Black Forest

Technical Profile

What color is Black Forest? It's a deep cool gray with the hex code #434B4F. Colors similar to Black Forest include Valspar Sooty Lashes, Benjamin Moore Stonecutter, RAL Iron Grey. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Black Forest has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Understanding a color's undertone is key to avoiding combinations that clash — it often matters more than the surface color itself. Black Forest (#434B4F) by PPG is a deep gray paint color with a understated, nearly neutral quality. It delivers a grounded richness that adds drama and sophistication. On the temperature spectrum this shade carries a cool cast, lending calm and collected elegance. Its RGB channels are closely balanced, contributing to its neutral, even-keeled visual character. At an LRV of 29 it absorbs more light than it reflects, creating a moody, enveloping atmosphere. Deep neutrals like this create contrast and gravitas on accent walls, exterior facades, and kitchen cabinetry, pairing well with lighter trim. Satin or semi-gloss finishes help deep colors reflect just enough light to show their full depth, especially on accent walls and trim. For color coordination, Black Forest pairs beautifully with orange tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring blue and teal hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its neutral undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If PPG is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Valspar, Benjamin Moore, RAL and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Black Forest projects a confident, tailored sophistication associated with classic nautical and Art Deco aesthetics. Designers often reach for shades like this when the goal is to shape how a room feels, not just how it looks. This shade is a natural fit for a wide range of interior design styles. As part of the PPG palette, Black Forest benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, Black Forest can shift noticeably between natural daylight, warm incandescent, and cool LED lighting — testing a sample swatch on your wall under different conditions is always recommended. Deep shades generally benefit from a quality primer and may require an extra coat for even, streak-free coverage. Deep tones pair beautifully with velvet upholstery, burnished metal fixtures, dark-stained wood, and textured wallcoverings on adjacent surfaces. You can order Black Forest (1012-7) directly from PPG or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.