Sherwin Williams Olympus White is a sophisticated and timeless neutral paint color.
Just out of a fairy tale – this subtle gray is bound to take your breath away!
Its slight crispness and purity, when stained on walls, can absolutely do wonders!
Like a light, chirpy and peaceful backdrop – Olympus White could be your next partner. So, if you want to learn more about what makes this color an absolutely favorite of so many – have a look!
O.W. is a smooth neutral paint color with slightly blue undertones – so, falling on the cooler end of the scale.
I absolutely love this color and have used it for multiple projects.
The best part about the color is how it seamlessly creates a perfect backdrop to the surrounding theme without having to be in limelight!
This color is not to be used as an accent but mostly as neutrals and bases.
So, if you are planning to use Sherwin Williams Olympus White in your home, I must say – go ahead with it – but be careful about the colors you pair it with and how it realistically feels like.
Let me tell you one thing before – unlike other colors, Olympus White is totally pure and peaceful – so there aren’t a lot of rules and restrictions associated.
Basically, you’re free to use this ANYWHERE.
Sherwin Williams Olympus White SW 6253 Details and Specifications
If you are a newcomer, here is an important point to note –
Color specification is not as easy as it sounds like! You have to be very careful regarding understanding the back theories, analyzing it, and then using the color.
Don’t Worry!
That’s what I am here for – to make it easier for you.
Each color is unique!
They are associated with some values that uniquely describe how the color was actually formed and how it behaves in the light!
So, first and foremost, let’s discuss the Light Reflectance Values (or LRV) that determines how much light is reflected from the painted surface.
The LRV of Olympus White is 68.
That means the color is light and will reflect away most of the light falling on it.
So, considering this quality, you would be able to use this color in smaller areas.
Oops!
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 Olympus White!
Before I spill all the secrets, let’s discuss more about the core theory linked.
RGB and HEX Values are as follows-
Red = 212
Green = 216
Blue = 215
HEX Value = #d4d8d7
It is now time to read more about the practical aspects of the color.
How Does Olympus White Feel in a Space?
Here’s the color painted on the upper walls as shared from the Design Sponge blog.
Sherwin Williams Olympus White is going to make your room feel much spacious, airier, and brighter!
With a tinge of cool blue, the color is bound to add a feeling of satisfaction and piousness as soon as you enter your home.
So, if you live in southern states – and especially states like Arizona, Florida, and Texas – I highly recommend using this color if you always sweat on your way home and want an immediate cool environment!
Yes, Colors are that dynamic!
They can make you feel energetic, quiet, and motivated. Just have to choose the perfect one!
Also, if you have a smaller space and yet not too small – painting in Olympus White could be your solution!
For extremely small spaces, I recommend colors with LRV above 85.
How Does Light Affect the Color?
Due to the color’s high reflectivity, most of the natural or artificial lighting that falls is being reflected away. However, if you plan to use warm-yellow artificial lighting – the wall paint is magically going to turn off-white and beige!
Long story short, this color easily absorbs the temperature of surrounding light sources!
So, this can help you determine what kind of mood you want to create in your space.
What are the Coordinating Colors for Sherwin Williams Olympus White?
Sherwin Williams Olympus White is a clean white paint color with deep blue-gray undertones. This color is a big-time chameleon and that’s why it’s not very easy to deal with!
You must be very picky when choosing the paint color for this palette since the options are quite limited.
To name a few, SW Olympus White must be paired with clean and crisp whites, darker grays, midnight blues, soft blues, and black.
In terms of metallic accents, choose matte black, polished chrome, satin brass, oil-rubbed bronze, and copper.
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 –
- SW 6254 Lazy Gray
- SW 6255 Morning Fog
- SW 6256 Serious Gray
This cool-toned palette is calm, poise, and quite cool-toned! The colors can primarily play as chameleons – so, you have to be extra careful here!
You can best complement metallic accents of satin brass and matte black with this palette.
Contrasting Cool Color Palette
The complementary colors for the contrasting palette are as follows (cool) –
- SW 7006 Extra White
- SW 2739 Charcoal Blue
- SW 9162 African Gray
This cool-toned color palette is ideal for interior design styles like coastal where you intend to make the space feel calmer and cooler.
Dominating hues are the whites, grays, and blues that will readily create a sense of cohesiveness and make your space feel crisp!
Contrasting Warm Color Palette
The complementary colors for the contrasting palette are as follows (warm) –
- SW 7004 Snowbound
- SW 7641 Colonnade Gray
- SW 7081 Sensuous Gray
This warmer color palette is rather enchanting and eye-catchy! You can amalgamate the warm wooden textures in the form of ceiling beams, furniture frames, and floors.
In terms of metallic accents, you can either choose matte black or copper!
The other way round of using the color would be in the form of monochromes!
The recommended colors to blend are –
- Lazy Gray SW 6254 – see detailed review here
- Morning Fog SW 6255 – see detailed review here
- Dustblu SW 9161
This would be a classic way to use the color! Remember to paint your trims and moldings either in SW Pure White or High Reflectance White.
Sherwin Williams Olympus White Vs. Similar Colors
There are many other colors that could be used as alternatives for Olympus White. Depending on your personal choice, whether warm or cool, there is no doubt you would be able to find the one next in the line.
Two of the colors closely related to Olympus White are SW 7661 Reflection and SW 7071 Gray Screen.
Olympus White Vs. Reflection
With an LRV of 66, Reflection is a perfect neutral with slight undertones in blue and gray!
Although, in daylight – it appears to be more grayish than blue!
To truly experience and compare these colors in real-time be sure to buy some stick-on samples and test them in your home.
Olympus White Vs. Gray Screen
With an LRV of 59, Gray Screen is a more grayish version of the mentioned above two paints.
It is comparatively darker with deep blue undertones.
Although light plays a major role in this color and your space could look cool white if used on the exteriors.
If you paint all these three colors by side, you will see the exact difference. Yes, even though they are similar – they are still very different!
Coordinating Decor
SW Olympus White is a cool and light blue-gray paint color that would work amazingly well with a couple of accents (Whether wood, fabrics, natural stone, or metallic accents).
Now, I am going to suggest something different here – that will make it easier for you to create fabric palettes and choose decorative accents in complementary to the color.
From furniture to decorative accessories and materials – I am going to pick the best ones for you that will perfectly vibe with SW Olympus White.
Here are the links to the flooring that works well with SW Olympus White –
Here are the links to the decorative accents that works well with SW Olympus White –
Here are the links to the furniture that works well with SW Olympus White –
Where to Use Olympus White in Your Home?
As I said, Olympus White is a great option for neutrals and bases.
So, you can absolutely use it ANYWHERE as far as the surrounding theme allows!
Do not use of you have a warm-beige theme in your home or have golden oak cabinets and brown furniture laid around.
That is an absolute NO-NO!
However, for Scandinavian styled homes, Modern, Contemporary, and even Minimalistic Homes have a great potential to incorporate Olympus White!
Let’s see how to incorporate this color in your own home.
Olympus White in Living rooms
The DIYer’s over at Restyle It Wright gave their Living Room walls a truly stylish makeover
Pair it with glossy black and off-whites!
Paint your moldings and door/window frames in white and use dark grey or black as an accent to observe perfection.
If you have a fireplace as the focal, you could either use marble stone to highlight it and maybe use a bright vermilion color or yellow accents through the artwork.
It can also work great with your brown granite countertops if you need a refresh!
That will more or less reflect an art deco style.
Your furniture in this case could be all neutral as well!
Olympus White in Kitchens
Olympus White on Kitchen walls adds freshness in addition to the lighter cabinets.
If you want a cool-tinted kitchen – do, try Olympus White there!
However, to complement it – I recommend white cabinets or midnight blue cabinets (you could try SW Waterloo)!
Use a white stone countertop and glossy patterned backsplash tiles to create a dynamic look!
In the end, your flooring could be black tiles too! Want to try that?
Olympus White in Bathrooms
SW Olympus White can either be used on the backdrop walls of your bathroom or the vanity!
This crisp and cool color is bound to make your small bathroom feel larger and brighter.
Simultaneously, you must use matte black or polished chrome pull handles and fixtures to go with it!
You can even choose intriguing patterned tiles to create a contrast!
Using in Bedrooms
A little girl’s makeover looking amazing with OW, from Linen & Ivory
Bedrooms should be soothing, right?
You could paint all your walls in Olympus White and let a bright accent play the drama.
Wooden textures wouldn’t be a bad option, but you can definitely look for alternatives!
Use Industrial or Farmhouse styled chandeliers and maybe some silver or gold tints to highlight an accent!
Regarding rugs, prefer either a patterned one or a sheepskin pure white in the center of the room!
Olympus White on Exteriors
View this post on Instagram
This color is bound to look lighter and refreshing when used outdoors.
You can best pair it with shades of midnight blue and dark gray on the shutters, trims, entryway door, and garage doors.
To create a contrast, you can even add bright yellow on the entryway door.
Lastly, you must use oil-rubbed bronze for the exterior lighting and hardware finishes.
I Recommend Sampling Olympus White!
If you’re on the fence and need a bit of convincing, try this color on for size by ordering a peel-and-stick sample from Samplize.
These are my favorite way to test colors in a space and to see how they work with other coordinating colors.
It doesn’t cost all that much, and you can temporarily place these handy 12″ x 12″ squares that are true to color around your house. I love them!
A Pure and Peaceful Gray
Many homeowners across the country prefer to use this color and why not?
It definitely gives a classic and timeless effect.
You can always pair this color with dark greys and pure whites in the form of wainscoting, roof tiles, door, and window frames.
This color is a NO-NO for shades of beige so be careful if there is travertine stone around!
So, how do you want to use this color in your home? Now that you have all the secrets – are you excited about painting your home in Olympus White?
If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below and we will get back to you!
Ciao for now!
FAQs
1. What Undertones Does Olympus White Have?
SW Olympus White has deep blue-gray undertones. This color is a chameleon and may look slightly blue or gray depending upon the lighting conditions.
2. Is Sherwin Williams Olympus White Gray?
Sherwin Williams Olympus White is truly a blue-gray paint color that makes it look quite crisp, cool, and calm.
3. Can Olympus White Look Blue?
Sherwin Williams Olympus White can absolutely look blue in certain lighting conditions!
Especially in the north-facing rooms, this color definitely draws towards blues, undeniably!
Jaclyn
Monday 7th of March 2022
Hi! I have Olympus Grey cabinets in my laundry room with a crisp white countertop, and charcoal grey machines. Would it be ok to do North star on the walls or do you think i should do BM Mt. Rainier Gray? I want to keep it light and airy. Thanks in advance for your input!
Nishtha Sadana LEED, WELL AP
Thursday 14th of July 2022
SW North Star sounds best based on your desire to stay light and airy :)
Janie
Monday 28th of February 2022
I painted my living room and kitchen Olympus White and it’s a beautiful color. However, I am having trouble finding window and patio door curtains that don’t clash. I also have an IKEA couch in anthracite gray which is almost a dark slate color I guess. Any suggestions?
Nishtha Sadana LEED, WELL AP
Thursday 14th of July 2022
I would definitely choose a medium-toned gray :)
Ruth Gabrielli
Tuesday 11th of January 2022
Would serious gray be a good accent color for Olympus white
Nishtha Sadana LEED, WELL AP
Friday 8th of April 2022
Hi Ruth, yes absolutely :)
Riordan Riordan
Tuesday 28th of September 2021
Will Olympus White look good in dining room with one wall that is wallpapered with natural grasscloth (various shades of light brown)?
Nishtha Sadana LEED, WELL AP
Friday 17th of December 2021
Hi Riordan, SW Olympus White can work with shades of lighter brown :)
Angel
Wednesday 22nd of September 2021
Hi! Love this review. Could you pair this colour with a grey green? Something like BM Rushing River or Carolina Gull?
Thanks!
Nishtha Sadana LEED, WELL AP
Friday 17th of December 2021
Hi Angel, Frankly! This combination is not too great since the undertones vary a lot. I mean you can definitely pair them but the result is not guaranteed to be cohesive.