Hello fellow design enthusiasts and home improvement adventurers!

It seems almost weekly I receive messages and emails from many of you asking for my go-to recommendations when it comes to black paint colors. And, as you might imagine, I have some strong opinions on the matter! Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of transforming numerous spaces – both in my own home and for clients – with these incredible, dramatic hues. So, I figured it’s high time I share my tried-and-true favorites, along with the essential paint formulas that guarantee a stunning, long-lasting finish.

Choosing the Right Paint Formula: The Foundation of a Flawless Finish

Before we dive into the specific shades of black, let’s talk about something equally crucial: the paint formulas themselves. This is another question I get asked frequently, and for good reason. The quality of the paint formula can make or break your project, affecting everything from coverage and durability to the final aesthetic. Here are my absolute favorites for various applications, designed to help you achieve professional-level results every time.

Interior Walls: Behr Marquee – Unmatched Coverage and Consistency

When it comes to interior walls, I am an unwavering advocate for Behr Marquee. This formula is simply exceptional, offering a truly premium painting experience. Its consistency is remarkable, allowing for incredibly smooth and effortless application. What truly sets it apart, however, is its legendary one-coat coverage. While it *can* achieve coverage in a single coat, my professional advice is always to apply two coats. This ensures maximum durability, a richer, more uniform color payoff, and a truly flawless finish that will stand the test of time and everyday wear. My standard wall finish preference is eggshell, which offers a beautiful subtle sheen and is highly washable, making it practical for busy homes. However, I also have a deep appreciation for a sophisticated matte finish, especially when working with a dramatic color like black, as it absorbs light and creates a velvety, luxurious appearance. Throughout our home, almost all walls boast Behr Marquee in an Eggshell finish, with the notable exceptions of our bathroom shiplap and ceiling, which feature Clare Paint for a specialized look.

Cabinets & Furniture: Benjamin Moore Advance – The Durability of Oil, The Ease of Latex

For painting cabinets and furniture, my undisputed champion is Benjamin Moore Advance. I’ve personally used this incredible paint in both of our kitchens and on every furniture upcycling project since its discovery, and I genuinely adore it! Advance paint behaves much like a traditional oil-based paint, which I consider superior for high-traffic surfaces like cabinets and furniture due to its exceptional hardness, durability, and smooth finish. Yet, it offers the convenience and easy cleanup typically associated with a water-based latex paint. Its self-leveling properties are outstanding, resulting in an incredibly smooth, factory-like finish with minimal brush strokes or roller marks. A word of caution: it does demand patience, typically requiring approximately 16 hours of drying time between coats to allow for proper curing. However, the breathtakingly beautiful, resilient, and long-lasting results are undeniably worth the wait and careful application.

Exterior Paint: Kelly Moore – Proven Performance Against the Elements

Regarding exterior paint, my experience has primarily been with Kelly Moore. As such, making direct comparisons to other brands is difficult. However, what I *can* confidently share is that it’s an excellent product that has consistently delivered outstanding performance. My trusted painter relies on it almost exclusively, which speaks volumes about its quality and reliability in professional applications. We utilized a custom color match of Behr Evening Hush with the robust Kelly Moore exterior formula for our cottage bungalow’s exterior three years ago. Despite choosing a very dark shade, we’ve encountered no issues whatsoever with fading, peeling, cracking, or any other weather-related wear and tear, even under harsh conditions. Its robust performance in protecting and beautifying our home’s exterior has been truly impressive, proving its longevity and color retention capabilities.

My Favorite Black Paint Colors: A Curated Collection for Every Style

Now that we’ve covered the foundational formulas that ensure a perfect application, let’s delve into the stars of the show – my absolute favorite black paint colors. These selections, presented in no particular order, each offer unique characteristics and can transform a space in remarkable, often dramatic, ways. Whether you’re aiming for a pure, inky black or something with subtle undertones, this curated list has a shade for every vision.

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black: The Universal True Black

Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams is an incredibly popular and exquisitely gorgeous black, and its widespread acclaim is entirely justified. This is a black you simply cannot go wrong with, whether you’re applying it to interior walls, trim, doors, or an exterior facade. It’s renowned for being a truly neutral black, meaning it doesn’t lean heavily towards blue, brown, or green undertones. This makes it incredibly versatile and a reliable choice for achieving a deep, pure black statement without unexpected color shifts. Its consistent appearance across different lighting conditions makes it a designer favorite for its dependable sophistication. If you’re seeking a universal, sophisticated black that works seamlessly in virtually any setting and pairs well with almost any other color palette, Tricorn Black is undoubtedly your ideal companion.

Image credit: Room For Tuesday

Valspar Dark Kettle Black: A Sophisticated Sooty Charcoal

Dark Kettle Black by Valspar has recently become a cherished favorite of mine, thanks to its prominent feature in the Real Simple Idea Home project. I was incredibly honored to be chosen as a designer for the Real Simple Home 2019 – an amazing townhouse in Brooklyn, NY! Working alongside my talented friend Carmeon, we collaborated on designing the office space, and as you might expect, we opted for a decidedly moody and bold aesthetic. This color was central to our vision, and I am utterly obsessed with the results it achieved. Dark Kettle Black possesses a unique soot/charcoal undertone, giving it a rich, nuanced depth that sets it apart from a pure black. It isn’t just a flat black; it has character and an inviting warmth. It dries to a beautifully soft finish, adding an undeniable layer of sophistication and an almost tactile texture to any room. It’s a fantastic choice for creating an inviting yet dramatically impactful atmosphere, perfect for a cozy reading nook or a statement wall.

Image credit: Oh Happy Day via Cup Of Jo

Benjamin Moore Black: The Quintessential True Black

When you envision the quintessential color black, the exact shade of Benjamin Moore Black is likely what comes to mind. It’s as straightforward and pure as a black can get. This is the ultimate true black, robust and impactful, delivering exactly what its name promises without any fuss or hidden undertones. It provides a strong, sophisticated backdrop, making it an excellent choice for creating a timeless and elegant foundation in any design scheme. Before I repainted our kitchen cabinets in a vibrant Hunter Green, they were adorned in this very shade, naturally applied with Benjamin Moore Advance paint for that exceptional, durable, and smooth finish. It’s a timeless choice that speaks volumes through its sheer depth and clarity.

Martha Stewart Paints Francesca: A Beloved Warm Black (If You Can Find It!)

I always feel a twinge of regret when I discuss Francesca by Martha Stewart Paints because, sadly, it’s no longer readily available for purchase. However, my deep affection for this particular color compels me to share its unique charm. This warm black graces the walls of our living room, all our interior doors, and even Michael’s ceiling, showcasing its incredible versatility. I first discovered its captivating charm in our previous home and have been utterly smitten ever since. While it’s technically discontinued, you might occasionally get lucky at an Ace Hardware or Home Depot where they may still have the original color code in their system for a custom match. I can’t offer guarantees, but it’s certainly worth an inquiry if this description piques your interest. Francesca is a uniquely beautiful color – it’s distinctly a black, yet possesses a subtle warmth and softness that often leads people to ask if it’s actually a deep grey. Depending on the light, it can certainly read that way, adding to its intrigue and adaptability. But rest assured, it is a genuine black, and it holds a very special, cherished place in my heart for its inviting depth.

(Images of our home via Create + Gather)

Farrow & Ball Pitch Black: The Epitome of Luxury and Depth

Honestly, when it comes to Farrow & Ball Pitch Black, there are only two words that truly capture its essence: Farrow & Ball. This esteemed British brand consistently excels in crafting exquisite paints and colors, known for their exceptional depth and complex pigments. In my professional opinion, they master dark hues better than anyone else in the industry. Pitch Black is nothing short of luscious and velvety, embodying a pure, intense black that feels incredibly rich and sophisticated on the walls. It creates a stunning, almost theatrical backdrop in any room. If you’re bold enough to embrace a truly dramatic statement and your budget allows for this premium formula, then Pitch Black is where you need to be. Its unparalleled depth and unique finish create an extraordinary sense of luxury and sophistication, transforming a space into a design masterpiece. It’s not just a paint; it’s an immersive experience.

Image credit: No Glitter No Glory

On a side note: This particular kitchen featured in the image above inspires me beyond words. The masterful use of Pitch Black here evokes such profound emotion and design brilliance. It’s absolutely captivating and a testament to the power of a truly dark hue.

Clare Paint Blackest: The Purest, Most Unyielding Black

Now, this is truly one of my absolute favorites, and for multiple reasons! Beyond the fact that Clare Paint is a relatively new and exciting brand, proudly owned by talented black female designer Nicole Gibbons, it’s simply exceptional all around. Clare Paint offers a Zero VOC formula, making it a healthier choice for your home and the environment, and currently features a carefully curated collection of just under 60 designer-approved colors, taking the guesswork out of selection. I had the pleasure of using their shade Blackest in our recent bathroom renovation, and I am completely enamored with the results. As its name suggests, this color is BLACK BLACK – it’s an uncompromising, true, deep black. It consistently maintains its intense, pure black appearance under all lighting conditions, delivering an unwavering depth that is truly remarkable. For those seeking the ultimate, uncompromising black to create a bold, sophisticated statement, Blackest is an unparalleled choice that delivers on its promise of absolute darkness.

Clare Paint Blackish: The Approachable, Soft Black

Another fantastic selection from Clare Paint is Blackish. With a name inspired by one of my favorite TV shows, how could I *not* include it in this list? Beyond its charming and clever name, Blackish is an exceptionally versatile and inviting “soft” black. I often refer to it as the “gateway black” – it’s the perfect starting point for anyone curious about incorporating black paint into their home but who might be a little hesitant. Many fear that a dark color will make their space feel like a cave, or shrink the room. Let me assure you, when used correctly, it absolutely won’t! However, for those still feeling trepidatious about committing to a pure black, Blackish offers a beautiful compromise. It delivers the sophistication and drama of a darker hue without feeling overwhelmingly intense. It’s the perfect tone to ease you into the world of dark walls, proving that embracing black paint won’t lead to an abyss, but rather a beautifully enriched, stylish, and incredibly cozy space.

Image credit: Clare

Embrace the Dark Side: Final Thoughts on Black Paint

So there you have it, my dear friends – my meticulously curated top picks for black paint colors, alongside the essential formulas that help achieve professional, enduring results. Just like the quest for the perfect white, finding “the one” black paint can feel overwhelming with the myriad of options available in the market. These are *my* personal favorites, born from years of hands-on experience and countless design projects, each selected for their unique qualities and reliable performance. For all of you who are proudly part of #teamblackwalls, I can confidently say you truly can’t go wrong with any of these selections. Each offers a unique character, from the purest, deepest blacks to those with subtle, inviting undertones. Black paint has an incredible, transformative power to create drama, sophistication, and a sense of coziness and intimacy that few other colors can truly match.

Essential Tips for Painting with Black:

• Prep is Key: Ensure your surfaces are immaculately clean, smooth, and properly primed. Dark colors, especially black, are unforgiving and can highlight even minor imperfections.
• Lighting Matters: Always observe paint samples in your actual space throughout various times of the day. Natural and artificial light sources dramatically affect how black paint appears, revealing its true undertones.
• Test Patches Are Non-Negotiable: Before committing to an entire wall or room, paint a substantial test swatch (at least 2×2 feet) directly on your wall or on a large board. Live with it for a few days to truly understand the color in your environment.
• Two Coats Minimum: Even with high-coverage, premium paints, applying two coats is absolutely essential for achieving optimal depth, durability, and true, consistent color representation. Skimping here will compromise the final look.
• Don’t Be Afraid: Contrary to popular belief, black walls can often make a room feel larger, more intentional, and dramatically chic, rather than smaller or “cave-like,” especially when thoughtfully paired with contrasting elements like light trim, vibrant art, or reflective surfaces.

Now, go forth and confidently embark on your painting journey! May your walls be bold and beautiful. Just remember what they say: once you go black, you won’t go back. Consider yourselves wonderfully warned.

Until our next design adventure, happy painting!