What is it about the browns that make it such a unique and outstanding color category?
Is it the rich and luxurious feel or the ultimate vibe of a bold and dramatic look?
Definitely, it reminds me of the finger-licking melted chocolate but also the utmost depth, meaning, and strength it brings to your space.
Well, unlike the blues, greens, blacks, or even the off-white color category – this is assuredly one of the most uncommon and unlikely to be used in a home.
But with the latest trending trends and home designs, browns are unexpectedly gaining a ton of attention.
Especially by the Mega-star designers who’re loving to merge this color in the interior design styles like Japandi, Contemporary, French Country, and Traditional – the browns are rising – yet again!
So, are you excited to know what the Sherwin Williams browns have for you?
Well, you can definitely use them in the interiors as well as the exteriors!
In this article, I will elaborate on the various do’s and don’ts of the brown color category along with some popular and my absolute favorite BROWNS!
Let’s get started and choose the best brown for your home.
Browns – The Color of Earth, Chocolate, and Much More
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We’ve discussed earlier about how EARTHY TONES can make your space feel closer to nature, calm, and serene.
Yes, there is assuredly a couple of gray-greens, off-whites, mustards, and beiges – but another color category that isn’t in the limelight is the BROWNS.
Brown is the COLOR of the soil – and so, a few shades of this color can reportedly make your space feel much closer to nature.
Don’t worry – I will discuss a few of them later in the article!
Even though browns are bold and characteristic – but when you pair them with the perfectly coordinated paint colors – the result is bound to be FLAWLESS.
But before we jump into that – let’s first discuss the various tints, tones, and shades of this color category.
Tints, Tones, and Shades of Brown
Ever heard of these terminologies before (except these color guides, wink-wink)?
Well, whether yes or no – these terms have a major role to play in color psychology.
‘Tones’ are basically the results formed by adding gray to a brown paint color!
In this case, if you add more grays to browns, the result will be a gray-brown paint that’s more neutral to its characteristics.
To make it simpler for you, an example of this typology is Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray.
On the other hand, ‘Tints’ are the amalgamation of white with a brown paint color. This will simply make that brown paint color quite lighter.
A notable example would be Sherwin Williams Kilim Beige!
And lastly, ‘Shades’ are the results formed by adding black to brown paint color. This will make the color more bold and dark – almost nearing the blacks.
A notable example here is Sherwin Williams Black Bean.
Light Reflectance Values – The Specifications to Know
Light Reflectance Values or the LRVs are primarily the values that determine how light or dark the paint color is.
(And you can easily find this value at the back of the paint chip)
Let me tell you a secret here – it’s always important to analyze this value before you pick the best brown paint color.
After all, you don’t want to create a mess later.
And just in case I already haven’t advised you to do so – remember to examine different shades of browns in different lighting conditions to determine their true difference.
With the browns – you’ll come across a wide array of varieties.
From darker browns that have an LRV of 3 to lighter browns or beiges with an LRV of 60 – the list is truly endless.
You can choose to play the browns as an ACCENT, BASE, or even NEUTRALS.
We will discuss later – the various ways to style browns with accents, bases, and neutrals in your bedroom, living room, and even exteriors.
Lighting Matters
Lighting plays a significant role in browns – but not as major as neutrals and whites.
It’s true that the falling natural light would have some impact in creating a certain aura in the room – specifically, in making the room feel lighter and airier.
So, it’s a must to always allow ample natural or artificial light to flourish and make the room feel lively.
Meanwhile, the undertones are primarily gray or true – which can further be determined based on the fallen natural light.
You see – always allow the light in a room with brown in it!
In the north-facing rooms, the brown may appear slightly cool with a tinge of gray to it.
On the other hand, the south-facing rooms can reflect the warm and earthy touch of browns.
Browns in Interior and Exterior Design Styles
Browns can be very specific.
Yes – you can’t use them for any and every design style like the whites, grays, and beiges.
So, here’s a twist – use the browns only for traditional, Japandi, transitional, and French Country interior design styles.
Since these design styles embrace the use of warm-toned browns, it’s important that you eye them.
For the exteriors – think twice before using browns because the palette created has to be very specific.
You must only pair clean whites and beiges with browns on the exteriors of your home.
Best Places to Use Sherwin Williams Brown Paint Colors
Well, this section depends a lot upon your personal choice and preference.
Browns can be used on the focal walls of your living and dining room when paired with creamy off-whites.
Whereas in the kitchen, you can use a certain shade of brown for the cabinets.
Other than this, such colors can be used for exteriors, mudrooms, laundry room cabinets, as well as the bedrooms and bathrooms.
Best Sherwin Williams Brown Paint Colors
Here comes the most awaited topics to talk about!
After all – isn’t this something you’re waiting for?
So, here I will be discussing a couple of popular as well as my personal favorite brown paint colors.
Let’s get started!
5 Most Popular
Sherwin Williams Black Fox
Sherwin Williams Black Fox is a brown paint color with a tinge of gray to it.
Yes, it plays a great neutral for any corner of your home – see my full guide here!
You can use this color for traditional, transitional, contemporary, French Country, and Japandi interior design styles.
You can blend this color with off-whites in a creamy base – especially whites or yellows.
So, you don’t have to overwhelm your space with painting brown all over – rather pick an accent wall to go with it.
With an LRV of only 7, this color will feel quite dark and bold – but not as dark as the navy blues and black.
Here are some other color specifications you must get acquainted with!
Red = 79
Green = 72
Blue = 66
HEX Value = #4f4842
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze
Deeply rooted in nature’s hues and textures, Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze is a timeless paint color that can be absolutely flawless in your home.
It relates more to the shade of bronze – so, with an utmost shiny tint that can’t be ignored.
With an LRV of 8, this color can feel quite bold and dark – so, you can use it as an accent on the walls of your bedroom and living room.
You can best pair the shades of creamy off-whites with this color – like SW Alabaster! For more, check out my full review here!
As usual, it is important to understand the associated RGB and HEX Values that are as follows:
Red = 84
Green = 80
Blue = 74
HEX Value = #54504a
Sherwin Williams Turkish Coffee
Sherwin Williams Turkish Coffee is a chocolate brown color that makes a wonderful statement – especially on the exteriors of your home.
It pairs beautifully with the whites with a tinge of yellow to it.
In the interiors, this color can be used in the home office as well as the formal living room for a touch of warmth and earthiness.
I highly recommend this color on the floating shelves, artwork frames, as well as the furniture frames.
For more ideas, check out my complete color review.
With an LRV of 5, this color can definitely be used as an ACCENT!
It is now time to look through the color details and specifications to know more about it!
Red = 77
Green = 57
Blue = 48
HEX Value = #4d3930
Sherwin Williams Sable
Sherwin Williams Sable is a subtle true brown paint color that can look absolutely flabbergasting on the cabinets as well as the built-in shelves.
Ensure to use this color in a space with ample natural light pouring – especially in the south-facing rooms.
With an LRV of 8, this color can definitely make a bold statement on the focal walls of your room.
Try to pair this color with walnut or mahogany-finish floors that will complete the look of your room.
And just in case you have built-in shelves, use an off-white color that tends to stick out.
Here enlisted are the important associated RGB and HEX Values that you must know!
Red = 95
Green = 75
Blue = 63
HEX Value = #5f4b3f
Sherwin Williams Backdrop
Sherwin Williams Backdrop is a relatively lighter brown paint color that can be used on all the walls of your room – if the room is spacious enough.
With an LRV of 20, this brown color has the potential to reflect natural light – thus, making the room feel warm and cozy.
You can best pair this color with off-whites with either a yellow or pink tinge – for a complete look.
In terms of furniture and material accents, you can best choose shades of gray to complement the existing palette.
A Pro Tip: Always allow ample natural light to enter the room to further make this color feel lively and bright.
With little or no light – avoid this color on all the walls of your room.
I recommend understanding the associated RGB and HEX Values to know more about the color specification!
Red = 134
Green = 122
Blue = 111
HEX Code = #867a6f
TIP: You can order stick-on wall samples for any of the above colors. It’s the most convenient way and truly helps you choose the color(s) that look best in your OWN space. Order at Samplize now!
5 Next Popular
Sherwin Williams Tea Chest
Sherwin Williams Tea Chest is a sobre brown paint color that can add a luxe and majestic feel to any room.
With an LRV of 14, this color can be used to create an utmost bold and dramatic statement.
However, this color can feel too warm in the south-facing rooms – so, be aware.
Other than this, you must pair this color with lighter yellow paints or off-white with a tinge of creamy texture!
Sherwin Williams Rockweed
If you’re looking for that perfect dark chocolate brown paint color – look none other than Sherwin Williams Rockweed.
This color is something I would recommend for door and window frames, furniture frames, and artwork frames.
On the walls, it may truly feel too intimidating! Else, you can use this paint color on a wall that’s very small and not acquiring too much panorama in the home.
Sherwin Williams Chateau Brown
Sherwin Williams Chateau Brown is a brown paint color that appears very luxe and sophisticated – especially when used as an accent.
This lovely brown color can be used for mid-century modern backdrops and especially pairs wonderfully with natural stone cladding.
With an LRV of 8, this color can primarily be used to add a sense of strength and boldness to a space.
Sherwin Williams Homestead Brown
This is another Sherwin Williams brown that has a tinge of gray undertone to it.
Yes, this brown neutral can be used in your home – whether in the home office or living room for a perfect sense of modern and contemporary touch.
This brown paint color has an LRV of 12 – thus, lighter than most of the other brown paint colors in the swatch.
Sherwin Williams Double Latte
Sherwin Williams Double Latte is slightly on the lighter end of the scale – with an LRV of 28!
This brown color can be compared to darker beiges while it actually looks like one – creamy and warm.
Especially for traditional and modern farmhouse interior design styles, this color would make a wonderful statement.
***Make sure to test out any of these amazing colors with a sample you can put up right in your home. Pick up samples now!
5 Hand Picked Favorites
Sherwin Williams Warm Stone
Sherwin Williams Warm Stone is one brown color that I commonly suggest for various color palettes.
It’s smooth, creamy, and absolutely delightful – so, a must-recommend for traditional, transitional, and French Country interior design styles.
I recommend you pair this brown with various creamy off-whites and lighter beiges to balance the vibe of the room.
Sherwin Williams Kilim Beige
Sherwin Williams Kilim Beige is a very light tone of brown that has a tinge of orange to it.
This color must be used in very small areas with little natural light pouring in.
Since this color has an LRV of 57, it must be used in a space to make it feel lighter and airier.
Sherwin Williams Dark Clove
Sherwin Williams Dark Clove is a chocolate brown paint color that can look wonderful when paired with off-whites and various oak-finish wooden textures.
With only an LRV of 5, this color has the potential to make a space look really loud and bold – a must only be used in spaces with immense light.
It would best pair with natural stone and off-white siding on the exteriors.
Sherwin Williams Sealskin
Sherwin Williams Sealskin is a popular dark gray brown paint color that can make a space look absolutely fabulous and timeless.
If classy and sophisticated is what you’re craving – don’t hold back from this paint color on the accent wall.
It has an LRV of 6 – and must be used in the south-facing rooms to feel the true beauty of the paint color.
Sherwin Williams Toasty
Sherwin Williams Toasty is a subtle brown paint color with a major hint on the shades of orange and yellow.
This color can make a warm statement – especially when paired with shades of black, dark gray, or even white.
With an LRV of 19, you must always consider the compass direction and the size of the room that you’re planning to paint the walls in.
Grab some samples of these colors to see how they’ll look in your own living environment. Order real paint, peel-and-stick samples!
Inspiration and Examples
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Sherwin Williams Sealskin is a dark and rich brown paint color that almost nears black in certain lighting conditions.
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze is an earthy brown paint color that can beautifully pair with clean and crisp whites.
Sherwin Williams Sable is a subtle and soothing brown paint color that can make an outstanding statement in any traditional home setup.
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Sherwin Williams Porpoise is a gray and brown paint color that can be used as an accent – whether in the sunken wall or the accent wall.
Sherwin Williams Spalding Gray is a creamy gray-brown paint that will look quite classy and sophisticated when used on all the walls of a room.
Yes, ensure the room receives ample daylight.
Summing It Up
Sherwin Williams browns are diverse, versatile and absolutely classy! Isn’t it?
Now that you look through the various above-mentioned browns – are you confident about using any particular earthy brown?
Even though they are restricted to certain interior design styles and color schemes – they will always prove to be classic and sophisticated.
Do let me know if you’re particularly intrigued by a certain Sherwin Williams Brown in the comments below.