2024's 13 Most Loved Black Paints

As inspiration for your next project, we have displayed our favorite black hues in real homes.

Inspiration
Cheating Heart by Benjamin Moore, shared in Studio McGees blog, is featured in the wainscoting in this kitchen.

In the past few years, black paint has graduated from adorning front doors to playing a more prominent role in dramatic accent walls and rooms in homes around the world.

The intensity of the shade makes the idea of painting a full room black a bit daunting, but as we've seen more examples of it being used we've shifted from hesitant to intrigued.

As we researched the best black paint colors, we noticed they were all fairly similar. Lighter shades, or shades that show tints of other colors, start to dip into the gray family pretty quickly.

As you can tell from Craftwork's black paint selection above, and the examples of paint used in real homes below, you can't go wrong with our favorite black paint colors of 2024.

1. Inkwell

Inkwell by Sherwin-Williams, featured in Elle Decor, photo by Catherine Nguyen

Zandy Gammons of Miretta Interiors designed this office, featured in Elle Decor's best office paint colors list, is painted in the popular black paint color Inkwell by Sherwin Williams.

“Dark colors in smaller spaces can pack a punch and make a huge impact just through tone and depth of paint. In this case, we created a focal point by using Inkwell, a really dark but neutral paint color," said Gammons. "The art and other details make for a contrast that is more noticeable than if they were hung on lighter walls.”

2. Railings

Railings by Farrow & Ball is the accent wall with Dimity by Farrow & Ball on the other walls, featured in Apartment Therapy, photo by Viv Yapp

The bedroom of this 900 square feet apartment in Bristol has an accent wall painted in Railings by Farrow & Ball on the accent wall and the light pink Dimity by Farrow & Ball on the surrounding walls. Featured in Apartment Therapy, the accent wall featured above captures your attention and makes the decor in the room pop.

3. Coal Tipple

Coal tipple by Valspar, featured in Apartment Therapy, photo by Viv Yapp

Helen Ward, a Bristol-based artist and product designer, painted the accent wall in her home office in Coal Tipple by Valspar, featured in Apartment Therapy. The black paint makes the room look like it was designed for a movie. Although some worry dark paint can make a space look smaller, in well lit rooms like this it only adds texture to the space.

4. Mopboard Black

Mopboard Black by Benjamin Moore, featured in Elle Decor

If you're considering black cabinetry for your kitchen or bathroom, Mopboard Black by Benjamin Moore is featured in Elle Decor best Kitchen Colors for 2024.

Designer David Frazier considers Mopboard Black a mainstay. “It’s neutral and goes well with any style kitchen but creates a depth and richness that is hard to achieve with lighter colors,” he says.

5. Onyx

Onyx by Benjamin Moore, featured in Elle Decor, photo by Traci Connell

Traci Connell from Traci Connell Interiors painted this office Onyx by Benjamin Moore, featured in Elle Decor.

“For my personal home office, I opted for Benjamin Moore’s Onyx to bring in the drama. With enough natural light, this dark, moody color made the office feel modern and inspiring,” said Traci Connell.

6. Cyberspace

CyberSpace by Sherwin-William, featured in Architectural Digest, photo Andre Jordan Hilton

Cyberspace by Sherwin-Williams, featured in Architectural Digest, is interior designer Andre Jordan Hilton's favorite blue shade.

Sherwin-Williams’s Cyberspace is mysterious, sexy, sophisticated, regal, edgy, and inviting all in one. It’s the perfect neutral that keeps you guessing black, gray, or blue, and has a versatility that makes it functional in any setting," Hilton said.

7. Black

Black by Benjamin Moore, featured in Apartment Therapy, photo by Amanda Archibald

Black by Benjamin Moore, featured in Apartment Therapy, content creator Imani Keal’s 490 square feet in Washington, DC. This true black paint color is one of the best black paint colors for interiors.

"I’m on a mission to get people with small spaces to paint them black," Keal said. "I’ve painted ⅓ of my studio black and it looks great and special. Paint can go a long way to make spaces feel different, but no amount of “Chantilly Lace” is going to make 300 square feet feel like 900 square feet. Make it interesting."

8. Black Ink

Black Ink by Benjamin Moore on the accent wall, white walls in Sherwin-Williams Snowbound, featured in Apartment Therapy, photo by Julia Steele

Black Ink by Benjamin Moore and Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams, a Nashville, Tennessee guest bedroom, featured in Apartment Therapy. Using Black Ink paint is a great choice for a homeowner because it is a classic, timeless color that will never go out of style. It is a deep, rich black that can be used to create a dramatic look in any room. It is also a versatile color that can be used to create a variety of looks, from modern and contemporary to traditional and classic.

9. Cheating Heart

Cheating Heart by Benjamin Moore, featured in and photo by Studio Mcgee

Cheating Heart by Benjamin Moore, shared in Studio McGees blog, is featured in the wainscoting in this kitchen. Featured in Studio McGee's Netflix show “Dream Home Makeover,” you might recognize this space from Episode 1, “Forever Home!”

10. Tricorn Black

Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams, photo by and featured in The House of Silver Lining

Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams used to paint the dining room of blogger House of Silver Lining.

"The black paneled walls in our dining room make such a statement that I always want to keep everything else scaled down and minimal. Everything looks so beautiful against that black," Shauna, who owns the blog, wrote. 

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black is also perfect for interior doors and exterior doors. Black exterior doors have been shown to increase the listing value of your home. This Sherwin Williams black paint does the trick, but any shade on this list is will be the right black paint for your project.

11. Black Magic

Black Magic by Sherwin-Williams, featured in and photo by Studio McGee

Black Magic by Sherwin-Williams, featured in Studio McGee's Vineyard Parade Home project. A homeowner may like the color "Black Magic" by Sherwin Williams because of its deep, rich hue. The color is a deep, dark black that is perfect for creating a dramatic and sophisticated look. It can be used to create a bold statement in a room, or to add a touch of elegance to a space. The color is also versatile, and can be used in a variety of ways to create different looks.

12. Iron Ore

Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams, photo by Sherwin-Williams

Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams is a deep, rich, and warm gray that can be used to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It is a versatile color that can be used in a variety of different spaces, from living rooms to bedrooms, and can be paired with a variety of other colors to create a unique and stylish look. It is also a timeless color that won't go out of style and can be used to create a classic and sophisticated look.

13. Green Black

Green Black by Sherwin-Williams, featured in and photo by Studio Mcgee

Green Black by Sherwin-Williams is one of my favorite black paints. Featured on Studio McGee's blog post showcasing their home office, they designer said this was the perfect black paint color for their home office.

"When we started designing Syd’s office, he knew he wanted a dark, moody look, so we decided to go all in," McGee said. "I didn’t just want to do the walls dark, I wanted to whole space to be dark. We used Green Black, by Sherwin Williams not only on the walls but on the shiplap on the ceiling and on the built-ins."

Can't go wrong with Black Paint

We've come a long way in the past few years, and black paint has become a bold and beautiful addition to homes everywhere. From front doors to accent walls, the intensity of the shade makes it a daring choice. We're no longer hesitant, but rather intrigued by the possibilities of black paint!

The article includes images from Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and photos from Catherine Nguyen, Viv Yapp, Traci Connell, Andre Jordan Hilton, Amanda Archibald, Julia Steele, Studio Mcgee, and The House of Silver Lining.

The Fresh Coat

Join Our Newsletter
Craftwork Staff

Craftwork Staff

Content & Editorials

Content curated from our experience working with homeowners, designers, and industry professionals.