Off-Black (No.57)
F&B's signature not-quite-black. Softer and warmer than a flat black, with a subtle green undertone that gives it depth and life. The black of old floorboards and iron railings.
About Farrow & Ball Off-Black
Off-Black (No.57) is a black from Farrow & Ball's collection with an LRV of 4 and green-black undertones. F&B's signature not-quite-black. Softer and warmer than a flat black, with a subtle green undertone that gives it depth and life. The black of old floorboards and iron railings.
At an LRV of just 4, Off-Black is a dark, dramatic color that absorbs most of the light that hits it. This makes it perfect for creating bold, moody statements on accent walls, front doors, shutters, and exterior trim. It commands attention and creates a striking contrast with white or light-colored trim. Use it where you want real visual impact. In full room applications, generous lighting and light-colored furnishings prevent the space from feeling oppressive.
Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
Off-Black has an LRV of 4, placing it in the dark range on the 0-to-100 scale. LRV measures the percentage of visible light a color reflects. A pure black has an LRV of 0 and a pure white has an LRV of 100. Understanding a color's LRV helps you predict how it will feel in your space: higher LRV means brighter and more spacious, lower LRV means cozier and more intimate.
Undertone Analysis
Off-Black has green-black undertones. Undertones are the subtle background colors that become visible in different lighting conditions. Even colors that look "neutral" in the store will reveal their undertones once they are on your walls and interacting with natural light, artificial light, and the colors around them.
F&B's signature not-quite-black. Softer and warmer than a flat black, with a subtle green undertone that gives it depth and life. The black of old floorboards and iron railings. Neutral undertones give you the most flexibility in decorating. This color should coordinate well with both warm elements (wood, brass, cream) and cool elements (chrome, marble, blue-gray), making it a versatile foundation for any design direction.
Lighting Behavior
In bright light, the green undertone shows subtly. In dim rooms, reads as a sophisticated soft black. Under candlelight, alive with depth.
Every paint color looks different depending on the light source in your room. South-facing rooms get warm, direct sunlight that brings out yellow and warm undertones. North-facing rooms get cool, indirect light that emphasizes blue and gray undertones. East-facing rooms are bright and warm in the morning, cooler in the afternoon. West-facing rooms are the opposite: cool morning, warm afternoon. Incandescent and warm LED bulbs push colors warmer, while cool-white LEDs and fluorescent tubes push colors cooler. To avoid surprises, always test Off-Black with a physical sample on your actual wall, and observe it at different times of day before committing.
Best Rooms for Off-Black
Farrow & Ball recommends Off-Black for: front door, railings, exterior trim, accent wall, furniture.
On an accent wall, Off-Black creates a focal point that draws the eye and adds visual depth to the room. Pair it with a lighter color on the remaining walls for the best contrast. On a front door, Off-Black makes a strong first impression. Front door colors are seen in full outdoor light, so choose a finish with some sheen (satin or semi-gloss) for durability and visual impact.
Closest Matches in Other Brands
Find the closest equivalent to Farrow & Ball Off-Black from other paint brands. Matches are calculated using Delta E (CIE2000), the industry standard for measuring perceptual color difference.
Benjamin Moore Matches
Wrought Iron is close. Both are green-tinted near-blacks.
View all Benjamin Moore matches →Sherwin Williams Matches
Iron Ore is browner. Off-Black is greener.
View all Sherwin Williams matches →Coordinating Colors
These colors pair beautifully with Off-Black for a cohesive palette. Use them for trim, accents, adjacent rooms, or furniture to create a well-designed space.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Sherwin Williams match for Farrow & Ball Off-Black is Iron Ore (SW 7069) with a Delta E of 4.8, which rates as a "good match" match. Iron Ore is browner. Off-Black is greener. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart, while 2 to 4 means the difference is subtle.
Off-Black has green-black undertones. F&B's signature not-quite-black. Softer and warmer than a flat black, with a subtle green undertone that gives it depth and life. The black of old floorboards and iron railings. Undertones become most visible when the color is on a large surface like a wall, and they shift depending on the light source in your room. Always test with a physical sample in your specific space to see how the undertones interact with your lighting, flooring, and furnishings.
Off-Black (No.57) has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 4, which puts it in the dark range. LRV measures the percentage of light a color reflects on a scale from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white). At 4, this is a darker color that creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Pair it with bright white trim for the best contrast.
Off-Black leans neutral, with green-black undertones that do not strongly push warm or cool. This makes it one of the more versatile colors in its family, pairing well with both warm and cool accent colors and finishes. In bright light, the green undertone shows subtly. In dim rooms, reads as a sophisticated soft black. Under candlelight, alive with depth.
Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.