Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black: Undertones, LRV & Real Home Examples
Last updated on March 10th, 2026 at 01:57 pm
Looking for the perfect black paint color for your home? Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black is a classic for a reason. Here’s a full review of the paint color, including tips on where to use it and what to pair it with.
Sherwin Williams’ Tricorn Black is one of the most popular black paint colors. But, like any paint color, it can look dramatically different depending on what colors you pair it with, your lighting conditions, and more. If you’re considering using it in your home, this guide will break down its undertones, LRV, the best colors to pair it with, and the best places to use it.
Is Tricorn Black Right For You?
Before we dig into the details, let me give you a quick overview. Tricorn black is right for you if:
- You want a true black with almost no undertones.
- You’re looking for maximum contrast with bright whites.
- You need a bold color for doors, cabinets, trim, or accent walls.
- You aren’t afraid of a deep, moody space.
You should go with a different black if:
- Your room has very little natural light and you want it to feel bright.
- You’re looking for a softer charcoal rather than true black.
- You prefer a warmer black tone.
Sherwin William Tricorn Black: Quick Facts
- SW 6258 (AKA: Tricorn Black)
- LRV: 3
- RGB Values: 47 / 47 / 48
- Hex Value: #2F2F30
- Available in both interior and exterior
What is LRV?
LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, measures the amount of light that a certain color reflects. LRV numbers range from 0-100, with 0 being an absolute black that reflects no light, and 100 being a pure white that bounces all the light. Tricorn Black has an LRV of 3, meaning it’s very close to a perfectly pure black! Click here to learn more about LRV!
Why is SW Tricorn Black So Popular?
I think the reason this is one of the most popular shades of black (and has been for a while) is that it’s such a great neutral black that works in any space! It’s the perfect color to reach for when you want a color that isn’t going to lean anywhere other than black, and it’s such a great classic option.
Tricorn Black is very neutral, and won’t lean into any shades other than black in your home, so you can be confident that the color you see is the color you get. A lot of other black paints can lean blue, green, or even purple, so the neutral undertones set Tricorn Black apart!
Real-Life Examples of Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black in Homes
Here are a few examples from some bloggers I love that show this gorgeous color being used in a variety of ways. Hopefully, this gives you an idea of how it might look in different applications!
Ashley’s gorgeous bedroom is painted entirely in Tricorn Black and has been one of my favorites for a long time. I love the cozy feel, the mid-century vibe, and how the black really grounds the space. Click here for more details on this stunning space.
Image via Bigger Than the Three of Us
Here’s a great example of how Tricorn Black can be used as an accent color in a space. Here, these barn doors leading to the laundry room have been painted black, and it’s a great choice that brings the whole space together. Click here for more details on this beautiful space!
Image via Designing Vibes
Tricorn Black is a great choice for cabinets in the bathroom or kitchen – here’s a great example of that! I love how this painted vanity turned out, and how nicely it pairs with the wall mural. Click here for more details on this project.
Image via The DIY Nuts
Here’s a gorgeous use of the color on some living room built-ins! If you click through to the full post, you’ll see she also used it on her kitchen island. It works so beautifully together and I love how it pairs with all of the other choices in this space.
Image via This Is Our Bliss
Tricorn Black vs. Other Popular Paint Colors
Looking for an equivalent to SW Tricorn Black in other paint lines, or another Sherwin Williams black? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Below, you’ll find Tricorn Black paired up with a few of the other best black paint colors. You can compare and see which one works best for you!
| Paint Color | Undertone | LRV |
| Tricorn Black | Neutral | 3 |
| Black Magic | Slight warm red | 3 |
| Iron Ore | Cool green-gray | 6 |
| Wrought Iron | Cool blue-gray | 8.17 |
| Limousine Leather | Neutral | 4 |
Sherwin Williams Black Magic
- LRV of 3
- Probably the closest SW color to Tricorn Black!
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore
- LRV of 6
- Also a neutral color, with no real undertones
Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron
- LRV of 8.17
- Is also a pretty neutral color, and will read true black in most settings!
Behr Limousine Leather
As a Behr loyalist, this is my go-to black paint color. It’s SUPER closer to Tricorn Black, and when I don’t feel like tracking down Sherwin Williams paint, this is a fantastic option.
- LRV: 4
- Slightly lighter and more charcoal leaning, but very close to Tricorn Black!
Best Colors to Pair with Tricorn Black
The beauty of a true neutral black paint like Tricorn Black is that it can be paired with anything. There isn’t a hue around that wouldn’t look great with it – just one of the reasons I love to reach for it when I need a good black paint!
When you’re looking for a great bright white trim to pair with Tricorn Black paint, a super popular choice is Sherwin Williams Extra White. That’s the trim color throughout our entire home and it’s a really classic, neutral white that goes with anything.
FAQs About Tricorn Black
What Undertones does Tricorn Black Have?
Tricorn Black is considered a neutral black, meaning it doesn’t have any notable undertones. That means it works great in just about any space, and can be paired with a ton of different colors without leaning too purple or green or any other color!
Is It a Warm or Cool Color?
Again – Tricorn Black is considered a neutral, so it doesn’t really lean one way or the other. However, it’s all relative! If you pair Tricorn Black next to a warmer black, it’s going to lean more cool. Same if you paired paired it with a really cool color – it will feel warmer.
This color is really right in the middle of the road when it comes to undertones and warmth, so that makes it incredibly versatile!
Can it Be Considered a “True Black”?
YES! Tricorn Black is a very very neutral color with no undertones – that means it’s about as close to a true black as you can get. In fact, Sherwin Williams’ Director of Color Marketing, Jackie Jordan, has referred to it as “definitely our blackest black, a really rich, deep perfect black.”
I mean, doesn’t get any more clear than that!
The boys’ first playhouse at this house had trim + a roof that was painted Tricorn Black!
What Trim Color Goes Well With Tricorn Black?
I love a pure white (like SW Extra White) paired with this dark, rich color!
How Does Lighting Affect the Paint Color?
All paint colors will look different in different lighting – even a neutral like Tricorn Black.
- In rooms with lots of natural light, Tricorn Black will appear crisp, graphic, and like a true black.
- In warm evening or artificial lighting it might appear slightly more charcoal.
- In low-light rooms, Tricorn Black will appear very moody and deep.
Mistakes to Avoid When Using Black Paint
Nervous about using black paint in your home? Here are a few common mistakes you might come up against:
- Using it in a dark room: If you don’t want your room to feel dark and moody, don’t apply black paint in a room with little natural light!
- Choosing a high sheen: Dark paint colors can highlight imperfections on the wall. Stick with a lower sheen to hide imperfections and add a rich texture.
- Pairing with the wrong white trim: If you want the paint color to maintain a neutral feel, stick with a trim color that doesn’t have a super warm or cool undertone!
- Skipping sampling: You should always sample your paint color before painting your room! It doesn’t take long, and it helps ensure you love the color before you spend a ton of time and money painting everything.
Where to Use Tricorn Black?
Obviously, you can use the perfect black paint color just about anywhere. But, here are a few ideas of really popular uses for Tricorn Black:
- Exterior accents (shutters, front doors, trim, garage doors, etc)
- For the entire exterior of a home
- As an accent wall
- On kitchen cabinets (or any cabinetry)
- Interior doors
- Brick fireplaces
- Ceilings (because WHY NOT?)
Of course, it also makes a great wall color for bedrooms, bathrooms, the living room, and more! I recommend using black paint on rooms that have a ton of natural light, as it’ll help it not feel too cavelike. But, we all know I adore a dark and moody room.
The Bottom Line:
Tricorn Black is one of the most popular black paint colors around for a reason. It’s one of the darkest blacks available, it’s also one of the truest blacks around, and it’s a gorgeous color that works in any space.
If you’re looking for the perfect black paint color for your home’s exteriors or interiors, you really can’t go wrong here.