Espresso is a dark color that appears to be black, but is actually a very dark brown. It is often only detectable under direct lighting and has warm undertones of red or gold, which gives it a bit of depth and adds traditional warmth to a room that true black does not offer. Espresso is comparable to black coffee and is between brown and black. It usually has hints of reddish hues in some cases. The color is often used in furniture, cabinetry, and wood finishes. Espresso is a classic water-based finish in the dark woods classification, with an anthracite brown and green hue that makes the finish very complex. In the context of hair color, espresso is a neutral, dimensional brunette shade with hints of both black and dark brown.