Black Emerald
With a focus on genuinely dark tones, Black Emerald (2936) 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 6 real world scenarios and find professional pairing data below.
Hex
#12221D
LRV
1.36
Black Emerald in Real Rooms
Black Emerald has a low LRV of 1.36 — 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.
2 Kitchen Cabinets Photos
When you use Black Emerald on cabinetry, you're embracing furniture-grade sophistication. It elevates standard cupboards into something that feels custom-built, especially when paired with a satin or semi-gloss finish that lets the light catch the edges of the doors.
Kitchen cabinets in Black Emerald offer moody elegance.
@tuckerjamesdesignco
Cabinetry painted Black Emerald deepens the kitchen's character.
@tuckerjamesdesignco
2 House Photos
In suburban environments, Black Emerald 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.
House exterior siding in Black Emerald creates dramatic curb appeal.
@barstow
Exterior painted Black Emerald makes a sophisticated statement.
@barstow
1 Living Room Photo
In a living room, Black Emerald acts as a bridge between the indoors and the view outside. It carries the organic weight of the natural world into the home, allowing the greenery from windows to pop while keeping the interior feeling protected and private. Pair it with oversized plants and ceramic vessels for a full organic-modern aesthetic.
Living room walls in Black Emerald provide intimate depth.
@bidibididunndunn
1 Misc Photo
These examples of Black Emerald 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.
Painted furniture piece in Black Emerald adds rich contrast.
@plumwild_
Coordinating Colors
At LRV 82 vs 1, Marshmallow is decisively the brighter choice.
Juneberry reads slightly lighter (LRV 9 vs 1), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Similar Colors
With LRVs of 4 and 1, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 4 vs 1), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 4 vs 1), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 4 and 1, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
A 3-point LRV gap (5 vs 1) makes Roycroft Bottle Green the marginally brighter of the two.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 4 vs 1), so neither reads brighter in a room.
A 4-point LRV gap (5 vs 1) makes Westhaven the marginally brighter of the two.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 3 vs 1), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 4 and 1, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Complementary Colors
At LRV 79 vs 1, Whimsical White is decisively the brighter choice.
Chaise Mauve reflects far more light (LRV 46 vs 1), opening up a space where Black Emerald encloses it.
Ruby Violet reflects far more light (LRV 24 vs 1), opening up a space where Black Emerald encloses it.
At LRV 17 vs 1, Plum Dandy is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 30 vs 1, Thistle is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 64 vs 1, Wallflower is decisively the brighter choice.
With LRVs of 3 and 1, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Lighter Colors
Hunt Club reads slightly lighter (LRV 6 vs 1), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.