Top 12 Black Paint Colors for Interiors and Exteriors

Ready to go bold? Check out my top picks for the best black paint colors that add drama and elegance to any space.

When I grew up, black-painted walls were reserved for nightclubs, edgy bars, or coffee shops with black-and-white photos of Paris and obscure beverages.

Although still not the most popular color for home interiors, black is on trend, and more of us are embracing its dark, moody character. What are the best black paint colors?

The best black paint colors by Behr are Cracked Pepper, Limousine Leather, Beluga, and Broadway. Benjamin Moore’s best blacks are Deep Caviar, Black Beauty, Cheating Heart, and Midsummer Night, while Sherwin-Williams fan favorites are Tricorn Black, Iron Ore, Greenblack, and Black Fox.

Choosing the Best Black Paint Colors for Your Home

With trends moving away from gray and white to more earthy and intense colors, black has appeared on my cravings list. Black’s reputation as a gloomy, soul-sucking color is long gone.

This bold neutral doesn’t behave as you’d imagine. Instead of making small rooms seem cave-like and dreary, black envelops a limited space, blurring the corners, receding into the background, and making the space seem larger.

Black works well as an accent shade in a brighter palette, is a stalwart of historic interiors, and gives woodwork and cabinetry a traditional touch.

This paint color has become popular for uber-contemporary and minimalist bathrooms, kitchens, and even dramatic bedrooms. Let’s look at the best choices for black paint colors for your home.

Best Behr Black Paints

Although using black paint in your home can be daunting, Behr has a selection of colors that will definitely appeal.

One of the secrets to black paint is that most are not pure black: they have an undertone that softens the finish and adds layers of character. Of course, there are true black paints as well, if you want that inky void.

#1. Cracked Pepper PPU18-1

Behr’s Color of the Year for 2024 and already one of their most popular paint colors, Cracked Pepper is a soft, versatile shade of black.

With a charcoal base, Cracked Pepper is warm and cozy rather than gothic, suited to a man cave rather than a vampire’s lair.

#2. Limousine Leather MQ5-5

Limousine Leather is another intense black paint color, with no undertones. This is the darkest and most luxurious of colors, so consider your finish carefully: matt finishes soak up light, best for intimate bedroom spaces, while helping to disguise wall scuffs.

Go for gloss for ultimate glamor and shine, or a satin finish for elegant sophistication in a home bar or dining room with gold accents.

#3. Beluga 770F-7

A deep charcoal rather than black, Beluga is a soothing option for your interiors. This soft gray works well as a backdrop to lighter colors, with gray wood tones, marble countertops, and white furniture.

I love Beluga in a home office, where it creates a peaceful vibe to help you focus.

#4. Broadway PPU18-20

Broadway’s velvetiness comes from its deep green undertone, making this the ideal black paint color for organic modern and biophilic interiors.

Pair this soft gray-black with green accents, leafy greenery, and this season’s muted, earthy olives. Its tranquil feel is perfect for bedrooms.

Best Benjamin Moore Black Paints

With their vast range of over 3500 colors, Benjamin Moore has several gorgeous black paints on my favorites list. If you’re looking for brave, bold, and sophisticated colors, I have some great recommendations.

#5. Deep Caviar 2130-20

This dark and sumptuous shade has a gorgeous brown undertone, showing hints of red under brighter light. As the name suggests, the paint color is almost edible, with the deep color tones of a glass of fine wine.

Deep Caviar works well when paired with neutrals, especially lighter floors, and upholstery in rich cream, ivory, and tan.

#6. Black Beauty 2128-10

Like the beautiful horse from the old-fashioned children’s book, Black Beauty is magnificent and memorable. This paint color is a warm black shade, perfect for a cozy bedroom or any space where you want to add depth and interest.

If you’re nervous about a black room being claustrophobic, keep the ceiling, drapes, and furnishings bright white.

#7. Cheating Heart 1617

This Benjamin Moore fan favorite is another example of black paint that isn’t actually black — hence the cheating. Instead, Cheating Heart is charcoal with a gorgeous blue undertone.

This cool-toned shade is popular for kitchen cabinets, especially in a dramatic kitchen paired with richly veined gray marble or durable quartz countertops.

#8. Midsummer Night 2134-20

You’d imagine this would be a deep blue color, but Midsummer Night is black mahogany. Natural light brings out the deep reddish-brown undertone, making for a softer, layered impression.

I’d recommend this color for a den or library, especially if you’re going for an English country house study look with plenty of leather armchairs, bookshelves, and reading lamps.

Best Sherwin-Williams Black Paints

Black paint can add a sleek, contemporary look to your home, and Sherwin-Williams has several top-quality options. Consider a pure black for instant sophistication or a black with an undertone for a more subtle effect.

#9. Tricorn Black SW 6258

Tricorn Black, named after the triangular hats popular in the eighteenth century, is a true black, meaning it has no discernable undertone of another color. This intense and inky paint color is perfect for updating your interior from dated to dynamic and from dreary to dramatic.

You won’t be alone if you choose this sophisticated shade for an Art Deco black-and-white bathroom with gold fixtures or an organic modern kitchen with plenty of greenery for contrast — this is one of Sherwin-Williams’ best-sellers.

#10. Iron Ore SW 7069

Charcoal is one of my favorite neutrals. It has the gentleness of gray but a saturated look of black, and it works with most other colors. Iron Ore has an added brown undertone that makes it warmer than most other black paints.

This shade is ideal for well-lit spaces and exteriors, including trim and front doors, especially when paired with white, off-white, and cream.

#11. Greenblack SW 6994

This color’s name is highly descriptive: Greenblack is a chameleon shade of black with deep green undertones that show up under sunlight. In a dimly lit room, Greenblack will read as black.

Use this paint color for traditional kitchen cabinets or for a cozy, eclectic living room filled with velvet sofas and colorful paintings.

#12. Black Fox SW 7020

Black Fox conjures up images of the softest, fluffiest animal with a gorgeous bushy tail. While I know real-life foxes don’t make the most charming pets, I could do with a room painted in this beguiling deep brown.

Black Fox works well with earthy colors and wood tones, most appropriate for a forest creature. Create a fairy tale bedroom with these warm colors — perhaps you’ll see Little Red Riding Hood.

Final Thoughts

Using black paint in your interiors can add a touch of sophistication and elegance, whether you are painting your trim in a high-gloss finish or drenching a room in a velvety, sumptuous shade. Surprisingly, black paint comes in a range of subtle shades, from deep ink to gray, brown, and even reddish undertones. Experiment with black paint this season for an interesting and unusual update.

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