Cast Iron
Often used for its genuinely dark qualities, Cast Iron remains a staple for Sherwin-Williams designers. It is widely considered one of the best colors in its class to anchor a room without demanding the spotlight. We've gathered 22 real-home scenarios to help you visualize this color alongside our expert data.
Hex
#64645A
LRV
12.56
Cast Iron's Color Strip
Cast Iron is the seventh shade on this 7-color strip, the deepest shade in this coordinated family. Strip 216 puts these related shades in sequence, making it simple to find the tone that suits your room.
Cast Iron in Real Rooms
Cast Iron has a low LRV of 12.56 — it absorbs light and reads as a genuinely dark, enveloping color. It's neutral in temperature and , making it adaptable across different lighting conditions and room orientations. Grouped in the Green family, the photos below show it applied in a living room, bathroom, kitchen cabinets, house, home office, kitchen, misc and mudroom.
10 Living Room Photos
Cast Iron 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.
Living room accent wall in Cast Iron makes a bold statement.
@millhouseandco
3 Bathroom Photos
Small bathrooms amplify whatever color is on the wall, which makes the choice more consequential than it first appears. Cast Iron has enough depth to register without closing the room in, and it plays well with white subway tile or warm wood accents.
Vanity cabinetry in Cast Iron anchors this spa-like bathroom aesthetic.
@tumbleweeddesignco
Bathroom vanity painted Cast Iron pairs elegantly with marble countertops.
@durasupreme
Vanity and trim in Cast Iron provide sophisticated grounding in this bathroom.
@durasupreme
1 Kitchen Cabinets Photo
When you use Cast Iron 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 painted Cast Iron provide bold contrast to white countertops.
@studiohdesignsinc
2 House Photos
In suburban environments, Cast Iron 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.
Board-and-batten siding in Cast Iron defines this home's classic exterior.
@hobbsfunk
Laundry room cabinetry in Cast Iron maximizes both function and style.
@red.barn_farmhouse
1 Home Office Photo
Cast Iron works exceptionally well with "warm" tech—leather desk pads, brass lamps, and wooden monitor stands. It bridges the gap between modern technology and traditional home comfort, making the office feel like part of the house.
Office walls in Cast Iron foster focus and creative thinking.
@2heartokidesigns
1 Kitchen Photo
For smaller kitchens, Cast Iron can be used to create a "jewel box" effect. By painting the walls and trim in this same shade, you eliminate visual breaks, making the room feel more expansive and sophisticated despite its modest footprint.
Kitchen island in Cast Iron serves as a striking centerpiece.
@hellomillerdesign
3 Misc Photos
In walk-in closets or pantries, Cast Iron provides a dark, sophisticated backdrop that makes your belongings look organized and curated. It turns a storage space into a boutique-like experience every time you open the door.
Furniture piece painted Cast Iron gains renewed sophistication and presence.
@our_intentional_home
Textured wall paneling in Cast Iron brings depth and character to the room.
@ourhouseinmaine
Utility room walls in Cast Iron create a polished, hardworking backdrop.
@devanroseinteriors
1 Mudroom Photo
The depth of Cast Iron is a secret weapon against the "dirty" look that many light-colored mudrooms eventually suffer from. It retains its freshness and intentionality even when it's not perfectly clean, which is essential for an active family.
Mudroom storage in Cast Iron organizes space with understated elegance.
@red.barn_farmhouse
Coordinating Colors
At LRV 72 vs 13, Frosty White is decisively the brighter choice.
Smoky Salmon reflects far more light (LRV 52 vs 13), opening up a space where Cast Iron encloses it.
Trim Color
At LRV 72 vs 13, Frosty White is decisively the brighter choice.
Similar Colors
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 13 vs 12), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 15 vs 13), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 14 and 13, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 13 vs 13), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 13 vs 10), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Complementary Colors
A 8-point LRV gap (20 vs 13) makes Soulful Blue the marginally brighter of the two.
At LRV 28 vs 13, Dusty Heather is decisively the brighter choice.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 13 vs 12), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Cast Iron reads slightly lighter (LRV 13 vs 4), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
At LRV 35 vs 13, Vesper Violet is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 76 vs 13, Lady's Slipper is decisively the brighter choice.
Lighter Colors
A 7-point LRV gap (19 vs 13) makes Westchester Gray the marginally brighter of the two.
Attitude Gray reads slightly lighter (LRV 20 vs 13), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 15 vs 13), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Cornwall Slate reflects far more light (LRV 29 vs 13), opening up a space where Cast Iron encloses it.
Darker Colors
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 13 vs 10), so neither reads brighter in a room.