A few minutes on social media or Pinterest and it's clear the color black is having a moment.
So I thought it was the perfect time to give you the low down on Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams.
A very popular dark and inky gray paint that tends to look black.
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See My Front Door Painted Iron Ore
A Black Door Is Perfect For An Entryway
When we moved into this house in 2018. The red door and stain glass stickers {yes, stain glass stickers} were screaming for an update.
I knew I wanted to paint the front door a dark color. To help hide stains and fingerprints. Plus add some impact and a little drama in the entry.
After doing what I concede is a ridiculous amount of research on black paint options for doors.
Iron Ore came up over and over again. That was my cue to try it for myself.
And after almost 4 years of living with it. I'm still loving it!
I just painted the door that leads to our garage the same color.
What Color Is Iron Ore By Sherwin Williams?
Contrary to what it may look like in these photos. Iron Ore paint is technically a dark gray color.
Watch the video to see in the paint can.
But...
In my experience once painted on it often looks black. Especially when photographed.
However, keep in mind if you pair it with or put it close to something that is a true black. It will reveal itself to be a dark gray or a soft black.
It's a great choice if you want the look of black paint without the intensity.
What Undertone?
While doing my research. A question I saw repeatedly. Was "does Iron Ore have a green undertone?". Or even a blue undertone.
In my experience, my doors don't have any color undertones. It’s a very true neutral color. I talked about this in the video at the beginning of the post.
For those who want a more definitive answer. The Land Of Color gives you all the technical info behind this color.
Iron Ore Vs. Peppercorn and Tricorn Black
When comparing it to other popular dark and moody colors from Sherwin Williams. Iron Ore falls somewhere between SW's Peppercorn and Tricorn Black.
You can see here that Peppercorn is about a shade lighter than Iron Ore. While Tricorn Black is a very deep black {meaning it doesn't reflect much light} and is several shades darker.
While color chips are great for getting initial paint color inspiration. Painting a poster board or a swatch on the wall will give a more accurate representation of how a color looks throughout the day in your home.
What Color Goes With Iron Ore?
In our entry pictured below. We paired Iron Ore with SW's Agreeable Gray on the walls and SW's Pure White for the trim.
There's enough warmth in Agreeable gray to offset the somewhat cool Iron Ore. It creates a beautiful backdrop for different home decor styles.
Repose Gray is another warm gray that I know would also pair well. We had it in our last home and loved it.
Where Can I use Iron Ore?
There is a reason why Sherwin Williams says Iron Ore is in their top 50 most popular paints. It's an extremely versatile paint color.
I've seen Iron Ore paint used on cabinets, fireplaces, and accent walls among other things. And it always looks good.
Not to mention it's also striking on exteriors.
Final Thoughts
I’ve had Iron Ore in my home for almost 4 years and just recently painted it on another door.
If you're looking to add some black accents to your home. But, you don’t want the deepness of a true black. I highly recommend this paint color.
Cyndie says
Did you use a high gloss to go over the paint once it dried?
Thanks in advance
UTgal
Ivonne says
Hi! Just curious why you painted door, but not sides of door (with stained glass stickers.) I have similar set up, but unsure whether to paint the door and panels or just door like you did. What are the “rules” or what did you consider? Thanks!
Quinn says
OOOh! I have the SAME brick red/maroon door issue and I've been wanting to paint the inside of the door a soft black. Thanks for the photos and visual validation! Yours looks so great! 🙂 Excited to make this change in our home, too!
laurie a andersen says
I Love the curtains by the couch. Target has some similar, but where are yours from? Love the Iron Ore front door too!
Lin says
I love the new color on the door! Made a big difference.
karen says
I am looking to paint my interior doors the same color, what brand of semi gloss paint did you use? Looks so good!
Deb Pemberton says
Linda,
Love The black door! Great choice! What is the paint color on your entry and living room walls? Love your style!!!
Linda P. says
Hi Deb, the color is Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams. I appreciate you taking the time to visit!
Ann says
I love it. Well done Linda
Linda P. says
Thanks Ann 😄!
Lisa Daly says
Love it! I may need to copy this idea.
I think you should paint the outside of the door too. I like the red shutters, but i think a black door would look better. Tie in the light fixture and emphasize the door/entry area.
(and really sorry about the capitalization. I can't turn it off!)
Linda P. says
You totally should Lisa! I've never painted a door before, but the black is very forgiving because "mistakes" don't stand out as much.
Thanks for the suggestion on painting the exterior side of the door, I'll definitely keep that in mind.
Don't worry about the capitalization, I realized it was a setting on my end and should be fixed now.
Jamala says
I'm curious... did you paint the outside as well?
Linda P. says
I did not Jamala, because the shutters are also that same red color. Although Lisa made a good point below, about the black door standing out. It's definitely something to think about.
Elisabeth V says
Hello Linda,
I just wanted to add that I painted the exterior of my front door and garage doors a charcoal grey last summer while my shutters are still red. It actually looks really great together! Go for it 🙂
Jamala says
It looks awesome! I love it! It Made a magnificent impact..
Linda P. says
Thanks Jamala! It has made the biggest difference. Even my husband who wasn't as gung-ho about the black as I was, loved the outcome!