Black House with Wood Accents
Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258) on the body, trim and gutters, with natural cedar as the only warm note. Of all modern exterior color combinations, this one is the most graphic.
The exact colors
Brand, name and code for every role, so you can order the same swatches.
Body
Tricorn Black
Sherwin-Williams · SW 6258
Trim
Tricorn Black
Sherwin-Williams · SW 6258
Front door
Natural cedar, clear stain
not paint
Gutters
Tricorn Black
Sherwin-Williams · SW 6258
Roof
Black standing-seam metal
not paint
When it works
A fully monochrome black facade needs space and greenery around it. On a wooded lot or a site with tall grasses, it recedes and lets the cedar glow. On a tight street of pastel houses, it can feel abrupt, so check neighbors and HOA rules first. Tricorn Black is a fairly neutral black, not blue or brown, which keeps the wood looking honest rather than orange. It flatters houses with strong, simple massing; fussy trim gets lost when everything is one color.
House styles it suits
Modern minimalist, contemporary, modern farmhouse and mid-century modern homes are the best fits. Board-and-batten or vertical siding catches shadow lines that keep a black house from reading flat.
Roof, brick and stone
A black standing-seam metal roof continues the monochrome block. Black shingles also work. Brick is tricky here; painted brick in the same black is cleaner than leaving red brick exposed. Natural stone in warm gray or limestone looks good alongside the cedar.
Sheen and maintenance
Choose a low-sheen or matte body finish; glossy black shows every dent and dust streak. Dark colors absorb more heat and can fade faster on sun-facing walls, so ask for an exterior formula meant for dark colors, and expect to touch up the south and west sides first. Cedar needs a UV-protective clear or semi-transparent sealer and periodic re-sealing to keep its color.
Questions
Does a black house get hotter?
Dark paint has a low LRV and absorbs more sunlight, so walls can run warmer and some siding materials are more sensitive to heat. Check your siding maker's guidance on dark colors.
Should the trim be black too?
For this look, yes. Matching trim and gutters creates the seamless, minimal effect, and the cedar door becomes the focal point.
How do I see it on my house first?
Upload a photo of your house and preview the colors with AI before buying paint. On-screen blacks vary, so test a real sample in daylight.
See this combination on your house
Upload a photo of your house; the AI keeps the roofline, windows and doors and repaints body, trim, door and gutters.