Black is one of the most timeless and versatile paint colors, featuring in almost every home out there. Maybe not so much on walls, cabinets, or vanities, but more on window frames, exterior walls, and door frames.
We’ll start things off by defining the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of a color. This deals with how light or dark a paint color is, with 0 being absolute pure black and 100 being absolute pure white.
Just like blue, green, beige, white, etc., paint colors, black paint colors also have a ton of differences; don’t expect all of them to look the same.
We’ve compiled 12 black paint colors that are designers’ favorites to help you find the perfect shade to add a sense of drama to your home.
Take a look!
1. Sherwin Williams
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
Massively regarded as the blackest black that Sherwin Williams makes, Tricorn Black (6258) is one of the manufacturer’s most popular and best-selling black paint colors.
It’s a black paint color that can be used as a perfect neutral, base, or accent.
Tricorn Black is a true black paint color, devoid of undertones—there’s no sneaky red, brown, green, or orange undertone. This gives homes a classy, timeless, and elegant look.
It has an LRV of 3, which is very low, reflecting an insignificant amount of light. It’s a very dark color that’s overly saturated in black colorant. The low LRV also makes it impervious to lighting, so whether you’re using LED, incandescent, or fluorescent blue light, there won’t be much of a difference.
Tricorn Black still remains neutral in that it blends in with your surroundings easily. Also, it doesn’t feel like a cool or warm leaning blue—it’s right in the middle—which isn’t common with most black paint colors.
Since there’s no undertone to push it one direction or the other, Tricorn Black can be used almost anywhere you feel you need a black hue.
Apart from accent walls and rooms, it can also be used on kitchen cabinets or islands, entryway doors, vanities, and exterior surfaces like walls, garage doors, window shutters, or furniture.
Tricorn Black on the wainscoting adds a timeless, bold finishing touch to this dining room. White and creamy off-white on the light fixtures, art, planter vase, and chairs pop against the dramatic walls, while the crisp white ceiling allows for an open and spacious feel.
Sherwin Williams Black Magic
One of the best Sherwin Williams black paint colors, Black Magic (6991), is a timeless, sophisticated, warm-toned black paint color with notable red-brown undertones.
Black Magic has an equal LRV of 3 like Tricorn Black and Caviar but feels a tad bit warmer than both since it leans more toward its red-brown undertone. Nonetheless, it can be equally bold as these two paint colors, only less deeper.
This warmth makes it ideal for spaces with ample wooden textures and beiges. It caters to various interior design styles, including minimalist, modern, Scandi, mid-century, and contemporary.
In south-facing or west-facing rooms, expect Black Magic to showcase some warmth.
Black Magic on the ceiling and walls sets a moody tone in this bedroom. White and purple hues on the bedding, art, and drapery stand out against the deep wall color, brightening the scheme and creating contrast without taking away from the deep black walls. A creamy area rug adds a layer of coziness.
Sherwin Williams Caviar
One of the warm black paint colors by Sherwin Williams, Caviar (6990), has a slight brown-pink undertone.
However, this warmth isn’t very prominent; you can only see it when you place it against a true black paint color. Furthermore, your lighting conditions will most likely erase this subtle undertone—you shouldn’t even consider it as brown leaning.
Caviar is equally bold, dark, and dominating like Tricorn Black. It also has an LRV of 3 but has a slight touch of purple undertone, unlike Tricorn Black, which remains neutral under different light conditions.
The purple undertone is very sneaky and can come up when you pair the paint color with blush tones or in ample south-facing light.
Caviar looks excellent on walls, especially in spaces in your home that stand out as an accent room like a home theater, bold office, or avant-garde living room. As long as you have light furniture, flooring, ceiling, and accessories, this black won’t take up a lot of visual space—the above living room is a prime example.
Caviar is perfect for complementing wooden textures and creamy tones.
2. Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore Black
Benjamin Moore Black (2132-10) is one of the tried-and-true blacks when it comes to lack of undertones and general depth.
Black has an LRV of 4.56, making it very dark, but not the blackest paint color on the market. It offers enough depth without being overly intense, making it an ideal option for various design settings.
It has no noticeable undertone, so don’t expect any surprises but a clean, sophisticated look. This makes it one of the darkest black paint colors by Benjamin Moore.
Black works exceptionally well in transitional, traditional, and modern spaces, providing a solid backdrop that complements various styles and color schemes.
Black on the paneled walls adds interest to this home office. The walls contrast whites and grays on the ceiling, trim, drapery, chair, and area rug while serving as a cool counterpart to the wood floor and accent. A pop of blue on the desktop livens up the space, and brass accents add a stylish touch.
Benjamin Moore Onyx
Benjamin Moore Onyx (2133-10) is one of the top black paint colors by the company. While it’s considered a warm black, it has very minimal undertones.
This is the perfect go-to choice if you want a true, inky black!
Onyx is bold and sophisticated and looks great paired with warm wood accents. It’s a great paint color for front doors, cabinets, accent walls, or a dramatic home office.
Onyx has an LRV of 4.99 and works best in rooms with plenty of natural light. It’s a neutral dark black with no prominent cool or warm undertones but a nice blend of both.
The paint color tends to look warmer on walls due to its saturated color, especially when you pair it with other warm finishes and paint colors, such as natural wood, warm whites, or grays.
Onyx on the door and walls pairs with the gray ceiling, beige chairs, the brown-toned area rug, and warm and dark wood finishes for a classic and stylish look. Brass and gold tones on the chandelier, candleholder, and art frames dress up the monochrome palette and add a shiny element.
Benjamin Moore Black Beauty
With an LRV of 5.32, Benjamin Moore Black Beauty (2128-10) is one of the lighter black paint colors by the manufacturer.
Black Beauty has a sense of balance and composure in its undertones. It doesn’t feel like it leans more blue or to its cooler side as a black paint color, but it still feels like a black rather than a dark brown.
Black Beauty works well with modern designs that usually use bright white and black accents for a high-contrast type of look.
Black Beauty on the ceiling and walls of this living space pairs with the deep blue curtains for a moody, cohesive room. The creamy beige couch and patterned area rug break up the monochrome palette, while the light wood floor injects some warmth.
3. Behr
Behr Carbon
Behr Carbon (N520-7) is a deep and velvety black paint color with a hint of cool undertones. With an LRV of 5, Carbon exudes sophistication, creating a subtle coolness that adds an elegant touch to contemporary interiors.
Carbon excels in rooms with plenty of natural light, balancing the stark brightness while adding dimension and depth to the space.
Its cool undertones make it ideal for various interior design styles like industrial, contemporary, or mid-century modern. Apart from its lovely aesthetic qualities, Carbon is also a favorite to most people due to its adaptability and versatility.
Carbon maintains its color integrity relatively well in natural or artificial lighting, providing a clean, sophisticated look throughout the day.
In this bedroom, Carbon on the ceiling and walls pairs with white, brown, and cream on the window trim, art, and bedding to create a sense of balance between light and dark. The gray throw blanket perfectly complements the dark color, while light wood tones make the scheme feel bright and welcoming.
Behr Black
Behr Black (1350) is a neutral, deep black paint color that makes an excellent backdrop for highlighting decor and other colors.
With an LRV of 5.02, Black is only slightly lighter than a true black. The paint color has little to no undertones, making it an excellent choice for both warm and cool finishes and colors.
Black isn’t overly cool or warm and is an excellent color for front doors, cabinets, accent walls, or an entire room. It pairs nicely with warm whites, gray greens, and natural materials.
Behr Black works best in a room with many windows and light-colored surfaces. You can also use it in moody rooms without windows but with plenty of artificial lighting, such as the home office featured in the above idea.
Avoid using the paint color in low-light rooms and workspaces for manual work, such as laundry rooms.
Behr Blackout
With an LRV of 5, Behr Blackout (N510-7) is a bold, true black with intense saturation, making it an ideal choice to create dramatic contrasts, be it on accent walls or as part of a monochromatic palette.
Blackout enhances the mood of spaces with controlled lighting, offering a cocooning atmosphere. Warm lighting and soft fabrics help in balancing the paint color’s intensity.
Blackout is suitable for spaces that prioritize simplicity and clean lines, like minimalist and contemporary design styles, thanks to its depth.
Gold finishes on the chandelier, mirror frame, art, and wall pendants add a luxurious touch to this moody dining room. Blackout on the ceiling and walls contrasts with creamy curtains, beige chairs, and white accents for an elegant aesthetic. Dark wood tones add to the timeless feel.
4. Farrow and Ball
Farrow and Ball Pitch Black
Named after the “dark sticky residue of coal tar often used in roofing,” Farrow and Ball Pitch Black (No. 264) is a true black with no strong undertones. This simplicity is what makes it a top contender for most people in terms of black paint colors by the company.
Being one of the most light-absorbent blacks, Pitch Black is perfect for creating calm, clean spaces. It commands attention with its depth and bold presence.
This depth is muted, lending spaces a sophisticated and elegant feel. Pitch Black has soft undertones that make it a versatile choice for various interior design styles, from contemporary and modern to traditional and mid-century.
The paint color has a velvety finish that makes it alluring and helps add some warmth and texture to the interiors. Pitch Black works wonderfully in minimalist settings, accentuating crisp edges and clean lines.
Pitch Black maintains its depth in well-lit spaces, bringing a striking presence. It pairs nicely with bold colors or crisp white, providing a high-contrast, contemporary, timeless look.
Pitch Black on the ceiling and walls pairs with brass and cream tones on light fixtures to give this living space a moody yet welcoming feel. Gray on the furniture and area rug complements the dark paint color, preventing the monochrome palette from looking too harsh.
Farrow and Ball Off-Black
Farrow and Ball Off-Black (No.57) presents a gentle, toned-down take on classic black paint colors.
Off-Black has hints of blue undertones, but they’re very subtle. This gives the paint color a cooler appearance that adapts well to various light conditions.
If you want a calm, contemporary vibe in your space, Off-Black is a perfect choice! The paint color pairs excellently with cool-toned metals and soft fabrics, providing a well-balanced space.
Off-Black provides depth in rooms with plenty of natural light, but it won’t be overbearing. This makes it ideal for eclectic and modern design settings.
Off-Black looks soft and inviting on walls and makes wall paneling such as wainscoting, really pop. The off-black color is deep and rich without being too harsh—if you don’t want a prominent blue-black, this is an ideal choice.
Its warm undertones complement various interior design styles, with its soft, toned-down look pairing well with earthy tones and natural materials to create a cohesive and harmonious feel. It also works with traditional and modern furniture since it’s a neutral black.
Notice how the wooden desk pops against the Off-Black walls in this home office. You can also see those blue undertones in Off-Black being brought up by the light blue in the wall art.
Farrow and Ball Railings
Farrow and Ball Railings (No. 31) is a deep, rich black with subtle hints of navy, making it a unique and bold choice for trims and interior doors.
Railings has an LRV of about 6, so it’s slightly lighter than a true black but will still be highly dark-looking in person.
The subtle navy undertones are what make Railings stand out, adding depth and complexity to the shade. This gives the paint color a mysterious quality that separates it from other black paint colors.
The paint color is dramatic in most settings due to its depth, one of the reasons why it’s rarely used throughout entire rooms, especially in open-concept homes.
Nonetheless, it works really well when used on accent walls, trim, woodwork, and doors. Railings will also look great on your front and garage doors, but since it has that subtle blue undertone, direct sunlight can accentuate this blueness, so keep that in mind.
It’s perfect for adding depth while maintaining a sense of warmth and comfort. The paint color is an excellent choice for those looking to add a dark, moody color into their space without going full-on black.
Here, Railings on the ceiling, door, and walls helps visually enclose this living room for a cozy ambiance. The paint color subtly contrasts the fireplace, giving the space a modern edge. Grays and whites help brighten the palette, and the gold-toned coffee table adds a glamorous touch that feels fresh and contemporary.
What Color Compliments Black Paint Colors?
- Gold
- Crisp White
- Deep Red
- Emerald Green
Gold
Gold adds a touch of opulence and warmth to black. This combination creates a dramatic and sophisticated look, perfect for making a bold statement.
Use gold in accents like lighting fixtures, frames, or decorative accessories to enhance the richness of black and introduce a sense of luxury.
Crisp White
Crisp white provides a striking contrast to black, creating a clean, modern, and classic look. This pairing adds brightness and highlights the boldness of black, making spaces feel more open and fresh.
Incorporate crisp white in trim, ceilings, or furniture to create a high-contrast, elegant environment that complements the depth of black.
Deep Red
Deep red adds a warm, vibrant contrast to black, creating a dramatic and passionate atmosphere. This combination introduces a touch of intensity and sophistication.
Add deep red through textiles, such as curtains, cushions, or rugs, to bring a bold pop of color and warmth to a black-painted room.
Emerald Green
Emerald green is a rich, jewel-toned color that pairs beautifully with black, creating a luxurious and elegant look. This combination adds a refreshing and vibrant touch to the space.
Incorporate emerald green through plants, artwork, or accent pieces to introduce a lush, sophisticated element that complements the black.
Color Disclaimer
Please note that all paint colors displayed on this page are for illustrative purposes only. Due to variations in screen settings, lighting, and other factors, the colors you see on your screen may differ from the actual paint colors. We recommend viewing a physical color sample or swatch for the most accurate representation.
