The 8 Best Black Paint Colors: Benjamin Moore & Sherwin Williams

POPULAR SHADES OF BLACK FOR WALLS, DOORS, CABINETS, & MORE

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 (although that trend has drastically faded).

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 usable paint colors, this doesn’t mean you have to 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’…

THE 3 TYPES OF BLACK PAINT COLORS (TEMPERATURE)

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.

That’s the gorgeous SW Retreat you see in the den to the right

1. WARM 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.

2. COOL BLACK

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).

3. TRUE BLACK

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

THE TWO TYPES OF BLACK (INTENSITY)

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 like my bowel movement after eating curry, it 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.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHICH TYPE OF BLACK SUITS YOUR HOME?

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…

• Most exterior stonework suits a warm or true black
• Some exterior brickwork suits a cool black
• Most kitchen countertops suit a true black or warm black
• Warm-toned finishes often suit a warm black, but some can handle a cool black
• Cool-toned finishes always suit a cool black

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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 a) you miiiiight consider adding a few accents and/or b) try taking inspiration from the other colors/temperatures in your finishes, although, often, a legit black is best.

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

99.9% of the photos in my blog are from my Online Color Consulting clients, readers, talented photographers, & friends— because real homes deserve to be celebrated (dirty laundry & all!) While not magazine-perfect, they’re packed with ideas & proven color choices to help you create a home you’ll love.

1. BENJAMIN MOORE BLACK 2132-10

• LRV 4.56
• NO UNDERTONES
• TRUE BLACK

When it comes to tried-and-true blacks, it’s hard to go wrong with Benjamin Moore Black 2132-10 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 2132-10‘; otherwise, you’ll order ‘Black,’ and they’ll say, ‘WHICH black do you want?‘ It’s allllll in the number.

In this next photo, Black 2132-10 looks gorgeous on the inside of 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. But (Cardi-B sized, so it’s a big ole but)…this doesn’t mean it’s the blackest black on the market – it’s just Benjamin Moore’s darkest black.

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of BLACK…

If you’re looking for a BLACKER version, make room for this next shade…

2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS TRICORN BLACK 6258

• LRV 3
• BLUE BUT SO FRACTIONAL IT’S HARDLY WORTH MENTIONING
• TRUE BLACK

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…

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Tricorn Black…

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black Paint Color Review

3. SHERWIN WILLIAMS BLACK MAGIC 6991

• LRV 3
• BROWN UNDERTONE
• WARM BLACK

Sherwin Williams 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.

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Black Magic…

4. SHERWIN WILLIAMS CAVIAR 6990

• LRV 3
• VERY MINOR BROWN UNDERTONE
• WARM BLACK

To say that Sherwin Williams Caviar is a warm black 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 really noticeable difference.

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Caviar…

5. SHERWIN WILLIAMS GREENBLACK 6994

• LRV 4
• GREEN UNDERTONE
• BLACK

Someone REALLY had their drinking thinking cap on when they named this one. I’m sure you can guess which undertone Sherwin Williams 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.

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Greenblack…

Green can be warm (green-yellow) or cool (green-blue). Greenblack is a COOL green-black.

6. BENJAMIN MOORE TWILIGHT ZONE LRV 5.11

• LRV 5.11
• BLUE UNDERTONE
• BLACK

If you want a black with a blue undertone but find Wrought Iron a bit too light, Benjamin Moore Twilight Zone could be your shade. With an LRV of 5.11, Twilight Zone is strikingly dark with only a touch of softness.

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Twilight Zone…

7. SHERWIN WILLIAMS IRON ORE 7069

• LRV 6
• GREEN UNDERTONE
• SOFT BLACK

Sherwin Williams 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.

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Get your Peel & Stick sample of Iron Ore HERE

8. BENJAMIN MOORE WROUGHT IRON

• LRV 8.17
• BLUE UNDERTONE
• SOFT BLACK

Truth be told, Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron is definitely riding on the not-so-colorful coattails 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.

In this next kitchen, my Online Paint Color client was tired of her cherry, red-stained wood cabinets and didn’t know what to do. 

While black could work, it can also be a fussy cabinet finish (for fingerprints). Instead, we went with the softness of Wrought Iron…

On the other hand, Wrought Iron reads pretty darn dark on the painted front door of this next home…

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.

BTW: If you think Wrought Iron could work for you, COMPARISON IS KEY – order a sample of Benjamin Moore’s Cheating Heart as well.

Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron shutters, Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray trim

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Wrought Iron…

COLORS THAT AREN’T ACTUALLY BLACK

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.

Sherwin Williams Peppercorn kitchen island: she’s dark, but she ain’t black

Here’s a list of colors that aren’t black, even though in the right (or wrong) lighting situation, they can act like one. However, if you’re looking for a softer approach, they could be just the ticket…

• Benjamin Moore’s Cheating Heart
• Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
• Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (as previously mentioned, it’s questionable)
• Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal
• Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain
• Farrow & Ball Railings
• Sherwin Wiliams Black Fox – NOT black, definitely a gray-brown (with a subtle green undertone)

Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain | The Best Paint Colors for the INSIDE of Your Front Door

I’ll write a blog post on the above colors as the ‘next best things to black’ – stay tuned!

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BEST BLACK WITH MORE OBVIOUS BLUE, GREEN, OR PURPLE UNDERTONES

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.

BEST SHADE OF BLACK WITH PURPLE UNDERTONE

Purple is one of the more popular undertones in black, especially for coordinating with exterior stonework (same with blue-black).

• Benjamin Moore Universal Black has an interesting purple undertone and an LRV of 5.26
• Sherwin Williams Domino is a super dark option with an LRV of 3 and purple undertones.

BEST BLACK PAINT COLOR WITH BLUE UNDERTONES

Other than straight-up black, black-blue is the most popular, requested color in the black family (especially related to paint colors for kitchen islands).

• Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
• Sherwin Williams Inkwell has a super seductive, sexy blue hue

Wrought Iron shutters with a gorgeous teal on the front door

BEST WARM BLACK PAINT COLOR

• Sherwin Williams Black Magic

BEST BLACK WITH GREEN UNDERTONES

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, just like blue-blacks.

• Sherwin Williams Iron Ore
• Sherwin Williams GreenBlack

PEOPLE ALSO ASK…

WHAT ARE BENJAMIN MOORE’S & SHERWIN WILLIAM’S MOST POPULAR BLACK PAINT COLORS?

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 shades, Onyx is near the top. PERSONALLY, Tricorn Black and Benjamin Moore Black 2132-10 are my two most recommended shades.

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WHAT’S THE BEST BLACK PAINT COLOR TO USE ON WALLS?

While it can depend on the needs of your room (re: undertones), generally speaking, Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black and the soft black approach of 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…

WHAT FINISH OR SHEEN SHOULD BLACK WALLS BE – FLAT, EGGSHELL, SATIN?

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…

• The wall is perfectly smooth, as sheen/gloss will enhance any flaws or texture.
• The person applying the paint is a professional to avoid flashing (not the good kind of flashing, either – I mean, who doesn’t love a good moon?)
• The style of the home suits a glossy wall finish.

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…

The Best Paint Colors for Interior Doors with White Trim

WILL BLACK WALLS MAKE MY ROOM LOOK SMALLER OR BIGGER?

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.

WHAT’S THE BEST BLACK FOR THE EXTERIOR OF A HOME?

First off, SHOULD you paint your exterior black?

Black is often best left to accents rather than full color commitments

Heck, yes, if it suits the style of your home and its existing finishes (windows/roof/stone), black can be striking. Just remember that this was a trend and is absolutely no longer in style. 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.

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Get the best paint color and home update advice…

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ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2023, UPDATED IN 2025