
Just like the name suggests – Sherwin Williams Pussywillow is a smooth, warm gray paint color that very frequently changes its appearances based on its surrounding natural light!
Even though it is gray paint – it may sometimes appear lighter beige or even deeper blue in certain lighting conditions.
Well, yes!
This is quite confusing – however, if used carefully, can do wonders.
This gray paint is soothing to the eyes – and is relatively newer in the interior design industry.
But trust me, it is very well worth the experience!
Darker in tone with deep gray and brown undertones – this paint can sometimes exhibit a perfect stony feel in your home.
To avoid that, you can always blend warmer tones with natural materials to attain the most welcoming experience in your living space.
However, don’t worry!
I am here to help you figure out the underlying secrets behind this color – and most importantly, whether or not if it’s the right color for you.
Trust me, in no time – you’ll be a SW Pussywillow expert.
So, sit back, relax, and grab your favorite cup of coffee!
Sherwin Williams Pussywillow SW 7643 Details and Specifications

Before we dive deeper into the practical aspects of the paint, let’s first talk about the initial specifications and technical information related to the paint.
Remember, you should always read through the facts associated with a paint color that will truly help in determining what the color is made of!
So, first and foremost, it is important to read through the Light Reflectance Value or the LRV’s of a paint color.
This value helps in determining how light or dark the paint color is.
In this case, the LRV of Sherwin Williams Pussywillow is 42.

And that means, it falls on the darker end of the scale.
(Remember, the lesser the number, the darker the paint)
And just in case if you are wondering, you can easily find this value at the back of the paint swatch!
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 Pussywillow!
Secondly, other associated terms are the RGB and HEX Values that are important to take into consideration.
Since this is the value that determined what the color truly is made of!
Red = 178
Green = 173
Blue = 164
HEX Value = #b2ada4
That is all I wanted to talk about the color specifications and details, let’s now get started with the practical aspects of this beautiful and timeless gray paint color.
How Does this Color Feel in a Space?
Sherwin Williams Pussywillow is bound to make you feel relaxed, bold, and confident!
The authentic imprint of the color is going to exhibit an eye-catchy experience on the walls while making your home look distinctive than ever.
However, the major matter of concern is the bold and daring attitude – due to the dark color, it may get challenging playing around with the paint!
But before jumping on to that aspect, let’s first discuss what climates is the color best suitable in.
I highly recommend colder as well as warmer regions to incorporate this paint color. Except for the very warm and tropical regions down in Florida that might feel overwhelmed around this paint.
Furthermore, you should only use this paint in medium to larger-sized spaces that can accommodate the depth of the paint!
For extremely small spaces – try paints with LRVs greater than 75!
How Does Light Affect the Color?
Like most other SW Griege colors, natural as well as artificial light has some role to play here!
So, firstly you need to look around and observe the incoming natural light!
Well, if you are blessed with ample of it – simply use this color in your rooms that face any of the directions!
Yes! That is one great benefit – since it has a tinge of cool and warmth both – you can absolutely use it in any climate!
Furthermore, for creating a particular dramatic effect – you can always add warm white and cool yellow lighting!
Try avoiding warm yellow saturation with this paint!
Again, I really recommend you try out some wall samples because colors will look different in every location.
What are the Best Coordinating Colors?

Now that we have analyzed what the color truly is and what it feels like along with the reflectivity values, it is time to pair it with the best opposites.
You can either choose from a contrasting or a monochromatic color palette.
Make sure to analyze the color carefully so you set yourself up for success later as you flesh out your color scheme!
Depending on your interior design style, it is important to create a sense of balance and harmony in the space.
So, here are a few of the colors I would recommend for a monochromatic palette!
- SW 7017 Dorian Gray
- SW 7018 Dovetail
- SW 7020 Black Fox (see my full rundown on this one here)
On the other hand, for a contrasting color palette, I would recommend the following paint colors that you could incorporate:
- SW 6211 Rainwashed (see my full rundown on this one here)
- SW 9156 Gris Morado
- SW 6993 Black of Night

For your ceilings, trims, and moldings – I would recommend using SW Pure White to further achieve a creamier look or else if you want a crisp look, choose SW High Reflectance White.
SW Pussywillow Vs Similar Colors

There are quite a few warm gray alternatives to choose from. However, remember that they might either differ in undertones or reflectivity!
So, the two closely related paint options are SW 7017 Dorian Gray and SW 7640 Fawn Brindle.
Let’s see what differs all of them!
Pussywillow Vs Dorian Gray

Sherwin Williams Dorian gray is another beautiful warm gray paint color that inclines mainly towards the grays in the night and beiges during the daytime.
With an LRV of 39, this color is comparatively darker – hence, remember to play this paint with other lighter neutrals and beiges!
Also, Dorian Gray is relatively famous among builders and homeowners.
Find out what works best in your home’s environment and lighting by putting up some temporary samples and observe – Get stick-on samples from Samplize.
Pussywillow Vs Fawn Brindle

Another neutral closely related to SW Pussywillow, this warm paint is very much aligned towards the browns than grays!
Hence, you can use this if your color palette requires a gray-brown with deeper brown undertones.
This is equally darker with an LRV of 36!
Order a wall-stick sample of Pussywillow here to help you compare these colors in your own space.
Where to Use Pussywillow Your Home?
Absolutely anywhere and everywhere – whether it is your living and formal rooms, dining rooms, kitchen, hallway, home office, or the exteriors.
Especially if you have an interior design style such as traditional, Modern, Minimalist, transitional, and Farmhouse, this color is absolutely great to go!
Let’s see how you can incorporate this color in your living spaces – and specifically how!
Pussywillow in Living and Family Rooms
You can paint all the walls of your living room in this paint as far as it is large enough to accommodate the depth of the color!
Else – go for an accent wall!
You can pair it with white and lighter beige linen upholstery, cotton sheer curtains, and brown suede and velvet pillows.

Hardwood floors are a plus – but in a small space, they might get overwhelming and congested!
For the fireplace, I recommend cladding in lighter-toned natural stone.
Using in Kitchens
SW pussywillow is a beautiful color for modern and transitional kitchens!
You can style your kitchen by painting the cabinets in this beautiful paint and pairing it with off-whites on the walls and ceilings.
To add depth, add a darker-toned beige marble countertop and white backsplash tiles!
In the end, use brass pull handles and fixtures for a contrasting accent!
Pussywillow in Bedrooms
I would absolutely love those looks!
A quiet and serene bedroom speaks it all, right?
You can paint all the walls in this color and use matte-black or brass accents through the pendant lights, bed frame, artwork, accent seating, and rug pieces.
Adding large clean white rugs would a great way to introduce a touch of cooler vibes in your bedrooms.
Moreover, using white or off-white blackout curtains will balance the overall appearance.
Using on Exteriors
Absolutely yes!
Although know that it will tend to further fade away the darkness while adding on the warmth to the color.
You can pair it with super whites, or even lighter grays through decorative moldings, door and window frames, and trims to add a character to your home exteriors.
This color is an amazing option for modern, Victorian, Farmhouse, Craftsman, and Mid-Century modern-styled exteriors.
Best Way to Try Out This Color?
I have to share one of my favorite tips when testing out colors like Pussywillow – 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 home? Interiors or Exteriors? Now that you have all the secrets – are you excited about painting your home in SW Pussywillow?
Be sure to check out some of Sherwin Williams’ best warm gray colors to help you pick the right shade for your project.
Should there be any questions or thoughts, let me know in the comments below!
My 7 Key Tips for SW Pussywillow
1. Understand Pussywillow’s subtle taupe undertone
Pussywillow sits in that soft gray zone with a whisper of taupe that warms up differently depending on light.
I like to check it against both cool LED bulbs and warmer 2700K bulbs so I can avoid a mismatch before committing!!
2. Pair with light oak or natural hickory flooring for a calm, modern look
This color plays beautifully with lighter wood floors because the taupe undertone pulls forward just enough warmth.
I’ve seen homeowners with cool gray laminate feel disappointed when the room ended up looking flat, so matching Pussywillow with floors that have a touch of honey makes a visible difference.
3. Test it beside white cabinetry before assuming it will stay gray
Pussywillow can read warmer when placed next to bright whites like SW Extra White.
I like to paint sample boards and hold them vertically beside cabinets to avoid being surprised once the doors are installed.
4. Know that north light makes Pussywillow noticeably cooler
North-facing spaces can push this shade toward a cooler gray that feels more reserved.
I often recommend adding lamps or using warmer bulb temperatures to maintain balance without changing the paint.
5. Try Pussywillow with walnut or espresso cabinetry for depth
Deeper wood tones bring contrast that highlights the softness of the gray instead of fighting it.
I love this combination in kitchens and media rooms because it reads upscale and intentional without being fussy.
6. Expect exterior walls to shift brighter and grayer in daylight
On exteriors this color loses some of its interior warmth because natural light strips out a bit of the taupe.
Sampling on multiple siding materials, especially fiber cement and stucco, prevents the surprise of a too-gray façade!!
Pussywillow also pairs nicely with black or charcoal roof shingles for a crisp profile.
7. Use it in bedrooms and offices where softness matters
This shade creates a gentle backdrop that doesn’t boss around bedding or desk setups.
I’ve watched clients gain flexibility with textiles because the taupe note keeps things grounded while the gray keeps things modern.








Laura Smith
Tuesday 10th of August 2021
Do you think this color would go well with Cambria Britanica? We were going to use Chelsea gray but are thinking that might be a tad dark. Thanks Laura
Laura Smith
Tuesday 10th of August 2021
Hi, upon closer look I just noticed one of your kitchens above shows a kitchen with my exact counter top of Cambria Britanica so they do pair well! Laura
Lauren Haines
Friday 25th of June 2021
Hi! Very informative! Im thinking of this for exterior sides and back of my traditional brick front home. Brick is red tones with light grey grout. Brown fleck roof. Brown mohogany door. Black shutters. Thinking sw light French gray for trim. Worried pussywillow might be too dark. And should garage doors and gutters be the light gray? Thanks!
Nishtha
Monday 12th of July 2021
Hi Lauren, I would love to look at the pictures of your exteriors to further help decide a particular paint color for the shutters and sidings :)