Sherwin Williams Caviar vs Tricorn Black: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect black paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar deep shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Caviar SW 6990 and Tricorn Black SW 6258 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two rich, dark blacks?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Caviar vs Tricorn Black in-depth to help you determine the ideal black paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.

Let’s dive in!

Key Differences Between Caviar and Tricorn Black

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Caviar and Tricorn Black:

Undertones – Caviar has subtle warm undertones, Tricorn Black is a true black
Light Reflectance – Both have an LRV of 3
Use – Caviar suits traditional styles, Tricorn Black fits modern decor
Rooms – Caviar excels in dining rooms, Tricorn Black shines in offices
Availability – Both come in all sheens

Now let’s explore Caviar and Tricorn Black more thoroughly.

Sherwin Williams Caviar SW 6990

With its deep black appearance, Sherwin Williams Caviar SW 6990 makes a dramatic statement well-suited for traditional styles. This versatile neutral works across varied spaces.

Here are some details about Caviar:

LRV: 3
Undertones: Deep black with subtle warm undertones
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Wood tones, jewel tones, grays

Caviar is an intense black with the slightest hint of warmth. In certain lights it can read as an espresso black. The rich neutral has natural depth.

The 3 light reflectance value makes this near black. Caviar gives a cocooning, enveloping feel.

This adaptable black complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Caviar color pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Pure White
Rich wood finishes
Brass hardware accents

While suitable anywhere at home, Caviar truly excels in these enveloping spaces:

Dining Rooms
Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Offices
Libraries

Caviar’s subtle warmth helps create an intimate, traditional feel perfect as a dramatic accent wall or all-over color. Allow bold colors to pop against it.

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258

With its true black appearance, Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258 makes a dramatic modern statement. This deep shade works across contemporary spaces.

Here are some details about Tricorn Black:

LRV: 3
Undertones: True black
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Offices, dining rooms, bathrooms, kitchens
Pairs Well With: Crisp whites, grays, chrome

Tricorn Black is straight jet black without warm undertones. In any lighting it maintains its true black appearance.

The 3 light reflectance value makes this a pure black. Tricorn Black gives a sleek, modern feel.

This adaptable black complements both cool and bold brights nicely. Popular Tricorn Black color pairings include:

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
Crisp gray tones
Chrome hardware accents

While suitable anywhere at home, Tricorn Black truly excels in these contemporary spaces:

Offices
Dining Rooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Hallways

Tricorn Black’s true black tone helps create a dramatic modern feel. Allow colors to pop against it.

Comparing Caviar vs Tricorn Black

Now that we’ve examined Caviar and Tricorn Black independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Caviar and Tricorn Black have the same LRV of 3, so they will appear equally dark.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Caviar has subtle warm undertones, while Tricorn Black is a true black.

Use & Rooms

Caviar’s warmth excels in traditional dining rooms. Tricorn Black’s true black pops in modern offices.

Availability

Both Caviar and Tricorn Black come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.

Caviar vs Tricorn Black Comparison Chart

Paint Color	Caviar SW 6990	Tricorn Black SW 6258
LRV	3	3
Undertones	Deep black with subtle warm undertones	True black
Use	Traditional styles	Modern styles
Rooms	Dining rooms, living rooms	Offices, kitchens
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Traditional	Contemporary

Real-Life Photos: Caviar vs Tricorn Black

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the subtle differences between Caviar and Tricorn Black:

Sherwin Williams Caviar

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black

While they can overlap, Caviar generally appears slightly warmer than the true black tone of Tricorn Black. But lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Caviar or Tricorn Black?

So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Caviar or Tricorn Black for your home? Here are a few tips:

Choose Caviar SW 6990 if you want:

A deep black with subtle warmth
A versatile color suitable for traditional styles
A cocooning feel for dining and living rooms
To allow colors to pop richly

Choose Tricorn Black SW 6258 if you want:

A true, crisp black
A versatile color for modern, contemporary spaces
A sleek feel for offices and kitchens
To make colors pop dramatically

Get samples of both Caviar and Tricorn Black. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of the undertones in your environment.

You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer classic, deep black tones that suit varied styles.