When searching for the perfect black paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar dramatic shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Iron Ore SW 7069 and Black Magic SW 6991 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two deep, dark blacks?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Iron Ore vs Black Magic 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!
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Iron Ore and Black Magic
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Iron Ore and Black Magic:
- Undertones – Iron Ore is a warm black, Black Magic is a cool black
- Light Reflectance – Iron Ore has an LRV of 6, Black Magic has an LRV of 3
- Use – Iron Ore suits traditional styles, Black Magic fits modern decor
- Rooms – Iron Ore excels in dining rooms, Black Magic shines in offices
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Iron Ore and Black Magic more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore SW 7069
With its deep warm black appearance, Sherwin Williams Iron Ore SW 7069 creates a dramatic, sophisticated backdrop well-suited for traditional styles. This bold color works across classic spaces seeking soft drama.
Here are some details about Iron Ore:
- LRV: 6
- Undertones: Warm black
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Dining rooms, bedrooms, offices, foyers
- Pairs Well With: Crisp whites, wood tones
Iron Ore is an opaque blackened brown with faint warm red undertones. In certain lights it can take on a weathered licorice look.
The 6 light reflectance value provides enough contrast when paired with lighter accents. Iron Ore gives a bold yet approachable feel.
This dramatic black looks beautiful with bright whites and wood tones. Popular Iron Ore color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Extra White
- Black wood finishes
- Espresso stained finishes
- Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures
While suitable anywhere seeking soft drama, Iron Ore truly excels in these spaces:
- Dining Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Foyers
- Libraries
Iron Ore’s subtle warmth helps create an elegant, traditional feel perfect for making refined statements.
Sherwin Williams Black Magic SW 6991
With its intense cool black appearance, Sherwin Williams Black Magic SW 6991 creates a dramatic, moody backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This bold color works across modern spaces seeking striking drama.
Here are some details about Black Magic:
- LRV: 3
- Undertones: Cool black
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Offices, dining rooms, accent walls, entryways
- Pairs Well With: Crisp whites, chrome, metal
Black Magic is an opaque black with strong blue undertones. In certain lights it can appear almost void-like.
The 3 light reflectance value provides maximum contrast when paired with lighter accents. Black Magic makes a bold statement.
This dramatic black pops beautifully against bright whites and chrome. Popular Black Magic color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Glossy lacquered finishes
- Polished steel
- Satin nickel or chrome lighting
While suitable anywhere seeking drama, Black Magic truly excels in these modern spaces:
- Offices
- Dining Rooms
- Accent Walls
- Entryways
- Media Rooms
Black Magic’s cool depth helps create an intimate, contemporary feel perfect for statement pieces and dramatic contrasts.
Comparing Iron Ore vs Black Magic
Now that we’ve examined Iron Ore and Black Magic independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Iron Ore and Black Magic have quite different LRVs of 6 and 3 respectively. Black Magic will appear darker.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Iron Ore is a warm black, while Black Magic is a cool black.
Use & Rooms
Iron Ore’s warmth excels in traditional dining rooms. Black Magic’s cool drama suits modern offices.
Availability
Both Iron Ore and Black Magic come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
Iron Ore vs Black Magic Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Iron Ore SW 7069 | Black Magic SW 6991 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 6 | 3 |
| Undertones | Warm black | Cool black |
| Use | Traditional rooms | Modern spaces |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Traditional | Contemporary |
Real-Life Photos: Iron Ore vs Black Magic
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Iron Ore and Black Magic:
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore
Sherwin Williams Black Magic
While they can overlap, Iron Ore appears warmer than the intense cool tone of Black Magic. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Iron Ore or Black Magic?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Iron Ore or Black Magic for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Iron Ore SW 7069 if you want:
- A deep, warm blackened brown
- A subtly dramatic neutral for traditional spaces
- A sophisticated look with wood tones
- Refined, soft drama
Choose Black Magic SW 6991 if you want:
- An intense, cool void-like black
- Maximum contrast for modern spaces
- Striking drama against bright whites
- A bold contemporary statement
Get samples of both Iron Ore and Black Magic. Paint large swatches on poster board viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the tones read.
You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful, dramatic black tones.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Iron Ore and Black Magic paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore
- Dining Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Foyers
- Libraries
Sherwin Williams Black Magic
- Offices
- Dining Rooms
- Accent Walls
- Entryways
- Media Rooms
While both blacks work well in varied spaces, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Iron Ore and Black Magic create dramatic backdrops. Complement them with lighter colors for gorgeous contrast:
Iron Ore SW 7069 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Extra White
- Black wood finishes
- Espresso stained finishes
- Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures
Black Magic SW 6991 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Glossy lacquered finishes
- Polished steel
- Satin nickel or chrome lighting
Iron Ore vs Black Magic – Which is Better?
So which black paint color is better for your home – Iron Ore or Black Magic?
Consider Iron Ore SW 7069 if you want:
- A deep, warm blackened brown
- A subtly dramatic neutral for traditional spaces
- A sophisticated look with wood tones
- Refined, soft drama
Consider Black Magic SW 6991 if you want:
- An intense, cool void-like black
- Maximum contrast for modern spaces
- Striking drama against bright whites
- A bold contemporary statement
While Iron Ore offers refined drama, Black Magic provides striking boldness.
Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful dramatic Sherwin Williams black you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Iron Ore or Black Magic? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Iron Ore and Black Magic?
The main differences are their undertones and levels of drama. Iron Ore is a deep warm black while Black Magic is an intense, cooler black.
What colors complement Iron Ore?
Iron Ore looks beautiful paired with crisp whites, light blues, wood tones, and bronze accents for an elegant feel.
Can you use Black Magic in a bedroom?
Yes, Black Magic would create a bold, dramatic contemporary look in a bedroom paired with bright whites and glossy lacquered nightstands.
Is Iron Ore suitable for northern exposure?
Yes, Iron Ore’s 6 LRV provides enough contrast for a north facing room without appearing too dark and gloomy.
Does Black Magic come in satin finish?
Yes, Black Magic is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to satin to high gloss semi-gloss.
