Sherwin Williams Iron Ore SW 7069, often described as Charcoal Gray, embodies a deep and rich shade that is both sophisticated and versatile. Its RGB configuration, with values of 67 for red, green, and 65 for blue, contributes to its balanced and neutral tone, making it a popular choice for modern interiors and exteriors. This color effortlessly complements a variety of design palettes, adding a timeless elegance and depth to any space it graces.
Color Description
Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore (SW 7069) is a rich, deep charcoal paint color that appears as a soft black or dark gray. It has a balanced appearance that is neither too cool nor too warm, maintaining a gray character in various lighting conditions. In brighter light, it can appear as a delicate shade of dark gray, and in low-light settings, it may lean towards nearly black while still retaining its gray undertones.
Undertones
Iron Ore has very slight blue undertones, contributing to its depth and richness. Depending on the lighting, it can also show hints of navy or charcoal gray. There are no discernible green-yellow undertones despite being in the Green-Yellow hue family, making it a neutral color.
Color Values
- Light Reflectance Value (LRV): 6 (absorbs most light and appears very dark)
- RGB Values: 67, 67, 65
- Hex Value: #434341
- CMYK Values: 0, 0, 3, 74
Usage
Iron Ore is versatile and can be used for both interior and exterior applications. It works well for painting walls, cabinets, and even front doors. For exterior use, it's important to ensure the substrate can tolerate the heat absorbed by such a dark color. It harmonizes well with other colors from the same hue family and can be paired with mid-tone grays or other complementary colors.
Atmosphere
The color creates a deep and rich atmosphere, making spaces feel dramatic and sophisticated. It adds a sense of luxury and can make rooms feel more intimate, especially when used in combination with lighter colors to create contrast. While the slight blue undertones can add a touch of coolness, the overall effect is that of a warm charcoal gray in many lighting conditions.
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore SW 7069 Color Alternative
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore SW 7069 inspires designers who are looking for alternative options that strike a similar balance between boldness and sophistication. Tikkurila Midnight Y498 and Tikkurila Ficus N378 present deep, rich hues that mirror the dramatic impact of Iron Ore while offering a unique twist in character. Meanwhile, Farrow and Ball Off-Black 57 delivers an equally intense, modern aesthetic, making it a compelling substitute for those seeking a nuanced take on timeless elegance.
Bathroom
Bathroom color Iron Ore offers a popular choice for bathrooms, prized for its durability and aesthetic appeal. It is available in premium finishes that provide low odor, quick drying, and enhanced stain resistance—qualities that meet the rigorous demands of moisture and frequent cleaning.
When used in bathroom design, Iron Ore creates a dramatic and sophisticated look. It pairs well with fixtures and hardware like champagne bronze or polished nickel, delivering a warm contrast and working seamlessly with elements such as brick, quartz, and mixed metal accents. Its ability to maintain character in various lighting conditions ensures that the overall design remains cohesive and elegant.
Bedroom
For a bedroom color scheme, Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore SW 7069 can add a sophisticated and dramatic touch. In well-lit spaces, the hue shifts subtly between cool grey and charcoal, while in darker settings it deepens into an elegant, intense shade.
Pair it with warm white trim accents like SW Extra White, SW Greek Villa, or SW Alabaster to balance the darkness and maintain a crisp contrast. This color pairs beautifully with organic materials such as wood, rattan, and jute, contributing to a cozy and inviting atmosphere that relies on adequate lighting to fully showcase its character.
Kitchen
When incorporating Sherwin Williams Iron Ore SW 7069 as a kitchen color, its dramatic presence brings a contemporary edge to the space. Kitchen cabinets painted in this deep hue can transform the room, especially when paired with a custom-brewed mocha stain for a center island and a limewashed brick facade that introduces warmth and texture.
Pairing this rich shade with lighter neutrals like camel, cream, or white creates a striking contrast that adds sophistication, while earthy tones such as rustic greens, rust oranges, and creams complement the overall ambiance. Blonde or ash-stained woods further enhance the cohesive and inviting atmosphere, making the kitchen a stylish focal point.
Living Room
In living rooms, Sherwin Williams Iron Ore creates a cozy, moody atmosphere that instantly adds sophistication to the space. It pairs beautifully with warm white walls and organic elements such as wood tones, rattan, and jute, establishing a dramatic focal point perfect for accent walls and other design features.
Ideal for interior and exterior applications including doors, cabinets, and accent walls, Iron Ore complements diverse design aesthetics from farmhouse and midcentury modern to organic modern, rustic, and maximalist styles. It is advisable to test the color in your specific lighting conditions to ensure it harmonizes well with your existing decor.
Outdoor
Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore SW 7069 is a home outdoor color choice that brings sophistication and drama to exteriors. This deep hue, with a low light reflectance value, tends to absorb rather than reflect light. Consequently, it is important to ensure that the underlying substrate can manage the associated heat absorption and that the ambient environment is taken into account.
Its rich tone pairs well with elements like red brick and both warm and cool stone, especially when complemented by warmer white trim to soften harsh contrasts. Testing the color in your specific setting is essential since varying lighting conditions and surrounding foliage can subtly shift its appearance, making sample applications a practical step before committing to full-scale use.
