Charcoal black paint colors have gained significant popularity among home decor enthusiasts and interior designers because they can add depth, sophistication, and a touch of drama to any space.
These shades are more than just black; they offer a nuanced character that can transform a room from bland to brilliant.
Whether you’re looking to create a cozy nook or a bold living room statement, these colors provide a sleek finish that’s chic yet versatile.
Today, we’ll explore 12 stunning charcoal black paints you can use to transform your interior.
Take a look!
1. Sherwin Williams
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore (7069) is the epitome of modern sophistication. It’s a deep, dark charcoal that borders on black but offers just enough warmth to avoid feeling stark.
It’s a color that whispers elegance without overpowering the space. A low Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 6 makes it a dramatic tone for interior spaces.
The subtle undertones of gray give it a soft edge, making it versatile enough to pair with a variety of color palettes.
This color works well as an accent wall or as a full wall paint color, where it creates a cozy, enveloping atmosphere.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Iron Ore’s undertones are versatile enough to complement various decor styles, from contemporary to rustic.
Whether you’re painting a dining room or a modern kitchen, this color offers a backdrop that enhances other elements in the room, such as wood textures or metallic accents.
In this living room design, Iron ore has been used to create a calm, airy space. With plenty of natural light, the space manages to create an inviting atmosphere without looking too dull or bland. Matching dark-toned furniture and accents gives the room a well-rounded look.
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
Another gem from Sherwin Williams, Peppercorn (7674), offers a chic, modern twist to classic black.
With an LRV of 10, it’s slightly lighter than Iron Ore, making it ideal for spaces that benefit from a touch of brightness while still maintaining a bold aesthetic.
Because of its cooler nature, Peppercorn excels in spaces with plenty of natural light. It maintains its integrity throughout the day, providing a stable backdrop that complements vibrant colors and metallic accents.
The blue undertones prevent it from feeling harsh, keeping your rooms fresh and inviting.
In this space, Peppercorn has been used to elevate this modern living room. The paint acts as a blank canvas, allowing other elements, such as furniture and wall art, to dominate the space. Notice how the color combines with the metallic accents in the space to bring an element of sophistication.
Sherwin Williams Black Fox
If you’re looking for a charcoal black with a touch of rustic charm, Sherwin Williams Black Fox (7020) is your color.
With its deep brown undertones, Black Fox feels grounded and earthy yet offers the depth and drama typical of charcoal black hues.
Ideal for blending seamlessly into natural settings, Black Fox brings warmth and richness to interiors. It’s a fantastic choice for creating cozy, inviting spaces such as dens or libraries, where its warm undertones foster a sense of intimacy.
Black Fox’s unique blend of gray and brown gives it a distinct character that stands out among other shades. It pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood and stone, enhancing a space’s organic feel.
Consider using it in rustic or farmhouse-inspired designs to bring out its full potential. With an LRV of 7, Black Fox will need a lot of light to prevent the space from appearing dull.
Depending on the colors and materials that it is combined with, Black Fox may either look warm or cool.
In this living room design, the warm paint reads warm against brown curtains and woody brown furniture, creating a classic, cozy look. Plenty of natural light in the area allows the space to feel inviting and different elements to dominate without being too prominent.
2. Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (2124-10) is a sophisticated, elegant charcoal black that offers a touch of luxury to any space.
Its subtle undertones of blue add depth and intrigue, making it a versatile choice for various applications.
With an LRV of 8.17, Wrought Iron is perfect for creating a sophisticated and modern aesthetic.
One of Wrought Iron’s most appealing features is its ability to enhance architectural details. Whether used on trim, doors, or entire walls, it draws attention to a space’s craftsmanship.
Pair it with metallic accents for a touch of glamor, or use it alongside soft neutrals for a balanced, harmonious look.
Here, Wrought Iron shows its ability to absorb light without being too enveloping. While the color has a dark tone, the space still manages to have an open, welcoming atmosphere.
Notice how the color combines with earthy tones in the space, such as light brown, to create a well-rounded space. Glossy metal and glass finishes improve the room’s visual interest, while the light-toned furniture balances out the room.
Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal
Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal (HC-166) is a rich, deep gray with significant warmth, with an LRV of 14.61. This color is perfect for those who desire the depth of charcoal without veering into pure black territory.
The versatile shade offers a sense of comfort and elegance, making it an ideal choice for creating cozy, welcoming spaces. Its subtle hints of green add a touch of freshness, enhancing its adaptability.
Its ability to pair with warm tones makes it a favorite for creating cozy, inviting spaces. It pairs exceptionally well with warm neutrals and natural wood tones, lending itself to use in living rooms and bedrooms where comfort is key.
Its depth and richness make it equally suitable for exterior applications, where it can enhance the architectural features of a home.
In this living room design, the color’s green undertones become more prominent with an abundance of natural light in the space. The color has been combined with lighter beige and gray tones to create an elegant chic finish.
Notice how natural light has been maximized in the room through the use of mirrors to make the room expansive and spacious.
Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart
Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart (1617) embodies mystery and sophistication. This deep charcoal black features subtle navy undertones, making it an intriguing choice for those who appreciate nuanced color palettes.
With an LRV of 8.79, Cheating Heart doesn’t reflect much light, so it’s best to use it in well-lit areas. Its cool undertones add depth and dimension, making it a popular choice for accent walls and focal points.
The subtle blue undertones lend a coolness to Cheating Heart, allowing it to pair beautifully with whites and softer blues.
Use it to create a serene atmosphere that feels both polished and approachable. It’s ideal for spaces where a balance of elegance and comfort is key.
Cheating Heart’s ability to adapt to various styles and settings makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a bold statement.
In this office design, Cheating Heart has been used to create a calm, inviting space that provides the perfect atmosphere for relaxing. The color combines well with other darker accents in the room, like the dark brown cabinetry and brown study desk, to create a classic office look with a rustic touch.
3. Behr
Behr Carbon Copy
Behr Carbon Copy (PPU25-01) is a true charcoal black with neutral undertones. This versatile color offers a sleek, modern finish that works well in both residential and commercial spaces.
Its balanced hue makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a sophisticated aesthetic without committing to a specific undertone.
Carbon Copy’s beauty lies in its adaptability to various lighting conditions. In bright spaces, it appears as a softer, more muted gray, while in darker settings, it takes on a deeper, more intense charcoal hue.
This versatility makes Carbon Copy an ideal choice for accent walls and entire rooms. Its near-black LRV of 9 makes it ideal for spaces with an abundance of natural light.
In this living room design, Charcoal Black creates a cool, welcoming atmosphere. The abundance of natural light in the space makes Carbon Copy read gray, creating an open, inviting space. Since the color doesn’t absorb all the light in the room, it easily creates an airy space.
The light-toned furniture balances out the dark tone of Carbon Copy, while the earthy tones in the space make the room look well-rounded.
Behr Dark Ash
Behr Dark Ash (770F-5)is a deep, moody charcoal with an LRV of 15, providing a dramatic backdrop for a variety of design styles.
This color’s rich, dark tones make it ideal for creating a sense of intimacy and warmth.
With a unique blend of gray, brown, and a slight green, Dark Ash has a distinct character that stands out among other shades.
It pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood and stone, enhancing a space’s organic feel. To bring out its full potential, consider using it in rustic or farmhouse-inspired designs.
Plenty of natural light in the space brings out the smoky undertones of Dark Ash, creating an airy, relaxed space. With the darker color being the backdrop of the space, the light tones of the room become more prominent.
Notice how even the light-toned earthy colors in the space are more pronounced against the darker Dark Ash color.
Behr Black Sable
Behr Black Sable (7305-7) is a timeless charcoal black with a cool, sophisticated undertone. This classic shade offers a sense of elegance and refinement, making it an ideal choice for creating formal and upscale spaces.
With an LRV of 7, this color creates a rich, dramatic appearance. Its subtle hints of blue add depth and intrigue, enhancing its versatility.
Black Sable’s warm undertones create a welcoming atmosphere, making it ideal for use in living rooms and bedrooms.
Its compatibility with a wide range of colors and materials allows it to serve as a unifying element in diverse design schemes.
In this living room design, Black Sable has been combined with bluish accents to create a unique modern space. The light-toned furniture helps lighten the room and makes it seem more open. The bluish colors of the throw pillow complement the paint color’s navy blue undertones.
Combined with the blue accents in the space, the living room has a unique oceanic feel.
4. Farrow and Ball
Farrow and Ball Liquorice
Farrow and Ball Liquorice (No. CB10) is a deep, dramatic charcoal black with a hint of warmth. This rich, luxurious hue is perfect for creating a sense of opulence and grandeur in any space.
With a low LRV of 4, Liquorice doesn’t reflect much light and will hence do well in well-lit rooms.
Its subtle undertones of brown add depth and richness, making it a versatile choice for various applications.
The subtle purple undertones lend a regal quality to Liquorice, allowing it to pair beautifully with jewel tones and metallic finishes.
Use it to create a grand atmosphere that feels both polished and approachable. It’s ideal for spaces where a balance of elegance and comfort is key.
This color is one of the few charcoal tones that can be used to create a dark blank canvas for other colors to dominate, as can be noted in this living room design. The light-toned and blue furniture in the space is equally visible against the dark Liquorice color.
Glass and metallic accents in the space combine well with the color, creating a stylish, cozy space.
Farrow and Ball Down Pipe
Farrow and Ball Down Pipe (No. 26) is a sleek, modern charcoal black with a hint of blue. It offers a contemporary edge, making it an ideal choice for minimalist and modern spaces.
With an LRV of about 13, Down Pipe offers a versatile and timeless option for those seeking a sleek and polished finish.
Its cool undertones add depth and intrigue, creating a sense of calm and sophistication. Down Pipe’s ability to blend seamlessly with a variety of colors and materials makes it a preferred choice for many designers.
Pair it with light woods and neutral fabrics for a soft, serene look, or use it alongside bold accents for a dynamic contrast. Its adaptability makes it a popular choice for designers seeking a sleek, modern aesthetic.
In this study room design, a Down Pipe has been used to create a tranquil, calming space. The color combines well with white accents, making the room feel more balanced.
The light-colored trim complements other light-toned elements in the room, like the desk and wall art, while the dark tone of the Down Pipe brings out the space’s architectural beauty, such as the arty-toned floor. With plenty of natural light in the room, the space has an open-airy feel.
Farrow and Ball Railings
Farrow and Ball Railings (No. 31) is a deep, moody charcoal black with a hint of gray. This dramatic hue is perfect for creating a sense of mystery and intrigue in any space.
Railings have an LRV of 6, making it one of the least reflective charcoal blacks and an ideal color for creating a dark blank canvas.
Its cool undertones add depth and dimension, making it a popular choice for accent walls and focal points.
It’s ideal for spaces where a balance of elegance and comfort is key. Pair it with bold colors and striking patterns for a dynamic and engaging look.
Here, this color has been used to create a tranquil, enveloping atmosphere that makes the bedroom the perfect place for soaking up after a long day. The natural light flowing into the room gives the paint a grayish look that is matched by the bed and the bedding, creating a well-rounded space.
What Color Compliments Charcoal Black Paint Colors?
- Gold
- Forest Green
- Blush Pink
- Rich Burgundy
Gold
Gold is a rich, metallic color that adds a touch of luxury and warmth to charcoal black. This combination creates a sophisticated and glamorous look, perfect for adding a bit of opulence to your space.
Incorporate gold through accents like lighting fixtures, mirrors, or decorative accessories to introduce elegance and a refined touch against the deep backdrop of charcoal black.
Forest Green
Forest green is a deep, natural color that pairs beautifully with charcoal black. This combination creates a balanced and calming atmosphere, adding depth and a touch of nature to your space.
Add forest green through textiles, plants, or decorative elements to introduce a refreshing and harmonious element that complements the charcoal black.
Blush Pink
Blush pink is a soft, muted color that provides a gentle contrast to the intense tones of charcoal black. This pairing creates a warm and inviting look, adding a touch of softness and romance to the space.
Use blush pink in textiles, such as throw pillows, rugs, or curtains, to bring a subtle hint of color and a cozy feel to a charcoal black room.
Rich Burgundy
Rich burgundy is a deep, warm color that contrasts elegantly with charcoal black. This combination creates a dramatic and luxurious look, adding richness and depth to the space.
Incorporate rich burgundy through accent pieces, artwork, or upholstery to create a striking and sophisticated environment that enhances the charcoal 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.
