When searching for the perfect black paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar dramatic shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Sealskin SW 7675 and Black Fox SW 7020 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two deep, dark blacks?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Sealskin vs Black Fox 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 Sealskin and Black Fox
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Sealskin and Black Fox:
- Undertones – Sealskin is a cool black, Black Fox is a warm black
- Light Reflectance – Sealskin has an LRV of 6, Black Fox has an LRV of 7
- Use – Sealskin suits modern styles, Black Fox fits traditional decor
- Rooms – Sealskin excels in dining rooms, Black Fox shines in bedrooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Sealskin and Black Fox more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Sealskin SW 7675
With its intense cool black appearance, Sherwin Williams Sealskin SW 7675 creates a dramatic, moody backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This bold color works across modern spaces.
Here are some details about Sealskin:
- LRV: 6
- Undertones: Cool black
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Dining rooms, entryways, offices, accent walls
- Pairs Well With: Crisp whites, chrome, metal
Sealskin is an opaque black with strong blue undertones. In certain lights it can take on a darkened onyx look.
The 6 light reflectance value provides striking contrast when paired with lighter accents. Sealskin makes a bold statement.
This dramatic black pops beautifully against bright whites and chrome. Popular Sealskin color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Glossy lacquered finishes
- Stainless steel fixtures
- Polished chrome lighting
While suitable anywhere seeking drama, Sealskin truly excels in these modern spaces:
- Dining Rooms
- Entryways
- Offices
- Accent Walls
- Media Rooms
Sealskin’s cool depth helps create an intimate, contemporary feel perfect for statement pieces and dramatic contrasts.
Sherwin Williams Black Fox SW 7020
With its deep warm black appearance, Sherwin Williams Black Fox SW 7020 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 Black Fox:
- LRV: 7
- Undertones: Warm black
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, dining rooms, offices, foyers
- Pairs Well With: Crisp whites, wood tones
Black Fox is an opaque blackened brown with faint warm red undertones. In certain lights it can take on a weathered licorice look.
The 7 light reflectance value provides a touch more illumination than Sealskin. Black Fox gives a bold yet approachable feel.
This dramatic black looks beautiful with bright whites and wood tones. Popular Black Fox color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Extra White
- Black wood finishes
- Matte lacquered accents
- Aged bronze fixtures
While suitable anywhere seeking soft drama, Black Fox truly excels in these spaces:
- Bedrooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Foyers
- Libraries
Black Fox’s subtle warmth helps create an elegant, traditional feel perfect for making refined statements.
Comparing Sealskin vs Black Fox
Now that we’ve examined Sealskin and Black Fox independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Sealskin and Black Fox have similar LRVs of 6 and 7 respectively. Black Fox will appear just slightly lighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Sealskin is a cool black, while Black Fox is a warm black.
Use & Rooms
Sealskin’s cool drama excels in dining rooms. Black Fox’s warmth is perfect for bedrooms.
Availability
Both Sealskin and Black Fox come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
Sealskin vs Black Fox Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Sealskin SW 7675 | Black Fox SW 7020 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 6 | 7 |
| Undertones | Cool black | Warm black |
| Use | Modern spaces | Traditional rooms |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Contemporary | Traditional |
Real-Life Photos: Sealskin vs Black Fox
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Sealskin and Black Fox:
Sherwin Williams Sealskin
Sherwin Williams Black Fox
While they can overlap, Sealskin appears cooler than the subtle warm tone of Black Fox. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Sealskin or Black Fox?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Sealskin or Black Fox for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Sealskin SW 7675 if you want:
- An intense, dramatic cool black
- A bold color suitable for modern spaces
- Striking contrast against bright whites
- A contemporary statement piece
Choose Black Fox SW 7020 if you want:
- A deep, warm blackened brown
- A subtly dramatic neutral for traditional spaces
- A sophisticated look with wood tones
- Refined, soft drama
Get samples of both Sealskin and Black Fox. 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 Sealskin and Black Fox paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Sealskin
- Dining Rooms
- Entryways
- Offices
- Accent Walls
- Media Rooms
Sherwin Williams Black Fox
- Bedrooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Foyers
- Libraries
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, Sealskin and Black Fox create dramatic backdrops. Complement them with lighter colors for gorgeous contrast:
Sealskin SW 7675 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Glossy lacquered finishes
- Stainless steel fixtures
- Polished chrome lighting
Black Fox SW 7020 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Extra White
- Black wood finishes
- Matte lacquered accents
- Aged bronze fixtures
Sealskin vs Black Fox – Which is Better?
So which black paint color is better for your home – Sealskin or Black Fox?
Consider Sealskin SW 7675 if you want:
- An intense, dramatic cool black
- A bold color suitable for modern spaces
- Striking contrast against bright whites
- A contemporary statement piece
Consider Black Fox SW 7020 if you want:
- A deep, warm blackened brown
- A subtly dramatic neutral for traditional spaces
- A sophisticated look with wood tones
- Refined, soft drama
While Sealskin offers bold drama, Black Fox provides understated sophistication.
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 Sealskin or Black Fox? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Sealskin and Black Fox?
The main differences are their undertones and levels of drama. Sealskin is an intense, cool black while Black Fox is a deeper, subtler warm black.
What colors complement Black Fox?
Black Fox looks beautiful paired with crisp whites, light blues, wood tones, and metal accents for an elegant feel.
Can you use Sealskin in a bedroom?
Yes, Sealskin would create a dramatic, contemporary look in a bedroom paired with bright whites and glossy lacquered nightstands.
Is Black Fox suitable for northern exposure?
Yes, Black Fox’s 7 LRV provides enough contrast for a north facing room without appearing too dark and gloomy.
Does Sealskin come in eggshell finish?
Yes, Sealskin is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to eggshell to high gloss semi-gloss.
