Looking for the perfect black paint color for your home? Let’s talk about Sherwin Williams Black Magic and if it might be right for your home!
Black is a neutral, dark paint color, so you may think picking one would be easy! Not the case.
Like any other paint color, blacks can have various undertones and look warm or cool in a space.
It's best to dive into the details so you don't end up with a black that looks too brown or too navy in your home!
Let's talk about one of the darkest black colors out there today: Black Magic!
Black Magic, Sherwin Williams, SW 6991
Black Magic is an extremely dark, warm black paint color. It holds its color in almost any lighting situation because it's so dark.
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Black Magic
Color Family
Black Magic is in the black family.
Light Reflectance Value
3
Light Reflective Value is the measurement of how much light a color bounces around.
This is on a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 being pure black and 100 being pure white.
With an LRV of 3, Black Magic is one of the darkest black paint colors that Sherwin Williams offers.
RGB Colors
R: 50 G: 49 B: 50
RGB describes the amount of each color - red, green, and blue - present in a color.
This is on a scale of 0 to 255 for each color. This is basically the color mix to make the color!
Hex Code
#323132
Undertones
Black Magic has warm red undertones.
Black Magic is such a dark color that light doesn't have much effect on it.
With an LRV of 3, it will absorb almost all light instead of reflecting it back into a room, so Black Magic will almost always appear as a true warm black.
It's very important to swatch colors on your wall to make sure they look good – day and night – in your actual space before committing.
Click here to get removable peel & stick paint samples to easily swatch with!
Best Uses
Black paint colors are, in general, a bold choice for interiors. I like to use them for:
- Trim, paired with white walls
- Interior doors
- Accent wall
- All of the walls of a powder room
- Furniture
- Cabinets
- Exterior on a smaller house
Similar Colors
- Behr Limousine Leather
- Benjamin Moore Black
- Sherwin Williams Caviar
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Sherwin Williams Domino
- Sherwin Williams Black of Night
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Black Magic
Coordinating Colors
Black Magic looks good with virtually any color: yellows, blues, oranges, whites, grays, beiges, reds, greens, purples, and pinks.
It plays well with other bold colors and other neutrals.
Light yellows:
- Lemon Meringue
- Full Moon
- Yellow Beam
- Lemon Drop
Mid-toned cool blues:
- Rain
- Dockside Blue
- Rest Assured
- French Moire
- Billowy Breeze
Light to mid oranges:
- Anjou Pear
- Bee's Wax
- Torchlight
- Polvo de Oro
Trim Colors
Due to Black Magic's warm undertones, I'd recommend pairing it with a soft white paint color for trim.
- Sherwin Williams Alabaster
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Behr Cameo White
Sherwin Williams Black Magic Paint Color Palette
Want to use this paint color in your home? Instantly upgrade your home's aesthetic with our exclusive paint color palette. Unlock the perfect trim color and six stunning accent colors, a combination of neutrals and bold hues for an instantly harmonious space!
Get your perfect paint color palette by clicking here!
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Black Magic
FAQS
Here are some common frequently asked questions about Black Magic.
What is the difference between SW Black Magic and Caviar?
SW Black Magic and Caviar are very similar black paint colors.
Both have an LRV of 3, which means they're both very dark.
Black Magic has warm red undertones, and Caviar has slight brown undertones, so Black Magic will appear a bit warmer.
What is the difference between SW Black Magic and Tricorn Black?
SW Black Magic and Tricorn Black are very similar black paint colors.
Both have an LRV of 3, which means they're both very dark.
Black Magic has warm red undertones, and Tricorn Black has neutral undertones, so Black Magic will appear warmer.
What decor styles is SW Black Magic good for?
Blacks are generally a bold choice for interiors.
SW Black Magic works well with modern, classic, Mid-Century, contemporary, and Scandinavian decor styles.
What are the undertones of SW Black Magic?
SW Black Magic has warm red undertones, which make the color a bit warmer than other similar black paint colors.
Can you use SW Black Magic on shutters?
Yes, SW Black Magic looks great on shutters and exterior trim. It also looks great on the exterior of smaller houses.
On larger houses, it may end up looking too much like a big black void.
It's always best to sample colors in your space before committing.
Can you use SW Black Magic on kitchen cabinets?
Yes, if you're looking for a black paint color, SW Black Magic is a great choice for kitchen cabinets.
For some contrast, pair the dark cabinets with white walls, white counters, and gold hardware.
Before you go...
So, you've found the perfect paint color, but here's the thing - there's another big decision you have to make: picking the right paint sheen. Seriously, the level of glossiness can totally change how your color looks on the walls and how long the paint lasts!
Check out our complete guide to understanding paint sheens.
Still unsure which paint color is right for your space?
Choosing paint doesn’t have to be stressful! My free Paint Color Planning Quick Start Guide walks you through the exact steps to confidently choose the perfect color — without the overwhelm, second-guessing, or endless swatch testing.
👉 Click here to download the free guide!
My Paint Color Formula course walks you through the painless process of expertly testing paint swatches to ensure you have the perfect color for your home.
The best way to sample paint? Samplize!
Get peel-and-stick removable and reusable paint samples here!
Thanks for reading!
Meg Hemmelgarn is a freelance writer and home decor + DIY blogger who loves to talk about paint colors. She and her husband are currently renovating their third fixer upper. You can see their projects on her blog, Green With Decor.
