Ref. #434B4F · 1012-7
Black Forest
7%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Black Forest Technical Profile
What color is Black Forest? It's a dark cool gray with the hex code #434B4F. Colors similar to Black Forest include Valspar Sooty Lashes, Benjamin Moore Stonecutter, RAL Iron Grey. Black Forest has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 7, 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 cool neutral, Black Forest pairs with cool whites for trim, gray-toned or rift-cut oak floors, and brushed nickel or polished chrome hardware. Black accents and natural greenery add contrast. Cool neutrals hold their crisp quality under 4000K+ daylight bulbs. Under 2700K warm light they soften considerably — particularly true for any blue or green undertone.
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
#434B4F
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#4F5576
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 PPG Colors
Other PPG 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 PPG has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Black Forest from other brands?
The closest matches are Sooty Lashes by Valspar (#454B4F), Stonecutter by Benjamin Moore (#444D50), Iron Grey by RAL (#434B4D). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Black Forest?
Black Forest has an LRV of 6.8, 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.