Hopper Head by Farrow and Ball
FARROW and BALL
“The latest addition to [Farrow and Ball’s] selection of soft blacks is Hopper Head, a classic charcoal color that sits directly between Railings and Down Pipe, all of which are undeniably moody and commanding, and are used as much on trim as they are on walls,” says Studholme. She says all of these colors have an intensity and power to them that can provide a stimulating element to a room while also respecting its traditional aspects and proportions.
Paint Color: Hopper Head (No.305) by Farrow and Ball
Black Magic by PPG
GLIDDEN
Amy Youngblood, founder and lead designer at Amy Youngblood Interiors, describes Black Magic as a warm black with brown undertones. She goes for this color when she’s looking for an option that’s closer to a true black but slightly softer.
Paint Color: Black Magic (PPG1001-7) by PPG
Black Beauty by Benjamin Moore
BENJAMIN MOORE
“Black Beauty 2128-10 has a touch of warmth, helping this shade delicately balance between sophisticated and comforting,” says Barone. She loves it in a matte finish to add yet another subtle layer of softness to a space.
Paint Color: Black Beauty (2128-10) by Benjamin Moore
Cracked Pepper by Behr
BEHR
Behr’s 2024 color of the year, Cracked Pepper, is a versatile option with the benefit of instantly creating a more elegant and elevated feel wherever it’s used, which makes it a favorite for Newhart. It’s both a modern and timeless way to add an exclamation to your favorite rooms and spaces.
Paint Color: Cracked Pepper (PPU18-01) by Behr
Iron Mountain by Benjamin Moore
BENJAMIN MOORE
Iron Mountain finds the ideal balance between black and gray, says Barone, and can fluctuate based on light exposure. “In rooms with a lot of natural light, it can cast as more of a deep gray,” she explains. “It balances between warm and cool making it adaptable and easy to work with.“
Paint Color: Iron Mountain (2134-30) by Benjamin Moore
Zombie by PPG
GLIDDEN
The dark tone of this soft black might lead you to believe it needs to play solely against whites and neutrals, but that’s not the case. Let it have a moment, but don’t be afraid to let it play with other impactful shades. “This is a cooler black with charcoal undertones that pairs well with bright colors such as greens, yellows, and purple,” says Youngblood.
Paint Color: Zombie (PPG1010-7) by PPG
Night Club by Behr
BEHR
Newhart says the off-black hue of Night Club has a unique smoky appearance that lends a sophisticated edginess. It works well with coordinating shades like blue-grays, true grays, and even warm browns.
Paint Color: Night Club (N500-7) by Behr
Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS
“This is a dark gray charcoal-like color that is great on doors, exteriors, and accent walls,” says Youngblood. Use it with brighter tones like Sherwin-Williams Extra White, specifically in smaller applications, to create a sophisticated feel.
Paint Color: Iron Ore (SW-7069) by Sherwin-Williams
Pencil Point by Behr
BEHR
It’s the blue undertones of this dark gray that gives it an intensity worthy of elevating your space. Thanks to its multifaceted profile, it has a depth that effortlessly translates to walls, cabinets, and more.
Paint Color: Pencil Point (PPU18-02) by Behr
Midnight Blue by Benjamin Moore
BENJAMIN MOORE
The navy-blue undertone of Midnight Blue makes it a handsome choice, and one that pairs with soft shades like Cloud White and Grenadier Pond. “The blue undertone brings depth and intrigue to this color helping to soften it and make it more approachable,” Barone says.
Paint Color: Midnight Blue (1638) by Benjamin Moore
Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore
BENJAMIN MOORE
For a statement without being too loud, Barone recommends the beautiful soft black of Kendall Charcoal. “This rich, deep hue tends to cast as more of a charcoal, but is a go-to of mine when looking for the classic touch of a black paint color without the sharp contrast,” says Barone.
Paint Color: Kendall Charcoal (HC-166) by Benjamin Moore
Poppy Seed by Behr
BEHR
While it might be bold, the dark blue undertones of Poppy Seed keep it from reading true black. Newhart gives this exhilarating pick her vote.
Paint Color: Poppy Seed (PPU15-20) by Behr
Onyx by PPG
GLIDDEN
The stone nuance of Onyx makes it a soft black that skews cool. Pair it with a lighter gray or a beige with red undertones. “I think it looks great in a more masculine type of design,” says Youngblood.
Paint Color: Onyx (PPG1011) by PPG
Ink Black by Behr
BEHR
If you’re looking for a sleek, modern take on soft black, consider Ink Black. It fuses both dark grays and deep blues to create this saturated shade.
Paint Color: Ink Black (N490-7) by Behr