If you’re a fan of the current black color trend in design but don’t want to go all out with pure black, Sherwin Williams Iron Ore is a great option. I’ve used it time and time again in multiple settings and the results never disappoint! I love this soft black paint color, it’s one of my favorites from Sherwin Williams!
Whether it’s on the exterior of your home, a cabinet color, your interior doors, or an accent color, however trendy black may be right now, you must first determine if this dark paint color is the right choice for your home.
To learn more about this popular paint color for 2025 and to feast your eyes on some inspiration where I’ve used it in my clients’ homes, keep reading!
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It’s a rich, indulgent deep charcoal paint color with gray undertones and a lot of depth. Iron Ore also has very slight blue undertones, which gives it a dramatic look without it looking as harsh as black to the naked eye.
SW Iron Ore paint is a beautiful soft black hue. It’s perfect for a dramatic look in any space, and it’s also a great way to add a touch of sophistication to your home.
It’s neither too cool nor too warm, it’s a soft black with the appearance of dark charcoal or gray.
The LRV of Iron Ore (Light Reflectance Value) is 6 on the LRV scale, which is very low, meaning it absorbs light rather than reflecting it making it deep and rich!
When viewed in brighter, more direct light, Iron Ore SW 7069 will appear to be a delicate shade of dark gray or even a touch of blue. It may lean nearly black in low-light settings with artificial light or north-facing rooms, but it will never truly become black since it maintains its gray character in different lighting situations
I’ve gathered examples of these scenarios throughout this post, so you’ll get a better sense of what this means.
On cabinets, the paint’s glossier sheen in Iron Ore causes it to appear somewhat bluer. Design by Carla Bast
One of the great things about Iron Ore is that it is so versatile! Kitchens, fireplaces, accent walls, and custom shelves are just a few ways I’ve used this fabulous color on in interior spaces. .
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If you want to add a touch of drama to your kitchen, then consider painting your center island in Sherwin Williams Iron Ore to contrast with white or stained cabinetry.
Talk about drama! The rich color of Iron Ore on these wine cellar walls, and wet bar cabinetry creates a cohesive look. Brick accents and quartz waterfall bar balance out the dark tones in Iron Ore.
Iron Ore lower cabinets in this wet bar pairs beautifully with gold hardware and contrasting white quartz countertops. Design by Carla Bast
Bathroom vanity in Iron Ore with a mix of metal finishes in the hardware and fixtures. Design by Carla Bast
My personal favorite metal finish for cabinet hardware for Iron Ore cabinetry is the warmth of “champagne bronze” or “polished nickel.” Satin or brushed brass or polished brass would have the same warm gold tone to contrast with the deep color of Iron Ore.
A perfect mix of warm textures with the rustic wood beams and fireplace stone balance this basement family room beautifully with Iron Ore paint in the TV niche accent wall color. It’s a great choice for TV walls, as it won’t reflect the light from the screen and will help create a more immersive viewing experience. When the TV is off, it blends in and becomes part of the room’s color palette.
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We painted the existing paneling in Sherwin Williams Iron Ore to create a dramatic feature wall in this living room. Carrara marble mosaic tile surrounding the fireplace provides a beautiful contrast. Design by Carla Bast
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Sherwin Williams Iron Ore built-in shelves and a lot of natural light. Design by Carla Bast
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Low levels of lighting keep this basement family room with Iron Ore accent walls and shiplap in warm tones, ultra-cozy! Design by Carla Bast
Design by Carla Bast
Home This home theater snack bar in Sherwin Williams Iron Ore SW 7069 doesn’t get much light, this results in bold statement! Design by Carla Bast
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Looking for a slightly less intense dark gray color but aren’t sure if you can commit to something like Iron Ore? Try SW’s Peppercorn.
SW’s Peppercorn, SW 7674 has an LRV of 10, which is slightly lighter than Iron Ore. With grey undertones, this hue may be a suitable alternative if Iron Ore is a tad too dark for you. Peppercorn is more like a dark gray paint color that barely appears black, unlike the Iron Ore that frequently looks Black!
Iron Ore is one shade lighter than SW’s Tricorn Black. Tricorn black, SW 6258 has an LRV (light reflective value) of 3. It is one of the safest choices you can make when painting with black colors. Because it has no obvious undertones, it is a genuine black and a neutral paint color.
It’s easy to go overboard with a stark, true black for your home’s outside. For home exteriors, slightly milder (but still wonderfully dark) hues like SW’s Iron Ore are quite popular. Their intensity is softened by lighter tints that lend a more natural appearance, which is preferable for house exteriors.
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing an exterior paint from the black color family. In addition to the overall aesthetic, you’re going for, you also need to take your home’s surroundings into account. For example, if your home is located in a green area with lots of trees and foliage, then you may find that the popular Iron Ore color from Sherwin Williams has a very slight green undertone when used for an exterior paint color. On the other hand, If your yard has little green foliage, and is surrounded by neutral colors, then most likely those subtle green undertones will not appear.
Ultimately, what works best for your exterior depends on a number of different factors, so it’s always best to test out potential colors before making a final decision.
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When it comes to perfect paint colors in the paint world, Sherwin Williams Iron Ore is truly in a league of its own. This rich, dark hue is perfect for adding an element of sophistication and elegance to any room.
This rich and sumptuous hue is sure to win you over with its perfect blend of elegance and drama. From vintage designs to modern masterpieces, this versatile paint shade stands out no matter what style you’re going for. If you want to create truly eye-catching spaces with bold color, Sherwin Williams Iron Ore may be your perfect color.
So, what are your thoughts on Iron Ore? Have you used it in your home? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. And be sure to check out our other paint color reviews for more inspiration.
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