Sherwin Williams Iron Ore vs Peppercorn: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect dark paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two deep shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Iron Ore SW 7069 and Peppercorn SW 7674 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two rich, dramatic neutrals?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Iron Ore vs Peppercorn in-depth to help you determine the ideal dark 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 Iron Ore and Peppercorn

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Iron Ore and Peppercorn:

Undertones – Iron Ore is a warm dark brown, Peppercorn is a cool dark gray
Light Reflectance – Iron Ore has an LRV of 6, Peppercorn has an LRV of 10
Use – Iron Ore suits traditional styles, Peppercorn fits modern decor
Rooms – Iron Ore excels in dining rooms, Peppercorn shines in offices
Availability – Both come in all sheens

Now let’s explore Iron Ore and Peppercorn more thoroughly.

Sherwin Williams Iron Ore SW 7069

With its deep brown appearance, Sherwin Williams Iron Ore SW 7069 makes a dramatic statement well-suited for traditional styles. This versatile neutral works across varied spaces.

Here are some details about Iron Ore:

LRV: 6
Undertones: Warm dark brown
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Wood tones, blacks, jewel tones

Iron Ore is an intense chocolate brown with warm reddish-brown undertones. In certain lights it can read as a blackened mahogany. The enveloping neutral has natural depth.

The 6 light reflectance value makes this a dramatic near black. Iron Ore gives a cocooning, enveloping feel.

This adaptable dark brown complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Iron Ore color pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Pure White
Rich wood finishes
Brass hardware accents

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

Dining Rooms
Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Offices
Libraries

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

Sherwin Williams Peppercorn SW 7674

With its cool dark gray appearance, Sherwin Williams Peppercorn SW 7674 makes a dramatic modern statement. This deep shade works across contemporary spaces.

Here are some details about Peppercorn:

LRV: 10
Undertones: Cool dark gray
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Offices, dining rooms, bathrooms, kitchens
Pairs Well With: Crisp whites, grays, chrome

Peppercorn is a straight blue-based dark gray without warm undertones. In any lighting it maintains its sophisticated neutral gray appearance.

The 10 light reflectance value makes this a striking near black. Peppercorn gives a sleek, modern feel.

This adaptable dark gray complements both cool and bold brights nicely. Popular Peppercorn color pairings include:

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
Crisp gray tones
Chrome hardware accents

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

Offices
Dining Rooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Hallways

Peppercorn’s sophisticated gray tone helps create a dramatic modern feel. Allow colors to pop against it.

Comparing Iron Ore vs Peppercorn

Now that we’ve examined Iron Ore and Peppercorn independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Iron Ore and Peppercorn have different LRVs of 6 and 10 respectively. Peppercorn will appear slightly lighter.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Iron Ore is a warm dark brown, while Peppercorn is a cool dark gray.

Use & Rooms

Iron Ore’s warmth excels in traditional dining rooms. Peppercorn’s cool tone pops in modern offices.

Availability

Both Iron Ore and Peppercorn come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.

Iron Ore vs Peppercorn Comparison Chart

Paint Color	Iron Ore SW 7069	Peppercorn SW 7674
LRV	6	10
Undertones	Warm dark brown	Cool dark gray
Use	Traditional styles	Modern styles
Rooms	Dining rooms, living rooms	Offices, kitchens
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Traditional	Contemporary

Real-Life Photos: Iron Ore vs Peppercorn

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Iron Ore and Peppercorn:

Sherwin Williams Iron Ore

Sherwin Williams Peppercorn

While they can overlap, Iron Ore generally appears warmer than the cool dark gray tone of Peppercorn. But lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Iron Ore or Peppercorn?

So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Iron Ore or Peppercorn for your home? Here are a few tips:

Choose Iron Ore SW 7069 if you want:

A warm, enveloping dark brown
A versatile color suitable for traditional styles
An intimate feel for dining and living rooms
To allow colors to pop richly

Choose Peppercorn SW 7674 if you want:

A cool, sleek dark gray
A versatile color for modern, contemporary spaces
A sophisticated feel for offices and bathrooms
To make colors pop dramatically

Get samples of both Iron Ore and Peppercorn. 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 dramatic, deep neutral tones that suit varied styles.