Sherwin-Williams SW 7069 — a sophisticated near-black with warm brown undertones for dramatic custom cabinetry.
Color Profile
Iron Ore is not simply black. Look closely and you will see warm charcoal undertones with hints of brown and gray that give it depth, dimension, and a softness that pure black lacks. This complexity is what makes Iron Ore one of the most sought-after dark paint colors for custom cabinetry.
In north-facing light, Iron Ore reads as a rich, true charcoal. In south-facing kitchens with warm afternoon sun, the brown undertones emerge, creating a warmer, more approachable dark. Under evening lighting, it deepens to near-black with a cocooning effect.
At Cabworx, we apply Iron Ore with our environmentally conscious spray finish system, achieving a smooth, factory-quality result in satin or matte sheen. The result is a cabinet surface that feels as luxurious as it looks.
Iron Ore
SW 7069
LRV: 6 · Hex: #4A4845
Colors shown are approximate. We recommend viewing physical samples before final selection. Custom color matching is available for any Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore color.
Design Pairings
The right materials transform Iron Ore from a bold choice to a cohesive design statement.
High-contrast drama — crisp white veining against the warm dark base creates a timeless, editorial kitchen.
Best for: Full Iron Ore kitchens with abundant natural light
Organic warmth — the honey tones of white oak pull out Iron Ore’s subtle brown undertones.
Best for: Modern farmhouse and transitional kitchens
Warm metallic highlights that add luxury and depth to the dark finish.
Best for: Island accent cabinetry and full dark kitchens
Tone-on-tone subtlety — hardware disappears into the cabinet face for a seamless, minimalist look.
Best for: Contemporary and slab-door installations
Applications
Iron Ore excels in spaces that benefit from depth, drama, and architectural presence.
Iron Ore on the island, lighter perimeter cabinetry in Alabaster or Pure White. This creates a grounding anchor that defines the kitchen's visual center.
All cabinets in Iron Ore, balanced with white countertops, light backsplash, and warm wood flooring. Dramatic but livable when natural light is abundant.
Iron Ore creates an intimate, moody atmosphere perfect for entertaining spaces, wine storage, and cocktail bars.
A single Iron Ore vanity against white tile becomes the room's statement piece — sophisticated without overwhelming a smaller space.
Common Questions
Iron Ore (SW 7069) is a warm near-black paint color from Sherwin-Williams. It has subtle brown and charcoal undertones that keep it from reading as a flat, cold black. It is one of the most popular dark cabinet colors in contemporary and transitional kitchen design.
Iron Ore works beautifully on kitchen cabinets when balanced with lighter countertops, walls, and flooring. It is especially effective on island cabinets as a dramatic accent against lighter perimeter cabinetry, or as a full kitchen treatment in spaces with ample natural light.
We typically recommend satin finish for Iron Ore cabinets. Satin provides a subtle light reflection that highlights the warm undertones while offering excellent durability and easy maintenance. Matte is also available for an ultra-contemporary look.
Iron Ore pairs exceptionally with white marble and quartzite for high contrast, warm white quartz for a softer look, and butcher block or live-edge walnut for organic warmth. Brass and brushed gold hardware complete the palette.
Explore More
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Compare Pure White, Alabaster, and Greek Villa.
Side-by-side sheen comparison for kitchen cabinetry.
Complete sheen comparison and durability guide.
Frameless, slab-door contemporary kitchen design.
Flat-panel doors that showcase bold paint colors.
Start your project
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