Sherwin-Williams Black Fox SW 7020 is versatile i guess cuz it can be your option for a vintage aesthetic home or for modern industrial feel,it can be used for both styles.
If you want something black but you also love rich brownish touch in your paint undertones, then black fox is the perfect option for you.
In this blog, I am sharing real home images with complete reviews, how they work in different rooms and with various lights, what the undertones and LRV are, coordinating colors, and many more.
Also if you wanna know the best Sherwin-Williams black paints all the time you can check this blog: 10 Popular Sherwin-Williams Black Paint Colors for Every Space-2025
Undertones of Sherwin-Williams Black Fox SW 7020
Sherwin Williams Black Fox is a deep charcoal-black with rich brown undertones that give it warmth and depth. In warm or bright light, these mocha-like brown hints emerge, making the color feel cozy and slightly softened.
In cooler or dim lighting, the brown subsides and Black Fox reads more like a dark gray/black. In short, Black Fox is not a true black – its warm, earthy undertones (sometimes described as greige or chocolate) prevent it from feeling stark.
LRV of Sherwin-Williams Black Fox SW 7020
Black Fox is very dark, with an LRV of 7 (on a scale where 0=black and 100=white). This low LRV means it absorbs most light, so painted walls will appear very deep.
Because of this, Black Fox can make a room feel cozier and more intimate, but it also needs good lighting or contrast to avoid feeling too heavy.
In practice, Black Fox is slightly darker than similar greige-toned blacks (for example, SW Urbane Bronze has LRV 8), and much darker than medium neutrals. Its low LRV places it among Sherwin’s deepest paints.
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Appearance in Different Lighting
Black Fox shifts noticeably with light. In north-facing light (cooler, indirect light), it leans into its gray side and appears darker and more charcoal.
In south-facing light (warm, bright light), the brown undertones warm up and Black Fox looks slightly lighter and richer.
Similarly, east-facing morning sun brings out warm brown nuances (with more gray later), while west-facing light starts cooler and becomes very warm toward evening. In dim or artificial light, Black Fox can read almost like a pure deep charcoal.
Always sample Black Fox in your own lighting – the difference can be dramatic as you move around the day.
In the Bedroom
In bedrooms or sleeping areas, Black Fox creates a warm, cocooning feel. Its depth makes large bedrooms feel peaceful and cozy (ideal for sleep), though it can overwhelm a small room if overused.
Designers often use it on a single accent wall behind the bed to anchor the space while keeping other walls lighter.
To balance its darkness, pair Black Fox with soft linens or lighter furnishings. For example, white or light-gray bedding and warm bedside lamps can keep the room from feeling claustrophobic.
In the Kitchen
Black Fox is popular for kitchens, especially on cabinets or islands. Its dark tone hides scuffs and stains well in high-traffic areas, making cabinets look chic and modern.
For kitchen islands, painting the island Black Fox with lighter perimeter cabinetry (like SW Alabaster) creates a dramatic focal point.
Use a semi-gloss or satin finish on cabinets for durability and easy cleaning.
Countertops and backsplashes in light tones (white quartz, marble, or pale tile) will balance Black Fox’s intensity. Overall, Black Fox makes the kitchen feel anchored and elegant.
In the Living Room
In large, well-lit living rooms or open plans, Black Fox can define the space.
It adds drama and warmth without being as cold as a true black. Designers often paint one feature wall or the fireplace surround in Black Fox to create a cozy “theater” effect. Surround it with lighter neutrals – cream sofas, beige rugs, or metallic accents – to keep the room from looking too dark.
With ample natural light, the room will feel anchored yet inviting. A popular approach is pairing Black Fox walls with warm wood floors and soft upholstery for a balanced, luxurious retreat.
In the Bathroom
Black Fox can make bathrooms feel spa-like and sophisticated despite its darkness.
On all four walls of a small bathroom, it gives a moody, high-end look (think boutique hotel), especially when contrasted with white fixtures and trim.
Because the color is so rich, it’s key to add plenty of light: mirrors and glossy tiles will help bounce light around. Lighter towels and accessories pop beautifully against the deep walls. In brighter bathrooms, Black Fox’s brown tones come through, giving a warm earthy backdrop.
Just remember to choose an eggshell or satin sheen (flat paint can look dull in moisture-prone spaces) for a bit of easy-clean gloss.
For Cabinets and Furniture
Black Fox elevates cabinetry and furniture with a high-end feel.
In kitchens, painting cabinets or islands Black Fox creates a sleek, modern look. The deep color contrasts nicely with light countertops and hardware.
Black Fox also works on interior doors, built-ins, bookshelves or dressers – anywhere you want a bold, grounded accent. Because of its depth, it pairs best with lighter surroundings (walls or decor) to avoid feeling too heavy.
Exterior Applications
Black Fox’s warm brown undertones make it surprisingly versatile outside.
It doesn’t look like a flat black; rather, in sunlight it can read as a dark espresso brown. It’s used on siding, trim, shutters, and doors.
For example, Black Fox can complement brick or warm stone exteriors without clashing.
Black Fox siding paired with warm-toned brick and green landscaping creates a cozy look that true black wouldn’t achieve. A front door in Black Fox stands out as a focal point with classic style.
White or light-colored trim (cream, tan, or gray) makes Black Fox pop and look crisp. Overall, its heat-resistant quality and ability to hide dirt make Black Fox a great modern farmhouse or Craftsman accent.
Coordinating Color Black Fox SW 7020
Black Fox can be paired with many colors, from gentle neutrals to bold accents:
Soft/Neutral Palette
Pair Black Fox with warm whites, greiges, and other soft neutrals to lighten the look. For example, Sherwin Repose Gray (SW 7015) or Greek Villa (SW 7551) are light grays/whites that balance Black Fox without competing.
Creamy off-whites like SW Creamy (SW 7012) or Alabaster (SW 7008) brighten the space and highlight Black Fox’s richness.
Beige-toned neutrals like Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) or Ancient Marble create smooth transitions from light to dark. These soft colors keep the overall palette light and airy around the dramatic Black Fox.
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Bold Accents
To make a statement, pair Black Fox with vibrant pops. Deep jewel tones or bright colors contrast beautifully with its dark base.
For instance, a rich purple such as Expressive Plum (SW 6271) or a bright yellow like Daisy (SW 6910) add playful energy and draw the eye. Similarly, a deep teal or navy accent (e.g. Sea Serpent (SW 7615)) provides a dramatic but cohesive contrast.
These bold hues must be used sparingly (pillows, art, furniture) so Black Fox remains the anchor.
Muted Tones
For a sophisticated, monochromatic or analogous scheme, use other rich neutrals and muted colors.
Dark greys and browns in the same family work well. Good partners include Sherwin Peppercorn (SW 7674) or Iron Ore (SW 7069) for very dark gray accents, or Revere Pewter (SW 7015) and Eider White (SW 7014) for mid-tone anchors. Warm taupes and deep olive-greens also coordinate.
This “moody” palette is understated: Black Fox ties the scheme together while the other colors stay in the background.
FAQ
Is Black Fox darker than Urbane Bronze?
Yes, slightly. Black Fox has an LRV of 7 versus Urbane Bronze’s 8, so Black Fox reads a bit darker (deeper) in a given light. Both are warm, muted neutrals, but Black Fox’s richer brown undertones make it look more intense beside Urbane Bronze.
Does Black Fox look brown?
It can. Black Fox is a dark charcoal-brown; under warm or bright light its brown undertones become very noticeable. In softer or yellow light it may look like a rich brown or chocolate hue.
In cooler light it looks more black/gray. So yes – especially in warm light – Black Fox often reads as a very deep brown.
What does Black Fox paint look like?
Black Fox is best described as a deep charcoal-grey with warm brown nuances. At first glance it may seem like a soft black, but it actually has earthy “greige” undertones that lend it an inviting warmth.
In well-lit spaces it can look like a dark, espresso-brown; in dim light it appears closer to black.
What is the Sherwin Williams black paint with brown undertones?
Sherwin Williams Black Fox itself is essentially that. It’s one of Sherwin’s warmest “black” paints because of its brown undertones. In general, Sherwin calls Black Fox a “warm greige black.”
Other warm blacks include Bohemian Black or Black Magic, but Black Fox is the classic brown-tinged black in their line.
What color is darker than Urbane Bronze?
Many colors are darker, but notable examples are Tricorn Black (SW 6258) and Black Magic (SW 6991). Tricorn Black is Sherwin’s very darkest black (LRV ≈3), much deeper than Urbane Bronze.
Caviar (SW 6990) is another near-black (LRV ~3) that’s darker than Urbane Bronze. Even Black Fox itself is slightly darker, but Tricorn and Caviar are far darker.
What is Benjamin Moore’s Dragon’s Breath?
Benjamin Moore Dragon’s Breath (1547) is a deep gray-brown. BM’s site describes it as “a deep, dark gray-brown that breathes drama into any space.” It is a very rich, warm charcoal color (LRV ~9) similar in vibe to Black Fox.
What are some Sherwin Williams colors similar to Black Fox?
Similar Sherwin-Williams shades include other dark neutrals such as Peppercorn (SW 7674), Sealskin (SW 7675), or Iron Ore (SW 7069). These are all very deep grays with minimal undertone shifts.
Black Fox’s closest siblings in terms of warmth are things like Urbane Bronze or Sealskin, but those are either slightly more bronze or darker. See also Sherwin’s Tricorn Black and Caviar for true blacks, which are deeper.
What is the Benjamin Moore equivalent of Black Fox?
Matching paint across brands is tricky, but one frequently suggested equivalent is Benjamin Moore Midsummer Night (2134-20). Midsummer Night is a warm, dark gray-brown, slightly lighter (LRV ~7.8) and similarly warm.
Another close BM shade is Wrought Iron (2127-20), which is a muted black with brown/gray undertones. (Always sample to be sure.)
Comparison with Other Sherwin Williams Blacks:
Black Fox vs. Iron Ore (SW 7069)
Iron Ore is almost as dark (LRV 6 vs Black Fox’s 7), but it is a true neutral charcoal with almost no undertones. Black Fox, by contrast, looks warmer because of its brown base.
In practice, Iron Ore reads slightly cooler and more flat-dark, while Black Fox feels richer and earthier.
Black Fox vs. Urbane Bronze (SW 7048)
Urbane Bronze (LRV 8) is just a bit lighter than Black Fox. Both are warm neutrals, but Urbane Bronze has subtle beige/beigey-green undertones, making it look more muted.
Black Fox has stronger brown warmth, so it appears deeper and more chocolatey by comparison.
Black Fox vs. Black Magic (SW 6991)
Black Magic is much darker (LRV ~3) than Black Fox. Black Magic reads as a “true” black with a slight brown tint, whereas Black Fox is lighter and notably browner.
In other words, Black Magic is a crisp, deep black (very neutral), while Black Fox is softer and warmer. Use Black Magic for maximum depth; Black Fox for warmth.
Black Fox vs. Caviar (SW 6990)
Sherwin’s Caviar is very close to pure black (LRV ~3). In side-by-side, Caviar looks cooler and denser. Black Fox (LRV 6.74) is lighter and warmer. Caviar is darker; Black Fox has noticeably brown tonality.
Black Fox vs. Sealskin (SW 7675)
Sealskin (LRV ~5.6) is darker than Black Fox (LRV ~6.7). Both are warm, but Black Fox is lighter and shows its brown warmth more, whereas Sealskin is a deep olive-gray.
Black Fox vs. Tricorn Black (SW 6258)
Tricorn Black is Sherwin’s deepest neutral black (LRV ~2.8). It has almost no undertones and reads as a rich true black.
Black Fox (LRV 6.74) is much lighter and warmer. In a direct comparison, Tricorn Black appears simply “blacker,” while Black Fox shows its earthy brown.
