If you’re looking for a sage green paint color that’s slightly aligned to a warmer end of the scale – then maybe you’re looking for something similar to Sherwin Williams Sage.
Or let’s say, an olive green paint color, maybe?
The sage green color category is emerging to be one of the most popular amongst the homeowners in the interior design industry.
However, the story doesn’t end here.
Sage greens are further categorized into warmer sage greens, neutral sage greens, and cooler sage greens – learn more about sages.
I would say Sherwin Williams Sea Salt and Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray are on the cooler end – opposed to SW Sage!
You’re also quite likely to detect a notable yellow undertone in this paint color that can make it slightly challenging to pair with.
So, if you’re planning to use this paint color in your home – I would say be extra cautious!
The sneaky and peeking warm undertones in this color will make it challenging to pair with coordinating colors.
But don’t worry! I have got you covered.
In this color review, I will elaborate on a detailed guideline on how to use this color in your home along with some do’s and don’ts.
So, stay tuned!
Sherwin Williams Sage SW 2860 Details and Specifications
What makes this particular sage green color stand out from the rest of them?
Well, it is the concept of color theories, details, and specifications.
Just when you want to choose a paint color for your home, you must read through the underlying values and theories to truly understand the hue.
So, first and foremost, let me introduce you to the concept of Light Reflectance Values or the LRVs 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 Sage is 42.
And that means it falls on the medium and darker end of the scale – not too dark nor too light.
(The lesser the value, the darker the paint, on a scale of 0-100)
Most often, it’s best to sample a paint color in your home to confirm it’s going to work how you expect. You can do this easily using Samplize. Grab one now for Sage!
Secondly, other important associated terms are the RGB and the HEX Values.
Red = 179
Green = 174
Blue = 149
HEX Value = #b3ae95
Now that is enough with the technical and scientific information, let’s get started with the practical aspects of this sage green Sherwin Williams paint.
How Does This Color Feel in a Space?
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Sherwin Williams Sage is a yellowish-green paint color that can tend to make your space feel natural and organic – but with a tinge of earthiness and dullness.
And it also feels quite warm, cozy, and creamy given it’s one of the most popular warm green paints.
Yes, unlike the cool sage green paint colors, this particular type has the potential to make your space feel dull and dingy. (If not given ample light)
So, you must be very careful when pairing this paint color with other hues and using it in your home.
Try to use this color mainly as an accent! (And not everywhere)
With a considerable amount of depth and heaviness – this color can weigh your space down if it’s too small a size.
And that’s why you must try to avoid this paint color in smaller-sized rooms.
However, in larger rooms, you can consider painting all the walls to create a cozy atmosphere.
How Does Light Affect the Color?
Natural light and SW Sage go hand-in-hand!
The more natural light you give to this paint, the brighter and enhanced it will appear.
Also, this color has a major role to play in different compass directions.
For instance, in the west and south-facing rooms, it will appear extremely warm and yellow! Yes, try a swatch and you’ll know.
On the other hand, in the north-facing rooms, this color will align more toward the neutral side of the scale with yellow undertones not peeking out.
When talking about climatic conditions, I highly recommend using this paint color in colder climates since this color tends to feel quite cozy and warm.
I’ll say this again – get some wall samples to try on this color in your own home and confirm if it’ll work or if you need to try something else.
What are the Best Coordinating Colors?
Creating color palettes can be quite a fun task to do.
So, it’s crucial for you to choose the best complementary colors in order to define a palette that looks ‘in-place’!
Some greens are comparatively easy to deal with.
On the other hand, some greens require a lot of experimentation to figure out the best complementary color palette.
And SW Sage is the best possible example for that. Trust me!
With this sage green paint, it’s ideal that you pair neutral whites, lighter beiges, taupes, lighter grays, and ample metallic gold accents.
So, I am going to enlist the two most popular color schemes here – monochromatic and contrasting.
Monochromes are generally great for modern and contemporary setbacks. On the other hand, Eclectic and Farmhouse play well with contrasts.
You could use any of them depending on the interior design scheme and your personal preference.
So, here are a few of the colors I would recommend for a monochromatic palette!
- SW 9127 At Ease Soldier
- SW 6165 Connected Gray
- SW 6166 Eclipse
On the other hand, here are a few of the colors I would recommend for a contrasting color palette!
- SW 7551 Greek Villa – see my review here
- SW 7015 Repose Gray – see my review here
- SW 9085 Touch of Sand
For your ceilings, trims, and moldings – SW Extra White or SW Pure White in itself makes a great option!
SW Clary Sage Vs Similar Colors
SW Sage might have some alternatives.
Some with varying undertones and some with varying reflectivity values.
So, if we compare – the two colors closely related are SW 6178 Clary Sage and BM AF-440 Urban Nature.
Let’s see how they differ.
Sage Vs Clary Sage
Even though these two colors are from the same color category – the undertone differences are huge.
SW Clary Sage has slightly more green in it as compared to the former paint color. SW Sage has more yellow to it!
It has an LRV of 41 – which makes it almost equally darker and deeper – learn more in my Clary Sage guide here!
If you want to test the subtle differences in your house, get some wall samples of each here.
Sage Vs Urban Nature
BM Urban Nature is a soothing sage green paint color that has more green to it as compared to SW Sage which is more inclined to yellow and brown.
With an LRV of 44.14 – this refreshing gray-green is definitely something to have an eye on, if you crave a cooler touch.
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 Sage?
SW Sage can be used in any corner of your home – living room accent walls, mudroom cabinets, kitchen cabinets, and exteriors!
Especially for interior design styles like transitional and traditional – it’s quite good to go!
Let’s see where and how to incorporate this paint into your home.
Sage in Living and Dining Rooms
If you have a larger-sized living room, this paint can be used on all the walls. However, it can be too overwhelming, so be careful!
Else, don’t hold back from painting the accent wall in this color and further amalgamating shades of off-white on the adjacent walls.
I would personally love the feel of a tan leather couch pushed against the wall with SW Sage. That will definitely look more earthy and balanced.
Also, don’t forget to style with pampas grass and macrame wall hangings to add a natural touch to the room.
Using in Bedrooms
You can use SW Sage on the accent wall of your bedroom. Yes, something I would definitely recommend.
Furthermore, pair this warm green paint with matte black finish on the bed as well as nightstand frames.
To add a touch of visual interest, add terracotta or burnt orange on the throw pillows or duvet covers.
For a statement of luxe, you can even style with satin brass on the little accessories.
This way, you easily calm down the room with other pouches of interesting hues.
Sage in Kitchens
Well, definitely a classic choice!
You can consider painting the sage paint on the kitchen cabinets and choosing a white for the backdrop wall.
Hardwood floors are a great option and if you can further lay a runner – that’s a plus point.
For the hardware, you can either choose satin brass or even matte black – the choice is yours.
Using on Exteriors
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Especially for the Coastal, Caribbean, transitional, traditional, and ranch-style homes, this paint on the exteriors is bound to add a statement of style.
You can play with gray Spanish interlocking tiles on the roof and crisp white paint for the trims and moldings, door and window frames. Or choose vice versa.
Furthermore, if you have porches and columns – either choose white paint or natural stone wainscotting.
In case you want to add an eye-catchy statement – add burnt orange or mustard on the entryway doors and window frames. You can even choose cool midnight blue!
Best Way to Try Out This Color?
I have to share one of my favorite tips when testing out colors like Sage – go and order a peel-and-stick sample from Samplize.
This company has an amazing way to sample colors super conveniently with real paint.
Simply stick up a temporary square sample of it and avoid the whole paint and roller mess (at least until you’re ready!).
For a small amount of money you get a giant “”sticker”” you can place up in the space you’re painting. You can also try out coordinating colors as well. It’s great!
So, how do you want to use this color in your homes? Interiors or Exteriors?
Now that you have all the secrets – are you excited about painting your home in Sage?
Should there be any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below!