Tricorn Black: The Perfect True Black Paint Color
If you're thinking about using Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black in your home, you might be wondering how it compares to other black paint colors - and whether it's going to feel too harsh or just right.
The truth is no two black paint colors are exactly the same. Just a tiny drop of undertone can completely change how your room looks and feels.
That's why Tricorn Black is so popular. It doesn't have any sneaky undertones that lean blue, green or brown. Tricorn is a true neutral black, which makes it one of the easiest bold paint colors you can choose.
I'll walk you through exactly how to use it, what to pair it with, and show you real examples so you can confidently decide if Tricorn Black SW 6258 is right for your home.
In This Article:
Choosing paint color shouldn’t feel this hard.
If you’ve ever painted a room and thought, well… that looked better on the swatch, grab my free guide. I’ll show you the simple trick for spotting undertones before you paint.
What Color is Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black?
Tricorn Black SW 6258 is Sherwin Williams' blackest black and one of the darkest, truest black paint colors available.
You can use Tricorn Black for:
- Interior and exterior doors
- Trim and molding
- Kitchen and bathroom cabinets
- Painted furniture
- Accent walls
- Even ceilings for a bold, dramatic effect
It works best when balanced with abundant natural light from windows or light neutral colors and warm wood finishes from other room elements.
Pro tip: Avoid using it on all walls in small windowless rooms - its broody intensity can feel overwhelming without enough light to balance it. Also be careful using it in high traffic areas where children and pets are apt to leave fingerprints and smudges as these are more visible with dark paint colors.
What are Tricorn Black undertones?
Here's what makes this color stand out:
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black has no visible undertones.
The vast majority of paint colors have an undertone - even black paint colors. But Tricorn Black stays truly neutral in all lighting conditions. That means:
- No surprises when the light changes
- No clashing with other colors
- Easier coordination across your home
You don’t have to be an interior designer with specialized training to figure out the undertones. In this post I show you the one simple trick to finding paint undertones that works every time.
What is the Tricorn Black LRV?
The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures how we perceive lightness or darkness of a color. An LRV of 0 represents the darkest possible shade on the scale; to the viewer's eye, it would appear as a solid, deep black.
SW Tricorn Black's LRV is 3 (technically it's between 2 and 3, but rounding is simpler). Hello, black.
With a shade this dark and true, you really don't have to worry about how lighting might affect its appearance. You do need to pay attention to whether Tricorn Black paint color is perfect for your home. That's why I highly recommend you test a Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black paint sample on your wall before you commit to a purchase.
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.
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black Vs Other Black Paint Colors.
Not all blacks are created equal. Here's how Tricorn Black paint compares to similar Sherwin Williams colors.
Tricorn Black vs Iron Ore
Iron Ore SW 7069 has a softer, warmer finish along with a slight greenish undertone. Tricorn Black is a deeper black, more intense and dramatic. Choose Tricorn Black for maximum contrast and boldness.
Tricorn Black vs Black Magic
Here the choice gets less obvious. Both Tricorn Black and Black Magic (SW 6991) have an LRV of 3, meaning they absorb light equally. The main difference between these gorgeous blacks, which is pretty doggone subtle, is undertone. Black Magic has a slight gray/purple undertone (some say red) which gives it a smidgeon of a charcoal feel. Like its cousin SW Iron Ore, Black Magic is not as cleanly and crisply black as Tricorn.
Tricorn Black vs Caviar
Caviar (SW 6990) sits next to Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black on the paint strip, and if you feel torn between the two, you're not alone. Again, the main difference is undertone: SW Caviar has a drop of brown. Tricorn Black's biggest advantage is that it will never look like another color, no matter what paint you pair it with or what the room's lighting conditions and decor finishes are. Depending on those factors, Caviar can read a bit brown, so it's less versatile than Tricorn paint.
More Black Paint Color Ideas
Best Coordinating Colors For SW Tricorn Black
Tricorn Black pretty much looks fantastic with anything you want to pair it with plus it will never go out of style.
High contrast (classic + crisp)
The most obvious and popular solution is to pair SW Tricorn Black with a bright white (check out these 6 popular white paint colors). Besides the punch of high contrast, white adds balance and keeps the room from feeling too heavy.
Soft neutrals (warm + balanced)
A neutral color palette adds a soothing, relaxed warmth to the room. Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray or Classic Light Buff would work beautifully.
Bold color pairings
If you'd like a stronger color statement, rich greens and deep blues like Sherwin Williams Waterloo will create depth and a layered, designer look.
Tip: Use texture to soften black
When working with a bold color like Tricorn Black, texture becomes just as important as color.
To keep the space from feeling flat or heavy, layer in:
- Natural wood tones
- Woven materials (baskets, rugs)
- Linen or soft textiles
- Matte and metallic finishes
This creates contrast without needing more color and helps the room feel warm and inviting instead of stark.
Real-Life Ways To Use SW Tricorn Black In Your Home
Exterior: Front doors & trim
Tricorn is a sophisticated and elegant black in high demand as an exterior trim color, particularly on the front door. (Don't look for it as a primary exterior house color, however - I couldn't find a single representation to show you.)
Tricorn Black looks equally as comfortable on this modern and sleek front door as it does on the traditional home below.
Notice how the porch's other decor elements - windows, light gray rug, natural wood - provide balance and show off Tricorn to its best advantage.
In this traditional home styled by Erica at Style & Grace Interiors, touches of black (chandeliers, sconces, planters) around the Tricorn Black front door beautifully ties the whole look together.
Tricorn Black garage door
Tricorn Black on this garage door is sophisticated and on-trend and complements the white trim and neutral stone work.
👉 Keep in mind: black absorbs heat. If you live in hot climate or where the sun directly hits your garage, discuss with your painter before choosing a Tricorn Black garage door.
Interior doors & trim
Tricorn Black interior doors add to the drama created by the soaring ceilings, and the black matte door hardware adds a chic monochromatic touch. Tricorn Black also adds architectural interest as seen on these living room window frames.
Pro Tip: interior doors and trim don't have to match. White trim with black doors tones down the overall contrast, while black trim with black doors increases boldness.
This black staircase feels elegant and timeless. Stairs see a lot of traffic so Oksana of Foxie Oxie used a special heavy duty version of Tricorn Black in porch and floor enamel for the treads. I love the modern style and boldness she achieved with this remodel.
Tricorn Black accent walls
This mid-century modern bedroom comes with a stunning SW Tricorn Black board and batten accent wall. Notice how the other room design elements in both the bedroom and office pop against the black.
Jessica of From Grit to Pearl took a plain neutral dining room and with a little Tricorn Black paint and a carefully chosen accessories, created a place of warmth where family and friends can connect over a meal.
Tricorn Black looks amazing on this gallery wall in a former sunroom brought to life by designer Morgan Metzger. The artwork looks totally cool and stands out much more than if the wall were painted a light neutral.
Tricorn Black cabinets & furniture
Tricorn Black works beautifully on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and built-ins.
This kitchen featured by Sherwin Williams works so well because of the balance - white flooring and walls keep things light, Tricorn Black cabinets and window trim add bold contrast, and brushed gold metals and warm wood countertop soften the overall look.
Katrina Blair added instant depth to a small bathroom by painting a plain grey vanity in Tricorn Black, and tying it together with black door hardware. Gold accents and a simple vase of flowers soften the look so it doesn't feel too stark.
House of Rad used Tricorn Black paint to bring a large working pantry to life - and it completely works. This color looks fabulous on any cabinetry and you really can't go wrong pairing black with gold or brass.
Is Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black Right For Your Home?
If you want a true black paint color that won’t shift or surprise you, Tricorn Black paint color is one of the most reliable choices out there.
It’s bold - but also incredibly versatile when paired thoughtfully.
And when used with intention, it can completely transform a space from “good” to finished and pulled together.
Want A Cohesive Color Palette That Actually Works?
Choosing the right paint color is just one piece of the puzzle.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to make colors flow from room to room - or worried about making a mistake you can’t afford -you’re not alone.
👉 Read this next: Easy Steps to Create a Whole House Color Palette
It will walk you through exactly how to choose colors that feel cohesive, intentional, and like you - without second-guessing every decision.
P.S. There's no better way to create a cohesive feel than with color, but in order to avoid mistakes and get an updated look you've got to understand color like a designer.
Inside my online course, Color Made Clear, I will teach you exactly what you need to know about selecting colors for your home in everything from paint colors, to flooring and carpet, to fabrics so you can make confident color decisions and get the exact look and feel you're going for. - Even if there are finishes in your home you can't change, I'll show you how to use color to distract from them for an updated look!
