Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011 is everywhere these days. Homeowners love it for its warm, welcoming vibe—without the harshness of pure white. This soft off-white has subtle beige undertones and an LRV of 73, so rooms feel bright and airy but still have that cozy, lived-in charm. Whether you’re painting a living room, bedroom, or the whole house, it’s a flexible shade that fits both traditional and modern styles.
You’ll probably notice Natural Choice strikes a nice balance between warm and cool. That’s why it works with everything, from earthy terracottas to crisp navy blues. It reflects plenty of light, but it’s never harsh or overwhelming. Your decor won’t clash, and the color won’t steal the show.
This guide digs into what makes Natural Choice special. We’ll look at how it shifts in different lighting, which colors play well with it, and how it stacks up to other Sherwin Williams whites.
Key Takeaways
- Natural Choice SW 7011 is a warm off-white with beige undertones and an LRV of 73 that creates bright yet cozy spaces.
- This versatile paint color works well with both warm earth tones and cool accent colors in any lighting condition.
- You can use Natural Choice as a main wall color or pair it with coordinating trim colors for a complete, polished look.
What Color Is Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011?
Natural Choice is a creamy off-white from the white family, with warm beige undertones. It has an LRV of 73 and specific color codes, making it a favorite for light, airy spaces.
Color Family
Natural Choice sits in the white color family, but it isn’t your typical stark white. Instead, it leans creamy, with a gentle warmth that comes from soft beige undertones.
It feels more grounded than pure white and brings a cozy atmosphere while still brightening up your space. South-facing rooms with lots of sunlight make it look warmer and creamier. In north-facing rooms, it shifts to a more neutral, almost greige vibe.
The color mix includes hints of yellow and red, so you get warmth without the paint turning yellow or peachy. It’s a subtle thing, but it really matters once it’s on the wall.
Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)
Here are the specifics: The hex code is #E3DED0.
The RGB values are:
- Red: 227
- Green: 222
- Blue: 208
There’s a bit more red and green than blue, which gives it that soft, creamy look. The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is 73, telling you how much light bounces around the room.
With an LRV of 73, Natural Choice sits on the darker side of off-whites. Some folks might even call it a very light greige, depending on the lighting.
In bright spaces, it looks lighter and closer to white. In dimmer rooms, it feels more muted and grounded.
Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011 Undertones
Natural Choice gets its warmth from yellow and orange undertones. These undertones make the color feel inviting, never cold or sterile.
The yellow undertones are the most noticeable, giving it a creamy, beige quality. Orange undertones round things out, adding extra warmth and keeping the color from looking too sharp.
Key undertone characteristics:
- Primary: Yellow
- Secondary: Orange
- Effect: Warm and cozy
- Best for: Spaces that need warmth
These undertones shine in rooms with cool lighting, especially north-facing spaces. Natural light brings out more yellow during the day. Warm artificial light makes both yellow and orange pop a bit more.
Instead of feeling stark, Natural Choice comes across as soft and livable. It’s comfortable, not clinical.
Undertone benefits:
- Makes rooms feel warmer
- Works in cool lighting
- Creates cozy atmosphere
- Prevents stark appearance
If you want warmth but don’t want to go full beige, these undertones make Natural Choice a smart pick.
How Does Lighting Affect Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011?
Lighting changes everything with Natural Choice SW 7011. Its beige and gray undertones shift, sometimes subtly, sometimes a lot. With an LRV of 73, it reflects a fair amount of light, but still shows color changes throughout the day.
Natural Lighting
Sunlight brings out different sides of Natural Choice, depending on your room’s direction. In north-facing rooms, it feels cooler and a bit more refined because of the softer light.
South-facing rooms make those beige undertones stand out. The sunlight really warms things up, especially in the morning.
East-facing spaces catch Natural Choice at its brightest at sunrise. The morning light gives it a lovely glow, but as the light cools off, the color shifts toward neutral.
West-facing rooms pull out the warmest beige tones at sunset. It’s a cozy, relaxed look—perfect for winding down in the evening.
Artificial Lighting
Your bulbs matter more than you’d think. LED bulbs with cooler color temperatures (5000K-6500K) bring out more of the gray, so the paint reads as more neutral.
Warm LED or incandescent bulbs (2700K-3000K) highlight the beige and yellow, making the room feel cozier and more intimate.
Fluorescent lighting sometimes makes Natural Choice look flat, or even a bit greenish. If you’ve got a lot of fluorescents, definitely test a sample first.
Dimmer switches let you play with the look. Crank it up and Natural Choice looks crisp and clean; dim it down and those warm undertones come forward.
Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011 LRV 73 (Light Reflectance Value)
Natural Choice has an LRV of 73, so it lands in the light color range. It reflects a good amount of light, making rooms feel open, but doesn’t go overboard into stark territory.
What Is LRV?
LRV means Light Reflectance Value. It’s basically a number that tells you how much light bounces off a paint color and back into your room.
The scale runs from 0 (pure black, absorbs all light) to 100 (pure white, reflects all light).
LRV ranges:
- 0-20: Very dark colors
- 21-50: Medium colors
- 51-70: Light colors
- 71-100: Very light colors
Higher numbers mean more reflected light. Lower numbers mean the color soaks up more light and looks darker.
Knowing the LRV helps you pick colors that’ll either brighten or darken your space. It’s a handy little metric—once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever chose paint without it.
Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011 LRV Range
With an LRV of 73, Natural Choice sits in the very light category. It reflects plenty of light, so even smaller or darker rooms get a lift, but it still feels warm and welcoming.
It’s right at the darker end of the off-white range. In some lighting, people might see it as a super light greige.
In bright rooms, it’ll look lighter and more white. Put it in a room with less light, and it feels more muted and grounded.
This makes Natural Choice a smart choice for small spaces or anywhere you want a fresh, clean look that isn’t too cold.
Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011 Coordinating Colors
Natural Choice pairs up beautifully with crisp whites like Dover White for trim, rich darks like Urbane Bronze for bold contrast, and soft greiges like Stardew for a smooth, neutral palette.
Dover White SW 6385
Dover White is a fantastic trim color with Natural Choice walls. It’s a warm white with just enough creaminess to mesh with Natural Choice’s undertones, but not enough contrast to feel jarring.
This combo shines in traditional and farmhouse homes. Dover White’s LRV of 83 keeps trim looking fresh and bright, but still in the warm family.
Try Natural Choice on the main walls and Dover White by Sherwin Williams on trim, doors, and ceilings. It also works with other warm neutrals like Accessible Beige or Balanced Beige for accents.
Urbane Bronze SW 7048
Urbane Bronze makes a statement against Natural Choice, adding depth without feeling too heavy. This rich brownish-gray keeps things earthy and sophisticated.
Paint an accent wall behind your bed or fireplace in Urbane Bronze, and use Natural Choice everywhere else. Their warm undertones play nicely together.
This pairing really works in living rooms and bedrooms where you want a little drama but still crave warmth. Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams also looks fantastic on kitchen islands with Natural Choice on the walls.
Try adding Agreeable Gray or Mindful Gray in your decor to tie everything together.
Stardew SW 9138
Stardew is a great greige companion for Natural Choice, especially if you’re after a monochromatic neutral scheme. It’s soft and warm, but just a touch cooler than Natural Choice.
Use Stardew in nearby rooms or as an accent in the same space. The subtle difference keeps things interesting without any jarring color jumps as you move through your home.
This combo pairs well with whites like Divine White or Reflection for trim. If you want more depth, try darker neutrals like Dovetail or Amazing Gray in your furniture or accessories.
Stardew and Natural Choice are a winning combo in open floor plans, where you want smooth color flow from room to room.
Trim Colors For Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011
White trim colors pop against Natural Choice and keep things cohesive. The best choices are crisp whites that won’t fight with those warm beige undertones.
Pure White SW 7005
Pure White pairs beautifully with Natural Choice, offering clean contrast that doesn’t feel too harsh. Its LRV is 84, so it’s plenty bright and stands out against beige walls.
The slightly warm undertones in Pure White by Sherwin Williams SW 7005 really play well with the creamy beige vibe of Natural Choice. You won’t get jarring contrast—just a nice, gentle difference.
I love this combo in living rooms and bedrooms. Warm white trim keeps things cozy but still adds crispness to doors, windows, and baseboards.
It also looks great in kitchens. Try it on cabinets or trim if you want visual interest that doesn’t make the space feel chilly.
Extra White SW 7006
Extra White gives you the sharpest contrast with Natural Choice. Its LRV is 86, so it bounces even more light around than the others here.
This white leans cooler than Pure White. The result? A more modern, crisp look when you set it next to those warm beige walls.
I’d use Extra White in rooms that get a lot of sunlight. The brightness balances out Natural Choice’s warmth without feeling severe.
Bathrooms and kitchens really benefit from this pairing if you want that classic, clean aesthetic. It helps architectural details stand out.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster brings the softest contrast to Natural Choice, thanks to its creamy undertones. The look is subtle and cohesive, not showy.
With an LRV of 82, Alabaster by Sherwin Williams SW 7008 stays warm but still feels bright. The two colors blend together without creating harsh edges.
This combo is super calming in bedrooms and living rooms. Their similar warmth just makes the space feel restful.
Alabaster trim fits right in with traditional or farmhouse styles. The creamy white naturally complements Natural Choice’s beige tones.
Real World Examples Of Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011 In Different Spaces
Natural Choice teams up with other warm whites and accent colors to create inviting, pulled-together rooms. These combos highlight how flexible this off-white can be, whether you stick with neutrals or throw in a bold pop of color.
Shoji White SW 7042
Shoji White and Natural Choice together make a layered neutral palette, especially in open spaces. Both have warm beige undertones, but Shoji White goes a bit deeper and hints at greige.
Try Natural Choice on main walls with Shoji White on trim or an accent wall. It adds interest without feeling too dramatic.
People often use these colors in kitchens—Natural Choice for upper cabinets, Shoji White for walls. The warmth ties it all together and adds a little depth.
In bedrooms, this duo feels soft and peaceful. Put Natural Choice on three walls and Shoji White behind the headboard for a bit of dimension.
Greek Villa SW 7551
Greek Villa brings a little extra creaminess when you pair it with Natural Choice. Greek Villa’s yellow undertones really highlight Natural Choice’s beige base.
This combo shines in dining rooms if you’re after warmth and a touch of elegance. Use Natural Choice on the main walls and Greek Villa on wainscoting or built-ins for a classic vibe.
It’s a great bathroom pairing too. Natural Choice keeps things clean, while Greek Villa on the vanity adds cozy warmth.
Entryways look extra welcoming with Natural Choice on the walls and Greek Villa on doors or trim. They flow together, but the slight difference keeps things visually interesting.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster brings a brighter, crisper contrast to Natural Choice’s warmth. With an LRV of 82, Alabaster looks pretty white but still feels soft.
This combo works so well for traditional homes. Natural Choice on the walls and Alabaster trim gives you a timeless look that never feels cold.
It’s also a favorite for modern farmhouse styles. Natural Choice adds the warmth, while Alabaster keeps everything looking clean.
Flip it around in smaller spaces—Alabaster on the walls, Natural Choice on built-ins or cabinets. It keeps things airy but not too stark.
Oyster White SW 7637
Oyster White’s subtle gray undertones balance out the warmth of Natural Choice. The result? Spaces that feel a little luxurious and a lot comfortable.
Bedrooms feel serene with this combo. Natural Choice on the main walls and Oyster White on the ceiling gives gentle contrast without drama.
Living rooms get a touch of sophistication. Use Natural Choice as your base and Oyster White on built-ins or the fireplace surround.
Kitchens look especially elegant when you put Natural Choice on the walls and Oyster White on the cabinets. The palette stays timeless and works with pretty much any decor.
Creamy SW 7012
Creamy amps up the yellow warmth with Natural Choice. The result is a space that just feels like a hug—cozy and inviting.
Breakfast nooks and coffee corners really shine with this pairing. Natural Choice on the walls, Creamy on a built-in bench? Perfect spot for your morning routine.
Family rooms get extra welcoming with these two. The warm undertones blend for a space that’s made for relaxing.
Powder rooms can totally handle all that warmth. Natural Choice on walls, Creamy on wainscoting, and you’ve got an intimate, elegant space.
Dover White SW 6385
Dover White gives you a clean, fresh contrast to Natural Choice but stays warm enough to avoid looking stark. This pairing fits in both traditional and modern spaces.
Kitchens really benefit from this combo. Natural Choice on the walls and Dover White on cabinets—classic and current all at once.
Bathrooms get the best of both worlds: warmth and freshness. Natural Choice on the walls, Dover White on the trim, and it never feels cold.
Home offices look sharp and still inviting. Natural Choice brings the warmth, Dover White on built-ins keeps things bright and organized.
Naval SW 6244
Naval makes a bold statement against Natural Choice’s soft warmth. This deep navy blue really brings out the creaminess in Natural Choice.
Dining rooms turn sophisticated with this combo. Natural Choice on the walls, Naval on wainscoting or built-ins, and suddenly you’ve got elegant contrast that’s perfect for entertaining.
Bedrooms get a dash of drama with a Naval accent wall and Natural Choice everywhere else. It’s restful but still has some punch.
Home libraries or studies look amazing with this pairing. Natural Choice keeps things from getting too dark, while Naval built-ins add depth and richness.
Comparing Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011 To Similar Colors
Natural Choice is all about those warm beige undertones, with a little yellow and green mixed in. It stands out when you compare it to cooler blues, deep bronzes, and other popular neutrals. Each comparison shows how this creamy off-white brings its own warmth, lightness, and personality.
Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011 vs Smoky Blue SW 7604
Natural Choice and Smoky Blue couldn’t be further apart in terms of color temperature. Natural Choice feels warm and creamy, with yellow and green peeking through. Smoky Blue is cool, calming, and has those blue-gray vibes.
Their LRVs are worlds apart. Natural Choice sits at 73, so it’s bright and airy. Smoky Blue is much darker and brings a moodier feel.
Key Differences:
- Temperature: Natural Choice feels warm; Smoky Blue is definitely cool
- Undertones: Beige/yellow vs blue/gray
- Brightness: Natural Choice bounces more light
Natural Choice does great in north-facing rooms that need a little warmth boost. Smoky Blue is perfect if you want to cool down a sunny, south-facing space.
Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011 vs Urbane Bronze SW 7048
These two couldn’t be more different. Natural Choice brings light, airy warmth with an LRV of 73. Urbane Bronze is deep, dramatic, and sits around LRV 6.
Natural Choice shows off creamy beige tones that open up a room. Urbane Bronze is all about rich, dark brown with undertones that shift as the light changes.
Comparison Table:
| Feature | Natural Choice | Urbane Bronze |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 73 | 6 |
| Feel | Light & Airy | Deep & Dramatic |
| Best Use | Main walls | Accent walls |
I’d use Natural Choice as the main color almost anywhere. Urbane Bronze is best for accent walls or when you want a cozy, dramatic spot.
Honestly, they look fantastic together if you’re after contrast in your design.
Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011 vs Sea Salt SW 6204
Both are big hits in modern homes, but they head in different directions. Natural Choice leans warm beige with yellow and green undertones. Sea Salt cools things down with blue-green, spa-like vibes.
Natural Choice’s LRV is 73, while Sea Salt is a touch higher. Both work in most lighting, but they react differently to natural light.
In south-facing rooms, Natural Choice shows off its yellow side. Sea Salt turns up the blue-green. North-facing rooms mute Natural Choice and make Sea Salt read a bit gray.
Room Applications:
- Natural Choice: Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens
- Sea Salt: Bathrooms, coastal themes, modern spaces
Natural Choice creates a cozy, welcoming vibe. Sea Salt feels crisp, fresh, and a little more modern.
Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011 vs Rookwood Red SW 2802
This pairing is all about mixing neutral and bold. Natural Choice is a perfect backdrop for Rookwood Red’s deep, earthy red-brown.
Natural Choice stays light and creamy at LRV 73. Rookwood Red brings some serious warmth with a much lower LRV, so together they really pop.
The undertones are a total contrast. Natural Choice has yellow and green hints, while Rookwood Red is pure, rich red.
Most folks use Natural Choice on three walls and Rookwood Red on one accent wall. It’s a great combo for dining rooms, living rooms, or bedrooms if you want comfort with a little visual punch.
The warmth in both helps them work together, even though one’s bold and one’s subtle.
Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011 vs Retreat SW 6207
Retreat brings a cool-toned twist compared to the warmth of Natural Choice. Natural Choice offers a creamy beige comfort, while Retreat leans into a soft blue-gray vibe.
Both can serve as versatile neutrals around the house. Natural Choice gives off a welcoming warmth that pairs nicely with wood tones and brass fixtures.
Retreat looks great with silver, chrome, and crisp white accents. Each color brings its own personality to a space.
Temperature Comparison:
- Natural Choice: Warm undertones (yellow/green)
- Retreat: Cool undertones (blue/gray)
Lighting changes how these shades look. Natural Choice turns a bit more yellow in afternoon sun and shifts grayer in dimmer spots.
Retreat generally stays cool, but sometimes it looks more blue or more gray, all depending on your room’s natural light.
If you love traditional, cozy, or farmhouse aesthetics, Natural Choice fits right in. Retreat feels more at home in contemporary, coastal, or minimalist settings where you want a calm, cool energy.
Complementary Colors To Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011
Natural Choice works well with both cool and warm complementary colors, letting its creamy off-white base shine. These color combinations help create spaces that feel inviting and just a little sophisticated.
Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011 with Smoky Blue SW 7604
Smoky Blue brings out a striking contrast against Natural Choice’s warmth. The pairing blends cool and warm elements for a balanced effect.
Smoky Blue’s soft blue-gray tone cuts through the beige in Natural Choice, making it a solid choice for bedrooms or living rooms when you want a calming backdrop.
Best Applications:
- Natural Choice on main walls
- Smoky Blue as an accent wall
- Smoky Blue on built-ins or cabinetry
North-facing rooms benefit from this duo, since the cool blue helps keep Natural Choice from looking too yellow in that light.
If you want to mix things up, try Smoky Blue as your main color with Natural Choice for trim. It’s a more dramatic look, but still feels balanced.
Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011 with Urbane Bronze SW 7048
Urbane Bronze adds depth to the airy feel of Natural Choice. This combo manages to feel modern and timeless at the same time.
The dark bronze shade gives you contrast without the harshness of pure black. Honestly, the way it adds drama while keeping things inviting is pretty great.
Popular Uses:
- Natural Choice on walls with Urbane Bronze trim
- Urbane Bronze as an accent wall with Natural Choice elsewhere
- Kitchen cabinets in Urbane Bronze with Natural Choice walls
This pairing stands out in dining rooms and home offices. The contrast highlights architectural features and keeps things interesting.
Urbane Bronze also looks sharp on exterior shutters when you use Natural Choice as your main house color. You get curb appeal that feels classic but not stuffy.
Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011 with Sea Salt SW 6204
Sea Salt SW 6204 brings a breezy, spa-like vibe when you pair it with Natural Choice. Together, they create spaces that just feel fresh and relaxed.
Sea Salt’s soft green-blue undertones play nicely with Natural Choice’s warm beige. This duo works especially well in bathrooms and bedrooms—who doesn’t want a little calm there?
Design Benefits:
- Creates a calming, nature-inspired palette
- Works with white trim and natural wood
- Great for coastal or transitional styles
Try Sea Salt on main walls and Natural Choice on ceilings and trim. That trick can make rooms feel bigger and adds subtle color without overwhelming the space.
In open floor plans, you can use Sea Salt in living areas and Natural Choice in adjacent spaces for a smooth, connected look.
Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011 with Rookwood Red SW 2802
Rookwood Red brings a bold, traditional touch to Natural Choice. This combo feels classic but still warm and inviting.
The rich, earthy red works with Natural Choice’s beige undertones to create a space that’s both sophisticated and comfortable.
Ideal Applications:
- Dining rooms with Rookwood Red accent walls
- Traditional living rooms using both colors
- Exterior combos for classic home styles
Dark wood furniture and brass accents really shine with this color pairing. The warm tones pull everything together for an elegant vibe.
If you want to keep things subtle, use Natural Choice as your main color and bring in Rookwood Red for accent walls, built-ins, or even exterior shutters.
Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams SW 7011 with Retreat SW 6207
Retreat SW 6207 brings a fresh, natural vibe that really plays off Natural Choice’s warm base. The two together kind of pull the outdoors right into your space with these organic colors.
Retreat’s soft green tone meshes nicely with the creamy undertones of Natural Choice. This combo gives rooms an energy boost, but still keeps things peaceful—honestly, it’s a bit surprising how balanced it feels.
Best Room Choices:
- Kitchens—think Natural Choice cabinets with Retreat on the walls
- Bedrooms that use both shades for a calm, cozy atmosphere
- Home offices where you want that nature-inspired workspace
Rooms with plenty of natural light really let this pairing shine. Retreat’s green pops a bit more, and Natural Choice just stays soft and welcoming.
If you’re not ready to go all-in, try adding Retreat through accessories or textiles. That way, you can play with the look without fully repainting everything.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.