If you’re looking for a paint color that adds depth and warmth to your home, Sherwin Williams Black Fox (SW 7020) might be exactly what you need. This rich, dark neutral has become one of the most popular choices for homeowners in 2025, and it’s easy to see why.
Black Fox is a beautiful dark color that sits somewhere between black and brown. It brings a cozy, sophisticated feel to any space without being too harsh or cold. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this stunning color – from its unique undertones to the best ways to use it in your home. You’ll learn which colors pair beautifully with Black Fox, where it works best, and some helpful tips to make it shine.
If you’re planning to use Black Fox, you might want to pair it with lighter colors like Sherwin Williams Alabaster to create a stunning contrast.
Black Fox is a deep, rich color that blends the best of black and brown tones. Think of it as a warm charcoal or a very dark chocolate brown. It’s not quite black, but it’s definitely darker than your typical brown.
Here are the technical details if you’re interested:
The LRV number tells you how much light the color reflects. Since Black Fox has an LRV of 7, it absorbs most of the light rather than reflecting it. This means it’s a pretty dark color that can make spaces feel more intimate and cozy.
When you look at the Black Fox paint color on your wall, you’ll notice it has depth and character. It’s not flat or boring like some dark paints can be. Instead, it has interesting undertones that shift slightly depending on your lighting.
If you enjoy deep, moody neutrals, you might also like how Black Fox compares to Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray, which offers a lighter alternative.
One of the most important things to know about any paint color is its undertones – those subtle hints of color beneath the surface. The Black Fox undertones include warm brown and soft gray notes that give it character and depth.
In rooms with lots of natural light, especially south-facing rooms, Black Fox shows off its warm brown side. It looks rich and inviting, almost like dark chocolate or espresso. The warmth becomes more obvious during the day when sunlight fills the room.
In north-facing rooms or spaces with cooler lighting, the gray undertones come forward. Black Fox can look a bit more neutral and slightly cooler in these conditions. It still maintains its warmth, but it’s less obvious.
At night, under artificial lighting, Black Fox typically leans warmer. Yellow-toned light bulbs will bring out the brown notes, while cooler LED lights might make it look more charcoal-like.
The key thing to remember is that Black Fox is always warm-leaning. Even when the gray shows up, it never feels cold or stark like true black paint would.
For a softer, lighter companion color that also has warm undertones, consider pairing Black Fox with Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige.
Black Fox works beautifully in many areas of your home, both inside and outside. Let me share some ideas for each.
This is one of the most popular ways to use Black Fox. Paint just one wall in your living room, bedroom, or dining room to create a dramatic focal point. The dark color adds depth without overwhelming the space.
Black Fox makes stunning kitchen cabinets. It’s sophisticated and hides minor smudges better than lighter colors. Pair it with light countertops and backsplashes for balance.
Painting shelving units or built-in cabinets in Black Fox adds instant elegance. It makes colorful books and decorative items pop.
For a cozy, restful bedroom, Black Fox creates a perfect cocoon-like atmosphere. Just make sure you have good lighting and light-colored bedding to keep things balanced.
Using Black Fox on baseboards, door frames, or interior doors creates a modern, sophisticated look that’s different from traditional white trim.
One thing to watch out for: Black Fox can make small rooms feel even smaller if you use it on all walls. It’s best used as an accent or in larger spaces with plenty of natural light. In smaller rooms, stick to one accent wall and keep the other walls light.
Black Fox looks particularly striking when paired with Sherwin Williams Pure White on trim and ceilings.
Front Doors: A Black Fox front door makes a beautiful, welcoming statement. It works with almost any home exterior color.
Shutters: Black Fox shutters add classic charm and contrast beautifully against lighter siding colors.
Garage Doors: This is a subtle way to add sophistication to your home’s exterior without being too bold.
Exterior Trim: Window frames, columns, or porch details in Black Fox create a striking architectural accent.
Full Siding: For the truly bold, Black Fox can be used as the main exterior color. It creates a modern, dramatic look, especially when paired with natural wood accents and plenty of landscaping.
Keep in mind that dark colors absorb heat, so Black Fox may fade slightly faster in very sunny climates. Using a high-quality exterior paint with UV protection helps prevent this.
Black Fox is surprisingly easy to pair with other colors. Here are some winning combinations for your Black Fox color palette:
Sherwin Williams Alabaster: This warm white is probably the most popular pairing with Black Fox. Use Alabaster on walls with Black Fox trim, or vice versa. The contrast is clean but not harsh.
Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige: This soft, warm beige creates a sophisticated, layered look alongside Black Fox. It’s perfect for a modern farmhouse or transitional style home. Learn more about Accessible Beige and how it complements darker neutrals.
Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray: This soft greige (gray-beige) complements Black Fox beautifully. Together, they create a calming, neutral palette that feels current and timeless.Mindful Gray works especially well in bedrooms and living spaces.
Sherwin Williams Pure White: For maximum contrast and a crisp, modern look, pair Black Fox with Pure White. This combination is especially popular in kitchens and bathrooms.
Accent Colors: Beyond paint, Black Fox works wonderfully with:
Black Fox fits multiple design styles including modern, contemporary, industrial, rustic, and modern farmhouse. It’s that versatile!
If you’re comparing Black Fox to other dark neutrals, here’s how it stacks up:
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore (SW 7069): Iron Ore is cooler and grayer than Black Fox. While the Black Fox paint color has warm brown undertones, Iron Ore leans more toward true charcoal gray. Iron Ore is slightly darker too.
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze (SW 7048): Urbane Bronze is warmer than Black Fox with more obvious brown tones. It’s softer and less dramatic – think milk chocolate versus dark chocolate.
Sherwin Williams Caviar (SW 6990): Caviar is a true, deep black with very little warmth. It’s much more dramatic and formal than Black Fox.
Benjamin Moore Midsummer Night (2134-20): This popular Benjamin Moore color is quite similar to Black Fox but leans slightly cooler. The difference is subtle, and most people wouldn’t notice unless comparing samples side by side.
The main thing that sets Black Fox apart is its perfect balance of warmth and depth. It’s dark enough to create drama but warm enough to feel inviting.
Like any paint color, Black Fox has strengths and some things to consider before committing.
Rich Warmth: Unlike harsh black paints, Black Fox has a warmth that makes spaces feel cozy and welcoming rather than cold.
Adds Depth: This color creates visual interest and makes rooms feel more layered and sophisticated.
Timeless Elegance: Black Fox won’t look dated in a few years. It’s a classic dark neutral that works across design trends.
Versatile Pairing: It plays nicely with almost any other color, making decorating easier.
Hides Imperfections: On cabinets, trim, or exterior surfaces, Black Fox does a good job hiding minor wear and tear.
Low Light Challenge: In rooms without much natural light, Black Fox can feel a bit heavy or cave-like. You’ll need good artificial lighting to keep things bright enough.
Makes Spaces Feel Smaller: Dark colors tend to make rooms feel more enclosed. In small spaces, use Black Fox sparingly – maybe just on one wall or as an accent.
Requires Balance: You’ll need to bring in lighter colors through furniture, rugs, curtains, and accessories. An all-dark room can feel overwhelming.
Shows Dust and Marks: On walls, any scuffs or marks can show up more on dark paint than on lighter colors. Touch-ups may be needed occasionally.
Important Tip: Always test Black Fox with a sample before painting your entire room. Paint a large piece of poster board or directly on your wall and observe it for a few days in different lighting conditions. This small step can save you from an expensive mistake!
Getting the most from Black Fox means balancing its darkness with lighter, brighter elements. Here are some practical decorating tips:
Light Furniture is Your Friend: White, cream, light gray, or natural wood furniture creates beautiful contrast against Black Fox walls. Think white sofas, light oak tables, or rattan chairs.
Add Soft Textures: Bring warmth with cozy textiles like cream-colored throw blankets, white linen curtains, or textured pillows. These soften the dramatic dark walls.
Use it as a Backdrop: Let Black Fox be the stage for your colorful art, photos, or decorative items. The dark color makes everything else pop.
Choose the Right Finish:
Bring in Natural Materials: Wood cutting boards, woven baskets, ceramic vases, and plants look especially good against Black Fox. The natural elements add warmth and life.
Layer Your Lighting: With a dark color like Black Fox, you’ll want multiple light sources. Use a mix of overhead lights, table lamps, and floor lamps to keep spaces bright and welcoming.
Add Metallic Touches: Brass hardware, gold picture frames, or bronze light fixtures add a touch of glamour that pairs beautifully with Black Fox’s warmth.
Remember, you can combine Black Fox with colors like Alabaster and Mindful Gray throughout your home for a cohesive, sophisticated color scheme.
Sherwin Williams Black Fox (SW 7020) is a wonderfully versatile dark neutral that brings warmth, depth, and sophistication to any home. Whether you use it as a dramatic accent wall, on kitchen cabinets, or as an exterior door color, it delivers timeless elegance.
The key to success with Black Fox is balance. Pair it with lighter colors, bring in plenty of lighting, and add soft textures to create spaces that feel both dramatic and welcoming.
Before you commit, always test a sample in your specific space. Watch how the color changes throughout the day and in different lighting conditions. This simple step ensures you’ll love your choice.
If you’re exploring dark neutrals for your next project, Black Fox (SW 7020) definitely deserves a spot on your shortlist. It’s a color that works hard, looks beautiful, and never goes out of style.
Learn more about Sherwin Williams Black Fox on the official Sherwin Williams website
Pair Black Fox walls with warm off-whites or muted greige trims. Sherwin Williams Alabaster or Greek Villa work beautifully. Avoid stark pure white in warm lighting—it can feel harsh.
Yes! Use satin or semi-gloss for easy cleaning. It creates a high-end look and pairs well with light countertops like white quartz or marble. Ensure proper lighting to avoid a dark feel.
Black Fox is warmer with brown and soft gray undertones. Wrought Iron leans cooler with gray/purple hints. Both have depth, but Black Fox feels cozier, Wrought Iron more modern.
Yes, but use it on one accent wall. Add multiple light sources and reflective surfaces. Keep other walls, ceilings, and trims light to balance the dark color.
Black Fox is durable but absorbs heat in sunny areas and may fade slightly faster. Use quality exterior paint with UV protection for long-lasting color.
Absolutely! Perfect for lower cabinets paired with warm whites like Alabaster on upper cabinets. Works well with wood, brass/bronze hardware, and light countertops.
Use three layers: ambient (overhead), task (reading/kitchen), and accent (sconces or LED). Warm bulbs (2700K–3000K) enhance the color’s warmth, and dimmers help adjust brightness.
Daniel Hartman is a color specialist with years of experience helping people make confident and thoughtful design decisions. He provides practical and approachable guidance while balancing creativity and functionality in every project. Daniel enjoys visiting art and design exhibits to study how different environments influence aesthetics, mood, and perception, bringing a rich perspective and insight into his work. His approach makes design decisions both simple and enjoyable.
At Cozy Home Touch, we specialize in transforming your living spaces into cozy, stylish retreats. Whether you’re looking to refresh a single room or undertake a complete home makeover, our expert team is here to bring your vision to life.
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