What 10 tells you about Peppercorn
The published LRV of Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn SW-7674 is 10. It describes light reflectance; it does not specify an undertone or predict the brightness of your room. Peppercorn is a deep gray rather than a midtone, even though its manufacturer describes its temperature as balanced.
The choice beside pale oak and white plaster
Pale oak and white plaster can outline a dark painted area, but the shape and extent of that area determine its architectural effect.
Draw the proposed dark area on a room photograph and compare it with a broad physical Peppercorn sample in shadow. The LRV describes the starting depth, while the size and location of that area determine its role. Check whether adjacent dark furniture remains legible.
What the comparison can—and cannot—settle
Peppercorn has an LRV of 10; Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal HC-166 is 14.61. The difference is 4.61 points, with Kendall Charcoal returning more light under the reference measurement. Peppercorn is a deep gray described as balanced in temperature. The value measures reflectance, so it cannot by itself identify an undertone, a coating finish or the amount of illumination needed in the room. The daylight and evening-light checks covers that related choice.
Check the intended painted area as a shape in the room; keep enough light material to define it. Do not read LRV 10 as a percentage improvement in perceived room brightness. Make the decision with the board upright at the actual wall or cabinet position, including the least illuminated portion. The north-facing room assessment covers that related choice. Before ordering samples, compare room-planning features in the paint color visualizer roundup.
Sources & notes
Color specifications: Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn SW-7674. The recorded LRV is 10. Named comparison values come from the respective manufacturers; material schemes are editorial suggestions.
This guide reviews published color information and proposes practical sample checks. It does not claim first-hand paint testing or customer-review scores. Sherwin-Williams does not sponsor or endorse this site. Product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Confirm the color in a physical sample and select the coating for the actual surface and finish.