Last Updated on July 22, 2024 by lindseymahoney
Dark gray is one of my favorite bold colors to incorporate into interior design within my home. One of my favorite dark colors is Peppercorn by Sherwin Williams which is a rich and versatile shade that promises to transform any space. Let’s dive into a detailed paint color review today!
Table of Contents
- What Color is Peppercorn?
- What is the light reflective value (LRV) of Sherwin Williams Peppercorn?
- Where can I use Peppercorn in my home?
- Complementary Colors
- Sherwin Williams Paint Colors that Pair Well with Peppercorn:
- Comparing Peppercorn to Similar Dark Gray Colors
- Peppercorn vs. Greenblack
- Peppercorn vs. Iron Ore
- Peppercorn vs. Tricorn Black
- Lighting Considerations
- What are the undertones of Peppercorn?
- What are the color codes for Sherwin Williams Peppercorn?
- More Content You Will Love
What Color is Peppercorn?
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn (SW 7674) is a deep charcoal gray that borders on black. Its deep, saturated tone makes it a standout choice for creating a statement wall, adding depth to a cozy nook, or even transforming an entire room.
Despite its dark nature, Peppercorn has a warm undertone that prevents it from feeling too cold or harsh. This balance makes it a versatile option for various design styles, from modern and industrial to classic and cozy.
What is the light reflective value (LRV) of Sherwin Williams Peppercorn?
The LRV for Peppercorn is 10.
As a reminder, LRV tells us how much light a color absorbs on a scale from 0 to 100. The lower the number, the less light the color will reflect and will therefore feel darker. The higher the LRV number, the more reflective the color, making a space feel lighter and brighter.
Where can I use Peppercorn in my home?
One of the most significant advantages of Peppercorn is its adaptability. This deep gray color can be used in numerous ways to achieve different effects:
Accent Walls:
Peppercorn makes an excellent choice for an accent wall, providing a dramatic focal point without overwhelming the space. It pairs beautifully with lighter shades like whites, creams, and soft pastels, creating a balanced and sophisticated look.
In our living room, I used this rich hue to emphasize the fireplace as the focal point of the room. The surrounding walls are painted a warm white called Alabaster.
Cabinetry and Trim:
For those looking to make a bold statement, consider Peppercorn for kitchen cabinets or trim work. It adds a touch of elegance and can completely revamp the look of your cabinetry.
In our home, I used a charcoal gray on our kitchen island as an accent color to the white cabinetry along the walls. I used the same color on the kitchen backsplash to tie in the design.
Dining Room:
I applied this neutral dark gray paint color to the upper walls in our dining room for a dramatic touch. It is the perfect paint color to reflect my personal style and use as a backdrop when hosting family and friends.
Exterior:
Don’t limit Peppercorn to the indoors. This color works wonderfully on exterior siding, shutters, and doors, offering a timeless and chic curb appeal.
To make the front of our home pop, I gave our front door and carriage door a fresh coat of paint using SW Peppercorn.
Other spaces to consider using this color in your home:
- Home office
- Master Bedroom: Bedrooms are a great place to use darker colors in your home.
- Entryway or Foyer
Complementary Colors
Pairing Peppercorn with the right colors can enhance its beauty and ensure a cohesive design. Here are a few suggestions:
- Whites and Creams: These colors provide a stark contrast to Peppercorn, allowing the dark gray to pop while maintaining a clean and classic look. Consider Sherwin Williams Pure White (SW 7005) or Alabaster (SW 7008) for trim and ceilings.
- Warm Neutrals: To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, pair Peppercorn with warm neutrals like beige or taupe. Accessible Beige (SW 7036) and Balanced Beige (SW 7037) are excellent choices.
- Bold Colors: If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing Peppercorn with bold colors like mustard yellow, deep teal, or even a vibrant red. These combinations can add a touch of modernity and flair to your space.
For all of these spaces, I used a latex base for the paint and chose a satin sheen. Whenever I tackle a paint project in my home, I will choose the same type of paint and sheen 99% of the time.
Sherwin Williams Paint Colors that Pair Well with Peppercorn:
Comparing Peppercorn to Similar Dark Gray Colors
Peppercorn vs. Greenblack
While Peppercorn is more of a neutral gray, Greenblack is darker with a cooler undertone of green.
Peppercorn vs. Iron Ore
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore is another beautiful deep, charcoal color that is slightly darker than Peppercorn.
Peppercorn vs. Tricorn Black
SW Tricorn Black is one of the more popular paint colors at Sherwin Williams and is known as a true black, therefore it goes with all undertones.
If you are looking for a paint color dupe by a different brand, check out the similar colors below.
- Shadow Mountain by Behr
- Mark Twain Gray Brick by Valspar
- 425 by Pantone
- Gray by Benjamin Moore (exact color match)
- Greenblack by Sherwin Williams
Lighting Considerations
When working with darker paint colors like Peppercorn, lighting plays a crucial role in how the color will appear in your space.
Natural light will bring out the depth and warmth of the color, while artificial lighting can either soften it or make it appear more intense.
It’s essential to test a sample of Peppercorn in your space, observing it at different times of the day and under various lighting conditions. If you don’t want to apply real paint directly to the drywall, consider purchasing peel and stick paint samples or painting a swatch onto a poster board.
North-facing rooms like my dining room, do not receive direct sunlight, however, the space does have a large window that lets in a lot of natural light.
What are the undertones of Peppercorn?
The dark gray has the perfect balance of warm and cool undertones. Personally, I feel like cooler undertones, like blue, are a little more prominent when I use them in my home.
A paint undertone is a color you don’t see that can cause the main color (tone) to feel warm or cool. Warm paint colors have yellow, beige, or pink undertones. Cool paint colors have green, purple or blue undertones.
What are the color codes for Sherwin Williams Peppercorn?
The hexadecimal color code is #585858 and the RGB is 88 / 88/ 88.
Whether you’re looking to add a touch of drama to your living room or revamp your kitchen, Peppercorn promises to deliver a stunning transformation.
So, next time you’re staring at a wall of paint swatches, give Sherwin Williams Peppercorn a closer look. You might just find that this rich, charcoal gray is the perfect shade to bring your vision to life.
Do you have any specific questions or need more advice on incorporating Peppercorn into your home? Share your thoughts in the comments below!