What 3 tells you about Caviar
The published LRV of Sherwin-Williams Caviar SW-6990 is 3. It describes light reflectance; it does not specify an undertone or predict the brightness of your room. Caviar, Black Magic and Tricorn Black share a published LRV while carrying different manufacturer temperature descriptions.
The choice beside white tile and brushed steel
Steel and white tile offer a clear setting for the cool-black comparison, without implying that equal reflectance means equal appearance.
Draw the proposed dark area on a room photograph and compare it with a broad physical Caviar sample in shadow. The LRV describes the starting depth, while the size and location of that area determine its role. Check whether adjacent dark furniture remains legible.
What the comparison can—and cannot—settle
Caviar and Tricorn Black both have a published LRV of 3. That equality describes reflectance, not matching colorants or identical undertones. Caviar is a cool black with the same published LRV as several other very dark blacks. The value measures reflectance, so it cannot by itself identify an undertone, a coating finish or the amount of illumination needed in the room. The daylight and evening-light checks covers that related choice.
Put Caviar, Tricorn Black and the fixed metal in one light; the shared LRV cannot make the choice for you. Do not read LRV 3 as a percentage improvement in perceived room brightness. Make the decision with the board upright at the actual wall or cabinet position, including the least illuminated portion. The north-facing room assessment covers that related choice. Before ordering samples, compare room-planning features in the paint color visualizer roundup.
Sources & notes
Color specifications: Sherwin-Williams Caviar SW-6990. The recorded LRV is 3. Named comparison values come from the respective manufacturers; material schemes are editorial suggestions.
This guide reviews published color information and proposes practical sample checks. It does not claim first-hand paint testing or customer-review scores. Sherwin-Williams does not sponsor or endorse this site. Product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Confirm the color in a physical sample and select the coating for the actual surface and finish.