Last Updated on May 9, 2025 by Vannessa Rhoades, Three Bears Home Staging
Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore SW 7069 is a soft, warm black that is definitely on-trend right now for everything from accent walls to cabinets and exteriors. Wondering if this dark paint is right for your project?
Does Iron Ore Have a Color or “Undertone?” Is SW Iron Ore Black or Gray?
When most people ask about “undertones” what they’re actually referring to is a color’s hue family. Hue family describes a color’s location on a specific segment of the color wheel (red, yellow, blue, etc.). Hue family is not subjective or based on opinion; it can be objectively and scientifically calculated. A color’s hue family is determined by the measurement of that color’s dominant hue angle using color measurement tools, like colorimeters and spectrophotometers.
All colors, even those that seem neutral, belong to a hue family. Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore SW 7069 has a hue angle of 131.887° which puts it in the Green-Yellow hue family.
Determining a paint color’s hue family helps us better understand and predict how that color will render on the wall and interact with nearby colors. This is why Iron Ore may flash slightly green when used on exteriors where there’s a lot of light (or why you hear some describe it with “green undertones.” This oh-so-subtle green can also show up just a bit on interior walls that get direct hits of bright sunlight or when used on cabinets or trim painted with a more reflective sheen. But in most cases, people just see a nice soft black paint color.
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What Is the LRV of Iron Ore?
LRV (Light Reflectance Value) is a measure of how much light a paint reflects back into a room, with 100 being highly reflective and zero being not reflective at all. Iron Ore’s LRV is 6, so it’s super dark (but not the darkest on the market, if you can believe it). This helps it feel a bit softer than a true black (which would be an LRV of 0 and isn’t really available when it comes to architectural paint anyway). If you’re looking for a color that’s a bit “blacker” or darker in value, take a look at Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black 6258 (LRV 3).
Which White Trim Color Goes with Iron Ore?
You’re pretty safe with most white paint colors since they’re such a stark contrast in value (lightness/darkness) to Iron Ore. Bear in mind, however, that whites from the Yellow hue family may emphasize Iron Ore’s green a bit more. I like Sherwin-Williams Pure White 7005 for a soft, clean trim color. For a bit more crispness, try Sherwin-Williams Extra White 7006.
Is SW Iron Ore a Good Front Door Paint Color?
Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore SW 7069 is an excellent choice for a front door paint color, offering a sophisticated, modern aesthetic that complements various home styles. Its deep, almost black charcoal tone creates a striking contrast against lighter exteriors, like white, beige, or light gray, while harmonizing beautifully with darker palettes for a monochromatic look. Its versatility allows it to pair seamlessly with brick, stone, or wood as an exterior paint color. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Iron Ore’s rich hue has a timeless elegance, making it a popular exterior paint color option for enhancing curb appeal and leaving a lasting impression on visitors or potential buyers.
What Other Paint Colors Go Well With Iron Ore?
Iron Ore looks great when paired with other colors from similar hue families (the Yellow-Green, Yellow, and Green hue families). Many popular near neutrals and earth tones fall into these categories! Don’t pair Iron Ore with colors from the Blue hue family. This includes cool, blue-toned grays and other tricky near-neutrals in the Blue family.
What Other Paint Colors Are Similar to Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore?
Sherwin-Williams Rock Bottom 7062 is very close in terms of value and chroma. However, it leans a tiny bit greener (hue angle = 157°). Benjamin Moore Nightfall 1596 (hue angle = 189°, Green hue family) is similar but has even less warmth compared to Iron Ore. Behr’s Peppery MQ2-62 (hue angle = 84°, Yellow hue family) is also comparable but looks a bit warmer than Iron Ore
I never, ever recommend color matching between brands. I have seen clients do this for any number of reasons (to save a little money, their contractor will only work with a specific brand, lack of access, etc.). But the bottom line is that you cannot color match between brands and expect to get identical results.
You may get close. You may even get a color you can live with if you’re lucky. But with color matching, there are no guarantees because different brands use different formulas, bases, and proprietary pigments. Ultimately, it will be a different product.
Iron Ore vs. Urbane Bronze
Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze 7048 has a hue angle of 86.287°. Technically, it’s an almost orangey-yellow, a much warmer color than Iron Ore. Urbane Bronze reflects more light (LRV=8) and is a bit more colorful (chroma value=3.139) than Iron Ore. This means you may see that warmth show up to the party a bit more.
Iron Ore vs. Peppercorn
At 10.05, Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn 7674 has a higher LRV than Iron Ore. This means it has enough light reflectance to avoid appearing solid black, especially on the exterior of a building. Peppercorn has a hue angle of 310.645°, putting it in the Purple family. It also has a low chroma value (C=0.707) which means it’s a cleaner, less colorful charcoal. You won’t see much purple color or “undertone,” but you can perceive the warmth.
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Vannessa Rhoades
Vannessa Rhoades is the author of Just Right! Easy DIY Home Staging and the founder of the award-winning firm, Three Bears Home Staging®. She specializes in providing positive, empowering virtual consultations that help homeowners and real estate agents all across the country sell more quickly and for more money.
