Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron: The Perfect Muted Black

Are you looking for a bold paint color but not too harsh? Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron might be your answer. 

This soft black paint has won many fans because it works everywhere – from kitchen cabinets to bedroom walls.

What makes this color special is its slight blue-green undertones that give it depth. 

People love using it on doors, furniture, and even as an accent wall.

In this article, we’ll cover: 

• What makes Wrought Iron stand out 
• Where it works best in your home
• How to pair it with other colors

By the end of this article, you’ll surely have found a look you’ll love! 

What is Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron?

This popular Benjamin Moore paint color sits in the sweet spot between true black and charcoal gray. 

Wrought Iron (2124-10) is a soft black that feels less intense than pure black. 

It creates a cozy feeling while still making a statement in any room.

LRV

With a Light Reflective Value of 6.16, Wrought Iron absorbs most light but still shows its subtle depth. 

This low LRV means it will look darker in small rooms or spaces with little natural light.

Undertones

Look closely, and you’ll notice slight blue-green undertones that give this color its unique character. 

These hints of color help it feel more welcoming than a stark black.

Color Family

Wrought Iron belongs to the off-black family. It sits between true blacks and dark grays, making it more flexible for different home styles.

Wrought Iron vs. Other Popular Black Paints

Not all black paints are the same! 

Here’s how Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron stacks up against other popular dark colors you might be thinking about.

Iron Ore

When placed next to Sherwin Williams Iron Ore, Wrought Iron looks a touch softer with its blue-green hints. Iron Ore has more neutral gray tones.

Cheating Heart

Benjamin Moore’s own Cheating Heart is darker and more true black than Wrought Iron, which might feel too strong in some spaces.

Iron Mountain

Iron Mountain is much lighter – it’s more of a dark gray than a soft black like Wrought Iron.

Tricorn Black

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black is a true, pure black that lacks the subtle color depth that makes Wrought Iron feel more warm and livable.

Side-By-Side Comparisons

When you see these colors together, the differences become clear. 

Wrought Iron sits right in the middle – not too harsh like Tricorn Black, not too light like Iron Mountain. 

This middle-ground position makes it so useful in many homes.

The slight blue-green in Wrought Iron makes it play nicely with cool colors while still working in warm settings too.

How Wrought Iron Looks in Different Lighting

The magic of Wrought Iron is how it changes with the light in your home. 

Before you paint your whole room, it’s worth thinking about how this color shifts throughout the day.

Daylight vs. Artificial Light

In bright natural daylight, Wrought Iron shows off its softer side, and blue-green undertones become more visible. The color feels less intense and more complex.

At night under lamps and overhead lights, it deepens significantly. Warm bulbs make it feel cozier, while cool LED lights can bring out more of its blue tones.

North vs. South-Facing Rooms

In north-facing rooms with cooler light, Wrought Iron can look darker, and its blue undertones might stand out more. The room might feel more dramatic.

South-facing spaces with warm golden light help balance the coolness in Wrought Iron, creating a more neutral, grounded look that many people love.

How to Minimize Unwanted Undertones

If you want to tone down the blue-green hints, pair Wrought Iron with warm woods and soft whites. Using warm lighting also helps.

Test a sample on different walls and check it throughout the day before committing. This small step saves many homeowners from color regrets!

Best Rooms and Surfaces for Wrought Iron

Wrought Iron is one of those flexible colors that works in many spots around your home. Here’s where it really shines and why so many people choose it.

Walls

Wrought Iron makes a stunning accent wall in living rooms and bedrooms. 

It creates a cozy, intimate feeling without the harshness of pure black. 

In small spaces like powder rooms, it can add drama and depth.

Not ready for a full wall? Try it in a small area like a reading nook or home office first to see how you feel about it.

Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets painted in Wrought Iron look modern yet timeless. 

The soft black adds character without feeling too trendy. It pairs wonderfully with marble countertops and brass hardware.

Many homeowners find it hides fingerprints and cooking splatters better than lighter colors, making it practical for busy kitchens.

Trim and Doors

Painting trim and doors in Wrought Iron creates a beautiful contrast against white or light walls. 

Interior doors in this color add a touch of sophistication to hallways and transitions between rooms.

It’s also perfect for window frames, making the view outside pop while adding architectural interest.

Exterior Siding

On home exteriors, Wrought Iron creates a bold yet approachable look. 

It works on full siding or as an accent on shutters and front doors.

Unlike pure black, it won’t look as harsh in bright sunlight, and its subtle undertones help it blend better with natural surroundings and landscaping.

Best Finishes for Wrought Iron

The finish you choose for Wrought Iron can completely change how it looks and feels in your space. 

The right sheen makes all the difference in bringing this color to life.

Recommended Sheens for Different Applications

For walls, an eggshell finish strikes the perfect balance – it’s not too shiny but still easy to clean. 

Many painters suggest this for bedrooms and living rooms.

Kitchen and bathroom walls do better with satin Wrought Iron since these rooms need more scrubbing.

For cabinets and furniture, semi-gloss or satin work best. They stand up to cleaning and add a subtle polish that makes the color look rich.

Exterior applications usually need satin or low-luster finishes to handle weather while showing off the color’s depth.

Glossy vs. Matte vs. Satin

• Matte Wrought Iron creates a soft, velvety look that hides wall imperfections well. It feels modern and subtle but can be harder to clean.
• Satin offers a gentle sheen that’s more forgiving in busy areas. It brings out the blue-green hints in the paint while still looking sophisticated.
• Glossy finishes make Wrought Iron look more dramatic and formal. They reflect more light, which can brighten darker rooms but also show every bump and fingerprint.

Complementary Colors & Design Inspiration

Wrought Iron plays well with many other colors, making it easy to build a cohesive look throughout your home. 

Here are some winning combinations that bring out the best in this soft black.

Ideal Color Pairings 

Whites

Crisp whites like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove or Simply White create a stunning contrast with Wrought Iron. This classic pairing works in any room for a clean, timeless look.

Neutrals

Warm neutrals such as greige or taupe soften Wrought Iron’s edge and create a cozy feeling. Try it with Cloud White for a more relaxed vibe.

Bold Accents

For a bolder approach, try pairing it with muted gold accents or sage green. These colors bring out the hidden undertones in Wrought Iron without fighting against it.

• Pro Tip: Natural wood tones, especially medium and light woods, balance the coolness of Wrought Iron beautifully. This mix feels both modern and warm.

Example Color Palettes

• For a modern farmhouse look: Wrought Iron + White Dove + natural oak + black hardware.
• For a calm bedroom: Wrought Iron accent wall + Silver Satin walls + linen bedding + brass lamps.
• For a dramatic kitchen: Wrought Iron cabinets + marble counters + warm brass pulls + soft cream walls.

How to Paint with Wrought Iron (DIY Guide)

Getting a smooth, even finish with dark paint colors like Wrought Iron takes a bit more care than with lighter shades. 

Follow these tips to get great results, even if you’re new to painting.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Start by cleaning your surface well. Dirt and oils can show through dark paint.
2. Sand any rough spots until smooth. This step is extra important with dark colors like Wrought Iron.
3. Apply a good primer tinted gray. This helps the color look true and reduces your needed coats.
4. Use thin, even coats rather than thick ones. Two or three thin coats will look much better than one thick layer.
5. Let each coat dry fully before adding the next. Dark colors need proper drying time to develop their true color.
6. Finish with a light sanding (320 grit) between coats for the smoothest result, especially on cabinets or furniture.

Best Brushes, Primers, and Techniques

High-quality brushes and microfiber rollers make a huge difference with Wrought Iron. Cheap tools can leave streaks and lint.

For primers, use Zinsser or KILZ products tinted to a medium gray. This gives Wrought Iron a solid base to build on.

The “W” technique works well – paint a W shape, then fill it in without lifting your roller too often to avoid streaks.

For trim and cabinets, foam rollers give the smoothest finish, while angled brushes help with corners and edges.

Final Thoughts

Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron has earned its spot as a favorite among homeowners and designers for good reason. 

It strikes that hard-to-find balance between bold and livable.

What makes this color so special is how it changes with the light, works in almost any room, and pairs with countless other colors. 

It’s not as harsh as true black, but it still makes a statement.

Test it in your own space, see how it looks in your unique lighting, and give yourself time to imagine living with it. 

You might just find it becomes the perfect backdrop for your home’s story.