Sherwin Williams Tradewind SW 6218 – An Impressive Blue for a Coastal Vibe?

What is the best thing about summer?

I am sure it is definitely sand, water, and sun!

While we all wait for the summers to come around – there is a tinge of craving for all the city dwellers to taste a side of a beach!

Well, what if I say – you can have that vibe in your own home – even if you are miles away from the beach.

Yes, this is where I introduce you to this wonderful blue that is absolutely jaw-dropping when used on walls!

Sherwin Williams Tradewind is a perfect cool blue paint color that is bound to add a refreshing vibe to your home. And in particular, it’s an ideal choice for coastal homes.

It is a clean and crisp color with a very slight grey and green touch to it – which I must say is hardly noticeable!

Mimicking the vibe of a coast, Tradewind is definitely a ‘go-to’ color if you are planning to incorporate a beachy vibe, décor, and an overall coastal theme!

Classic and timeless – this color is also highly flexible to use!

Don’t worry! I have a few tips and tricks ready for you to show how this color can be incorporated in homes and with what best counterparts the color blends in with!

Just remember – the serenity and peacefulness of the color are worth comparing to none!

Click to see 30+ color palettes you can use with Tradewind!

Sherwin Williams Tradewind SW 6218 Details and Specifications

Every color has its own sweet story!

They all convey a message and in no time beautify your spaces with their hidden charm!

This is the theory you must get familiar with – if you are planning to choose colors by yourself.

One such important terminology is Light Reflectance Value (LRV)!

It defines how light or dark the paint is, or how much light the color reflects! This later will help in deciding what spaces should the color be applied.

For Tradewind, the LRV is 61.

Which says that the color falls on the lighter end of the scale (Remember, the greater the number – the lighter the color is)

Now, that you know that Tradewind reflects away light – you should be using it in the south-facing room or westside windows!

Now, if you want to try out Tradewind on your walls ahead of time, you can easily with a peel-and-stick square from Samplize. Give them a try now!

But before I blur out further details, let us discuss the RGB and HEX Values of Tradewind.

Red = 194, Green = 207, Blue = 207

HEX Value = #c2cfcf

Now do you see that Tradewind has a lot to offer you?

Let’s discuss the impacts of this color in your space.

How Does Tradewind Feel in a Space?

Absolutely light and bright!

First and foremost, if your space feels congested and crammed up – always look for a lighter color.

Post this, you are left with two options – either to choose a warmer or a cooler hue.

Resting aside your personal preferences and lifestyle if you are looking for either of the options – I highly recommend using cooler shades!

Blogger Carrie from The Vintage Wren proves how whites best complement SW Tradewind

A light warm color might still trigger an energetic and crammed-up vibe – but in the case of cooler hues – you can let off that stress!

Tradewind is one such light and cool shade that will maximize the feeling of airiness, spaciousness, and serenity in your space.

It will make your room look bigger and brighter.

Also if you crave a beach and coastal vibe – Tradewind is your answer!

How Does Light Affect the Color?

Design Blogger Carrie at The Vintage Wren reveals her bedroom makeover in SW Tradewind

To be honest – A LOT!

Due to high reflectivity, this color tends to reflect a lot of light – thus, making the color even lighter than it is!

Meanwhile, at night – with slightly warm-white lights – the color tends to appear a little darker than it is.

To simplify for you – it looks a lot like SW 6220 Interesting Aqua!

So, always remember to note the effect of light on paint!

It can absolutely change the overall look.

To truly see what your home’s environment and lighting will do here, try out a real paint sample. It takes out the guesswork!

What are the Coordinating Colors for Sherwin Williams Tradewind?

Sherwin Williams Tradewind is a soft and calm serene blue-gray paint color that also has a tinge of green to it. (Somewhere hidden though)

This cool-toned color is much admired by builders, designers, and homeowners – and that’s why you’re quite likely to find many and many inspirations online.

Since the color is quite straightforward, it’s generally easier to pair it with other hues and color palettes.

In general, SW Tradewind would best pair with either crisp or creamy off-whites, dark gray, midnight blues, lighter grays, beiges, and black.

Putting too many flashy colors will distract from the beauty of this color and that’s why I would recommend not experimenting much.

Although, if you like the vibrancy of hues, try styling with lemon yellow or sakura pink!

In terms of metallic accents, choose matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, antique brass, or even polished chrome.

Here are the following two color palette suggestions – monochromatic and coordinating (cool and warm)!

Monochromatic Color Palette

The complementary colors for the monochromatic palette are as follows – 

1. SW 6219 Rain – see my see more on this color here
2. SW 6220 Interesting Aqua
3. SW 6221 Moody Blue – see my see more on this color here

This monochromatic soft blue-green palette will definitely make your space feel extra calm and comfortable.

Especially for interior design styles such as coastal, this palette is bliss (of course, if you add off-whites to it as well).

Contrasting Cool Color Palette

The complementary colors for the contrasting palette are as follows (cool) – 

1. SW 7005 Pure White
2. SW 7674 Peppercorn
3. SW 7011 Natural Choice

This cool-toned color palette includes crisp gray to add a dashing and modern statement to your home.

You must also remember to style with satin brass and copper in this palette.

Contrasting Warm Color Palette

The complementary colors for the contrasting palette are as follows (warm) – 

1. SW 7051 Analytical Gray
2. SW 7067 Cityscape
3. SW 7551 Greek Villa

This warm-toned palette is definitely something that will create a soft and welcoming experience for your guests.

The cool saturation of SW Tradewind contradicts with the warmer beiges to create a cohesive and balanced palette.

However, if you are considering pops of color and a little depth, consider these hues-

1. SW 6204 Sea Salt – see more on this color here
2. SW 7653 Silverpointe – see more details for this color here
3. SW 7064 Passive

Considering these paints, note that the trims and moldings need to be painted in SW Pure White and SW High Reflectance White for the best results!

 

More Color Palettes!

For a ton more color pairing options, check out my gallery of hand-picked color palettes Neutral Ground works beautifully with:

Sherwin Williams Tradewind Vs. Similar Colors

If you are looking for alternatives to Sherwin Williams Tradewind – keep scrolling!

One of the most similar and yet a close cousin of Tradewind is SW Rainwashed!

SW Tradewind Vs. SW Rainwashed

Similar to Tradewind, Rainwashed is a neutral blue which slightly has some grey in it!

It is another cool blue paint color with an LRV of 59 – that is comparatively lesser than Tradewind – thus making the color slightly darker than Tradewind.

Do you see the slightly green tinge you see in the color? Yes, that is what differentiates the both of them!

Order wall-stick samples of Tradewind and Rainwashed here to help you compare colors in your own space.

SW Tradewind Vs. SW Sleepy Blue

A pure blue paint color with an LRV of 58!

Darker than Tradewind – this color is not recommended if you want a coastal vibe – but if you are generally in need of blues – this is not a bad option!

With a slightly creamy texture, this color goes well with bright reds if you prefer a transitional style of design.

Do yourself a favor and grab some stick-on sample sheets of these two colors and see what looks best in your home.

From furniture to decorative accessories and materials, I’m going to pick the best ones for you that will perfectly vibe with SW Tradewind.

Here are the links to the flooring that works well with SW Tradewind –

• Marble Look Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile
• Engineered Hardwood Flooring
• Floor and Wall Mosaic

Here are the links to the decorative accents that work well with SW Tradewind –

• Venora Dotty Square Cotton Pillow Cover
• Magallanes Geometric Area Rug
• 3 Piece Floater Frame Print on Canvas

Here are the links to the furniture that works well with SW Tradewind –

• Square Arm Sofa
• Wide Armchair
• Geno Sayles Hollow Coffee Table

Where to Use Sherwin Williams Tradewind in Your Home?

SW Tradewind on the upper and SW Accessible Beige on the lower wall is well embellished in this nursery by Blogger Sarah from Little Wife Power House.

Like I said before, Tradewind mostly has positives and very limited restrictions.

It is flexible, unlike any other bold blue.

So, you can simply use this color ANYWHERE in your home. Actually, you should!

The only thing that the color lacks is coziness – which is absent due to missing creamy texture or warm tinge.

Stay away from this color if you want a very cozy-cozy environment but if not – read below to see everything this color can play its magic.

Tradewind in the Living Room

Paint all the walls in Tradewind – if you do!

This is not an “accent wall” type color – so keep that in mind!

You can paint your trims and door frames in pure white and surround the fireplace with a glossy black slate or tiles for a perfect modernish look!

Avoid using exposed materials with this color!

Simply use with wooden textured furniture, a bright and airy glass countertop coffee table, and dark tufted upholstery!

Tradewind in Bedrooms

Blogger Kristie from Decorologist shares her experience post Bedroom makeover for little girls

Bedrooms should be relaxing and soothing!

As you spend one-third of your lifetime in the bedroom – it is important to incorporate a serene and peaceful color!

And just like I said – Tradewind very creatively passes the test in here!

Pair up the color with either Shabby Chic furniture or new White-tinted furniture from Pottery Barn!

Just make sure to maintain balance in there.

Using in Kitchens

Could be typical as you have to be specific with the color of cabinetry, countertops, and hardware in the kitchen!

If you are looking to use Tradewind in the kitchen – remember to use stark white cabinetry, black or silver-tinted hardware, and either white or black marble or granite countertops!

An oak or wooden cabinetry is no-no.

In the end, incorporate island tables and either use rattan pendant lighting or farmhouse-style metallic pendant lighting to add perfection to your kitchen!

SW Tradewind in Bathrooms

 

Especially for private and personal spaces like bathrooms, SW Tradewind is much recommended.

You can either choose to paint all the walls in this color or even the vanity! (Depending upon the overall size of your bathroom)

Pair with hardware such as satin brass for an extra luxe and cohesive look.

You can also style it with rattan baskets to make your bathroom appear extra appealing.

Lastly, don’t forget to add clean whites on the ceiling, vanity, and window trims.

SW Tradewind on Exteriors

 

Especially if you’re residing in the coastal areas, this color on the walls will definitely make a great appearance. 

You can either choose to use this paint on the exterior walls or even the entryway door.

Furthermore, remember to pair this color with creamy off-whites on the trims, moldings, and door and window trims.

A gray base for the decking will play a wonderful role.

Great Paint Sample Tip!

Here’s my favorite tip when it comes to testing out a color like Tradewind – go and order a peel-and-stick sample from Samplize.

These guys figured out a great way to sample colors much more easily. Simply stick it up instead of having to get a small can of actual wet paint.

For a few bucks, you get a nice-sized square to throw up temporarily anywhere you want to “try” on a paint color and any possible coordinating hues you like. Too cool!

Now that you see Tradewind has a lot to offer you! Are you eager to use this color in your home?

Do share pictures and let us know in the comments below about your experiences with the beautiful Sherwin Williams Tradewind!

FAQs

Is Sherwin Williams Tradewind Blue or Green?

Sherwin Williams Tradewind is a blue-green paint color that is primarily blue but can sometimes appear green under certain lighting conditions.

What Color Is TradeWind?

SW Tradewind is a soft blue paint color with sneaky green undertones. You’re quite likely to also detect a gray undertone.

Is Sherwin Williams Tradewind Warm or Cool?

Sherwin Williams Tradewind is a cool-toned paint color with the utmost crisp appearance and texture.

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