Black Forest
We've categorized Black Forest as a genuinely dark paint color 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 10 room photos to see how it looks alongside coordinating accent choices.
Hex
#434b4f
LRV
7.00
Black Forest's Color Strip
Black Forest is the seventh shade on this 7-color strip, the deepest shade in this coordinated family. Color strip PPG1012 groups these shades together so you can see how each reads next to its neighbors.
Black Forest in Real Rooms
Black Forest has a low LRV of 7 — it absorbs light and reads as a genuinely dark, enveloping color.
1 Dining Room Photo
For an "all-day" dining room, Black Forest is surprisingly adaptable. In the morning, it feels crisp and clean for breakfast; as the sun moves, it transitions into a moodier, more reflective space that is perfect for long, lingering dinners.
Black Forest paint in a minimalist dining room
@simplywalldecor
1 Home Office Photo
For those who spend their day on camera, Black Forest is a highly flattering background color. It doesn't wash out skin tones or create weird reflections, providing a professional and "expensive" look for virtual meetings and presentations.
PPG Black Forest in a contemporary home office
@simplywalldecor
1 Bedroom Photo
Pairing Black Forest with tonal textures—like a silk rug or a bouclé chair—creates a layered, monochromatic look that is the height of sophistication for a bedroom. It proves that you don't need high-contrast colors to create a room that feels high-design and deeply personal.
A traditional bedroom painted in Black Forest
@simplywalldecor
1 Bathroom Photo
Using Black Forest on a bathroom vanity is a clever way to introduce color without painting the walls. It creates a sophisticated anchor for the room, especially when topped with a thick white quartz or a contrasting dark stone.
Black Forest — vintage bathroom
@simplywalldecor
1 Front Door Photo
There's a psychological sense of "arrival" when you step up to a door painted in Black Forest. It feels solid, grounded, and permanent, giving both residents and guests a sense of stability as they cross the threshold.
stylish front door featuring Black Forest by PPG
@simplywalldecor
1 Kitchen Photo
On kitchen walls, Black Forest adds a considered, intentional feel without demanding too much attention in a busy space. It holds its own against both warm wood countertops and cool quartz or marble, making it an incredibly flexible choice for the hardest-working and most high-traffic room in the house.
Black Forest — classy kitchen
@simplywalldecor
1 Patio Photo
Exterior color behaves differently than interior — there's more bleaching, more weather, and more competition from the natural surroundings. Black Forest holds its character in open light and tends to look even better after a few seasons than it does fresh from the can.
rustic modern patio featuring Black Forest by PPG
@simplywalldecor
1 Living Room Photo
Few colors transition as gracefully from day to evening as Black Forest. In natural light, it reads clean, grounded, and modern; by candlelight or lamp, it deepens into something much more soulful. For a living room that needs to function as a bright morning coffee spot and a moody evening lounge, that tonal range is an invaluable asset.
A organic modern living room painted in Black Forest
@simplywalldecor
1 House Photo
When choosing Black Forest for an exterior, you are opting for a color that respects the landscape. It feels like it grew out of the earth rather than being dropped onto it, creating a harmonious relationship between the architecture and the garden.
Black Forest color — traditional house inspiration
@simplywalldecor
1 Mudroom Photo
Painting mudroom cubbies and benches in Black Forest creates a built-in look that feels like a deliberate part of the home's architecture. It turns a utilitarian storage area into a sophisticated "moment" in the house's layout.
Black Forest paint in a coastal mudroom
@simplywalldecor
Expert Perspectives
In-depth articles and real-home features from across our network of home and design sites.
Coordinating Colors
At LRV 62 vs 7, Sourdough is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 21 vs 7, Magic Dust is decisively the brighter choice.
Trim Color
At LRV 81 vs 7, Horseradish is decisively the brighter choice.
Delicate White reflects far more light (LRV 88 vs 7), opening up a space where Black Forest encloses it.