Are you looking for a paint color that makes a bold statement in your home? Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258) might be just what you need.
This true black paint has no blue or brown hints, making it a pure, rich black that looks modern and dramatic in any room.
With its low Light Reflectance Value of 3, Tricorn Black creates a strong contrast with lighter elements and works well in both modern and traditional designs.
In this blog, we’ll learn why this timeless black is so popular, how to use it in different rooms, what colors pair well with it, and some similar alternatives if you want something slightly different.
Understanding Paint Color Basics
Color Terminology
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| LRV | 3 |
| RGB | 47 / 47 / 48 |
| Hex Code | #2F2F30 |
Undertones:
- Tricorn Black is a true, pure black without blue or brown hints
- It’s a deep, rich black that looks modern and bold
- Not a soft black, but a strong, clear black
Psychology of Black/Dark Colors
- True blacks like Tricorn Black Make rooms feel strong and dramatic
- Pure black tones: Add style and make other colors stand out
- Dark neutrals: Make spaces feel cozy, bold, and fancy
- Benefits: Hides dirt well, creates a strong contrast, and works great as an accent color
Why Choose Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258)?
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258) makes a bold statement in any lighting condition. It delivers true black depth in well-lit rooms while creating a cozy, intimate feel in darker spaces.
This timeless black provides a dramatic backdrop that works with both modern and traditional designs, adding refinement without feeling trendy.
Key Features
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black offers excellent contrast with lighter elements like trim, furniture, and artwork, creating a striking visual impact.
It provides enough depth to feel dramatic while maintaining a clean, timeless quality that won’t quickly date your design choices.
Durability
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black, especially in premium finishes like Duration or Emerald, offers outstanding durability with excellent coverage in all areas.
Its deep color and rich finish help hide fingerprints and minor imperfections better than mid-tone colors while maintaining its urbane appearance.
This paint resists fading and keeps its true black color even with regular cleaning when properly applied.
Texture Patterns
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black creates a rich, velvety texture that adds a dramatic dimension to walls. Its true black tone produces striking shadow play that creates depth and adds visual interest to textured surfaces.
When applied to different finishes, it can highlight structural details while maintaining a consistent, refined appearance throughout connected rooms.
Why It Works
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black works because it perfectly balances drama and versatility, providing strong contrast without feeling harsh.
Its neutral undertones complement both warm wood elements and cool metal features, while its low LRV (3) ensures rooms feel grounded and purposeful. This versatile black adapts beautifully to different lighting situations, maintaining its rich character throughout the day.
Room-by-Room Color Recommendations with Tricorn Black
1. Living Spaces and Open Floor Plans
- Tricorn Black (SW 6258) creates dramatic accent walls that ground open floor plans while adding depth and visual interest to connected spaces.
- The 3 LRV of Tricorn Black provides a strong contrast against lighter furniture and decor, creating a bold, structural framework.
- For balance, use Tricorn Black strategically on feature walls or built-ins paired with lighter neutrals like Pure White (SW 7005) or Alabaster (SW 7008) on remaining surfaces.
2. Bedrooms and Relaxation Areas
- Tricorn Black creates a cozy, cocoon-like atmosphere in bedrooms that promotes deep sleep and relaxation.
- The true black tones add refinement while making colorful bedding and artwork stand out dramatically.
- Consider Tricorn Black for an accent wall behind the headboard or on ceiling trim to add unexpected drama without overpowering the space.
3. Kitchens and High-Traffic Zones
- Tricorn Black, in semi-gloss or satin finish, offers practical durability in busy areas. Its dark color hides smudges and fingerprints better than light colors.
- The bold contrast of Tricorn Black works beautifully on kitchen islands, lower cabinets, or range hoods paired with lighter upper cabinets.
- Tricorn Black creates a striking backdrop for metallic fixtures and hardware, making stainless steel, brass, or copper elements pop dramatically.
4. Bathrooms and Spa-like Retreats
- Tricorn Black creates a luxurious, hotel-inspired atmosphere in bathrooms, making white fixtures and marble stand out sharply.
- The dramatic nature of Tricorn Black adds depth to small powder rooms while creating an intimate, urbane space.
- This true black pairs beautifully with gold or brass fixtures and natural wood elements, creating a timeless yet modern retreat.
Color Pairings and Combinations for Tricorn Black (sw 6258)
Tricorn Black is a dramatic true black with neutral undertones. Its low Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 3 makes it a powerful accent color that can add depth and refinement to spaces while providing a striking contrast.
Here are some excellent color pairings for this bold shade.
Complementary Trim Colors
- Ice Cube (SW 6252) – A crisp, clean white that creates dramatic, high-contrast pairings
- Classic Light Buff (SW 0050) – A warm neutral that softens Tricorn Black’s boldness with earthy grace
- Blithe Blue (SW 9052) – A refreshing light blue that adds unexpected color while balancing the intensity of Tricorn Black
Creating Cohesive Color Schemes
1. Monochromatic Scheme:
- Tricorn Black for accent walls or structural features
- Iron Ore (SW 7069) for secondary accents or interior doors
- Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) for adjoining spaces or furniture
- Peppercorn (SW 7674) for a subtle contrast in connected rooms
2. Warm Color Scheme:
- Tricorn Black for dramatic accents or feature walls
- Classic Light Buff (SW 0050) for main living areas
- Creamy (SW 7012) for hallways and transitions
- Accessible Beige (SW 7036) for bedrooms or softer spaces
3. Cool Color Scheme:
- Tricorn Black for bold statements or focal points
- Ice Cube (SW 6252) for clean contrast in main areas
- Blithe Blue (SW 9052) for bathrooms or relaxing spaces
- Repose Gray (SW 7015) for offices or productive environments
Coordinating with Furniture and Decor
1. Wood Tones
Tricorn Black creates a stunning contrast with light woods like ash, birch, and maple, making them appear brighter and more defined.
For a refined, modern look, pair with rich walnut or ebonized woods that echo the depth of this true black.
2. Metals
Gold, brass, and copper hardware pop dramatically against Tricorn Black, creating a luxurious, high-end aesthetic.
The neutral base of this true black also works beautifully with chrome and brushed nickel for a more contemporary, sleek appearance.
3. Decor
Bright white art pieces and accessories create a sharp, gallery-like contrast against Tricorn Black walls.
Textural elements like sheepskin, velvet, and natural fibers add warmth and dimension to soften the boldness of this dramatic shade.
Similar Paint Colors: Perfect Alternative to Tricorn Black (SW 6258)
1. Caviar (SW 6990)
- Rich, deep black with subtle warm brown undertones that create a softer appearance
- Creates a graceful, classy look that works in both traditional and contemporary spaces
- Excellent choice when you want the drama of black without the starkness of Tricorn Black
2. Black Magic (SW 6991)
- True, deep black with neutral undertones that closely resemble Tricorn Black
- Offers slightly more depth and appears marginally softer on walls than Tricorn Black
- Perfect for accent walls, exterior trim, or doors when making a dramatic statement
3. Inkwell (SW 6992)
- Features distinctive blue-purple undertones that become apparent in certain lighting
- Creates a mysterious, moody atmosphere compared to Tricorn Black’s neutral character
- Ideal for spaces where you want a black with added complexity and visual depth
Final thoughts
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258) proves that black paint can be versatile, timeless, and full of character.
This true black with neutral undertones creates dramatic spaces that feel both cozy and refined.
If you use it on accent walls, cabinets, or exterior trim, Tricorn Black offers excellent contrast with lighter elements while hiding touches and fingerprints better than lighter colors.
It pairs beautifully with whites like Ice Cube, warm neutrals like Classic Light Buff, and even soft blues like Blithe Blue.
If you’re ready to add some drama to your home, why not pick up a sample of Tricorn Black today? Your walls are waiting to make a statement.
