Trying to find a sage green paint that calms a room without veering into minty or chilly territory? Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164 might just be your answer. This muted sage green, with its warm gray undertones, brings a soothing vibe that can play as a neutral or take the spotlight—totally depends on how you use it.
You’ll notice this paint shifts in different lighting, and some trim colors really make it pop. We’ll look at how it stacks up against other sage greens and show off a few real-home examples.
Planning to paint a bedroom or maybe your kitchen cabinets? Knowing the undertones and which colors work with Svelte Sage makes all the difference. This guide covers everything from light reflectance values to the best accent colors for this popular Sherwin Williams shade.
Key Takeaways
- Svelte Sage is a muted sage green with warm gray undertones that adapts well to all sorts of lighting
- This color pairs nicely with soft white trim and neutrals like cream, beige, and navy
- With an LRV of 41, it looks lighter in bright spaces and moodier in lower light
What Color Is Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164?
Svelte Sage sits in the muted sage green family and carries gentle yellow undertones. It’s in that sweet spot—neutral enough but still clearly green.
Color Family
Svelte Sage belongs to the green family, but it’s a soft, muted version that leans warm. The color brings an earthy, calming quality—almost like you’ve brought the outdoors inside.
It doesn’t shout like a bright green or tip into mint. Instead, Svelte Sage feels grounded, peaceful, and a little harvest-y.
This color shifts depending on the room. In bright spaces, it reads as a gentle, soft sage. In dimmer rooms, it deepens into a richer, more mature green.
Svelte Sage plays well with creamy whites and warm neutrals. You can let it fade into the background or let it take center stage—it’s flexible like that.
Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)
The hex code for Svelte Sage: #B2AC96. The RGB breakdown: 178, 172, 150 (roughly 70% red, 68% green, 59% blue).
Its Light Reflectance Value (LRV) sits at 41, so it’s right in the medium range—not too light, not too dark.
This LRV makes Svelte Sage a solid pick for lots of spaces. It won’t make a room feel gloomy, but it’s not blindingly bright either.
Those numbers help if you’re matching colors across finishes or want to coordinate with other shades. The balanced LRV is especially handy when you’re mixing and matching colors in a room.
Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164 Undertones
Svelte Sage leans on cool gray undertones at its base. That gray keeps things muted and neutral.
You’ll also see hints of yellow and brown in the mix. Those warmer notes add depth, so the color doesn’t feel cold or flat.
Lighting changes everything. In south-facing rooms with lots of sun, the yellow and brown peek out more, making Svelte Sage look warmer and lighter.
In north-facing spaces with less sun, the gray tones take over. The color cools down and deepens a bit.
Key undertones include:
- Primary: Cool gray
- Secondary: Yellow
- Tertiary: Brown
These undertones make Svelte Sage a bit of a chameleon. Put it next to other greens and it can seem more neutral. Pair it with cream or beige and the green comes forward.
That mix of cool and warm lets Svelte Sage work in sunny rooms or spaces that don’t get much natural light. It’s adaptable, which is honestly pretty great.
How Does Lighting Affect Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164?
Svelte Sage shifts with the light, all day long. Natural light brings out its sage side, while artificial lighting can push it warmer or cooler, depending on your bulbs.
Natural Lighting
Morning sun? Svelte Sage looks fresh and clear, with those gray undertones staying subtle.
East-facing rooms get the brightest, softest version in the morning. The green pops, but it’s never too much.
Afternoon sun warms it up a touch. You might catch a gentle yellow glow, but it still reads as sage.
Even in strong afternoon light, Svelte Sage keeps its natural, soft look. You won’t see it turn muddy or weird like some greens do.
As evening rolls in, the gray undertones come forward. The color deepens and feels a bit cozier.
It never gets gloomy, though. If anything, the moodier tone just feels more inviting as the day winds down.
Artificial Lighting
LED bulbs on a warm white setting make Svelte Sage feel extra cozy. The sage vibe stays, but it leans a little warmer.
Cool white LEDs pull out the gray, so your walls will look more neutral and a bit less green.
Incandescent bulbs add a yellow warmth, giving the color a more traditional, homey feel.
Fluorescent lights can flatten the color a bit. You might lose some of the subtle depth that makes Svelte Sage interesting.
Overall, the color stays pretty stable with most artificial lights. You won’t see wild swings in tone, which is a relief if you’re picky about consistency.
Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164 LRV 41 (Light Reflectance Value)
Svelte Sage’s LRV is 41, so it falls right in that mid-tone territory. The color soaks up a bit more light than it reflects, which gives rooms a balanced feel.
What Is LRV?
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) tells you how much light a paint color bounces back. The scale runs from 0 (pitch black) to 100 (pure white).
Paint colors mostly land somewhere in the middle. High LRV colors look lighter and brighter; low LRV shades are darker and more muted.
Knowing a color’s LRV helps you guess how it’ll look on your walls. It’s a handy tool when you’re picking paint for different lighting situations or trying to match up colors.
Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164 LRV Range
With an LRV of 41, Svelte Sage is definitely a medium shade. It’s deeper than a pale color but not as dark as a bold, dramatic hue.
In sun-filled rooms, Svelte Sage will look lighter and a bit more green. Dimmer spaces bring out the gray and mute things down.
The mid-range LRV means Svelte Sage is pretty forgiving. It’s hard to go wrong—too dark? Too light? Not really an issue here.
Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164 Coordinating Colors
Svelte Sage plays nicely with both warm and cool neutrals. Crisp whites, warm beiges, and deep bronze tones all bring out its gray-green undertones and natural warmth.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster and Svelte Sage are a classic combo. This soft white has just enough warmth to keep things from feeling stark, but it still makes sage walls stand out.
Use Alabaster on trim, ceilings, or even an accent wall. The pairing works especially well in living rooms and bedrooms where you want a chill vibe.
Alabaster won’t fight with Svelte Sage’s subtle green. Instead, it balances the look and helps rooms feel open and airy.
Whether your home’s modern or traditional, this combo fits right in. Natural light just makes both shades look better, honestly.
Accessible Beige SW 7036
Accessible Beige highlights the warm side of Svelte Sage, thanks to its greige undertones. It’s a versatile neutral—warm, but not too much for the sage.
Try this beige on an accent wall or in a nearby room for a smooth color flow. The combo feels cozy and welcoming, nothing forced.
Both colors have similar LRVs, so one won’t overpower the other. They’re a good fit for open floor plans.
Pair them with natural wood or brass accents for a space that feels current but not trendy-for-the-sake-of-it.
Urbane Bronze SW 7048
Urbane Bronze brings drama and depth to Svelte Sage’s soft green. This deep neutral creates contrast without clashing—still earthy, still grounded.
Try Urbane Bronze on an accent wall, kitchen island, or exterior trim. The dark shade makes Svelte Sage look lighter and more vibrant.
This combo works in dining rooms or home offices where you want a touch of sophistication. The light-dark contrast is interesting but not overwhelming.
Both colors have earthy undertones, so the vibe stays organic and modern at the same time.
Trim Colors for Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164
The right trim color keeps Svelte Sage’s warm green grounded and gives your space clean edges. These three whites offer different levels of warmth and brightness, so you can pick what feels right.
Pure White SW 7005
Pure White by Sherwin Williams gives sharp contrast against Svelte Sage’s muted green. With an LRV of 84, it’s bright enough to make trim pop.
The neutral undertones in Pure White mesh well with Svelte Sage’s yellow hints. No weird color clashes here.
This pairing fits right in with modern farmhouse or contemporary styles. The contrast is crisp, but not harsh.
Pure White on crown molding can even make ceilings look taller. It’s a good trick for rooms that don’t get a ton of natural light.
Greek Villa SW 7551
Greek Villa offers a warmer trim option for Svelte Sage walls. This timeless white has creamy undertones that blend naturally with the sage.
With an LRV of 83, it contrasts nicely but feels softer than a true white. Greek Villa keeps trim from looking too bright against muted walls.
This combo creates a cozy, lived-in look—perfect for bedrooms or living rooms. The warm undertones in both shades pull everything together.
If your home has warm wood accents, Greek Villa ties it all in for a seamless, cohesive feel.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster offers the perfect balance between Pure White’s crispness and Greek Villa’s warmth. This trim color has an LRV of 82 and just a hint of warmth underneath.
Alabaster’s slight warmth actually complements Svelte Sage, instead of fighting with it. The result? Clean definition, but the room still feels soft and welcoming.
You can use this combo in pretty much any style, from classic to super modern. Alabaster is flexible, so if you’re painting a whole house, it’s a safe bet.
Both colors bring a bit of warmth, adding depth without going overboard. The space ends up balanced and comfortable—can’t really go wrong with this pairing.
Real World Examples of Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164 in Different Spaces
Svelte Sage works with both warm and cool colors, so you can get some pretty stunning room makeovers. It’s a muted green, but it adapts to lots of different palettes.
Softened Green SW 6177
Pairing Softened Green with Svelte Sage gives you a nice monochromatic vibe. Try Softened Green on trim and Svelte Sage on the walls.
This combo is especially nice in bedrooms if you want a calm feeling. Softened Green is a little lighter, so it brightens things up but still keeps that peaceful green mood.
People often use these shades in nurseries or kids’ rooms. The soft greens make for a nature-inspired look that doesn’t feel babyish as your child grows.
If you’re in the mood for something different, Softened Green works well as an accent wall too. It adds a bit of interest but doesn’t mess with the overall relaxed feel.
Escape Gray SW 6185
Escape Gray really brings out the gray side of Svelte Sage. It’s a neutral gray that works for trim or as an accent wall.
Living rooms get a modern yet timeless look with this combo. Add in some white furniture or natural wood for a finished feel.
If you have an open floor plan, this pairing flows nicely. Svelte Sage in the kitchen, Escape Gray in the dining area—it just works.
Bathrooms look spa-like if you paint the vanity in Escape Gray and use Svelte Sage on the walls. It’s a relaxing match.
Clary Sage SW 6178
Clary Sage SW 6178 is a bit more muted and gray than Svelte Sage. Together, they add some nice depth to a room.
Try Clary Sage on lower kitchen cabinets and Svelte Sage up top. That two-tone look is just interesting enough without being too much.
In bedrooms, Clary Sage works great on an accent wall behind the bed. Svelte Sage on the rest keeps things balanced.
Home offices get a subtle sense of separation when you use both colors. The variation helps define the space, but it’s still calm and easy on the eyes.
Conservative Gray SW 6183
Conservative Gray acts as a neutral base for Svelte Sage’s green. It’s a warm gray, so it’s perfect for trim or ceilings.
Your entryway stands out with Svelte Sage on the walls and Conservative Gray on the trim. A white front door ties it all together.
Dining rooms feel a little more refined with this combo. Conservative Gray on wainscoting and Svelte Sage above—classic, but not stuffy.
Master bedrooms get that peaceful retreat vibe with Svelte Sage behind the bed and Conservative Gray everywhere else. It’s understated sophistication.
Liveable Green SW 6176
Liveable Green brings in yellow undertones that play well with Svelte Sage’s cooler side. The combo feels fresh and a bit garden-inspired.
Paint your kitchen island in Liveable Green and keep Svelte Sage on the rest of the cabinets. Brass hardware adds a nice touch.
Powder rooms benefit from this duo since both shades are welcoming and not too bold. Try Liveable Green on the lower walls and Svelte Sage above.
Sunrooms and porches look great with these greens. They help blur the line between indoors and out.
Comfort Gray SW 6205
Comfort Gray lives up to the name and just makes spaces feel cozy when you pair it with Svelte Sage. It’s a warm gray with a beige vibe that really flatters green.
Family rooms feel more inviting with Svelte Sage walls and Comfort Gray trim. Creamy furniture finishes the look.
Guest bedrooms look welcoming with Svelte Sage on the walls and Comfort Gray on built-ins or accents. It’s friendly without being bland.
Even laundry rooms and mudrooms benefit from these colors. They hide dirt but still look clean and organized—honestly, a win-win.
Naval SW 6244
Naval SW 6244 gives you big contrast with Svelte Sage’s soft green. This deep navy brings a little drama and class.
Home offices look sharp with Svelte Sage walls and Naval built-ins. White accents keep the room from feeling too dark.
Dining rooms get a formal but still inviting atmosphere when you use Naval on lower cabinets and Svelte Sage above.
Bedrooms become super cozy with a Naval accent wall and Svelte Sage everywhere else. It’s restful and honestly, kind of perfect for sleep.
Comparing Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164 to Similar Colors
Svelte Sage has a unique warm sage quality that stands apart from other neutrals. It’s not as crisp as Alabaster’s white, as earthy as Cavern Clay, as cool as Smoky Azurite, or as classic as Accessible Beige. Each pairing changes the mood of a room in its own way.
Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164 vs Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster is a warm white with an LRV of 82, so it’s way lighter than Svelte Sage’s 41. When you put them together, Alabaster makes Svelte Sage look richer and a bit deeper.
Both shades have warm undertones, so they blend nicely. Alabaster’s creamy base softens Svelte Sage without making the contrast feel harsh.
Key Differences:
- Lightness: Alabaster reflects a lot more light
- Color family: White versus muted green
- Usage: Alabaster shines on trim and ceilings, Svelte Sage on walls
If you want a soft, cohesive look, this combo is a go-to. The undertones keep it from feeling cold or too stark.
Try Alabaster on trim, doors, and ceilings, and Svelte Sage on the walls. It’s especially good for bedrooms and living rooms if you’re after a calming vibe.
Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164 vs Cavern Clay SW 7701
Cavern Clay brings warm terracotta with an LRV of 56. It’s lighter than Svelte Sage and adds earthy warmth that really plays up the green.
Both have warm undertones, so they feel like they belong together. Cavern Clay’s orange-pink base pops against Svelte Sage’s yellow-green.
Comparison Details:
| Color | LRV | Undertones | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Svelte Sage | 41 | Yellow-beige | Main walls |
| Cavern Clay | 56 | Orange-pink | Accent walls |
Open floor plans benefit from this mix. Use Cavern Clay in the dining area and Svelte Sage in the living space for a grounded, cozy feel.
The warmth in both colors keeps things inviting but never overwhelming. It’s a pairing that feels naturally comfortable.
Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164 vs Smoky Azurite SW 9148
Smoky Azurite is a blue-gray with an LRV of 35, so it’s a touch darker than Svelte Sage. This creates a cool-versus-warm dynamic that’s pretty striking.
These colors are opposites in terms of temperature. Smoky Azurite is cool and sophisticated, while Svelte Sage is all about warm comfort.
Notable Contrasts:
- Temperature: Cool blue-gray vs warm sage
- Mood: Sophisticated vs cozy
- Light reflection: Smoky Azurite soaks up more light
This combo fits right in with modern homes. You could use Smoky Azurite for a home office and Svelte Sage in the next room for a nice transition.
The contrast is interesting but not jarring. Both colors are muted, so they play well together, each keeping its own personality.
If you want to define different areas, try using them in adjoining spaces instead of the same room. The shift between cool and warm helps separate zones.
Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164 vs Accessible Beige SW 7036
Accessible Beige has an LRV of 58 and warm beige undertones. It’s lighter than Svelte Sage, but the warmth is similar, so they work well together.
Depending on the lighting, both can lean beige. Accessible Beige stays reliably beige, while Svelte Sage sometimes shifts between sage and beige.
Similarity Factors:
- Both have warm undertones
- Neither feels cold or stark
- Either works as a neutral base
The big difference is the color family. Accessible Beige is always beige, while Svelte Sage keeps its green edge in most lights.
Use both throughout your home for a seamless neutral look. Accessible Beige is especially nice in hallways or transition areas.
The warmth in both shades helps rooms flow together. Moving from one to the next just feels easy and natural.
Complementary Colors to Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164
Svelte Sage goes well with warm neutrals like Alabaster and Accessible Beige, earthy shades like Cavern Clay, and even bold picks like Smoky Azurite. These combos can make a space feel cozy, sophisticated, or somewhere in between.
Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164 with Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster SW 7008 is a fantastic match for Svelte Sage. Its warm white undertones don’t clash with the yellow in Svelte Sage.
Use Alabaster on trim, ceilings, or accent walls to brighten things up. The combo is fresh, but not at all stark or cold.
This pairing is solid for any room. Try Svelte Sage on the main walls and Alabaster on the trim in bedrooms or living rooms.
Because both have warm undertones, the look feels pulled together. The space is calm and inviting, but not dull.
Best uses:
- Main walls: Svelte Sage
- Trim and ceilings: Alabaster
- Accent pieces: You can use either
Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164 with Cavern Clay SW 7701
Cavern Clay adds warmth and an earthy vibe to Svelte Sage. It’s a terracotta-inspired color that deepens the green without overpowering it.
Try Cavern Clay as an accent wall or in smaller touches like textiles and decor. It brings in interest while staying in the same cozy family.
This duo is especially good for kitchens and dining rooms. The colors feel natural and make these spaces welcoming for guests.
If you’re not ready to go all-in, start with Cavern Clay in accessories—pillows, art, pottery. See how you like it before painting larger areas.
Color balance tips:
- Use Cavern Clay in small doses for accents
- Add cream or white to soften the look
- Natural wood tones work with both shades
Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164 with Smoky Azurite SW 9148
Smoky Azurite brings a bold contrast to Svelte Sage’s warmth. This deep blue-gray adds drama but still feels sophisticated.
Go for this combo if you’re after more visual impact. The cool blue really balances out the warm sage—it’s a pairing that just works.
Paint one accent wall in Smoky Azurite and keep the rest in Svelte Sage. You’ll get a focal point that doesn’t overpower the room.
This duo shines in home offices or bedrooms. The contrast defines different areas, yet everything still feels connected.
Try adding some brass or gold accents to tie the warm and cool tones together. A few metallic touches make the look feel purposeful and polished, if you ask me.
Application ideas:
- Accent wall: Smoky Azurite
- Main walls: Svelte Sage
- Metallic accents: Brass or gold
Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams SW 6164 with Accessible Beige SW 7036
Accessible Beige lays down a neutral foundation and lets Svelte Sage really take the spotlight. This greige shade brings just enough warmth to play well with sage, without fighting for attention.
Try using Accessible Beige on main walls or even the floors. It sets a calm backdrop and lets Svelte Sage accents pop a bit more.
This combo feels pretty timeless, honestly. You can pull it off in both traditional and modern spaces—no sweat.
If you’ve got an open floor plan, give this pairing a shot. Both shades are neutral enough to keep things flowing between rooms, and they won’t clash with different furniture styles.
Since the contrast is low, the vibe stays soothing. The space ends up feeling cohesive and—dare I say—relaxing.
Room applications:
- Living areas: Accessible Beige walls, Svelte Sage accents
- Bedrooms: Either color works for walls
- Bathrooms: Both colors create spa-like feelings
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.