Sherwin Williams Greenblack - Is It Really Green?

Black paint colors are having a moment and one of the more interesting shades of black is a delicious cross between green and black called - wait for it - Greenblack.

Sherwin Williams Greenblack may not win the clever paint name award but when it comes to infusing a deep and moody room ambience, it's tough to beat.

If you're leaning toward a black accent wall, but not sure which black to land on, let me walk you through the pros and cons of SW Greenblack to see if it's the right choice for your home.

In This Post:

What Color Is Sherwin Williams Greenblack?

Is it green? Or is it black?

Sherwin Williams describes Greenblack color as "black with a tinge of green undertone" which will instantly have a deep foresty vibe to your space. Greenblack is a classic neutral and that soothing green tinge lifts it from being full-on black.

As with all black paint colors, SW 6994 Greenblack is happiest as an accent wall or as a cabinet color that makes your metal decor or natural wood elements stand out. But that doesn't mean SW Greenblack can never be used on all four walls, and I've got some great photo examples that show you how to make it work.

If black paint color feels too risky, but you still love the idea of bringing more drama to your room, take a look at these gorgeous green accent wall ideas.

Is Greenblack warm or cool?

Despite the warm green undertone, Greenblack SW is overall a cool black neutral.

SW Greenblack LRV

If you've read my other black paint reviews, you may recall that LRV means Light Reflectance Value, and it's helpful to be aware of it. A paint's LRV is measured on a scale of 0-100 and tells us how much light the color absorbs or reflects.

Greenblack Sherwin Williams has an LRV of 4 which is just a hair away from being Sherwin Williams's darkest black (that honor goes to SW Tricorn Black with an LRV of 3). With a shade this dark you really don't have to worry too much about how light might reflect against it, but in a room with a great deal of natural light, that hint of green undertone might show.

Outside, house siding painted with SW Greenblack (or any dark, deep color) will absorb heat from the sun and feel warmer to the touch than a light neutral. Whether that translates into more interior warmth or faster paint fading depends on the climate where you live and is something you should discuss with your painter.

LRV is one reason color can look oh so different on a paint chip in a store than it does after you've painted it on a wall at home. Smart painters know to get a paint sample of Sherwin Williams Greenblack and test it on the wall first before making a decision.

The Best Way To Test Paint Colors On Your Walls

No need to buy paint samples and paint big squares of each color on your walls! Samplize offers peel and stick paint samples from all major paint brands delivered to your door so you can put them up on the wall with no mess.

Greenblack Sherwin Williams vs Other Black Paint Colors

SW Greenblack vs Iron Ore

SW Iron Ore 7069 is a deep charcoal black paint color that has a softer, grayer appearance compared to Greenblack. It has no visible undertones - maybe - but that kinda depends on the opinion of the viewer. Greenblack's undertone is green and there's no trickiness to it. Both colors are a popular choice for accent walls, cabinetry and exterior trim.

SW Greenblack vs Jasper

These two woodsy colors are neck and neck when it comes to dark and dramatic; however, SW Jasper 6216 sits in the green family, while SW Greenblack is a black shade. Jasper is so deep and saturated that it can look black, but Greenblack is way more black with only a touch of green. Use these colors sparingly in small or dark rooms and pair them with lots and lots of light neutrals for balance.

SW Greenblack vs Inkwell

Another shade that gives SW Greenblack a run for its money in the drama department is SW Inkwell 6992, a rich black with cool blue undertones. Like Greenblack, those undertones can show up outside under bright sun or indoors with a lot of natural light. A choice between the two really comes down to whether your whole home color palette is more compatible with the foresty shade of Greenblack or the modern deep blue vibe of Inkwell.

Photo Examples Of SW Greenblack Interior And Exterior

Sherwin Williams Greenblack exterior

SW Greenblack on the exterior can deliver eye catching style and really make your home stand out. The contrast between Greenblack and the other exterior elements including landscaping makes a bold and interesting statement.

Greenblack Sherwin Williams exterior with white trim — Source: Paris Painting

Sherwin Williams Greenblack exterior — Source: Max Sellers Homes

Sherwin Williams Greenblack interior

If you're considering a black accent wall, the fireplace is a popular choice. I love how Greenblack paint provides a contemporary canvas for traditional style furniture and a colonial fireplace in this home from the 1800s. Designed by Caroline from @mythreeweekfix.

Shiplap fireplaces are trendy and Greenblack proves its versatility by fitting right into the mid-century modern appeal of this room by Cori of @sprucedcedar. Note: Pure White SW 7005 on the walls pairs beautifully with Greenblack paint color.

Many people are understandably nervous about using black paint but in the right setting it can look rich and dramatic. Greenblack paint on the shelving builtins in this dark and moody office adds elegant dimension to the various textures and colors of the shelf decor by Morris Lare.

Normally if you go full black on walls and ceiling like this masculine office by Studio McGee, you want to go light on all furnishings. This black leather sofa still works with Greenblack, however, because the expansive window behind it + cozy pillows and blankets keep the room from feeling claustrophobic.

This dark and sophisticated home bar by @costico creates a classic black and white contrast with Sherwin Williams Greenblack cabinets and walls offset by the counter/backsplash, ceiling, and cabinet hardware.

A small bathroom can handle Greenblack color on all the walls because the white porcelain fixtures, ceiling and mirror along with the window bounce plenty of light around the room. Ceiling paint is SW Alabaster.

SW Greenblack bathroom — Source: Sherwin Williams

The same effect is obvious in this dining room by Dear Lillie Studio. How many sources of light (including furnishings) can you find? Let's see: curtains, ceiling, wainscoting, rugs chairs, lampshade, buffet decor, picture, windows and more. White paint is Pure White SW 7005.

Unless you're creating a media room where all black is necessary, the key to making a color like Sherwin Williams Greenblack work in your home is balance. Because black draws a lot of visual attention, you need a strong source of light to keep the black from being overpowering. Look at the size of your room, ceiling height, and windows to determine whether the room is spacious enough and has enough ample lighting to handle SW Greenblack on all four walls.

These two rooms below illustrate how you can achieve a beautifully balanced room with Greenblack paint color as a backdrop. By itself, a dark and moody paint like Sherwin Williams Greenblack can be too intense but when plenty of light neutrals are layered in with natural light sources, the result is perfection.

Greenblack bedroom accent wall — Source: Chris Loves Julia

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