When selecting a brown paint color from Sherwin Williams, there are a few key things to consider. The shade you choose will depend on the look you hope to achieve and the room you plan to use it in. Here are some tips for choosing a good Sherwin Williams brown paint color for your home.
Consider the Undertones
Not all browns are created equal. Sherwin Williams browns come in a variety of undertones, ranging from warm to cool. Warm brown paint colors have undertones of red, orange, or yellow. Cool browns lean towards shades of blue or green. Neutral browns don’t have a strong undertone.
The undertone you select will impact the overall look and feel of the room. Warm browns create cozy, inviting spaces. Cool browns feel more sophisticated and tranquil. Neutral browns are versatile and work with many decor styles.
Look at paint swatches in different lights to determine the undertones. Hold colors next to each other for comparison. Be sure to choose a tone that complements your existing furniture and decor.
Light, Medium, or Dark Brown
Sherwin Williams offers brown paints in a wide spectrum of shades from light to dark. Lighter browns like Natural Tan SW 6129 or Sensuous SW 6108 brighten up dark rooms. Medium browns like Rookwood Suede SW 2847 or Brownstone SW 2849 are pleasingly neutral. Deep, dark browns like Truffle SW 6108 or Grizzle Gray SW 7068 create dramatic, cozy spaces.
The amount of natural light in a room should guide your choice. Dark browns can feel oppressive in rooms with little light. Save deeper shades for well-lit spaces or accent walls. North-facing rooms benefit from lighter browns to maximize the light. South or west facing spaces can handle deeper, moodier browns without feeling too dark.
Finish Options
Sherwin Williams offers several finish options for brown paint colors. Eggshell and satin finishes have soft sheens that reflect some light. Flat or matte finishes don’t reflect light for a classic, understated look. For high-traffic areas like hallways, semi-gloss is durable and easy to clean.
In general, darker browns look best in flat or eggshell finishes, which minimize shadows from the rich pigments. Lighter browns suit lustrous satin or semi-gloss. But consider the existing architecture and lighting when choosing a finish.
Popular Sherwin Williams Brown Paint Colors
With so many shades to choose from, here are some of the best Sherwin Williams brown paint colors for every style:
| Paint Color | Undertone | Light/Dark |
|---|---|---|
| Accessible Beige SW 7036 | Warm | Light |
| Optimizer SW 7049 | Neutral | Medium |
| Tricorn Black SW 6258 | Cool | Dark |
| Sensuous SW 6108 | Warm | Light |
| Cyprus Umber SW 6083 | Neutral | Medium |
| Grizzle Gray SW 7068 | Cool | Dark |
Warm Browns
If you want a cozy, welcoming brown, stick with warm, golden-brown tones. Some top choices include:
- Accessible Beige SW 7036 – A light, creamy neutral with yellow undertones.
- Pottery SW 6359 – A softened, warm medium brown.
- Sensuous SW 6108 – A light tan brown with golden undertones.
- Leathered Bronze SW 7638 – A rich, reddish-brown color.
Warm browns work well in living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and entryways.
Cool Browns
For a more sophisticated, tranquil look, select a brown with subtle blue, green, or gray undertones. Great cool brown options include:
- Grizzle Gray SW 7068 – A dark charcoal brown that feels bold yet soothing.
- Roanoke SW 7546 – A green-gray medium brown.
- Classic French Gray SW 0056 – A light beige-brown that’s subtly weathered.
- Polished Mahogany SW 2833 – A deep reddish-brown with refined gray tones.
Use cool browns in bedrooms, dining rooms, libraries, and studies.
Neutral Browns
For a versatile brown that works with any style, stick with neutral shades without strong undertones. Great options include:
- Handsome Hound SW 7633 – A rich, chocolate brown that adds warmth without going too red.
- Cyprus Umber SW 6083 – A softened medium brown that pairs with any accent color.
- Renwick Olive SW 2818 – A green-based neutral brown that provides depth without looking too dark.
- Trending Taupe SW 6030 – A light brown with a very subtle gray undertone.
Use neutral browns in high-traffic areas like hallways and family rooms.
Choosing the Right Undertone
One of the keys to choosing the perfect brown is identifying undertones that coordinate with your existing decor. Here are some tips:
- Pair warm browns with woods like oak or cherry, red brick walls, cream tiles, or gold and burgundy accents.
- Cool browns complement gray or blue wood trim, marble, and stainless steel. Use with blues and greens.
- Neutral browns work with almost any material. Gray, beige, and white accents keep the room soothing and relaxed.
If your furnishings mix warm and cool tones, stick with versatile neutrals. Observe how the brown shifts in different lighting to ensure you like the undertone.
Choosing Light, Medium or Dark Brown
Whether you opt for a lighter or darker brown depends on the room size, lighting, and desired mood. Here are some tips on choosing the depth of brown:
- In small rooms and spaces with little natural light, light browns prevent the space from feeling too dark and closed in.
- Medium browns work well in most average sized rooms. They provide warmth without dominating.
- Use deep, dark browns as accent colors in well-lit rooms. Full dark walls can feel oppressive if the room lacks sufficient light.
- Distribute browns strategically. Use darker shades lower on the walls and lighter shades above to feel grounded yet airy.
Test brown paint colors on walls at different times of day. Shadows can make the color appear darker once applied to the entire room.
Best Brown Paint Finishes
The right paint finish plays a role in choosing the perfect brown. Here are some finish options to consider:
- Flat/Matte – Ideal for dark browns, flat finishes minimize shadows and imperfections in the walls.
- Eggshell – With just a hint of sheen, eggshell finishes work well with mid to dark browns.
- Satin – Satin’s subtle luster makes it a good match for lighter or medium browns.
- Semi-Gloss – The highest sheen flatters lighter browns. It’s easy to clean but shows flaws in walls.
For trim and molding, opt for satin or semi-gloss which accentuates architectural details. Flat is best for ceilings to avoid unwanted reflections.
Brown Paint Color Pairings
Brown serves as a versatile neutral that pairs beautifully with many accent colors. Here are some recommended combinations:
| Brown Undertone | Complementary Accent Colors |
|---|---|
| Warm Browns | Sage Green, Burnt Orange, Terracotta |
| Cool Browns | Light Blue, Violet, Seafoam Green |
| Neutral Browns | Crisp White, Gray, Cream |
Accent with woods like oak or walnut. Metallics like copper, gold, and silver also pop beautifully against rich browns.
Tips for Painting with Brown
Ready to get started painting your space in a soothing, stylish brown? Keep these tips in mind:
- Prep walls properly by cleaning, repairing imperfections, and applying primer to avoid needing extra coats of paint.
- Opt for high quality, durable paints meant for the appropriate surface – walls, trim, etc.
- Use painters tape for clean lines and to protect floors, baseboards, and ceilings.
- Apply two coats for full, even coverage and truest color. Let the first coat fully dry before adding the second.
- Maintain optimal painting conditions. Ideal temperature range is 50-85°F with low humidity.
- Work in sections, cutting in edges first with a brush then using a roller on large areas. Maintain a wet edge as you paint.
- Work top to bottom to avoid drips. Backroll painted areas to even out thickness.
- Let paint cure fully for at least two weeks before washing or applying additional coats.
Choosing that perfect brown may take some samples and testing. But with the right shade and preparation, you can create a space that feels welcoming, stylish, and uniquely you.
Conclusion
With so many options, choosing that ideal Sherwin Williams brown paint color involves considering the undertones, depth, finish, and room details. Warm browns with hints of red create cozy, inviting spaces. Cool browns with subtle blue or gray tones feel refined and soothing. Neutral browns offer versatility for any decor. Light, medium and dark shades set the mood from airy to dramatic. And the finish impacts the sheen. Look at undertones in different lighting to find a brown that coordinates beautifully with your existing furnishings and brings out the desired ambiance. With the perfect brown shade, you can create a stylish, welcoming space that reflects your personal taste.