Pitch Black
Farrow & Ball · 256
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The Analysis
Pitch Black is a true, saturated black that absorbs light rather than reflecting it, effectively blurring the lines of your room's corners. Because it has an LRV of 4.55, it will make walls feel like they are receding, which can make a small room feel surprisingly cozy and infinite rather than cramped.
This is a high-impact choice best used as a bold statement. It works brilliantly for moody libraries, accent walls, or interior doors, but can be overwhelming if used as the primary wall colour in a room without sufficient natural light.
LRV 5History & Origin
While deep blacks have roots in grand Victorian-era design, this specific shade is a staple of modern, high-contrast contemporary interiors. It bridges the gap between classic formality and sharp, architectural minimalism.
How to Use It
Pair this with warm wood tones or polished brass to provide a necessary visual break against the dark surface. It works exceptionally well in rooms with high ceilings or as a dramatic backdrop for art and sculpture.
The Mood
Living with this colour creates a grounded, restful environment that minimizes visual clutter and promotes deep focus. It feels stable and calm, making it a functional choice for rooms where you want to eliminate distractions.
Colour harmonies
Complementary
Opposite on the colour wheel — bold, high-contrast pairings. Use for a feature wall or furniture you want to command attention.
Analogous
Neighbouring hues — cohesive and calm, great for layered schemes that feel collected rather than matched.
Split complementary
Near-opposites for strong contrast with a little less tension than a pure complement. A favourite of interior designers.
Triadic
Three evenly spaced hues — balanced, vibrant, and versatile. Keep one dominant and use the others sparingly.
Tetradic (square)
Four hues in a square on the wheel — rich, dynamic palettes. Best when one colour leads and the others accent.
Monochromatic
Dark, mid, and light steps on the same hue — a failsafe gradient for trim, walls, and accents without shifting colour family.
Add harmony palette to a room
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Brand Matches
Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.
Lighting
See how this colour shifts across natural and artificial light conditions.
- Natural
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
- Overcast
- 2700K
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- 5500K