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Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore (SW 7069) is a deep, rich charcoal gray that almost reads as black in certain lighting. It’s a highly versatile dark neutral that works well in various design settings, whether modern, traditional, or transitional. It also works equally well for interiors or exteriors.
Iron Ore is one shade lighter than Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black and a few shades darker than SW’s Peppercorn. It’s also very comparable to Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron, another great option if you’re looking for a dark gray and like the look of Iron Ore.
It can certainly be used also as an island accent color, and in particularly open and well-lit homes, it makes for a striking cabinet color or accent wall.
What Undertones Does Iron Ore Have?
Iron Ore has subtle cool undertones, leaning slightly toward gray rather than brown or blue. In some lighting, it may reveal a very faint green undertone, but it generally maintains a sophisticated dark gray appearance.
These repositionable peel and stick paint samples are my favorite way to sample paint, making it easy to examine the paint in different areas under various lighting conditions. Plus, you can move it around to get a feel for how the color will look in your specific space.
What’s the LRV of Iron Ore?
The LRV of Iron Ore is 6, which means it reflects very little light. It’s a bold choice that will appear quite dark in most spaces – almost black – making it an excellent option for accent walls, cabinetry, or exterior use.
Is Iron Ore Warm or Cool?
Iron Ore also has charcoal or gray undertones, but in a warm-toned way. This means it is not a stark black and gives off a sense of depth and richness, making it an excellent choice for accent walls, cabinets, and doors.
Its warm, soft black appearance can also look like a dark charcoal or gray, further adding to your design possibilities.
How Light Affects The Color
In well-lit rooms, Iron Ore can soften a bit, looking more like a smoky, deep gray. However, in low-light conditions or evening lighting, it can appear nearly black. The cool undertones keep it feeling fresh and modern, without becoming overly stark or industrial.
Where it Works Best
Exteriors: Iron Ore is popular for exterior use, especially on modern or farmhouse-style homes. It pairs beautifully with crisp white trim or wood accents, offering a dramatic and elegant contrast.
Interior Accent Walls: It creates a striking backdrop when used as an accent wall, especially in living rooms or bedrooms where it can add depth and coziness.
Cabinetry and Built-ins: I personally love Iron Ore for cabinetry, particularly as a kitchen island color – it adds sophistication without feeling too trendy or harsh. It can create a luxurious feel in kitchens or home offices.
Trim and Doors: For an unexpected touch, using Iron Ore on interior doors, trim, or even ceilings can add dimension and interest without overwhelming a space.
What’s the Best White Trim Color With Iron Ore?
The slight warmth of Pure White works beautifully with Iron Ore.
Complementary and Coordinating Colors
Complementary Colors:
Iron Ore pairs well with soft whites (like Sherwin-Williams Alabaster or Pure White), lighter grays (Repose Gray or Agreeable Gray), medium toned warm grays (SW Mindful Gray or SW Perfect Greige) and warm wood tones. If you want a bold palette, it works with deep blues or greens like Sherwin-Williams Pike’s Peak Gray or SW Acacia Haze.
If you’re thinking about using Iron Ore in your space, consider the lighting and how bold you want the color to feel. Its rich depth can create a stunning, moody atmosphere but may feel too dark in some areas without proper lighting.
These color were chosen as ones that will pair well due to their warm, green or gray undertones, which coordinate with the undertones in Iron Ore. The variety of colors that Iron Ore works with (even SW Sea Salt, which may not be an obvious choice!) just goes to show how versatile it actually is.
Comparing Iron Ore to Other Black Paint Colors
1. Iron ore vs Tricorn Black (SW 6258)
- Undertones: Tricorn Black is a true black, with virtually no detectable undertones, making it a very neutral and classic black.
- LRV: 3, significantly lower than Iron Ore’s 6, meaning Tricorn Black reflects even less light and appears darker.
- Comparison: While Iron Ore is a dark charcoal gray with subtle cool undertones, Tricorn Black is much more dramatic, and its deep, pure black nature can feel bolder and sharper. Iron Ore feels softer and less harsh in comparison.
- Best Use: Tricorn Black is often used for high-contrast looks, especially on exteriors, trim, or very modern spaces.
2. Iron Ore vs Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (2124-10)
- Undertones: Wrought Iron is a deep charcoal with more of a blue-black undertone. It can look slightly cooler than Iron Ore in certain lights, giving it a sophisticated and modern edge.
- LRV: Around 6.16, very close to Iron Ore’s LRV, so both will have similar light absorption.
- Comparison: Wrought Iron reads as cooler and can lean slightly more toward blue-gray compared to Iron Ore’s slightly softer charcoal tone. Wrought Iron works well if you’re going for a sleek, cool vibe, while Iron Ore feels a bit more neutral.
- Best Use: Excellent for interiors and exteriors where a sleek, urban look is desired. Works well with modern decor or in spaces that need a touch of industrial chic.
3. Iron Ore vs Black Fox (SW 7020)
- Undertones: Black Fox is a very dark brown-black, with warm undertones that can sometimes pull slightly brown or taupe depending on lighting.
- LRV: 7, making it very close in light reflection to Iron Ore.
- Comparison: While Iron Ore has cool, gray undertones, Black Fox leans much warmer, with hints of brown. If you’re looking for a near-black that’s less stark and more earthy, Black Fox is a great alternative to Iron Ore’s cooler charcoal.
- Best Use: Black Fox is popular in spaces with wood tones or a more traditional feel, where the warmth in the undertones plays well with warmer accents.
4. Iron Ore vs Benjamin Moore Soot (2129-20)
- Undertones: Soot is a very dark charcoal with deep blue undertones. It’s cool, moody, and can sometimes appear almost navy in certain lighting.
- LRV: 4.17, so it’s darker than Iron Ore but not quite as dark as Tricorn Black.
- Comparison: Soot is cooler and moodier compared to Iron Ore. While both are deep and dramatic, Soot’s blue undertones make it feel more like a blackened navy, whereas Iron Ore stays closer to a pure charcoal. Soot is a great choice if you want something edgier with a touch of blue.
- Best Use: Perfect for modern, moody spaces or as a dramatic exterior option.
5. Iron ore Urbane Bronze (SW 7048)
- Undertones: Urbane Bronze is a very dark brownish-gray with clear warm, bronze undertones.
- LRV: 8, so it’s lighter than Iron Ore.
- Comparison: Urbane Bronze is much warmer, with earthy, brown undertones, whereas Iron Ore has a more neutral and cool undertone. Urbane Bronze creates a cozier and more organic feeling, making it ideal if you want a warmer alternative to Iron Ore’s cooler, more modern vibe.
- Best Use: Urbane Bronze works well in spaces with natural wood or a more organic, earthy palette. It’s also a beautiful exterior color that feels grounded and sophisticated.
Summary of Key Differences:
- Iron Ore: Cool charcoal gray with soft, neutral undertones. Versatile and modern.
- Tricorn Black: True, deep black with no undertones. Bold, classic, and stark.
- Wrought Iron: Deep charcoal with blue-black undertones. Cooler, slightly industrial.
- Black Fox: Dark brown-black with warm, earthy undertones. Cozy and rich.
- Soot: Very dark charcoal with blue undertones. Cool, moody, and edgy.
- Urbane Bronze: Dark gray with bronze undertones. Warm, earthy, and grounded.
Don’t Forget To Always Use Real Paint Samples!
Don’t forget – no matter what you’ve read or photos you’ve seen online, it’s really important to sample paint colors in your home before committing!
Samplize provides peel and stick paint samples made with real paint, that are easy to move around your home, and cheaper than buying a gazillion paint pots! It’s the only way I buy paint samples.
Final Thoughts
Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore is such a popular choice because it’s a versatile, stylish dark color that adds depth without being too bold. Its deep charcoal gray with cool undertones works well in many spaces, from accent walls to cabinets and exteriors.
Iron Ore pairs easily with a variety of colors and materials, making it a favorite for both modern and traditional homes. It’s a timeless, easy-to-use color that can elevate any space.
