A Review of Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams [UPDATED 2025]
By: Alexis B.
When we last reviewed Tricorn Black in 2021, we said it was versatile, balanced, and worked great with any color scheme. But has our opinion changed? Here’s our updated review of this chic shade.
A Neutral Classic with Versatility
Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams still stands out as a true black with virtually zero undertone, making it one of the most versatile black paints out there. With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 2.45, it’s about as dark as you can get in residential paint while maintaining neutral clarity.
This neutrality is one of the reasons we still come back to it even today. Unlike warm alternatives like Black Magic or Caviar, Tricorn Black gives a crisp, cool feel that keeps it consistent across lighting conditions.
It’s also still crazy popular – even now, it’s ranked among Sherwin-Williams’ Top 50 Colors, and is considered a trusted go-to for designers and homeowners alike.
Complementary Colors & Pairings
As we mentioned, this shade of black has an uncanny ability to blend well with nearly any palette. As a result, it works as the perfect anchor for your exterior design. Here are just a few ways you can pair this gorgeous color:
- Crisp Whites: If you love sharp contrast, pair Tricorn Black with a crisp white like Extra White or Pure White. This will give you a high-drama, modern aesthetic that’s fresh and bold. This look is perfect for modern farmhouse siding with black trim, or sleek contemporary homes with black windows.
- Warm Neutrals: Soft beiges like Canvas Tan help tone down the starkness of this dark shade. This combination is popular on exteriors wanting black trim without the stark contrast of black and white.
- Moody Hues: Layering this black shade with deep greens, navy blues, or even bronzes gives a sophisticated vibe. These combos are perfect for a luxurious and cozy feel to your home.
- Vivid Color: Yes, black can even be the perfect backdrop for bolder hues. Mustard yellows, terracotta reds, and even jewel tones like emerald look incredible against Tricorn Black.
No matter which palette you go for, Tricorn Black can be your perfect star or your favorite supporting role.
Using Tricorn Black Outside
On exteriors, this chic black is transformative. It doesn’t fight with landscaping, surrounding homes, or natural light – it just grounds everything. If you’re not interested in full black siding, consider using it for these:
- Trim & Shutters: Black shutters against a light home exterior instantly boost curb appeal. This shade can frame windows just right to give it a bit of flair.
- Front Doors: If you want a look that’s truly timeless, Tricorn Black can give your front door a bold look that doesn’t fade into the surroundings. Try pairing with brass or matte gold hardware for an instant touch of luxury.
- Garage Doors: If painting your front door wasn’t enough, garage doors look gorgeous with this color too! Dark colors like these make garage doors recede visually, giving your home a sleeker appearance.
- Additional Accents: If these ideas weren’t enough, try using Tricorn Black on pergolas, fences, or porch railings. With this bold color, you can make these accents look high-end and intentional. Plus, it’s practical – dark colors hide dirt better than light ones!
The Vibes Tricorn Black Brings
So, how does Tricorn Black feel on your home? It all depends on how you use it.
On exteriors with crisp lines, this shade of black can bring a sophisticated and modern feel. On older homes, it can be used on trim to give a balanced and timeless appearance. Or, if you really want to go all-in, pairing Tricorn Black with high-shine finishes can give an edgy and luxurious look, so your home looks like it came out of a high-end boutique.
Ultimately, Tricorn Bold can flex. Whether you want bold confidence or moody coziness, there’s a way for you to use it.
Comparing Tricorn Black to Other Black Paint
It’s easy to assume all black paints are the same, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Side by side, all paints are different, but Tricorn Black stands out with its fully neutral undertones. Compared to shades like Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore, Tricorn Black is a true black, while the former is closer to charcoal gray. This shade is also in the middle of the undertone spectrum, making it an easy choice when you want something bold with less risk.
Other shades of black can be beautiful, but if you want the boldest, deepest shade, Tricorn Black is the winner. That’s why our designers keep returning to it – whether you’re painting the front door or your entire exterior, you know exactly what you’re getting.
Using Tricorn Black in 2025
A few trends have shifted since we last reviewed this color. For one, matte finishes are on the rise. Rather than defaulting to semi-gloss, more designers are using matte and satin finishes with Tricorn Black to soften its intensity and add more depth to homes. The matte look gives a velvety, textured appearance that feels rich without being too overpowering.
We’ve also noticed even more homeowners taking the plunge with fully-black exteriors! This shade has become a go-to choice for this daring move, and it looks spectacular when paired with natural wood, stone accents, and lighter trim.
If you’re interested in joining the dark exteriors club, approach it thoughtfully. Start small with your front door or shutters if you’re hesitant, and be sure to pair it with natural materials like wood to keep it from feeling too stark.
Final Thoughts: The Timeless True Black
Tricorn Black is a benchmark shade for our designers. It’s endlessly versatile and stylish, and can match with nearly anything. Whether you want elegant minimalism or some bold contrast, Tricorn Black delivers beautifully.
Want to see how this shade would look on your home? Get started on your virtual design today, and our designers can show you exactly what your home would look like!
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