Basically Black
With a focus on genuinely dark tones, Basically Black (42BB 09/032) is a standout paint color in our database. It was selected for this featured gallery for its ability to anchor a room without demanding the spotlight. See it applied across 19 real world scenarios and find professional pairing data below.
Hex
#494D52
LRV
9.00
Basically Black in Real Rooms
Basically Black has a low LRV of 9 — it absorbs light and reads as a genuinely dark, enveloping color.
2 Front Door Photos
There's a psychological sense of "arrival" when you step up to a door painted in Basically Black. It feels solid, grounded, and permanent, giving both residents and guests a sense of stability as they cross the threshold.
Dulux Basically Black front door color review
@caseleys_cribs
Dulux Basically Black front door color
@thejoinerydenneltd
3 House Photos
On the exterior, Basically Black holds up across all lighting conditions — crisp in full sun, rich and dimensional on overcast days. It pairs especially well with white trim, black window frames, and natural stone, giving the home a timeless, curated presence.
Dulux Basically Black house exterior paint review
@ljv_decorating
Dulux Basically Black house exterior paint
@ljv_decorating
Dulux Basically Black house exterior
@ljv_decorating
5 Living Room Photos
Basically Black works harder than it looks in a living room environment. Whether the space gets direct southern sun or stays north-facing and dim, the color finds its specific register — neither receding into the background nor demanding the spotlight. It acts as a sophisticated backdrop that makes every piece of furniture or art placed in front of it look immediately more considered and curated.
Dulux Basically Black living room paint
@zimmermanandco
Dulux Basically Black living room fireplace
@lsdecs_
Dulux Basically Black living room accent wall
@jwilsonjoineryhartlepool
Dulux Basically Black hallway makeover
@zimmermanandco
Dulux Basically Black hallway color-block
@proshield_coatings
6 Misc Photos
These photos show Basically Black in spaces that don't fit neatly into a single category: transitional spaces, accent applications, and rooms where the color becomes a fine detail rather than a broad backdrop.
Dulux Basically Black painted storage
@lifein90lane
2 Bedroom Photos
In the context of a primary suite, Basically Black suggests a boutique-hotel level of refinement. It creates a seamless flow between the sleeping area and the dressing room, providing a steadying influence that makes the morning routine feel more organized and serene.
Dulux Basically Black bedroom color review
@mattworley_painting_projects_
Dulux Basically Black bedroom color
@mattworley_painting_projects_
1 Bathroom Photo
In a powder room, Basically Black can be used floor-to-ceiling to create a dramatic, high-impact experience for guests. Because these rooms are small and transitional, they can handle the full intensity of the color's personality without feeling overwhelming.
Dulux Basically Black bathroom color
@cotswoldpandp
