Sherwin-Williams Sticks and Stones is a popular neutral paint color that works well in a variety of home interiors. It is a light greige (a combination of gray and beige) that provides a subtle, earthy backdrop in any room. Determining the exact shade for Sticks and Stones can be difficult as it appears different depending on the light and surroundings. Here is an overview of what color Sticks and Stones by Sherwin-Williams really is.
The Undertones of Sticks and Stones
Sticks and Stones is often described as a light greige or taupe paint color. It has subtle warm undertones that set it apart from gray and prevent it from looking washed out. The beige tones come through softly, giving Sticks and Stones a more grounded, natural feel than a flat gray. It avoids looking sterile or cold.
The warmth of Sticks and Stones is very subtle though. It lacks the distinct yellow or brown undertones of many beige paint colors. This allows it to maintain an understated, neutral appearance. The greige labeling comes from Sticks and Stones’ well-balanced combination of gray and beige rather than a strong tilt in either direction.
The Color Family of Sticks and Stones
Sherwin-Williams categorizes Sticks and Stones as part of its Neutral Color Family. This confirms its versatile, easy-to-match ability. The Neutral Family contains shades ranging from warm beiges to cool grays that coordinate well together.
Sticks and Stones fits on the warmer, softer side of the Neutral Color Family. It shares similarities with popular Sherwin-Williams greiges like Agreeable Gray, Repose Gray, and Mindful Gray. All of these colors create peaceful, inviting spaces. Sticks and Stones is a couple shades lighter than Agreeable Gray and a touch warmer than Repose Gray.
The Hue, Value, and Chroma of Sticks and Stones
In color theory, hue, value, and chroma help classify colors and understand why they look the way they do. Here’s how these qualities break down for Sticks and Stones:
Hue – The basic color family without tint or shade variations. Sticks and Stones is considered a yellow-green hue.
Value – How light or dark the color is. Sticks and Stones is a light-valued color.
Chroma – The intensity or saturation of the color. Sticks and Stones has low chroma, making it a muted, soft neutral.
These attributes combine to create the subdued, grounded look that defines Sticks and Stones. The yellow-green hue contributes just a hint of warmth. The light value prevents it from feeling heavy or dark. And the low chroma results in a natural, unobtrusive color.
The Undertones in Different Lighting
The undertones in Sticks and Stones can shift slightly depending on the lighting conditions. Here is how the color can vary:
In natural daylight, Sticks and Stones picks up soft green-gray tones. The greige labeling is most accurate in this light.
Under warm incandescent lighting, the light beige undertones come forward more, giving Sticks and Stones a taupe-like appearance.
In soft white fluorescent lighting, the greenish-gray tones are emphasized. Sticks and Stones can take on an almost sage-like quality.
The differences are subtle, but illuminate how adaptable Sticks and Stones is to work in any room and lighting. Its chameleon-like ability to pick up different undertones allows it to complement surrounding colors and materials.
Coordinating Colors for Sticks and Stones
Sticks and Stones is highly versatile when it comes to coordinating colors. As a neutral greige, it works well with a wide range of colors from warm to cool tones. Here are some recommendations:
Warm tones like tans, browns, terra cotta, and other earth tones help ground Sticks and Stones and bring out its subdued warmth. Think wood furniture and natural textiles.
Cool tones like light blues, grays, and greens play up the sophisticated, peaceful side of Sticks and Stones. Try pairing with marble or travertine.
Bold accent colors like navy, emerald, and mustard enliven spaces painted in Sticks and Stones. They pop against the quiet background.
Whites, creams, and lighter tones keep rooms feeling airy and spacious. Sticks and Stones prevents them from feeling stark or clinical.
In general, colors in the same Neutral Family as Sticks and Stones are foolproof pairings. Different values and chroma will provide enough contrast.
Comparing Sticks and Stones to Other Popular Neutrals
Sticks and Stones bears similarity to other go-to greige paint colors. Here is how it compares to a few top choices:
| Color | Hue | Value | Chroma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sticks and Stones | Yellow-Green | Light | Low |
| Agreeable Gray | Yellow-Green | Medium-Light | Low |
| Repose Gray | Green | Light | Low |
| Edgecomb Gray | Blue-Green | Medium | Medium-Low |
This illustrates that Sticks and Stones is in the same color family as comparable greiges, but lighter and a bit warmer. It has less gray influence than Repose Gray and Edgecomb Gray. Understanding these distinctions helps match complementary colors.
Room Applications for Sticks and Stones
The versatility of Sticks and Stones makes it suitable for nearly any room in the home. Here are some top room recommendations:
Living Rooms – The warmth of Sticks and Stones creates a welcoming backdrop for living spaces. Pair with wood tone furniture and accent with colorful art and pillows.
Bedrooms – The low chroma results in a peaceful, relaxing bedroom environment. Coordinate with white trim and neutral bedding.
Bathrooms – Sticks and Stones works great in humid bathrooms. Just ensure proper prep and paint. Try vibrant blue towels or green plants as accents.
Kitchens – The greige palette pairs nicely with stainless steel appliances and granite or quartz countertops. Add pops of color with appliances or ceramic backsplashes.
Offices – Sticks and Stones promotes concentration and creativity. Use with white desks and shelving to keep the space feeling bright and open.
Entryways – As a first impression space, Sticks and Stones creates an inviting yet neutral welcome. Include wood flooring or area rugs.
The natural, grounded look suits residential and commercial spaces alike. Sticks and Stones works in any area where a subtle, sophisticated neutral is desired.
Sheen Recommendations
Sticks and Stones is available in several different sheens from Sherwin-Williams. A key consideration is whether the space will be primarily natural versus artificial lighting. Here are sheen recommendations:
Matte – This flat finish minimizes flaws in heavy natural light. It feels casual and comfortable.
Eggshell – Slight sheen adds depth without drawing attention to imperfections. Works in most lighting.
Satin – Provides nice flow in spaces with a mix of natural and artificial lighting. Has a hint of shine.
Semi-Gloss – The moderate gloss reflects more light to suit bathrooms and kitchens. Easy to clean.
In general, lower sheen for ceilings and natural lit areas. Moderate sheen for mixed lighting spaces. Higher gloss for accent walls and cleanability.
Best Paint Type for Sticks and Stones
Sticks and Stones looks great in any paint type. But some options are better suited to certain applications:
Interior Latex – Acrylic-based interior paint works for most rooms. Provides great flow and coverage along with low odor and VOC.
Alkyd Enamel – For high durability in kitchens, bathrooms, and trim. The enamel formulation resists moisture, stains, and cleaning.
Accent Paint – Specialty accents like doors and furniture. The thick consistency allows for brush marks and color variations.
Always check manufacturer recommendations based on the specific surface. Primer may be advised to improve adhesion and coverage. Proper prep and application are key for any paint type.
Sticks and Stones Color Combinations
One of the best ways to see how Sticks and Stones works with other colors is to view room images showing real world coordination. Here are some inspiring color combinations to consider:
Sticks and Stones with Navy Blue – The bold contrast of navy accent walls or furniture against the soft neutral backdrop really pops. Use sparingly to avoid looking too dark.
Sticks and Stones with Slate Gray – Different values of greige paired together create sophisticated, peaceful spaces. Try slate on lower cabinets to ground Sticks and Stones walls.
Sticks and Stones with Tan and Cream – Warm neutrals bring out the subtle beige undertones in Sticks and Stones. Use cream upholstery and window treatments with tan carpeting.
Sticks and Stones with Sage Green – Earthy sage greens complement the natural tone of Sticks and Stones. Use for an inviting bedroom or bath design.
Sticks and Stones with Cherry Wood Tones – Rich wood furniture and floors anchor Sticks and Stones and add cozy warmth. Pear or chocolate woods also coordinate well.
Seeing these real world examples helps visualize how Sticks and Stones can transform through simple color pairing. Try samples on walls to see combinations in your space before committing to the full paint job.
Tips for Painting with Sticks and Stones
Achieving an ideal finish with Sticks and Stones requires proper prep and application. Here are some top tips:
– Prep surfaces by cleaning, patching holes, sanding glossy areas, and applying primer or sealer if needed. Good prep improves adhesion and finish.
– Test colors in different lighting to ensure you like how the undertones look throughout the day. Natural light shows the truest color.
– Only use paint from the same batch if covering large areas to avoid slight variances between batches. Mix cans together when starting new ones.
– Apply two coats and use painter’s tape for clean edges and minimal touch ups. Allow proper dry time between coats.
– For a smooth finish on walls and ceilings, use a high quality roller sleeve and apply in a V or W shape without overspreading.
– Clean brushes and rollers thoroughly after use. Follow maintenance like caulking and washing walls regularly to maintain the finish over time.
Proper prep work and application technique will help achieve beautiful results with Sticks and Stones that you’ll enjoy for years.
Conclusion
Determining the exact color of Sherwin-Williams Sticks and Stones can be tricky because it shifts subtly based on lighting conditions. It is best characterized as a light greige paint with muted warm undertones. The barely-there mix of gray and beige makes it highly versatile for a variety of home and commercial spaces. Sticks and Stones creates a peaceful, grounded backdrop that coordinates beautifully with a wide range of colors from bold accents to creamy neutrals. With proper prep and application, it is sure to provide a long-lasting, welcoming finish. Does Sticks and Stones seem like the right neutral shade for your next paint project?