Cobble | 1 ⭐ | |
| PPG / Johnstone's | Eiffel Tower | 3 ⭐ | |
| PPG / Johnstone's | Winter Feather | 3 ⭐ | |
| PPG / Johnstone's | Nut Shell | 2 ⭐ | |
| PPG / Johnstone's | Lazy Afternoon / Pinch of Pepper | 2 ⭐ | |
| PPG / Johnstone's | Steeped Tea | 2 ⭐ | |
| PPG / Johnstone's | Wild Wilderness | 1 ⭐ | |
| PPG / Johnstone's | Mt. Rainier | 1 ⭐ | |
| PPG / Johnstone's | Talavera | 1 ⭐ | |
| Behr | Art District | 2 ⭐ | |
| Behr | Elephant Skin | 2 ⭐ | |
| Behr | Creek Bend | 1 ⭐ | |
| Behr | Gray Squirrel | 1 ⭐ | |
| Behr | Parador Stone | 1 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | State of Mind | 2 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | State of Mind | 2 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | Tabby Cat Gray | 2 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | Tabby Cat Gray | 2 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | Coastal Villa | 2 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | Aspen Gray | 2 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | Ancient Wonder | 2 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | Gray Matter | 2 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | Channel Seal Gray | 2 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | Big Apple | 2 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | Stone Age | 2 ⭐ | |
| Valspar | Worlds Away | 2 ⭐ |
Charleston Gray delivers depth without going black
Inspired by the Bloomsbury set, Charleston Gray mixes taupe, plum, and grey to create a sophisticated neutral that still reads dramatic. It’s perfect for kitchens, living rooms, and masonry when you want something moodier than greige but softer than graphite.
Contrast it with Down Pipe trims, or warm it up with Mouse’s Back in adjacent rooms. Add textured plaster, antique brass, and patterned textiles to emphasise the artistic heritage of the shade.
Testing dupes & finishes
Dark neutrals expose poor prep, so sand surfaces, prime, and paint two thin coats. Sample boards should appear rich yet balanced under both daylight and evening light—if the dupe turns too purple or brown, keep searching. Estate emulsion keeps walls velvety, while satin or estate eggshell is best for cabinetry and trims.
When pairing with Pigeon or London Clay, keep sheen levels consistent so transitions look deliberate. Layer lighting—picture lights, sconces, and floor lamps—to sculpt the colour and avoid flatness.
Where Charleston Gray excels
Use it on kitchen cabinetry, interior doors, fireplace walls, or exterior render for a tailored look. It pairs beautifully with patterned stone, boucle seating, and smoked glass—making it a reliable bridge between traditional detailing and contemporary styling.
Charleston Gray vs Similar Shades
| Compared Colour | Relationship | When to choose it instead | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down Pipe | Graphite counterpoint | Use on trims or radiators to frame Charleston Gray walls. | View colour |
| London Clay | Warmer brown | Great for adjacent rooms that need more earthiness. | View colour |
| Mouse’s Back | Softer neutral | Pick for hallways when you want to lighten the palette. | View colour |
| Pigeon | Blue-green pairing | Ideal for kitchens and larders that mix warmer and cooler cabinetry. | View colour |
| Railings | Near-black frame | Use on window frames or stairs for sharp contrast. | View colour |