My Candid Review of Tricorn Black SW 6258 by Sherwin Williams

Looking for a true black paint color that feels bold, timeless, and (surprisingly) versatile? Today, I’m sharing my honest review of Tricorn Black (SW 6258) by Sherwin Williams- a color I’ve used all over my own home, from kitchen cabinets to closet doors, exterior shutters, and even front doors…

While I’ve been using Tricorn Black in various applications for years now, I’ve put off writing this post about a bazillion times. After all, how much can I really say about a true black paint color?

But lately, as I’ve found myself browsing Pinterest and researching paint colors for a few room makeovers of my own, I’ve realized something important from a reader’s point of view: sometimes real-life photos matter more than thousands of words about undertones and other interior-designer jargon.

So here’s my attempt to show you Sherwin Williams’ Tricorn Black in a real freakin’ home- across multiple applications…

What is the LRV of SW Tricorn Black ?

With an LRV(light reflectance value) of only 3 (zero being the darkest black and 100 being the brightest white), Tricorn Black is one of the lowest-LRV black paint colors among popular, widely used options. This is why it reads as a true, saturated black rather than a softened or charcoal-leaning shade (like Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams).

Is Tricorn Black too harsh?

Let’s be freakin’ honest here…this is one of the darkest, truest blacks out there. So… yeah…I get why people worry it might feel too harsh. If high-contrast spaces give you a panic attack, Tricorn Black probably isn’t for you, sis.

But… if a little pop of black here and there doesn’t scare you, I truly believe SW 6258 is a timeless, grown a$$ choice. The secret, at least in my humble opinion, is keeping the sheen as low-luster as possible (and practical) to your unique application. To keep this black feeling like a warm hug, I wouldn’t go higher than satin on cabinets, doors, and trim or eggshell on walls. Anything glossier starts to feel loud (while lower sheens keep it rich, moody, and classy AF).

What are the undertones in SW Tricorn Black?

I remember browsing black paint swatches years ago when it came time to paint my DIY closet doors and feeling completely overwhelmed by all the undertones found in softer black paint colors like SW Greenblack, Black Fox, and Urbane Bronze. I worried I’d eventually grow tired of brown, blue, green, or even greige undertones, which is exactly why the lack of undertones in Tricorn Black was so appealing to me.

Tricorn Black is considered a true black, with no obvious undertones of its own. So if you’re trying to coordinate a black door or cabinet color with existing wall paint (or stained wood floors and beams), you can breathe easy (Tricorn Black plays well with virtually any adjacent undertone). Although I will warn you… it goes on blueish when it is wet, but dries as a true black. 😉

Can you use Tricorn Black on walls?

While I’ve personally only used Tricorn Black on doors, cabinets, shutters, and windows, you can absolutely use this bold black on walls. And if you’re looking for permission, look no further than this stunning dining room designed by The House of Silver Lining…

Notice how a low-luster sheen was used on the walls (my guess is matte or eggshell), and how the ceiling was kept white to prevent the space from tipping into full-on cave mode. Want to take it up a notch? Add picture-frame molding and you’ve got yourself a sexy, dramatic, yet totally timeless space.

How Tricorn Black Looks Paired With Light, Warm Neutrals…

To prove that Tricorn Black doesn’t have to read full-on goth (nor hyper-contrasting), I want to show you just how well it plays with lighter, warmer neutrals.

In my kitchen (above), I painted the island cabinetry in Tricorn Black while keeping the perimeter cabinets light with Natural Cream by Benjamin Moore. The goal was for the island to pop and anchor the space- without creating the stark contrast you often see in a traditional black-and-white kitchen.

In my foyer and dining area, the walls are painted Shoji White by Sherwin Williams, and the space is filled with soft neutrals and warm wood tones. I wanted a little contrast and a strong visual anchor (without any weird undertones), which is exactly what Tricorn Black delivers on the front doors.

Nearly four years later, it still feels timeless (and I haven’t grown tired of it for a second).

Tricorn Black on a White Exterior…

The final application of Tricorn Black I want to share with you is the exterior of my home. With Shoji White as the main exterior color, SWTricorn Black on the front doors and shutters adds just the right amount of contrast without feeling stark or trendy…

I love how the black details ground the exterior and tie in seamlessly with the matte black lanterns and exposed brick foundation. It’s classic, crisp, and the kind of combination that still looks just as good years later as it did on day one (which, in my book, is always the goal).

Final Thoughts on Tricorn Black:

If you’re looking for a true black paint color that works just as well on cabinets, doors and walls as it does on exteriors, Tricorn Black is hard to beat.

While I also love softer black paint colors, if you’re juggling a lot of other undertones in your space (like I was with exposed brick, wood beams, orange wood floors), Tricorn Black can actually be the simpler, safer choice. That’s because it doesn’t lean blue, brown, or green and it plays nicely with just about anything. And no…this doesn’t mean it has to read scary or stark.

Just remember to keep the sheen low-luster and pair it with softer, warmer neutrals if you don’t want a super high contrast vibe. Of course… if you aren’t opposed to a bolder look, go ahead and pair Tricorn Black with bright white as well (hello, classic farmhouse).

As someone who’s lived with Tricorn Black for almost a decade now (inside and out) , I’d absolutely choose it again.

Thank you so much for stopping by and spending some time with me this week! I hope this post gave you a good idea of what this tried-and-true black looks like in real life.

If you found this review helpful, it would mean the world to this small business of mine if you could share with a friend or on Pinterest…

Until next time, keep on designing a life that feels as good as it looks!