Sherwin-Williams Neutral Paint Colors – Empower Your Home in Neutrals

Neutral paints have been reigning in the interior design industry for years now!

So, what really are neutrals and why is it that we all keep drooling over them again and again?

Well, they are basically those paint hues without a color – absolutely neutral!

However, even though they indicate as neutrals and colorless – they might still have some undertones that set them all apart from each other.

So, let me tell you – there is going to be some point in your life when you will be using neutrals!

Whether as mixed or bases, this paint category is quite essential for your home.

And you know the best part – these are fall into the classic palettes and are utterly sophisticated and elegant.

Don’t expect the any trends with these to fade away anytime soon!

Furthermore, regardless of the interior design style – these Sherwin-Williams neutral colors make a dashing statement everywhere!

A lot of homeowners are loving their neutrals!

And if you are one of them too – you’ve come to the right spot to dig in to this collection. Let’s get started!

Wide Array of Neutrals – A Never-Ending List

Just how timeless and elegant these neutrals are – it is also important to note that these are one of the biggest chameleons in the catalog!

Some of the noteworthy neutral paint examples are taupes, greiges, mauves, blue, lilac, stone, brown, ivory, off-whites and whites, beiges, and grays.

Here, the major game is played by undertones.

So, for instance, a beige color may appear slightly gray, gold, or pink under certain lighting conditions. 

On the other hand, a gray may appear slightly blue, green, or beige – depending upon the surrounding environmental conditions.

Hence, this is where neutrals play a tricky business!

So, as we discussed – Sherwin Williams has formulated swatches and swatches of neutrals to choose from!

But how are they really made?

Well, it is quite simple – neutrals are made by blending pure colors with white, gray, and black – forming tints, tones, and shades!

Light Reflectance Values – The Specifications You Must Know

LRV or Light Reflectance Values helps in determining how light or dark the paint color is.

And just in case you are wondering where that is, well, you can easily find this value at the back of the paint swatch or even on the Sherwin Williams website!

So, in the case of neutrals, you are quite likely to find paints falling in each and every category – whether dark or light!

Hence, some of the lighter neutrals fall somewhere between 65-70 and the darker ones are somewhere between 5-10!

Overall, they majorly play a lighter role (neutrals and bases) in a palette!

There is a range of neutral paints that you can choose from – depending upon the interior design style and the sizes of your spaces.

Hence, if you plan on using them in extremely small spaces – I would advise you absolutely move forward with lighter neutrals that are even cool!

Undertones and Neutrals: The Name of the Game

Neutrals are majorly defined by the concept of undertones.

And when we look at these undertones, we know that neutrals are either warm or cool-toned! (And we have been discussing this in all of our color reviews).

So, how really are these formed?

Well, if you explore a tan, brown or beige tone – it will tend to look comparatively warmer and sort of yellowish!

Even if you add parts of gray, black, and white to warmer true hues like red, terracotta, orange, and yellow – the absolute warmer tones of beiges and greiges take birth.

On the other hand, cooler neutrals are simply made by adding proportions of purple, blue, and green to the true hues.

For example, A gray neutral can be both – warm as well as cool! 

Have a look at Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray that is a clear warm neutral whereas Sherwin Williams Lattice is a perfect cool-toned neutral gray!

Now, do you feel confident about neutrals? Let’s discuss how to make the most use of it in your home.

Best Places to Use Sherwin Williams Neutral Paint Colors?

Neutrals are truly a necessity!

So, it is quite a possibility that you end up using it – everywhere in your home.

From garages to laundry rooms – neutrals make an important element on the walls!

If you are wondering where and how to specifically use these neutrals in your home, I recommend you first analyze the incoming natural light and the view through the windows.

Since undertones play a major aspect, you have to be very careful around pairing complementary shades and creating an emotion or balance.

You need to analyze if you want a warm and cozy feel or a cool and laid-back attitude in your space.

Based on that, and moreover, if you need a darker neutral to make your space look confined or lighter to make it look larger and enhanced.

Yes! All of these aspects must be considered.

Best Sherwin Williams Neutral Paint Colors

Well, there are just so many – I am truly confused!

But don’t worry!

I will cover all the hue categories, so you get an idea about how to play with each shade here!

Let’s look through some of the popular neutral paint colors that can be incorporated into your home.

5 Most Popular

Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray:

One of the most soothing and popular neutral paints by Sherwin Williams, Agreeable Gray is a lighter-toned warm gray paint that feels clean and characteristic on the walls.

Even though it is quite popular – let me tell you, it plays a major chameleon!

It will tend to look cooler on the north-facing walls and warmer on the west-facing – so, I recommend you truly understand this hue before experimenting with it.

With an LRV of 60, this paint surely falls on the lighter end of the scale! 

(It looks, even more, light when used in a room with excessive natural light)

 

I recommend this paint in Traditional, Modern, Transitional, Modern Farmhouse, Bohemian, and even Contemporary styled homes.

As always, it is important to understand the associated RGB and HEX Values that are as follows:

Red = 209

Green = 203

Blue = 193

HEX Value = #d1cbc1

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black:

Another neutral from the black collection – Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black is a true neutral paint that majorly sticks to its own hue. Learn more here!

Rather than deflecting towards the warmer or cooler tones – this paint feels absolute pure when placed against a white sheet of paper.

With an LRV of 3, it is a given that this is one of the darkest in the palettes.

 

You can use it any and everywhere you want – hallways, accent walls, cabinets, exteriors, and the list goes on and on.

Also, you are free to incorporate this paint in any of the interior design styles (except in Scandinavian where you have to use this color in very little amount)!

I recommend understanding the associated RGB and HEX Values to know more about the color specification!

Red = 47

Green = 47

Blue = 48

HEX Value = #2f2f30

Sherwin Williams On the Rocks:

A warm gray paint, Sherwin Williams On the Rocks is a perfect neutral to make your space look larger and cleaner!

With deep warm undertones, this paint has an LRV of 62 – hence, can be used in medium to smaller-sized rooms.

However, if you plan to use it in the north-facing rooms, it will tend to appear slightly cool – so beware of those little details!

Also, you can implement this paint in most interior design styles – especially Scandinavian, transitional, and modern!

It is now time to look through the color details and specifications to know more about it!

Red = 208

Green = 206

Blue = 200

HEX Value = #d0cec8

Sherwin Williams Lazy Gray:

Sherwin Williams Lazy Gray is a cool-toned blue-gray neutral paint that feels absolutely soothing and yet relaxing when used in your home.

With an LRV of 53, this paint falls on the medium end of the scale!

Hence, can be used to make your space look cooler, laid-back, and yet confined!

So, if you want to blend the blue and gray – this is probably one of the best options to look at!

It’s a perfect balance of the two and that is why it also makes it one of the most popular.

 

Find the associated RGB and HEX Values as follows to know more about the calm color’s specification:

Red = 190

Green = 193

Blue = 195

HEX Value = #bec1c3

Sherwin Williams Gossamer Veil:

A warmer-toned neutral, there is something charismatic about SW Gossamer Veil that I absolutely love – and that also makes it one of the most popular!

With an LRV of 62, this paint falls on the lighter end of the scale while making it feel warmer and more confined.

But this paint can be very confusing – it sometimes appears greige, gray, beige, or even off-white if there is ample natural light!

So, remember to be careful.

Furthermore, you can use this paint in modern Farmhouse, Mid-Century Modern, Transitional, and Traditional interior design styles.

Here are the important associated RGB and HEX Values that you must know!

Red = 211

Green = 206

Blue = 196

HEX Value = #d3cec4

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 Most Popular

Sherwin Williams Alpaca:

Sherwin Williams Alpaca is a warm neutral that feels extremely weighted down and cozy at the same time.

With deep warm reddish-brown undertones, this paint makes a dashing statement in the traditional, farmhouse, and transitional styles.

It has an LRV of 57 – hence, falling somewhere on the mid-end of the scale.

So, you can either use it as an accent or the bases – while defining a clean warm undertone.

Sherwin Williams Barcelona Beige:

A deep warm beige, Sherwin Williams Barcelona Beige is comparatively a darker-toned paint color with an LRV of 47.

This warm neutral is quite popular amongst the homeowners – and just in case if you are residing in one of the colder states – this paint is a plus point!

I recommend you use this paint in north-facing rooms to create a perfect balance between the cool and warm vibes.

Sherwin Williams Sea Salt:

Also one of my absolute favorites, Sherwin Williams Sea Salt is a pretty neutral green-gray paint color that feels definitely very calming and relaxing!

With an LRV of 63, this paint is a great option to introduce coastal vibes while making your home look rejuvenated!

I recommend you definitely use this paint for a wholesome and refreshing vibe.

Check out my article on Sea Salt here.

Sherwin Williams Tradewind:

A blue-gray lighter-toned neutral, Sherwin Williams Tradewind is a great choice for coastal and cape-cod-styled homes.

It has an LRV of 61 – thus, making your space look lighter, refreshing, and extremely rejuvenating.

You can pair this paint with creamy whites to get a perfect balanced appearance. 

Sherwin Williams Cityscape:

A true neutral gray, Sherwin Williams Cityscape is a paint that can be used in your home if you are looking to define a classy and sophisticated backdrop.

With an LRV of 22, this color falls on the darker end of the scale – but not too dark, so you can enjoy the contrast!

***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!

My Personal Favorites

Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist:

Absolutely my favorite – whenever in confusion, consider SW Drift of Mist!

Just kidding…

But truly, this color is so timeless and unique that it can make a perfect match with the warm as well as the cool tones.

It has an LRV of 69 – making it a great option to help make your space look larger!

Sherwin Williams Reflection:

This cool-toned gray neutral is all you need to make your home look cool and crisp!

It is lighter in tone – hence, you can absolutely use it to even make your home look comparatively larger and brighter!

Get the full scoop on SW Reflection here!

Sherwin Williams Crushed Ice:

This warm neutral perfectly exhibits a tinge of cool and warm vibes to expose your room with the best of both worlds.

With an LRV of 66, this paint falls on the lighter end of the scale – thus, making your room look lighter than ever!

You can pair it with deep blues for perfect contrast!

See my full guide on Crushed Ice here!

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

SW Softer Tan is a perfect neutral to maintain balance and exhibit a warm and welcoming vibe

 

SW Snowbound is a great neutral and off-white paint to be used in the ceilings, walls, trims, cabinets, and doors

 

Have a look at this bedroom! Isn’t SW Repose Gray totally chic?

Sophisticated as always, SW Iron Ore neutral is a great way to introduce elegance in your living and family rooms!

 

My favorite, SW First Star is a cool-toned neutral to exhibit a clean and sleek vibe! Check out my full guide on it!

Conclusion

Now that we have discussed the major aspects and types of neutral colors, do you feel confident in incorporating any one of them in your homes? 

Whether it is the hallways or the exteriors, bedrooms, or the living room – neutrals make a must everywhere

You just have to give them an opportunity! 

So, without a thought – pick up your favorite neutral now and don’t forget to let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

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