Your Position: Home - Minerals & Metallurgy - THE 8 BEST BLACK PAINT COLOURS: Benjamin Moore & ...
I’m back, and I’m back in black (ACDC reference for all you headbangers). Black is undoubtedly one of the most popular shades for front doors. However, today’s trends have us seeing black on feature walls, kitchen cabinets, and islands – even entire exteriors are painted black.
But not ALL blacks are created equal. Just like the 5 Types of White, there are also MANY types of black – 16, to be exact.
However, in the real world of useable paint colors, this doesn’t mean you must choose between 16 TYPES of black colors. Oh no, you get to choose between HUNDREDS of versions of these 16 types (insert wine HERE)
Which is why I’ve written this blog post for you. I’ve narrowed down the BEST black paint colors and their undertones. This way, you can focus on the best of the best and find the one that best suits you and your home.
BUT FIRST, let’s do a little learnin’…
Black can be made in several ways, the most common being the mix of red, blue, and yellow (primary colors).
Of course, it’s not you doing the mixing, and long story short, when you slightly alter the amounts of red, blue, and yellow, you shift between warm black, cool black, and true black.
Sherwin Williams Pure White & Tricorn Black
Warm blacks have a bit of brown in them. The more brown a black has in it, the less black it will look – eventually, it will just be dark brown. Some warm blacks pick up a touch of purple/violet.
Cool blacks can have blue, green, or violet undertones – the most popular being blue. You can also get a subtle blend depending on the TYPE of blue, green, or violet you have. For example, blue can be blue-green or blue-violet. Green can be green-blue (cool) or green-yellow (warm). Violet can be violet-blue (cool) or violet-pink (warm). However, while violet-blue makes for a cold black, violet-pink results in a black with a brown-violet undertone (warm).
Am I talking too much? Probably (lucky you – wink wink).
True black is the real deal – just good old black. However, even the most steadfast black can vary slightly depending on the paint brand (as some brands’ black has a blue undertone right off the get-go).
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black & High Reflective White
While there are THREE types of black paint related to temperature, there are only TWO types of black when it comes to intensity.
1. SOFT BLACK
2. BLACK
That’s right; I got REAL creative with that second one. Seriously though, it’s either BLACK and crazy dark, or it’s a soft black and isn’t QUITE as solid.
However, to even be CONSIDERED black in the first place, a color needs to have an LRV lower than seven. But even then, just because a color’s LRV is lower than seven doesn’t mean it’s BLACK.
To be considered ‘black,’ a color must have a low LRV and minimal color (chroma).
For example, Sherwin William’s Anchors Aweigh has an LRV of 3, but because it’s SO STUNNINGLY BLUE…it sure as heck ain’t black.
This is where you step back, and your home steps up to the plate. Most of the time, there should be a defining element on/in your home that tells you which type of black will be best. For example…
The above is based on the colors already existing in the finishes, either warm or cool. If your home doesn’t HAVE any black, then you’ll take inspiration from the other colors/temperatures in your finishes.
NOW, are you ready to rumble in the WILD WORLD OF BLACK PAINT COLORS? Let’s get this color, errr, ‘lack of color party’ started.
Benjamin Moore Black 2132-10
PLEASE NOTE, 99% of my photos are from my Online Paint Color Consulting clients. I don’t always have the quality image I need, but I sure as heck have the INFO you’ve been looking for.
When it comes to tried-and-true blacks, it’s hard to go wrong with Benjamin Moore Black for general depth and lack of undertones. Black has an LRV of 4.56, making it wicked dark (but not the BLACKEST shade on the market). The important thing is that when you order it, you must say ‘Black 2123-10‘; otherwise, you’ll order ‘Black,’ and they’ll say, ‘WHICH black do you want?‘ It’s allll in the number.
In this next photo, Black 2132-10 looks gorgeous on the front door, accenting the rest of the palette…
Benjamin Moore Steel Wool / Sherwin Williams Creamy
Black 2132-10 has NO noticeable undertone, meaning you get what you get. HOWEVER…this doesn’t mean it’s the blackest black on the market – it’s just Benjamin Moore’s darkest black.
Get your Peel & Stick sample of BLACK HERE
If you’re looking for a BLACKER version, make room for this next shade…
Between Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams, Tricorn Black is the BLACKEST black and as close to pitch black as you’ll get on the residential market. Now, this doesn’t mean Benjamin Moore Black 2132-10 doesn’t do the job equally, as it does – its LRV is just a bit higher than Tricorn Black’s LRV of 3.
If you’re looking for a shade that’s pretty darn safe and predictable, Tricorn Black is the perfect shade (same goes for Benjamin Moore Black 2132-10) – it’s as black as a stack of black cats. The main reason why it’s so popular is that it’s Sherwin Williams’s most true black paint color and has the LEAST undertone of all the blacks.
Here’s Tricorn Black in my old home office…
My Home Office – A Black & White Affair
Get your Peel & Stick sample of Tricorn Black HERE
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black Paint Color Review
Black Magic LOOKS pretty darn black. However, it has a nugget of WARMTH in it, making it a warm black, especially when compared to a more stark shade of black like Tricorn. Could Black Magic lean TOO warm (brown-violet) with its undertones? It’s doubtful, but in the right natural light (especially southern or afternoon western sun), it will pick up considerable warmth.
Get your Peel & Stick sample of Black Magic HERE
To say that Caviar is a warm gray would be an overstatement. However, in the battle of Caviar vs. Tricorn Black, it is fractionally warmer.
And while both colors have similarly low LRVs, Tricorn Black is a tiny bit darker.
What’s interesting is to compare Black Magic and Caviar; you’d think that Caviar is the darker of the two. However, the numbers don’t lie (let’s be honest, sometimes they do – brands get their LRVs wrong quite often). If you’re comparing Black Magic and Caviar, Black Magic’s warmth can be just a bit more noticeable – that’s the only REAL noticeable difference.
Get your Peel & Stick sample of Caviar HERE
Someone REALLY had their drinking thinking cap on when they named this one. I’m sure you can guess which undertone Greenblack has. You guessed it – purple. Just joking.
Greenblack is a green-black with an LRV of 4, making it strikingly dark. And while the undertone can show up at the party, especially where light hits, it’s muted at best.
Get your Peel & Stick sample of Greenblack HERE
Green can be warm (green-yellow) or cool (green-blue). Greenblack is a COOL green-black.
If you want a black with a blue undertone but find Wrought Iron a bit too light, Twilight Zone could be your shade. With an LRV of 5.11, Twilight Zone is strikingly dark with only a touch of softness.
Get your Peel & Stick sample of Twilight Zone HERE
Iron Ore is a soft black (and one of my faves). Along with its LRV of 6, which is higher than most of the shades on this page, it also has a very subtle green undertone. This undertone doesn’t always show up, but when it does, it’s usually on an exterior or when it’s compared/partnered with a darker, more legit black paint color.
While some find Iron Ore to be more like a charcoal gray, and it can look that way COMPARED to a sharper shade of black, Iron Ore really IS a soft black thanks to its depth (LRV) and lack of solid undertones.
FULL Color Review of Sherwin Williams Iron Ore
Get your Peel & Stick sample of Iron Ore HERE
Truth be told, Wrought Iron is definitely taking advantage of the word ‘black.’
Why?
Sherwin Williams Eider White walls, Wrought Iron doors
Because while Wrought Iron is darn dark, with its LRV of 8.17, it’s a toss-up whether it’s a soft black paint color or just a SUPER DARK gray with blue undertones. Either way, Wrought Iron is one of my FAVORITE darker shades. In the absence of any other black around and in a space with no direct natural light, Wrought Iron can LOOK black…ish, but that softness is always there.
Really, Wrought Iron is more of a dark charcoal with blue undertones than black.
Wrought Iron offers a dark but not stark approach. So, if you’re trying to find a color for your front door, shutters, accent wall, or kitchen island, and black is just a bit too sharp, colors like Wrought Iron and Iron Ore can be great alternatives. If you think Wrought Iron could work for you, COMPARISON IS KEY – order a sample of Benjamin Moore’s Cheating Heart as well.
Additional reading:Wrought Iron shutters, Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray trim
Get your Peel & Stick sample of Wrought Iron HERE
According to many online sources, any color with an LRV lower than 10 with a somewhat neutral approach is ‘black.’ Don’t be fooled! To be black, the LRV should be approx. six or lower, and the degree of color (chroma) should be minimal.
Here’s a list of colors that AREN’T black, no matter how you look at them. However, if you’re looking for a SOFTER approach, they could be just the ticket…
I’ll write a blog post on the above colors as the ‘next best things to black’ – stay tuned!
The 8 Best Front Door Paint Colors
Sometimes, you want more commitment to color while still getting an overall ‘blackish’ paint color. I’ve rounded up a few of my faves, some from the above list, as well as a few new ones to explore.
Purple is one of the more popular undertones in black, especially for coordinating with exterior stonework (same with blue-black).
Other than straight-up black, black-blue is the most popular, asked for color in the black family (especially for kitchen islands).
Some green-blacks lean warm, others cool. Comparing these colors will help you see which is best for your home. Green-blacks are most commonly used on feature walls, same with blue-blacks.
PEOPLE ALSO ASK…
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore and Tricorn Black are ahead of all shades of black from Benjamin Moore (according to Samplize Peel & Stick stats). As for Benjamin Moore’s most popular shade, Black Magic and Onyx come out on top. PERSONALLY, Tricorn Black and Benjamin Moore Black 2132-10 are my two most recommended shades.
While it can depend on the needs of your room (re: undertones), generally speaking, Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black and Iron Ore are two of the most popular blacks for interior walls, but as shown in this next photo, look WICKED pretty on built-in cabinets, too…
For the average home and room, MOST walls suit a washable matte finish (i.e., Benjamin Moore ScuffX). This goes for most dark walls. Dark paint colors in semi or high-gloss finishes can look garish unless…
Regarding cabinets and built-ins, the best finish is most often satin/pearl. As for front doors and even interior doors, satin is a gorgeous way to show off your black paint color without making it too reflective – semi-gloss is really the max you’d want…
While a LOT of it comes down to perception, black can give the illusion of more space as the corners tend to recede. This can make a room look bigger than expected, with more depth and drama. However, many find dark colors too enclosing or claustrophobic, so again, it comes down to personal perception.
First off, SHOULD you paint your exterior black? Heck, yes, if it suits the style of your home and its existing finishes (windows/roof/stone), black can be striking. Just remember that it’s a TREND, and trends constantly cycle out. If you don’t care about trends, fill your lil black boots.
5 STEPS: How to Choose the Best Paint Color for Your Exterior
If you’re painting your exterior trim, Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black and Iron Ore are awesome shades, depending on which best suits the siding color/stone/roof/etc…
If you’re painting your entire home black, both are still super popular, but I’d throw Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron and Black 2132-10 into the mix as well.
READ MORE
BEHR’S 2024 Color of the Year: CRACKED PEPPER
The 10 Best DARK Gray Paint Colors
The Best Paint Colors for Kitchen Islands & Bathroom Vanities
How to Choose an Accent Wall Color & Where to Put It
How to De-Beige Your Home
NEED HELP?
CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING
CHAT SOON,
Choosing the perfect black paint color for your home is difficult. Trust me I know, because I’ve tried dozens and dozens of options over time. After all, it’s natural to want the absolute best (paint) for your home-sweet-home. In that pursuit, I want to take the pain out of the process. Ya’ ready for it? Tricorn Black Sherwin Williams (SW Tricorn Black) is by far the best black paint color there is. Trust me. It’s the purest black without undertones, and it simply looks polished – always. Give SW tricorn black a try on a door or accent wall, if ya aren’t quite convinced. I know you will like what you see.
Whether you are planning to paint for the first time or have ambitions to renovate your entire home, color should play a critical role in setting the vibe. Don’t get it wrong. A good color choice will give your space a unique character and make it welcoming. Most importantly though, it makes it you.
There are a variety of brighter and bolder hues of black paint. But, when it comes to my personal favorite bold paint color for homes, nothing can come close to the bold and beautiful Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams (SW 6258). It looks design worthy, without feeling like you are turning your home into the inside of a dive bar. Some black do that. That’s not the vibe.
One quick note. This is not a collaboration or ad with Sherwin Williams. I genuinely am in love with their stunning Tricorn black paint color. It’s a great choice – far better than its biggest competitor Sherwin Williams Iron Ore. Plus it looks great in most home design concepts and far and wide the most popular black paint color. It’s great as a focal point too and I have used it; my front door, interior doors, my kitchen cabinets, and even on my restored vintage roll-up desk. I can’t get enough. Ok, let’s dive in…
Whenever someone asks for my preferences on paint colors, Sherwin Williams’ tricorn black paint always remains my top choice and suggestion. It’s because, for one, very few colors are as timeless as black paint. And two, the quality, smooth finish, and overall texture of this black paint are matched.
Candle Stick / Vintage book / Wooden Bowl / Wooden SpoonsThere are a large variety of black hues out there and all of them are not equal. They have different undertones, rgb values, textures, finishing, and requirements for application! So, you must carefully select a desired paint color and brand before going on to suit your design style.
However, if you want to skip all this hassle and just be done with it, (raises hand) then just go with Tricorn Black paint by the Sherwin-Williams company without any second thoughts. It looks great in natural light, and works great as a wall color, trim color, or even a whole room. It’s a more modern and bold look that keeps your design or home feeling elevated. A few things to consider:
One of the best things about Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black is a true black paint color. On the LRV scale where 0 displays true black and 100 displays pure white, Tricorn Black stands at 2.45. It means that it is an intense and neutral black shade. It will give a warm and cozy appeal to your home without being cold or depressing.
Many people think that painting your home’s exterior with black color might appear to be odd or eerie. But this isn’t true at all! In fact, black exteriors make your house stand out in the neighborhood (in a good way, of course) without looking like you are trying too hard. Paired with some other muted tones and home decor items, the Tricorn Black exterior paint looks quite impressive. I just love its eye-catching appeal and texture.
Did I tell you that wall art and paintings look absolutely stunning on a black wall? The. contrast helps make everything sing. If you’re like me (I bet you are) and love embellishing your walls with beautiful wall art like this Morning at sea print or this Man on Horse print, then grab a brush and paint that wall. Your art will look great on an accent wall of black.
Photo via House of Jade InteriorsImage source and name: Light-colored painting on Tricorn Black wall
If you have ever gone shopping for home decor accessories, you will know confusing it can be. But not anymore because matching home decor items for a Tricorn Black wall is easier than you think!
For example, you can add this fantastic art piece and enhance the beauty of your gallery wall. Or buy this beautiful rug to make a big impact in any and every room. The best thing is, that it is affordable and super easy to clean.
Another must-have home accessory that will easily blend with black interiors is this recliner. It is good-looking and oh-so-comfortable!
Now that I have told you why I love Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black paint, let’s have a quick look at what kind of finish you should opt for under different conditions. Here’s what I recommend:
Walls and ceilings: When it comes to walls and ceilings, very few finishes can match the smooth look of matte. When you are painting your walls and ceilings with Tricorn Black, the shiny look of semigloss finish can make them look a bit tacky. Don’t do that! The matte finish on the other hand will give them a subtle and clean look that looks gorgeous and sophisticated.
Trim: I always prefer using an eggshell finish for trim and moldings. It adds a nice sheen to the baseboards and makes them pop and goes with matte walls and ceilings quite perfectly!
Doors and cabinets: Selecting the perfect finish for your doors and cabinets is quite a task, especially if you are painting them black. While the matte finish looks stunning, it also shows dust, fingerprints, and other dirt more easily. So, I recommend going for a satin or semi-gloss finish for doors and cabinets as it is easier to clean. If you have kids at home, your doors and cabinets will get dirty sooner than you can imagine! So, save yourself some hassle and go for a nice satin or semi-gloss finish. Also, keep a microfiber cloth on hand. With warm water and soap, you can clean just about anything off your stunning new cabinets.
Further, to elevate the look of your doors, make sure to choose some unique door handles and knobs. P.S: Antique handles are my personal favorite!
Not at all! Since Tricorn Balck is very close to true black, it does not look like blue at all. In fact, it doesn’t have any undertones like blue, brown, or gray. So, it looks like it should – a solid, and rich shade of “pure” black.
One of the best things about SW Tricorn black paint is that it goes with almost all kinds of hues. You can easily coordinate it with most hues without any difficulty. To answer the question, yes, Pure White will easily pair with Tricorn Black quite easily. In fact, the contrast will give a striking appeal to your place.
When it comes to black paint, I am quite biased toward this bold color. But, if you want to consider another good choice (or four,) here are some other popular options:
Yes, it is a bit. But, you can get it in matte, eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss. The shine level goes up from matte to semi-gloss. I love a matte finish, but semi-gloss is the easiest to clean. Tricorn Black does have a glossy sheen that gives a stunning and tasteful look to your home’s walls without going over the top.
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black is neither warm nor cool. Since the color lacks any undertone, it cannot be categorized as a warm or cool color.
This is the most obvious question considering the topic of this blog post. So, here is my obvious answer, Tricorn Black is one of the most popular and highly preferred black hues offered by any paint manufacturer out there. It’s a great option being the truest black and working well on tons of architectural features as well as the exterior of a home.
Since dark colors absorb more sunlight, they tend to fade faster too. So, if you decide to go for Tricorn Black exterior paint for your home, make sure to get it repainted after three to five years.
Sherwin Williams has a good range of dark black hues. Some of them are very close to true black. The darkest Sherwin Williams black colors include Tricorn Black, Black Magic, Greenblack, and Inkwell. It really is the perfect black paint color in my opinion.
It is common knowledge that black reflects authority, power, and strength. Having a black front door displays boldness, style, and sophistication.
Image source and name: Tricorn black front door with brass handle
You can also go for a stylish brass door handle to take the appeal of your Tricorn Black front door several notches higher.
The best thing about Tricorn Black is that it is easy to mix and match with other hues. Whether we are talking about contrasting colors like white or colors with similar undertones like gray, Tricorn Black looks good with most of them.
Some colors that look superb with Tricorn Black are:
So there you have it – the major reasons why Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams is the best black paint out there. I hope you found this blog post helpful and are now ready to embrace this gorgeous hue with open arms. While you paint for home’s interiors and exteriors with black paint, make sure also choose some contrasting paint colors, home accessories, and the right finish to complete the look of your home. Good luck and go for it. You got this. xoxoxo
SHARE POST
263
0
0
Comments
All Comments (0)