Ref. #5E6354 · DEA175
Black Forest
12%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Black Forest Technical Profile
What color is Black Forest? It's a dark warm gray with the hex code #5E6354. Colors similar to Black Forest include Valspar Flora, MPC Gordal Olive, Behr Patio Stone. Black Forest has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 12, Black Forest creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. As a warm neutral, Black Forest pairs with off-whites for trim, white oak or walnut floors, and brass or warm brushed nickel hardware. Deep green, navy, or terra-cotta all read well as accent colors. Warm neutrals come alive under 2700K bulbs, where their underlying yellow or peach undertones add visible warmth. Under 4000K daylight they read cleaner and slightly cooler.
Colors Similar to Black Forest
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Black Forest
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Black Forest
#5E6354
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#658C5E
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Black Forest
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Black Forest Room Palettes
Color schemes built around this color — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Warm & Inviting
Warm tones with cozy appeal — welcoming and comfortable
Cool & Calm
Cool hues with soft contrast — serene and restful
Bold Contrast
Complementary hues with punch — dynamic and striking
Similar Dunn-Edwards Colors
Other Dunn-Edwards colors close to Black Forest.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Black Forest — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Black Forest have?
Black Forest by Dunn-Edwards has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Black Forest from other brands?
The closest matches are Flora by Valspar (#5E6357), Gordal Olive by MPC (#5F6350), Patio Stone by Behr (#596053). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Black Forest?
Black Forest has an LRV of 11.9, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Black Forest
Related Reading
How to Match Paint Colors Across Brands
The science behind Delta E and CIEDE2000 — find a Behr equivalent of any Sherwin-Williams shade, or a Benjamin Moore alternative when your store is out of stock.
Understanding Paint Color Undertones
Why Black Forest's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.