Soft Black Paint Colors with Just the Right Amount of Drama

Don’t sleep on this unexpected paint color shade for your home.

Soft black might sound like a gamble, but Cara Newhart, interior designer and Behr ambassador, says it’s both a modern and timeless design choice. “Soft blacks are resonating in the design world because bolder, moodier colors make a dramatic yet sophisticated statement,” she explains. “Dark colors not only elevate the room you’re in, but the way you feel in it.”

Over recent years, consumers have become more comfortable with both the process of selecting paint colors for their homes as well as going for more saturated tones. Arianna Barone, color marketing manager at Benjamin Moore, says soft black is a natural first stop along the way due to its versatile nature when it comes to playing nice with other colors and design styles. Here, paint color experts share their top tips for getting in on this top paint color trend, including their favorite soft black paint color picks.

Characteristics of Soft Black

The beauty of this shade is its softness and delicate nature. At the same time, Newhart says it has a strength that can make it a milder and more complementary alternative to true black. Joa Studholme, Farrow & Ball color curator, has a similar take on the trending hue. “Pure blacks can feel hard and architectural, whereas a soft black will react to different light conditions in rooms, making them feel alive and special without the hard edges of a plain black,” she says. This all hinges on the fact that soft black has an underlying tone that’s not pure black, Studholme explains. This can make it a beautiful choice for both trim and walls.

Finding the undertone of any given soft black paint color is a task best undertaken with multiple paint colors in hand, as this perspective can help draw out the differences in their base. “Color doesn’t live in isolation, so the undertones will become more apparent once you have something to compare the soft black paint color against,” explains Barone. “Softer black paint colors tend to show more of their undertone, meaning they could cast slightly grayer, bluer, browner, etc.” When it comes to strong black paint colors, you’ll typically find they’re both richer and deeper and tend to show off their undertones less.

How to Use Soft Black Paint

As an Accent: “Soft black is dramatic, so I enjoy using this color as an accent wall with various accent pieces, such as décor, cushions, pillows, etc.” says Newart. She recommends pairing with a warm neutral to create a polished look.

As a Way to Diffuse Light: Soft black can be used to softly diffuse light, creating a cozy, welcoming space that still brings an air of sophisticated moodiness, says Newart. “Contrary to popular opinion, soft blacks can be an inspired solution in a dark space," says Studholme. "They blur boundaries, so you can’t read the perimeters of the space, and result in rooms that are a delight to retire to at the end of the day." That’s why she often chooses soft black for smaller spaces or ones that don’t have a lot of natural light.

As a Neutral: Barone says that soft black is far more versatile than one might think, lending a neutral effect but with the drama of a bolder color. According to the paint color pro, these traits allow it to work with just about any color palette. Black is an extremely versatile paint color that can bring a timeless touch to any design.

Best Soft Black Paint Colors

Hopper Head by Farrow & Ball

“The latest addition to [Farrow & Ball’s] selection of soft blacks is Hopper Head, a classic charcoal color that sits directly between Railings and Down Pipe, all of which are undeniably moody and commanding, and are used as much on trim as they are on walls,” says Studholme. She says all of these colors have an intensity and power to them that can provide a stimulating element to a room while also respecting its traditional aspects and proportions.

Paint Color: Hopper Head (No.305) by Farrow & Ball

Black Magic by PPG

Amy Youngblood, founder and lead designer at Amy Youngblood Interiors, describes Black Magic as a warm black with brown undertones. She goes for this color when she’s looking for an option that’s closer to a true black but slightly softer.

Paint Color: Black Magic (PPG1001-7) by PPG

Black Beauty by Benjamin Moore

“Black Beauty 2128-10 has a touch of warmth, helping this shade delicately balance between sophisticated and comforting,” says Barone. She loves it in a matte finish to add yet another subtle layer of softness to a space.

Paint Color: Black Beauty (2128-10) by Benjamin Moore

Cracked Pepper by Behr

Behr’s 2024 color of the year, Cracked Pepper, is a versatile option with the benefit of instantly creating a more elegant and elevated feel wherever it’s used, which makes it a favorite for Newhart. It’s both a modern and timeless way to add an exclamation to your favorite rooms and spaces.

Paint Color: Cracked Pepper (PPU18-01) by Behr

Iron Mountain by Benjamin Moore

Iron Mountain finds the ideal balance between black and gray, says Barone, and can fluctuate based on light exposure. “In rooms with a lot of natural light, it can cast as more of a deep gray,” she explains. “It balances between warm and cool making it adaptable and easy to work with.“

Paint Color: Iron Mountain (2134-30) by Benjamin Moore

Zombie by PPG

The dark tone of this soft black might lead you to believe it needs to play solely against whites and neutrals, but that’s not the case. Let it have a moment, but don’t be afraid to let it play with other impactful shades. “This is a cooler black with charcoal undertones that pairs well with bright colors such as greens, yellows, and purple,” says Youngblood.

Paint Color: Zombie (PPG1010-7) by PPG

Night Club by Behr

Newhart says the off-black hue of Night Club has a unique smoky appearance that lends a sophisticated edginess. It works well with coordinating shades like blue-grays, true grays, and even warm browns.

Paint Color: Night Club (N500-7) by Behr

Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams

“This is a dark gray charcoal-like color that is great on doors, exteriors, and accent walls,” says Youngblood. Use it with brighter tones like Sherwin-Williams Extra White, specifically in smaller applications, to create a sophisticated feel.

Paint Color: Iron Ore (SW-7069) by Sherwin-Williams

Pencil Point by Behr

It’s the blue undertones of this dark gray that gives it an intensity worthy of elevating your space. Thanks to its multifaceted profile, it has a depth that effortlessly translates to walls, cabinets, and more.

Paint Color: Pencil Point (PPU18-02) by Behr

Midnight Blue by Benjamin Moore

The navy-blue undertone of Midnight Blue makes it a handsome choice, and one that pairs with soft shades like Cloud White and Grenadier Pond. “The blue undertone brings depth and intrigue to this color helping to soften it and make it more approachable,” Barone says.

Paint Color: Midnight Blue (1638) by Benjamin Moore

Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore

For a statement without being too loud, Barone recommends the beautiful soft black of Kendall Charcoal. “This rich, deep hue tends to cast as more of a charcoal, but is a go-to of mine when looking for the classic touch of a black paint color without the sharp contrast,” says Barone.

Paint Color: Kendall Charcoal (HC-166) by Benjamin Moore

Poppy Seed by Behr

While it might be bold, the dark blue undertones of Poppy Seed keep it from reading true black. Newhart gives this exhilarating pick her vote.  

Paint Color: Poppy Seed (PPU15-20) by Behr

Onyx by PPG

The stone nuance of Onyx makes it a soft black that skews cool. Pair it with a lighter gray or a beige with red undertones. “I think it looks great in a more masculine type of design,” says Youngblood.

Paint Color: Onyx (PPG1011) by PPG

Ink Black by Behr

If you’re looking for a sleek, modern take on soft black, consider Ink Black. It fuses both dark grays and deep blues to create this saturated shade.

Paint Color: Ink Black (N490-7) by Behr

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