Are you on the hunt for the perfect black paint color for your home? I've compared Caviar vs Black Magic to see which one is your ideal match!
Choosing black paint is a fantastic way to make a bold statement. It brings a dramatic, sophisticated, and cozy feel.
Black is a great accent color and can be used on all four walls of a small room, such as a powder room or home office!
But here’s the thing — there are so many gorgeous shades of black paint out there!
Even though black is a neutral color, there’s a lot to think about! The undertones and depth of each shade can make a big difference in how it looks in your space.
That’s why I’m comparing two of the most popular black paint colors — Caviar and Black Magic from Sherwin Williams. I’ve seen them both in action, and they each have their unique charm.
So let’s look into the details and see which one of these stunning shades will work best in your home.
Read my full review of Black Magic
Caviar vs Black Magic
Caviar and Black Magic are two stunning black paint colors that look almost identical at first glance, with just a few subtle differences.
Both are very dark black paint colors that can bring a warm and inviting feel to any room.
What is similar about Caviar vs Black Magic?
Both Caviar and Black Magic are very dark black paints. They share a warm undertone that adds depth and richness to your space.
I’ve seen these colors used beautifully on accent walls, cabinets, and even the exterior of smaller homes.
They’re also fantastic for areas like a home office, powder room, or interior doors if you’re looking to make a statement.
What is different about Caviar vs Black Magic?
While these two colors are close, there are some subtle differences.
Caviar is just a touch darker than Black Magic. It’s a slight difference, but if you’re after the darkest black, Caviar might be the one.
On the other hand, Black Magic has a bit more warmth compared to Caviar, which leans more toward a true neutral black paint color.
This makes Black Magic feel a bit cozier, while Caviar remains crisp and striking.
| Caviar | Black Magic | |
| LRV | 2.97 | 3.12 |
| RBG | R: 49 G: 48 B: 49 | R: 50 G: 49 B: 50 |
| Undertones | no strong undertones, subtle warm red / purple undertone, more neutral | warm red undertones, has a slight warmth |
Light Reflectance Value
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) tells you how much light a color reflects. The scale goes from 0 to 100, with 0 being pure black and 100 being pure white.
Caviar and Black Magic are both extremely dark black paint colors with low LRVs.
Caviar has an LRV of 2.97, making it slightly darker than Black Magic, which has an LRV of 3.12.
In my experience, this small difference is hard to spot, but it can change the way a room feels.
Knowing the LRV helps you see how these colors will look in different lighting.
Undertones
Caviar doesn't have strong undertones and often appears as a true neutral black paint color. However, it does have very subtle warm red and purple undertones that add a little warmth.
Black Magic, on the other hand, has warm red undertones, making it a warm black paint color.
Both colors are so dark that light doesn’t affect their appearance much. In most spaces, Caviar and Black Magic will look very dark, almost pure black.
From what I’ve seen, Black Magic can look a bit warmer, especially in south-facing rooms with lots of natural light.
Caviar might look a bit cooler, especially in north-facing rooms with less natural light, but it’s still a warm black.
To make sure you get the right feel for your space, it’s important to test these colors on your wall. Swatching them in both day and night lighting will help you see exactly how they’ll look.
I recommend using peel-and-stick paint samples. They’re easy to move around, so you can see how the colors look in different lighting before making a final decision.
How do I decide between these two colors?
Black Magic and Caviar are quite similar, so choosing can be tricky. If you’re leaning towards a warmer feel, Black Magic is your best bet.
On the other hand, if you want a more neutral black, Caviar is the way to go.
From my experience, swatching both on your wall can really help you see which one feels right for your space. The subtle differences will be easier to spot in your home’s lighting.
Take your time and see how they look throughout the day. This way, you’ll know for sure which black paint color is perfect for you.
Sherwin Williams Caviar 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!
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!
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.
