15 Popular Black Paint Colors To Make A Serious Statement
While white has dominated the design world as the go-to neutral for years, black has swept onto the scene as a bolder, more dramatic substitute, says the National Association of Realtors. As folks look for more character and for their homes to have a defined design, black interiors are popping up everywhere. This hue can look great on walls, doors, furniture, and more; plus, all of the shades of the black family offer incredible contrast, pair with virtually every color, and can look effortlessly clean.
While black often seems dark and dreary, it's actually much more than that. Its mood is actually better defined as sophisticated, bold, edgy, and classic. While the color has mostly been limited to kitchen cabinetry, it's actually very well suited to making for dramatic bedrooms, living rooms, and even exteriors. It can be easy to take a look at a black paint swatch and see no difference, but there's as much variety between black shades as there is for any color. Read on to see 15 of the most popular black paint colors that will have you reaching for a paintbrush.
1. Sherwin-Williams Black Magic SW 6991
This is a true black paint that is crisp, bold, and sophisticated. It can be paired with lemony yellows and pale oranges, but white is always a great choice against it. Because it is such an unyielding shade, be sure that any room you use it in has plenty of natural light, so the black paint doesn't overwhelm the room. Black Magic would work beautifully on kitchen cabinets or a living room accent wall as it is crisp and deeply pigmented.
2. Farrow & Ball Off-Black No. 57
We love Farrow & Ball's Off-Black for a softer, warmer hue. This is more of a deep slate shade that does well with toasty, rich colors thanks to its mild tone and warmer undertones when compared to more true black paints. As seen in this photo, it works gorgeously on an eclectic gallery wall but would also be a great paint to give a brick fireplace a modern update.
3. Benjamin Moore Kitty Gray 1589
If you are looking for more of an organic, soothing shade of black, you can't go wrong with Benjamin Moore's Kitty Gray. This dark gray paint has pronounced undertones of green, which helps dusty pinks and blues to really stand out. This is a great choice for a bedroom or living room and can be used wall-to-wall thanks to its grassy undertones.
4. Behr Limousine Leather MQ5-05
Behr's Limousine Leather is a fantastic option if you're looking for the truest of blacks. It has no blue or brown undertones and has an incredible effect of seeming almost void-like. Use it to create graphic wall art on doorways or bar areas for a suave and sexy look. If you're bold, take this shade into the bedroom for a stunning, moody boudoir.
5. Behr Broadway PPU18-20
This green-hued shade by Behr is a gorgeous wall color in a matte black finish. Broadway has slight green undertones, making it a bit soft. That makes it a perfect shade for bedroom walls and helps leafy plants to really stand out. If you're looking for a great trim or accent color to pair with it, try Behr's Black Bamboo, a muted foresty green.
6. Benjamin Moore Black Beauty 2128-10
Black can sometimes be the warmest color, like in Benjamin Moore's Black Beauty. This rich shade is totally sumptuous and cozy — pair it with warm wood tones, rich oranges, and toasty yellows for maximum impact. Likewise, Benjamin Moore's White Dove and Desert Twilight are excellent accent tones. This black shade is timeless and adds depth to a room without making it feel claustrophobic.
7. Sherwin-Williams Black Fox SW 7020
If you're looking for an earthy shade of black, Sherwin-Williams Black Fox is a fantastic pick. This deep gray has rich chocolatey undertones that allow it to match with black and natural wood furniture. More natural light will make it appear lighter and lean into its brown tones, while in lowlight rooms, the paint will seem closer to a true black. Pale greens and beiges also pair beautifully with this unique shade.
8. Behr Beluga 770F-7
Technically a super saturated member of the gray family, Beluga still reads as gorgeous charcoal in most interiors. However, because it is such a rich shade of gray, be sure to have plenty of contrast up against it, like white marble countertops, porcelain sinks, and bright art, or else it can feel suffocating. Still, if you want a moody interior, Beluga is a fantastic option.
9. Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258
This neutral shade of black by Sherwin-Williams wraps you up like a warm hug. It's a sleek, true black with no significant warm or cool undertones. That allows it to pair beautifully with pale natural wood tones, as well as rich cognac leather and crimson fabric. It's an ideal background for bedrooms, gallery walls, offices, and living rooms and will help furniture and art pieces to really pop.
10. Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart 1617
Cheating Heart is a beloved shade of black from Benjamin Moore. It's a deep charcoal with some light blue undertones, making it a versatile hue that can be perfectly preppy or dearly dramatic. Use this color on cabinets, bookshelves, and other furniture for a gorgeous, sophisticated finish. Dusty pinks and beige neutrals will stand out on this deep gray. It pairs well with Benjamin Moore's Gray Husky and Baby's Breath.
11. Sherwin-Williams Caviar SW 6990
Caviar by Sherwin-Williams is a great choice if you're looking for a warm black with red or purple undertones. It's just moody enough to give a room some mysterious edge but also reads like a cozy neutral. This would work well in a kitchen, guest bath, or a mantel. Then, accentuate it with Sherwin-Williams' Oh Pistachio SW 9033 and Taupe Tone SW 7633 for a room that's prettier than a picture.
12. Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron 2124-10
Looking for the dramatic edge of black paint, but a little wary of moody becoming depressing? Benjamin Moore's Wrought Iron is a great choice for you. This soft shade of dark charcoal is comforting and easy to style. White Cloud 2159-70 and Jack O' Lantern 2156-30 by Benjamin Moore are gorgeous pairings and a way to give your home a classy nod to Halloween all year round.
13. Farrow & Ball Pitch Black No. 256
For one of the blackest of blacks, get Farrow & Ball's Pitch Black. While a lot of non-saturated true blacks can come off a little cheesy or claustrophobic, this rich shade is surprisingly soft and malleable. It looks great with other hues and finishes of black against it as it could easily fit in an art gallery display. Use this shade in kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, and, well, just about anywhere.
14. Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore SW 7069
This delicious shade from Sherwin-Williams is wonderfully inky but can also come across as soft charcoal, depending on the lighting in the room. Iron Ore is a great choice if you want a softer appearance during the day with natural light and a moodier, snug vibe in the evening. Brilliant color for bedrooms and sitting rooms, no matter their size, we especially love it for Victorian-Gothic styling.
15. Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn SW 7674
If you can't help but be drawn to the powerful drama of black interiors but aren't ready to commit to a true black paint, try out Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn. This deep raincloud gray bounces light a bit more than darker shades and looks great against white and green shades. This is a great color for small spaces like powder rooms and pantries and makes functional rooms feel more styled and less practical.