Sherwin Williams Inkwell – Is It Blue Or Black?
If painting walls black feels like a big risk, I get you. Black paint colors are a bold and trendy choice but let's face it: trendy or not, it's still way out of most people's comfort zone.
However, if you've read any of my previous black paint color reviews, you've learned that black is not a simple color. It can be mixed with other colors like green (Sherwin Williams Greenblack) or brown (SW Urbane Bronze) to achieve a variety of fascinating moods in your space.
One of those fascinating paint mixes is moody and dramatic Sherwin Williams Inkwell. Is it blue or is it black? Set down the color strip of that safe beige neutral, grab a beverage, and let's find out together.
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What Color Is Inkwell Sherwin Williams?
Sherwin Williams Inkwell 6992 is a crisp and cool dark neutral perfect for bringing a modern, chic vibe to a room or exterior. Use SW Inkwell anywhere in the house on cabinets, moulding, mantels, black accent walls, even ceilings. It's especially well suited for contemporary, modern, and industrial home decor styles.
Sherwin Williams Inkwell undertones
Opinion is mixed on this one. The official description on the Sherwin Williams website defines the undertone as "a hint of blue". However others categorize SW Inkwell as a blue paint with black undertones.
Is Sherwin Williams Inkwell black or blue?
The answer is it's both. And that's not a bad thing. Whether it's blue or black, light can play an amazing role in how you perceive this color on your walls.
Outdoors under sunlight will definitely bring out Inkwell's blue tones, making it appear more like a midnight blue. Same with interior rooms that get a lot of natural light (In the US, those rooms face south). Avoid using SW Inkwell in rooms with weak natural light or no light at all as it may come off looking lifeless and glum instead of moody and energetic.
What is the LRV of SW Inkwell?
The LRV of Inkwell Sherwin Williams is a low, low 4. (For reference, Sherwin Williams' blackest-black, Tricorn Black, boasts an LRV of 3).
An LRV this low means the color will absorb light rather than reflect it back. Unlike some of the mid-toned colors (those with an LRV between 30-70) which can appear darker or brighter depending on the light, there is no way Inkwell SW will look anything other than dark once it's on your wall.
I do a deeper dive for you into the nitty-gritty of LRV (Light Reflective Value) and explain why it matters in this post.
Lighting and undertones are just two reasons why I strongly recommend you sample Sherwin Williams Inkwell on your walls before committing to a paint decision.
Looking to test paint colors but don't want to paint? 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.
SW Inkwell Vs Other Black Paint Colors
Sherwin-Williams Inkwell vs Iron Ore
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore is a deep charcoal black paint color that has a much softer appearance compared to SW Inkwell. Iron Ore has an LRV of 6 and shifting undertones that people see as mostly green, but sometimes navy, brown or gray. Inkwell paint is darker and more defined, with a distinct blue undertone.
Inkwell vs Tricorn Black
On the other hand, SW Tricorn Black is the darkest, truest black in the Sherwin Williams paint line with absolutely zero undertone. Side by side you can really see the blue in SW Inkwell. If you're totally all in with a completely black paint color, Tricorn Black is a go-to choice. If you love that blue cast, consider Inkwell instead.
Sherwin Williams Black of Night vs Inkwell
If ever two colors were kissing cousins, SW Black of Night and SW Inkwell are it. They only have a whisper of difference, and that is in the undertone. Inkwell's undertone of blue is stronger and more visible; Black of Night's undertone is more subtle and has some gray thrown into with the green. Think of it as Midnight Blue vs Charcoal Black.
More Black Paint Colors
Examples Of Sherwin Williams Inkwell Paint Color In Homes
Let's take a look at how a Sherwin Williams Inkwell color palette looks in some real-life homes.
Sherwin Williams Inkwell exterior
When you want your home to stand out, an exquisitely dark shade like SW 6992 Inkwell does the trick. Add a bright white trim for contrast and this house has curb appeal in spades.
Inkwell by Sherwin Williams on the exterior siding offers an amazing backdrop that allows this pink front door to take center stage.
Check out the "before" pics on Amber's Instagram page @magical_manor; the exterior transformation is gorgeous.
Sherwin Williams Inkwell front door
Julia over at Tag & Tibby chose Inkwell for the front door and shutters to improve the curb appeal of her red brick home. The casing around the door is SW Alabaster, a warm white which adds a touch of balance to Inkwell paint's coolness.
Sherwin Williams Inkwell cabinets
Indoors on these cabinet examples, Sherwin Williams Inkwell looks more black and less blue, especially in the high lacquer bar cabinetry below. This masculine vibe office achieves beautiful symmetry and balance with the dark tones of Inkwell SW stepping back and allowing the decor and horse graphic to pop.
According to Paper Moon Painting, the high lacquer they used for the bar cabinets will deepen any color, making SW Inkwell in this case almost indistinguishable from a true black like SW Tricorn Black. So keep in mind that sheen does matter when it comes to making a smart paint choice.
(Head over to 8 Tips for Choosing the Right Paint Color for more guidelines on picking the right sheen.)
Inkwell Sherwin Williams moulding
Nothing says modern decor style like combining black and white. Instead of painting her fireplace all black or all white, Heather of @heatherlayinteriors choose both colors together and created a look of drama all her own.
If you're going to jump on board the trendy black paint train, it's smart to consider balancing all that dark paint with plenty of light neutrals.
Even though this bathroom features SW Inkwell on all wall moulding, the white ceiling, window casings, bathroom fixtures and even the towels keep the room looking bright and sophisticated instead of closed in.
Sherwin Williams Inkwell kitchen cabinets
Choosing Inkwell paint as a primary kitchen cabinet color may seem like a huge step but it really can look quite classic and timeless. In this kitchen, the warm brown furniture patterns, white walls and countertops, and colorful book collection soften Inkwell SW and give the room a natural, inviting feel.
And when you're willing to go bold but want to limit the experience, SW Inkwell on the kitchen island offers a perfect opportunity to experiment without much risk. The island adds an unexpected touch of liveliness in the middle of what could have been a bland all-white kitchen.
Sherwin Williams Inkwell walls and ceiling
These images side by side demonstrate how different Inkwell can look in a room. This office by Dear Lillie Studio is a contemporary, sleek and high contrast space that marries Inkwell with SW Extra White on the trim and ceiling.
Speaking of the ceiling, yes, you can paint it a dark shade like Sherwin Williams Inkwell. Addison's Wonderland pulled off the look in the living room of her renovated hundred year old historic home. Trim is SW Alabaster; walls are SW Gossamer Veil.
Sherwin Williams Inkwell Coordinating Colors
White, white and more white. Did I say white?
Inkwell's cool crisp blue black is offset perfectly by classic white. Sherwin Williams recommends SW Snowbound, a cool white, but really you can't go wrong with any white shade; they all look amazing with Inkwell. Start your search here for the best white paint colors.
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