Black Tar
We've categorized Black Tar as a genuinely dark Black because of its unique LRV profile. We have documented it across our network because it can anchor a room without demanding the spotlight so effectively. Explore our collection of 15 room photos to see how it looks alongside coordinating accent choices.
Hex
#38393A
LRV
5.65
Black Tar in Real Rooms
Black Tar has a low LRV of 5.65 — it absorbs light and reads as a genuinely dark, enveloping color. It's neutral in temperature, making it adaptable across different lighting conditions and room orientations. Grouped in the Black and Gray and Neutral family, the photos below show it applied in a living room, house, kitchen cabinets and misc.
4 Living Room Photos
The beauty of Black Tar in a living room lies in its versatility with textures. It provides a smooth, matte-like quality that contrasts beautifully against plush velvet sofas or chunky wool rugs. It's a color that invites you to stay a little longer, creating an atmosphere that feels established rather than just decorated.
Walls painted Black Tar deepen the living room's atmosphere.
@babcockpefferdesign
Trim and railings in Black Tar define classic architectural details.
@babcockpefferdesign
A fireplace surround in Black Tar becomes the room's focal point.
@babcockpefferdesign
Fireplace walls painted Black Tar add drama and elegance.
@jaclynhdesigns
2 House Photos
In suburban environments, Black Tar provides a sophisticated point of difference. It stands out from the sea of beige and grey without being "that house" that's too loud. It's the subtle, high-end choice that improves the curb appeal of the entire block.
Storefront exterior in Black Tar delivers contemporary curb appeal.
@paulpatropulos
House exterior painted Black Tar creates a modern presence.
@ourcreeksidecabin
3 Kitchen Cabinets Photos
For an island-only application, Black Tar provides a stunning focal point. It anchors the center of the room, creating a "furniture piece" feel that contrasts beautifully with lighter perimeter cabinets and draws people toward the heart of the kitchen.
Kitchen cabinetry in Black Tar provides timeless storage elegance.
@knightcrane
Dark cabinets finished in Black Tar transform your cooking space.
@growingupgowler
Cabinetry painted Black Tar gives kitchens sophisticated style.
@growingupgowler
6 Misc Photos
These examples of Black Tar in transitional spaces—like entryways or landings—show how the color can act as a "thread" that ties the upper and lower floors of a house together into one cohesive story.
Victorian furniture refinished in Black Tar gains new character.
@relovedsimply
Coordinating Colors
At LRV 82 vs 6, Winter Snow is decisively the brighter choice.
Similar Colors
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 6 vs 6), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 6 vs 5), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 6 and 6, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 6 vs 6), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Complementary Colors
With LRVs of 6 and 6, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Woodcliff Lake reads slightly lighter (LRV 17 vs 6), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Silver Fox reflects far more light (LRV 44 vs 6), opening up a space where Black Tar encloses it.
Upper West Side reflects far more light (LRV 39 vs 6), opening up a space where Black Tar encloses it.
At LRV 47 vs 6, Himalayan Trek is decisively the brighter choice.
Lighter Colors
With LRVs of 8 and 6, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 8 and 6, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 6 vs 6), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 6 and 6, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Darker Colors
With LRVs of 6 and 5, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.