'Bold enough for contemporary spaces, yet timeless enough to honor the past' – why Sherwin-Williams' Tricorn Black is a designer favorite loved for its enduring sophistication

When I speak with designers about their favorite paints from certain brands, there is one color that I can guarantee will come up in conversation – Sherwin-Williams' Tricorn Black.

Unlike many black paint shades, the beauty of Tricorn Black is that it's an entirely pure color with no obvious undertones. So, if you're looking for a classic paint that feels striking, bold, and deeply luxurious, Tricorn Black might be the one for you.

Often included in designers' lists of the best black paints, Tricorn Black SW 6258 is a fuss-free jet black that has long been loved for its dramatic and encompassing qualities. While decorating with black can seem bold, with a lack of blue or brown undertones, Tricorn Black actually falls under the neutral paint category, making it easy to transition into the home and a surprisingly versatile color to pair with many shades and styles.

Described by Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams, as 'the never-boring black shade that transforms any space into a sophisticated one!', it's no surprise designers turn to this shade time and time again.

While there are many ways to use black paint, Emily suggests going down the classic route and pairing it with its sister color – white. There are colors to avoid pairing with black, but white isn't one of them, says Emily. 'It pairs well with any undertone, given its true black nature, but my favorite shade to pair it with is a classic white. Extra White SW 7006 is the best contrast.'

Take the space pictured above, the walls have been painted in Tricorn Black, giving it drama and presence that beautifully contrasts with the white molding and columns. Monochrome room ideas are about creating contrast and boldness while also retaining a balance of warmth and lightness.

However, if you're looking to create a cozy space, apply Tricorn Black all over the walls or color-drench your space instead of leaving some areas white. Emily says, 'I also recommend using darker shades like Tricorn Black in rooms homeowners wish to make more intimate and refined, since black can often make rooms feel smaller – like a TV room or a library.'

And that's exactly what designer Sydney Hale did in her own home library and selected Tricorn Black for a sense of opulence and snugness.

Proving the heritage qualities of the shade, she explains, 'As an antique dealer passionate about timeless design, I’m always looking for ways to weave a sense of history into our newly built home. When it came to transforming our dining room into a cozy, library-inspired retreat, we reached for Sherwin-Williams’ Tricorn Black, which is a rich, saturated shade that instantly added depth and sophistication to our home.'

'Tricorn Black is one of the truest blacks I’ve encountered! It has no undertones, making it incredibly versatile. I love how it grounds a room while still allowing antique pieces to shine. It creates the perfect backdrop for all of our collected curiosities, giving our modern build a patinaed, old-world feel.'

This space also proves that black doesn't always need to lean contemporary, but Sydney explains it's the perfect choice if you enjoy decorating with antiques. 'This shade bridges eras beautifully! It is bold enough for contemporary spaces, yet timeless enough to honor the past. For anyone looking to add a touch of drama and history to their interiors, Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black is my go-to.'

Eddie Maestri, creative director of Maestri Studio, designed the luxurious black kitchen pictured above. He says, 'In a historic Dallas home, Tricorn Black wasn’t just a color choice – it was a design strategy. We used it as the architectural “ink” that outlined the home, both inside and out. Kitchen cabinets, pantry millwork, built-ins, shutters, and trim all took on this deep neutral, giving the house cohesion and clarity. It allowed patterned flooring, brass accents, and marble counters to stand out as highlights rather than compete for attention.'

Explaining the beauty of the paint color, Eddie adds, 'What makes Tricorn Black unique is that it’s undertone-free. That neutrality means it works across almost any style – historic, modern, traditional, or eclectic and it adapts beautifully to light. In daylight, it reads sharp and graphic; under moody interior lighting, it becomes velvety and enveloping. The big takeaway for homeowners: one shade, endless personalities, depending on how and where it’s used.'

You might think that a facade painted entirely in Tricorn Black might be a little bold, but black can be one of the most timeless exterior paint colors out there and is unlikely to date. Emily explains, 'Homeowners could use Tricorn Black to add the perfect amount of drama to exteriors. It works well for front doors, shutters, and window frames.'

A black paint is the best exterior paint color due to its enduring qualities. For exterior architecture as it frames and accentuates, and it can be toned down with other lighter pairings on smaller details. Take the house designed by Laura Davidson from Dwellings Studio, it feels deeply traditional but also refreshing.

Laura explains, 'I selected Tricorn Black as the hue is the perfect neutral shade of warm black, not too harsh. It was tinted into a semi-opaque stain to cover cedar shake siding. The Chantilly Lace trim is crisp white next to it. I have used Tricorn Black for interior window frames and doors, and cabinetry as well.'

Shop Tricorn Black decor

Love the crisp tones of Tricorn Black, but not planning on a paint project? These decor pieces will bring the color into your home on a smaller scale.

Tricorn Black is loved for not only its timelessness but also its versatility. It's one of those paint shades that pairs well with many styles and colors and provides a room with a luxurious, striking effect. Whether you're going for a fully encompassing look and applying it to all four walls in a snug room, or you're using it to accentuate your exterior shutters, nothing quite beats a stylish jet black.