These are the best black paint colors for interiors & exteriors. Whether you’re looking for a black paint with brown undertones or trying to decide between Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black and Benjamin Moore Onyx – this black paint guide has all the best colors!
Choosing a black paint for your walls can be tough! In the world of interior design, black is a bold color choice that commands attention.
Black paint can look amazing! But in the wrong circumstances it doesn’t always look good… so you want to be sure to pick the right color.
Top Black Paint Colors For Interiors & Exteriors
OK, let’s break it down and discuss what makes each shade of black paint unique. Here is my list of top recommendations for black paint colors.
Let’s dive in!
1. Noir (4009-2) by Valspar
Noir – LRV: 2.767 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Valspar is an excellent brand of paint, but they get a little less notoriety than some of the more popular brands. However, Noir by Valspar has absolutely earned the top spot on this black paint color guide.
The color is simply stunning! Noir is dark and captivating with a LRV of only 2.767. I love how the color steals the show, without being overly flashy.
Noir has some charcoal gray undertones which make it somewhat unique compared to other true jet black colors.
Check out the beautiful black fireplace in the image below (painted with Noir by Valspar).
This moody bedroom has Noir by Valspar on the walls and looks so dreamy.
2. Tricorn Black (SW 6258) by Sherwin-Williams
Tricorn Black – LRV: 3 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Tricorn Black is one of the most popular Sherwin Williams black paint colors. In fact it’s one of the most popular colors by any brand.
This is a go-to black paint color for many designers because it looks wonderful almost anywhere.
The color is also a Top-50 color for Sherwin-Williams (there are only 3 black paint colors in the list – the other two are included later in this list: Iron Ore, and Peppercorn).
In the image below, the Tricorn Black feature wall contrasts against the other white design elements in the room – I love the look!
Wondering what is a good exterior black paint? Tricorn Black makes a great black paint color for front doors. The image below of a front porch all dressed up for fall makes it clear that Tricorn Black can be included as one of the best black exterior paint colors.
Pssstttt…a better way to test paint colors on your walls 👇🏻
Before we get too much further into my list of best black paint colors, I need to fill you in on a little known painting hack.
The hack? Peel and stick paint samples.
Black is one of those colors that doesn’t always appear accurately on digital screens, so it’s extra important to test out paint samples in your home.
For the easiest, no mess way to test out paint colors, check out these Peel-and-Stick Paint Samples from Samplize. Gone are the days of purchasing all of those small paint samples and painting big squares of different colors on your walls!
Sale alert! Right now you can get 2 samples for FREE, when you purchase 8 or more samples.
Plus, if this is your first time ordering from them, use can my code: JOYFULLY5OFF to get an additional $5 off your first order. And yes, you can stack this with the bundle deal going on! #booyah
Samplize is a game changer – they make the process so easy! Their large 9″ x 14.75″ vinyl peel-and-stick samples use real paint, and make it so convenient to see how a color will look in your home (without the mess).
Ok, back to the list of popular black paint colors…
3. Onyx (2133-10) by Benjamin Moore
Onyx – LRV: 4.99 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Onyx is one of the best warm black paint colors from Benjamin Moore. If you’re looking for a true inky black, this should be a top contender.
It’s one of the truest, and darkest black paint colors you’ll find anywhere. Even though it’s quite dark, it’s still interesting with a depth of complexity and nuance to the color.
“Like its namesake, this deep black is both luxurious and grounded.”
Benjamin Moore
It’s no surprise this is one of the most popular Benjamin Moore black paint colors. Check out Benjamin Moore’s Onyx featured in the bold black wall below:
Another look at this warm black paint color used to make a home office space stand apart. I love the vertical shiplap detail they added behind the floating desktop.
4. Wrought Iron (2124-10) by Benjamin Moore
Wrought Iron – LRV: 8.17 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore is inspired by classic wrought iron that you might see on a fence or a fancy stair railing. The color is a perfect match for this imagery and definitely deserves a spot on this list of best black paint colors.
With a LRV of 8.17 this is one of the lighter black paint colors on this list and could be considered an almost black paint color (very dark gray). I love how this color is slightly lighter and has a hint of rich charcoal gray in the mixture of colors.
“A shade of black beloved for its relatively soft, malleable character.”
Benjamin Moore
In the dining room pictured below, the black Wrought Iron wall looks amazing above a white shiplap wainscoting.
Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron is also a very popular black paint color for kitchen cabinets. Look how stunning the kitchen below looks with the black kitchen cabinets paired with brass hardware.
5. Iron Ore (SW 7069) by Sherwin-Williams
Iron Ore – LRV: 6 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Iron Ore is a Top-50 color for Sherwin-Williams, which is no small feat! Like many black paint colors, Iron Ore can take on a slightly different appearance, depending on the natural light in a room.
In a darker room with limited natural light, many dark gray and black paint colors will tend to look like a dark inky black.
However, in a bright room with lots of natural light, certain black paint colors, like Iron Ore, can end up looking a little more gray. You can see this playing out in the two images below.
“This cool, deep and mysterious charcoal can lend an air of sophistication when used sparingly in well-lit spaces – or on exteriors.”
Sherwin-Williams
The bedroom below features a black wall painted with Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams.
In the next image, an accent wall is painted with the same Iron Ore paint color by Sherwin-Williams. With tons of natural light in this room, the color takes on more of a navy blue, almost dark gray appearance.
The lighting conditions in every room are a little bit different, which is why it’s so important to test out paint colors in your home. I recommend using Peel-and-Stick Paint samples from Samplize to simplify the process.
6. Soot (2129-20) by Benjamin Moore
Soot – LRV: 6.19 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Number six on the list is another one of my favorite Benjamin Moore black paint colors. Soot by Benjamin More brings about warm imagery of soot from an old brick fireplace on a cold winter day.
This is a beautiful black paint paint color – it’s a dark and inky but it has a cool hint of blue undertones (especially in Northern light).
“A clean, straightforward shade of black with endless uses.”
Benjamin Moore
Trying to decide between black paint colors for kitchen cabinets? The photo below just might convince you that Soot by Benjamin Moore is a perfect choice. For more paint colors that are perfect on cabinetry, check out my article Best Kitchen Cabinet Colors.
Soot by Benjamin Moore looks beautiful on the cabinets in the office space below!
7. Black Jack (2133-20) by Benjamin Moore
Black Jack – LRV: 6.04 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Black Jack by Benjamin Moore is another bold black paint color with a subtle hit of blue. It’s really similar to the previous color (Soot by Benjamin Moore). Not only do they have nearly identical LRVs, but they both have blue under tones.
These two paint colors are so similar, that it may be difficult to spot differences on a screen (this is where Samplize Peel-and-Stick Samples come in clutch).
Black Jack has blue undertones that lean slightly toward purple, while Soot has blue undertones that lean in the direction of aqua (but this doesn’t mean that the the colors will look purple, or aqua at all).
Black Jack vs Soot
“A straightforward black that can deliver a graphic punch to any space.”
Benjamin Moore
Studio McGee made a big statement using Benjamin Moore’s Black Jack on the shiplap walls in the bathroom below. Seriously stunning!
Here’s another look at Black Jack used as an accent wall color in a nursery. This is an excellent gender neutral design choice for a nursery that could be reused multiple times over the years.
8. Black Fox (SW 7020) by Sherwin-Williams
Black Fox – LRV: 7 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Black Fox by Sherwin-Williams is one of the lightest paint colors on this list, and it also has the strongest brown & tan undertones. It’s a truly stunning soft black paint color.
Creating a cohesive design in your home is probably the #1 most important factor that can make a color scheme feel really polished and professional.
“This beguiling black neutral lends a nuance of sophistication with its warm greige undertone. Make a statement with an accent wall or a well-lit office.”
Sherwin-Williams
This color is natural and earthy, making it a popular warm black paint color. Depending on your design style, this could be a great choice.
Curious about your design style? Take my Design Style Quiz!
In the bedroom below, Black Fox by Sherwin-Williams feels right at home with the warm natural wood and vintage artwork in the room.
Black Fox makes for a great moody black paint color for cabinets as well. The image below not only features Black Fox on the bathroom cabinets, but it’s also used as the wall color.
9. Limousine Leather (MQ5-5) by Behr
Limousine Leather – LRV: 4 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Limousine Leather by Behr is a top-notch black paint color. As the name suggests, it looks like the shade of black you might see on a fancy black leather seat in a limousine.
It’s one of the top warm black paint colors by Behr and with a LRV of 4, it’s one of the darkest black paint colors in this article. However despite the dark rich color, Limousine Leather is a really such a pretty soft black paint color as well.
In the image below, Caitlin Marie goes through a budget friendly entryway refresh where she paints her front door black with Limousine Leather, and adds a new rug as well as some greenery.
Using black paint colors for the front door is becoming increasingly popular!
You can check out the before & after photos of this space over on her blog post titled: Black Front Door & Sukhi Woolen Rug.
Here’s another look at this bold black paint color by Behr in a dining room setting (below). You can really see just how Limousine Leather is one of the closest colors to a true black, especially up against the Polar Bear White doors & trim.
10. Peppercorn (SW 7674) by Sherwin-Williams
Peppercorn – LRV: 10 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Peppercorn by Sherwin-Williams is one of those almost black paint colors – technically more of a dark gray than black, but I’ve included it in this black paint color guide anyway. Sometimes when black paint isn’t quite right for a space, something like Peppercorn can work perfectly.
This paint color has a LRV of 10 which makes it a little bit lighter than all the other black paint colors in this article. Peppercorn has grayish blue undertones that place it in the cool neutral category. This would be a perfect black paint color for a home theatre or media room!
Peppercorn is a Top-50 color for Sherwin-Williams, which is kiiiiind of a big deal! Anytime I see that a color has made it into the Top-50 for Sherwin-Williams, I know it’s gotta be a good one.
“This versatile dark gray, evenly balanced between warm and cool, can create a bold focal point in your home or a rich and timeless exterior.”
Sherwin-Williams
In the image below, the shiplap walls are painted with Peppercorn by Sherwin-Williams.
Here’s another look at this Sherwin-Williams soft black paint color used on some custom built-ins. What a fun way to make this architectural design stand out. Peppercorn would also be a great black paint color for furniture.
11. Black Magic (SW 6991) by Sherwin-Williams
Black Magic – LRV: 3 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Black Magic by Sherwin-Willaims is a deep, dark black with a hint of warmth. It’s perfect for the homeowner, or designer looking for an eloquent dark black paint color.
For those who don’t shy away from bold palettes, this black makes a bewitching statement in any space. It has a slight warmth that feels deliciously enticing.
Sherwin-Williams
In the image below, At Home with the Barkers painted the walls of their bathroom with this bold & brilliant black paint color.
Want to sample them all?
Still can’t decide on a black paint color? Test all the paint colors from this article in your home by grabbing my custom Sample Bundle from Samplize. It has all of my favorite black paint colors!
Peel-and-stick paint samples are the easiest, no mess way to test this color in your home. All you need to do is peel and stick. So convenient!
👉🏻 Use my discount code: JOYFULLY5OFF for $5 off your first order.
Tip: Don’t forget to see how the paint colors look with the lights on (and off!) in the room you’ll be painting.
I hope you found this list of Best Moody Black Paint Colors helpful!
If you’re reading this, you’re probably planning a painting project soon. So we’ve listed our favorite painting tools & resources that we love below, including how to get paint on a budget and our favorite hack for painting ceilings!
Our Top Painting Tips & Resources:
How To Get A Great Deal On Paint
Did you know that you can use budget friendly paint, and have it color matched to premium Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams paint colors? At Joyfully Growing Blog, we always use Glidden Premium paint from The Home Depot.
Glidden Premium rivals the quality of the top paint lines from Behr, Sherwin Williams, and Benjamin Moore.
Any paint store, or home improvement store with a paint section will be able to match colors from most major brands. This means that you can select one brand of paint, but get it mixed in any color you want!
In many cases, affordable paint like Glidden Premium can be up to 50% cheaper than the ‘big name brand’ competition. This can save you a ton of money!
Our Go-To Painting Supplies
- Paint brushes – I recommend ‘Pro Grade’ paint brushes, they’re the perfect budget friendly option. This set comes with both flat and angled brushes to get every nook and cranny. I LOVE the quality and, in my experience, they’re much more affordable from Amazon compared to in-store prices. You might be surprised how cheap this professional quality 5 Brush Set is on Amazon (it’s less than $10!).
- Paint rollers – Cover more surface area with a handy roller.
Tip: I love this one for tall walls or ceilings, it has an extendable handle.
- Paint sprayer – Paint brushes and paint rollers will get the job done, but for serious efficiency and productivity, you cannot beat this Graco Magnum Project Plus airless paint sprayer (Amazon). I personally own this paint sprayer, and have used it on tons of painting projects.
It’s an excellent quality sprayer, and powers through any painting projects in a hurry. Painting with an airless sprayer makes it easy to complete projects in much less time.
- Drop cloth – Skip the mess and grab a reusable drop cloth instead. This will come in handy for future projects. Just pop it in the washing machine after you’re done painting and it will be ready to go for the next project.
- Multi-surface painter’s tape – I always use this brand of painter’s tape, it’s great for smooth or lightly textured walls, trim, baseboards, tile, or even glass. It sticks quick and is easy to remove.
- Sanding sponges – For smoothing and prepping surfaces, you’ll need a couple of sanding sponges in different grits.
Want my A-to-Z blueprint on how to design a room that’s beautiful and stylish?
Final Thoughts on the Best Black Paint Colors
Black paint is becoming increasingly popular it’s no wonder, there are some seriously gorgeous black paint colors out there!
There you have it – everything you need to know about the best black paint colors from Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore and Behr.
Whether you’re looking for a warm black paint color, or a pretty matte black paint color for walls (or furniture!), I hope this helped you find a popular black paint color to try in your home.
Resources For Choosing Paint Colors
If you enjoyed this post, I’ve written several other paint color guides to help you pick the perfect colors for your home, as well as a few articles that’ll help you during the decision making process.
Check all of them out here:
- Best Gray Paint Colors | The Ultimate Guide
- Best White Paint Colors | Ultimate Guide
- White Dove Paint Color Review | After Painting My Whole House!
- Paint Color Trends 2021 | Trending Colors From Top Brands
- Best Paint Colors For North Facing Rooms
- Top Paint Colors For South Facing Rooms
- How To Choose A Paint Color | Lighting, Undertones, Sheen (and more!)
- Samplize Review | Peel-and-Stick Paint Samples
- Green Paint Color Guide | Most Popular Colors
Thanks for reading along! Pin this Most Popular Black Paint Colors post to refer back to later.
