Quite common and relaxed, Sherwin Williams Fleur de Sel is a cool-toned gray that makes a great choice in the off-white and pastel collection.
Very different from the beiges, this gray is quite recommended for your home if you crave that unique and distinctive touch.
However, in some circumstances, it is quite likely for you to spot slightly greenish undertones if the surroundings include your front or back lawn, specifically!
On the other hand, this paint color plays a great neutral and base as well!
(We will discuss the theory behind that later)
So, are you excited to use a tinge of SW Fleur de Sel in your home?
Well, I must say that you go ahead and don’t shy away from it!
Because this color has the potential to do wonders – frankly!
And at the same time, you have to be very careful around using it in your home and pairing it with the best complementary colors!
Don’t worry – I am going to spill all those beans here!
And you will be very sure if you should or shouldn’t use this paint in your home.
So, let’s get started!
Sherwin Williams Fleur de Sel SW 7666 Details and Specifications
Before you finalize a paint swatch for your home – it is crucial that you study the underlying theories and facts.
Since these are the terms that define a color’s main characteristics.
And remember, it may be different for each and every color!
So, if you want to avoid that mess – just simply go through the basics of a paint color that will help you determine if the color is a must-use or not!
So, first and foremost, let me introduce you to the concept of Light Reflectance Values or the LRV’s that determine how light or dark the paint color is.
You can easily find that value at the back of the Sherwin Williams paint swatch!
Here, in this case, the LRV of Sherwin Williams Fleur de Sel is 72.
And that means it is pretty light-toned – well, almost an off-white or pastel on the swatch!
(Greater the value, lighter the paint)
What I like to do is sample Fleur de Sel under different lights where I’m going to use it. I use Samplize stick-on samples. Get some samples now!
Secondly, other important associated terms are the RGB and the HEX Values.
Red = 220
Green = 221
Blue = 216
HEX Value = #dcddd8
Now that is enough with the technical and scientific information, let’s get started with the practical aspects of this off-white and pastel Sherwin Williams paint.
How Does This Color Feel in a Space?
Sherwin Williams Fleur de Sel feels absolutely cool and calm at the same time.
It also has the potential to make your space look much larger, spacious, and enhanced by simply pushing away the walls.
Now here is where the light reflectance values come into use!
You can also very seamlessly use this color as the neutral or a base – and trust me, you wouldn’t regret it!
However, make sure that it aligns with your interior design style! Use it only for the cooler textured styles and spaces.
Furthermore, keep a note that you use this paint in either west or south-facing rooms.
Also, depending upon the functionality of that particular room – since you wouldn’t want to feel chilly in the west-facing room when you clearly use the room during mornings!
I recommend avoiding the north-facing rooms!
How Does Light Affect the Color?
Light has tons and tons of role to play here.
Obviously, due to the lighter tone, this color is bound to feel further lighter and spacious!
Moreover, in the case of smaller-sized rooms – this color is good to go – since it will further enhance and enlarge.
Nevertheless, you can always play with artificial light in the form of pendant lights and wall sconces to further create a desired aura.
Here, you can also use warm whites and warmer yellow to perfectly neutralize the saturation!
As I mentioned before, you can try out this color with real paint, (but without the mess) using stick-on samples you can buy cheaply from Samplize.
What are the Best Coordinating Colors?
Now comes one of the most awaited topics to talk about!
So, it is crucial for you to choose the best complementary colors in order to define a palette that looks ‘in-place’!
Even though it may sound quite challenging – well the fact is that it is not!
You simply can’t pair any random color unless you understand the above-mentioned LRV and RGB terminologies.
So, I am going to enlist the two most popular color schemes here – monochromatic and contrasting.
You could use that depending on the interior design scheme and your personal preference.
In this case, the best colors to go are lighter and darker blues, darker grays, taupes, greens, and even black and sakura pinks.
And the list of creativity goes on and on!
So, here are a few of the colors I would recommend for a monochromatic palette!
- SW 7654 Lattice
- SW 7657 Tinsmith
- SW 7650 Ellie Gray
On the other hand, here are a few of the colors I would recommend for a contrasting color palette!
- SW 7665 Wall Street (see my SW Wall Street review here)
- SW 6057 Malted Milk
- SW 6990 Caviar (see my SW Caviar review here)
For your ceilings, trims, and moldings – SW Extra White or SW Pure White in itself makes a great option!
SW Fleur de Sel Vs Similar Colors
Not exactly the same – this cool-toned off-white SW Fleur de Sel has quite a few similar-looking options within the Sherwin-Williams’ Gray paint colors.
However, now that you know the secret – they might either differ in undertones or reflectivity.
So, regardless of that – the two colors closely related are SW 6196 Frosty White and SW 7646 First Star.
Let’s see how they differ.
Fleur de Sel Vs Frosty White
Sharing quite a few similarities, SW Frosty White is all about green undertones on a pastel cover!
With an LRV of 72, this color equally feels quite refreshing and light!
Well, something to definitely look forward to – if you want to incorporate tints of nature in your home.
Although, don’t get confused with the name since it doesn’t really feel very ‘frosty’!
If you want to test the subtle differences in your house, get some wall samples of each here.
Fleur de Sel Vs First Star
Quite a cool off-white and gray paint, Sherwin Williams First Star is all about crisp and clear.
However, it is quite likely for you to observe slightly greenish undertones here!
Furthermore, with an LRV of 69, this color is slightly darker!
You can’t use it as a neutral unless you paint all the walls in this paint color.
Test these colors side-by-side to see the differences in “real life” INSIDE your home, with some wall-stick samples. Order here!
Where to Use Fleur de Sel?
SW Fleur de Sel is a paint color that must be used in each and every corner – if you truly desire a cool and crisp touch!
But you have to be careful when choosing complementary colors!
Although, whether it is the hallways, bathrooms, kids rooms, nursery, living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, exteriors, or even the bedrooms – you can use it everywhere!
Especially for the interior design styles such as Scandinavian, Modern, Contemporary, Transitional, Coastal, and Caribbean, this color would be good to go!
Let’s see where and how to incorporate it in your home.
Fleur de Sel in Living and Dining Rooms
You can either paint all the walls in this color or choose a bold and dark shade like gray and dark blue to create an accent!
You can also pair it with lighter upholstery and wooden (oak and walnut) toned textures to further complement the desired palette.
In the flooring, parquets would really look flabbergasting.
You can also choose to pick tons of glass and metals to create an amazing backdrop with this cool gray paint!
Also, if you have staircases and railing – try to prefer metal molding ones here.
Last but not the least, add ample mirror pieces and plants to invite positivity and a wholesome vibe!
Using in Bedrooms
If you like the feel of cooler and crisper bedrooms – you should definitely have this color incorporated!
And especially if your bedroom is located in the western corner – you can use this paint to perfectly feel cooler and calmer!
Trust me – there is nothing better than comfortable bedrooms, and especially if you reside in warmer climates.
Furthermore, add matte black lighting fixtures in the form of table lamps and pendant lights to add an eye-catchy accent.
When it comes to duvets and fabrics, try to choose more subtle hues with cotton and linens to further brighten up your room.
Fleur de Sel in Kitchens
Lighter kitchens are quite a trend.
And especially if you like the feel of monochromes!
You can pair it with grays and blues to further add a touch of interest!
Furthermore, you can also pair it with chrome or nickel-finished fixtures, oak or stark white cabinets, and lush hardwood floors.
Furthermore, you can also use white-veined marble or black glossy granite to create a stark contrast!
Using on Exteriors
Whether you have a ranch-style, Mid-century modern, Spanish style, Victorian, Modern, or Contemporary, this paint on the exteriors is bound to add a stunning touch.
You can either add blacks and darker grays as an accent or go vice versa for the trims, moldings, and door and window frames.
Moreover, don’t hold back from using gray or Spanish roof tiles and natural stone wainscotting.
So, how do you want to use this color in your homes? Interiors or Exteriors?
How to Best Sample This Color?
I need to share my favorite tip for testing out a color like Fleur de Sel – go over and order a peel-and-stick sample from Samplize.
These folks are nifty because they figured out a convenient way for us to sample colors way more easily. Just stick up a temporary square sample and forget the small jar of actual wet paint.
For only a few dollars you’ll receive a perfect sized square you can stick up temporarily anywhere you want to “try” on a paint color and any possible coordinating hues you like. It’s the best!
Now that you have all the good – are you ready to get painting your home in Fleur de Sel?
Should there be any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below!