Picking the right blue-gray paint can feel a bit overwhelming—there are just so many choices. Sherwin Williams Stardew SW 9138 stands out, though, as a super versatile option that works in almost any room.
This soft blue-gray creates a calming vibe and shifts between blue and gray depending on your lighting. Stardew somehow finds that sweet spot between sophistication and tranquility, but never feels icy or sterile.
Stardew adapts to your space instead of taking over. Whether you’re thinking about it for a bedroom, living room, or even the kitchen, this color brings a peaceful energy that feels modern yet timeless.
The subtle undertones and a medium light reflectance value mean it keeps your room bright, but still gives you enough depth for some visual interest.
How Stardew behaves in different lighting and which colors work best with it can really change the whole feel of your space. If you’re hoping to create a calm, stylish retreat, this blue-gray just might be the thing.
Key Takeaways
- Stardew SW 9138 is a balanced blue-gray that shifts between blue and gray based on your lighting.
- Its medium light reflectance keeps rooms bright but doesn’t wash out the color’s character.
- Stardew looks great with white trim, warm wood, and neutrals for a sophisticated vibe.
What Color Is Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138?
Stardew is a soft slate blue with gray undertones and just a hint of green if you look closely. It sits right in the mid-tone range, balancing warm and cool elements with specific color codes that give it its unique personality.
Color Family
Stardew sits in the blue family, but it’s not just any blue—it’s a slate blue with gray mixed in.
This color doesn’t lean hard into cool or warm. It’s right there in the middle, which makes it easy to work with.
Sometimes, you’ll catch a trace of green in certain lights. In south-facing rooms with tons of natural light, you’ll see those warmer blue and green notes more.
Put Stardew in a north-facing space or somewhere with less light, and it shows off its cooler, more blue-gray side. That flexibility makes it a solid choice for all sorts of rooms.
Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)
Here’s the techy stuff for Stardew:
Hex Code: #A6B2B5
RGB Values:
- Red: 166
- Green: 178
- Blue: 181
Light Reflectance Value (LRV): 43
With an LRV of 43, Stardew lands in the mid-tone category. It reflects a decent amount of light—not too dark, not too bright.
Since green and blue are the dominant RGB values and red is lower, you get that cool blue-gray look.
This LRV means Stardew works for accent walls or painting a whole room. It’s got enough depth to keep things interesting, but your space won’t feel heavy or gloomy.
Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138 Undertones
Stardew SW 9138 has blue-gray undertones that keep it soft and muted. The gray in the mix calms the blue, so you don’t end up with something too cold or in-your-face.
The main undertone is gray, which dials down the blue’s brightness. Stardew ends up reading as a gentle, almost pastel color instead of a bold blue.
Key undertones in Stardew:
- Primary: Blue-gray
- Secondary: Subtle gray
- Possible: Very slight green (but honestly, it’s rare)
The gray makes Stardew feel warmer than a lot of blue paints. You avoid that chilly, sharp vibe that some blues can bring.
Every now and then, people notice a tiny hint of green in certain lighting. It’s subtle and really depends on your room’s decor and light sources.
If you want blue walls but worry about things feeling too cold, Stardew is a great pick. That gray undertone softens everything and gives you a more neutral feel.
Lighting and surrounding colors can totally change how these undertones show up. Warm light brings out the gray more, while cool light lets the blue take over.
Because of these muted undertones, Stardew is super versatile. It pairs well with both warm and cool colors, sitting nicely between blue and gray.
How Does Lighting Affect Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138?
Stardew SW 9138 reacts to light in interesting ways, so the color shifts as your lighting changes throughout the day. The amount and type of light in your room can make this blue-gray look warmer, cooler, lighter, or even a bit darker.
Natural Lighting
Natural light really brings out Stardew’s best side. In rooms with good sunlight, it looks bright and refreshing.
During the day, the paint appears lighter and more vibrant. The blue undertones pop when natural light hits the walls.
North-facing rooms make Stardew feel cooler and crisper. You get that sophisticated slate blue vibe.
South-facing rooms with lots of light show off the color’s blue-gray balance. It’s really at its best in these spaces.
Sunlight changes throughout the day, so Stardew might look a bit different in the morning versus the evening. That’s part of the fun, honestly.
Artificial Lighting
Artificial light changes things up. The kind of bulbs you use can shift Stardew’s look quite a bit.
Under warm artificial light, Stardew leans more into its gray side. The blue gets quieter, especially at night.
LED bulbs with cool tones help the blue stay front and center. Warm incandescents, on the other hand, make the color more muted and gray.
Stardew usually looks a little darker under artificial lights than it does in daylight. That can actually make bedrooms and living spaces feel cozier.
Track or recessed lighting creates shadows that show off the color’s depth. Stardew adapts well to all sorts of lighting setups in your home.
Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138 LRV 43 (Light Reflectance Value)
Stardew’s LRV is 43, which means it reflects a moderate amount of light and sits comfortably in the medium range. That makes it a flexible choice for both small and large rooms, no matter the lighting.
What Is LRV?
LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value. It’s a measurement of how much light a paint color bounces back into a room.
The scale runs from 0 (pure black, reflects nothing) to 100 (pure white, reflects everything).
Higher LRV colors can make rooms feel bigger and brighter. Colors with lower LRV absorb more light, so spaces feel cozier, sometimes smaller.
Here’s how the LRV ranges break down:
- 0-25: Very dark colors
- 26-50: Medium colors
- 51-75: Light colors
- 76-100: Very light colors
Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138 LRV Range
With an LRV of 43, Stardew is right in the middle—reflecting about 43% of the light it gets.
You can use Stardew in most rooms without worrying about it being too dark or too bright. It works in living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens without a problem.
The medium LRV means Stardew won’t look washed out in bright spaces or too heavy in rooms with less natural light.
Best uses for Stardew’s LRV 43:
- Main living areas – Calm, easy backdrop
- Bedrooms – Relaxing, not too dark
- Home offices – Gentle on the eyes
This LRV also plays nicely with both lighter and darker accents for a bit of contrast.
Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138 Coordinating Colors
Alabaster brings a warm white that brightens up the room without stealing the spotlight from Stardew’s soft blues. Naval adds drama, and Silver Strand creates a seamless coastal vibe.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster SW 7008 pairs perfectly with Stardew for trim, ceilings, or accent walls. With an LRV of 82, it’s bright and crisp against Stardew’s mid-tone blue.
Its warm undertones work with Stardew’s balanced feel, so you avoid that harsh, cold look that pure whites can sometimes give.
This combo is especially nice in bedrooms and living rooms. Stardew on the walls, Alabaster on the trim—it’s fresh without being jarring.
Alabaster also makes a great ceiling color with Stardew walls. Your room stays open and airy, but there’s still some interest.
Naval SW 6244
Naval SW 6244 brings some serious drama next to Stardew’s softer tones. This deep navy makes Stardew feel even lighter and more peaceful by comparison.
Try Naval as an accent wall with Stardew on the other walls. It’s a bold move for a bedroom or dining room feature wall.
Or flip it—use Naval on most walls and Stardew for accents or built-ins. You get depth without making the whole space feel heavy.
Kitchen cabinets in Naval with Stardew walls? Stunning. The blues layer nicely, especially with white countertops.
Just a heads up: this pairing works best in rooms with plenty of natural light. The contrast really pops when there’s enough brightness.
Silver Strand SW 7057
Silver Strand SW 7057 gives you a chill, coastal feel with Stardew. Both colors share gray undertones, so they naturally play well together.
Silver Strand works as a lighter accent to Stardew’s richer tone. Use Stardew on main walls and Silver Strand in hallways or powder rooms for a smooth transition.
It’s also a nice ceiling color when your walls are Stardew. This subtle shift adds interest without breaking up the flow.
Bathroom vanities in Silver Strand look great with Stardew walls. The combo feels spa-like—add brushed nickel for that cool, relaxing palette.
This duo is especially nice in bedrooms and bathrooms if you want a peaceful, retreat-like space.
Trim Colors for Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138
Stardew’s soft blue-gray looks fantastic with crisp white trim. These Sherwin Williams whites offer different undertones and brightness levels to really set off Stardew’s calming vibe.
Pure White SW 7005
Pure White by Sherwin Williams SW 7005 pairs gently with Stardew, giving off a warm, inviting vibe. This soft white has just enough warmth to keep it from feeling too stark next to Stardew’s muted blue.
Those warm undertones in Pure White really balance Stardew’s cool blue-gray. I think this combo shines in bedrooms and living rooms where coziness matters.
With an LRV of 84, Pure White brings plenty of brightness and contrast. The look really pops in spaces with lots of sunlight.
Best uses with Stardew:
- Crown molding and baseboards
- Window trim and door frames
- Built-in shelving and cabinetry
Extra White SW 7006
Extra White delivers the crispest contrast with Stardew’s soft blue. It’s a bright white—almost no undertones—so everything feels fresh and clean, and Stardew looks even more lively.
Modern spaces benefit from this high-contrast duo. Rooms get a polished, sophisticated edge that’s hard to beat.
Extra White’s LRV is 86, so it’s one of the brightest options out there. That sharp contrast lets architectural details really stand out.
Best rooms for this combination:
- Kitchens with Stardew cabinets
- Bathrooms with white fixtures
- Home offices needing crisp definition
If you want Stardew to be the star, this pairing does the trick.
Snowbound SW 7004
Snowbound SW 7004 highlights Stardew’s gray undertones with its cool, crisp vibe. The subtle coolness in Snowbound matches Stardew’s blue-gray perfectly.
Snowbound’s undertones make the two colors feel calm and balanced together. The combo stays soothing all day long.
With an LRV of 83, Snowbound gives you contrast but doesn’t blind you. North-facing rooms, in particular, look fantastic with this pairing.
Why this combination works:
- Both colors share cool undertones
- Creates a spa-like, peaceful atmosphere
- Works well in low-light conditions
- Perfect for coastal or modern farmhouse styles
Real World Examples of Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138 in Different Spaces
Stardew SW 9138 plays well with certain Sherwin Williams colors that bring out its blue-gray undertones and set a calm mood. You’ll find these combos work in bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas—pretty much anywhere Stardew’s versatility is welcome.
North Star SW 6246
North Star SW 6246 contrasts beautifully with Stardew in bedrooms. It’s a lighter blue-gray, with an LRV of 62, so it feels much brighter than Stardew’s 43.
Try North Star on an accent wall and keep the rest Stardew. You get depth without overpowering the space.
In master bedrooms, North Star on the ceiling opens things up, while Stardew keeps the walls grounded.
Popular combinations include:
- Stardew on three walls, North Star on the headboard wall
- North Star trim with Stardew walls
- Alternating colors in connected bedroom and bathroom spaces
Since both colors share similar undertones but reflect light differently, they create just enough visual interest in larger rooms.
Misty SW 6232
Misty SW 6232 brings out Stardew’s softer side, especially in bathrooms. This pale blue-gray is a winner for powder rooms and guest baths.
Misty looks great on wainscoting paired with Stardew above or below. That classic two-tone never gets old.
For a spa-like feel, paint vanities in Misty and leave the walls Stardew. The combo feels instantly relaxing.
Key applications:
- Powder room accent walls
- Vanity cabinet color
- Ceiling treatment in small bathrooms
- Trim color with Stardew walls
Misty’s lighter tone keeps bathrooms from feeling cramped or too dark. It stays in the blue-gray family but adds a little lift to tight spaces.
Lullaby SW 9136
Lullaby SW 9136 is made for pairing with Stardew in nurseries and kids’ bedrooms. This dreamy blue-gray sets a peaceful mood for sleep and play.
Try Lullaby on built-in bookshelves, keeping the walls Stardew. The contrast is subtle, perfect for young kids.
On nursery ceilings, Lullaby’s gentle tone encourages calm, while Stardew keeps things grounded below.
Best uses include:
- Nursery ceiling color
- Children’s furniture painting
- Accent walls in playrooms
- Built-in shelving units
Lullaby’s name really fits—it’s soothing and grows with kids from baby to teen. The combo never feels too childish, and it pairs well with white cribs and natural wood.
Silver Strand SW 7057
Silver Strand SW 7057 brings out Stardew’s gray undertones in living rooms and kitchens. It’s a sophisticated gray-beige that bridges cool and warm tones.
I love Silver Strand on kitchen cabinets with Stardew walls. It works with both white and dark countertops, which is a nice bonus.
In open floor plans, try Silver Strand in the dining area and Stardew in the living room. You get flow but still define each space.
Popular applications:
- Kitchen island color
- Dining room walls
- Built-in entertainment centers
- Fireplace surrounds
Silver Strand keeps Stardew from feeling chilly in north-facing rooms. It brings in a touch of warmth without clashing with the blue.
This combo pairs beautifully with brass, bronze, and natural wood. Just feels right together.
Krypton SW 6247
Krypton SW 6247 is another blue-gray that teams up with Stardew in modern spaces. Both have similar depth, but Krypton is a touch more gray.
On exteriors, use Krypton for shutters and Stardew for the main house. It’s cohesive but still interesting.
In home offices, paint built-in desks Krypton and keep the walls Stardew. The look feels focused yet calm.
Effective combinations:
- Exterior shutter and main house pairing
- Office built-ins with wall color contrast
- Kitchen island and wall coordination
- Bedroom furniture and wall combinations
Krypton’s slight grayness gives subtle contrast, perfect if you want a little difference without drama. Both colors work with white trim and black accents for a timeless, modern vibe.
Samovar Silver SW 6233
Samovar Silver SW 6233 gives Stardew an elegant partner in formal spaces. This refined gray shines in dining rooms and entryways.
Samovar Silver looks fantastic on trim and molding beside Stardew walls. It adds detail without overwhelming the palette.
For powder rooms, use Samovar Silver on vanities with Stardew walls. Suddenly, small spaces feel upscale.
Best applications:
- Formal dining room walls
- Trim and molding color
- Powder room vanities
- Accent furniture pieces
The warm undertones in Samovar Silver keep Stardew’s coolness from feeling icy. With crystal lighting or metallic accents, the effect is sophisticated—great for entertaining.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster SW 7008 is a go-to white with Stardew in any room. Its creamy warmth flatters blue-gray beautifully.
Paint all your trim, doors, and ceilings in Alabaster with Stardew walls for a classic look that honestly never gets old.
In kitchens, Alabaster cabinets and a Stardew island give you contrast and cohesion at once.
Classic applications:
- Trim and door color
- Kitchen cabinet painting
- Ceiling treatment
- Built-in bookshelf interiors
Alabaster’s warmth avoids the harshness of pure white, making Stardew feel softer. It works across traditional, transitional, and modern homes.
Comparing Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138 to Similar Colors
Thinking about Stardew SW 9138? It’s helpful to see how this soft blue-gray stacks up against other favorites. Each pairing sets a different mood, whether you’re leaning into neutrals, crisp whites, or earthier vibes.
Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138 vs Urbane Bronze SW 7048
Stardew and Urbane Bronze make a bold, modern statement together. Stardew’s cool blue-gray balances Urbane Bronze’s rich, dark drama.
I love Urbane Bronze on an accent wall with Stardew everywhere else. It’s dramatic, but not in-your-face.
The two have totally different LRVs—Stardew reflects about 43% of light, while Urbane Bronze is much deeper and moodier.
Best uses for this combination:
- Living rooms with lots of natural light
- Master bedrooms for a cozy feel
- Home offices that need focus
Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138 vs Redend Point SW 9081
Redend Point adds warmth to Stardew’s coolness. This earthy red-brown brings a cozy, welcoming vibe when paired with calming blue-gray.
It’s a great combo for traditional or farmhouse homes. That warm/cool contrast keeps things from feeling flat.
Redend Point’s reddish undertones play nicely with Stardew’s hints of gray and green, so rooms feel balanced, not too chilly or too warm.
Try Stardew on the main walls and Redend Point on trim or furniture. Both colors get their moment without fighting each other.
Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138 vs Antique White SW 6119
Antique White and Stardew create a soft, sophisticated look that’s fresh but not sterile. The creamy white’s warmth keeps the pairing from feeling stark.
This is a classic combo that just doesn’t go out of style. Antique White’s warmth balances Stardew’s coolness with zero clashing.
Popular applications:
- Stardew walls with Antique White trim
- Antique White cabinets with Stardew island
- Alternating colors in adjoining rooms
Traditional or modern, this pairing gives you a timeless backdrop so your furniture and decor can shine.
Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138 vs Accessible Beige SW 7036
Accessible Beige brings some earthiness and warmth to Stardew’s cool palette. This neutral beige has gray undertones that tie in smoothly with Stardew.
They work together without fighting—Accessible Beige softens Stardew and adds warmth to cooler rooms.
Open floor plans benefit from this duo. Paint the kitchen Accessible Beige, the living room Stardew, and you’ve got unity with a bit of distinction.
Accessible Beige’s LRV is about 58, so it’s a bit brighter than Stardew. That little difference keeps things interesting but not jarring.
Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138 vs Aged White SW 6120
Aged White gives you a softer take on white when you pair it with Stardew. Its warm beige undertones bring a gentle, inviting vibe.
This combo feels more relaxed than if you used bright white trim with Stardew. The warmth from Aged White keeps things from getting too chilly or sterile.
Try putting Aged White on trim, ceilings, or cabinets, and keep Stardew on the walls. That classic approach adds dimension and a bit of visual interest.
Both colors share enough gray in their undertones to blend well together. You end up with a palette that’s sophisticated but still feels timeless and fresh.
Complementary Colors to Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138
Stardew SW 9138, with its soft blue-gray base, looks great next to warm neutrals like Accessible Beige and Antique White. If you want more drama, Urbane Bronze delivers a sharp contrast. These combos open up a lot of options, honestly, no matter what room you’re working on.
Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138 with Urbane Bronze SW 7048
Pairing Stardew with Urbane Bronze SW 7048 creates a striking contrast between cool and warm. This duo just feels right in modern or transitional spaces.
Urbane Bronze brings in deep, grounding warmth, while Stardew keeps things light and airy. Try Urbane Bronze on an accent wall and use Stardew on the rest.
Best Applications:
- Living rooms: Stardew on main walls, Urbane Bronze on the fireplace wall
- Bedrooms: Stardew everywhere, Urbane Bronze behind the headboard
- Home offices: It really helps with focus and brings a calm vibe
This color combo plays nicely with natural wood furniture and brass or black metal fixtures. The contrast adds depth but doesn’t overpower the space.
Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138 with Redend Point SW 9081
Redend Point adds warmth and a little energy to Stardew’s cool side. The earthy red-brown creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere alongside the blue-gray.
It gives off a natural, rustic feeling that fits right into farmhouse or traditional styles. Redend Point keeps Stardew from feeling icy or flat.
Recommended Uses:
- Kitchens: Stardew on the walls, Redend Point on the island or lower cabinets
- Dining rooms: Mix on alternating walls or use for wainscoting
- Entryways: Sets a warm, friendly tone right when you walk in
This pairing looks especially nice with cream trim and natural touches like woven baskets or wood furniture. The warm and cool balance keeps things interesting but still harmonious.
Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138 with Antique White SW 6119
Antique White brings a softer edge to white when you use it with Stardew. Its creamy, warm vibe complements Stardew’s blue-gray without any harsh contrast.
The mix feels fresh and clean, but it’s still comfortable. Antique White’s subtle yellow undertones mellow out Stardew’s cool gray.
Perfect for:
- Bathrooms: Stardew on the walls, Antique White on trim and ceiling
- Bedrooms: Makes the whole space feel serene and spa-like
- Nurseries: Super gentle and calming for little ones
This combo lets you use white trim and furniture without things looking too stark. The result is timeless and elegant, but it still feels current.
Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138 with Accessible Beige SW 7036
Accessible Beige SW 7036 teams up with Stardew for a neutral palette that just works almost anywhere. The warm beige, with its gray undertones, really gets along with Stardew’s blue-gray.
The combo is versatile and never really goes out of style. Accessible Beige adds warmth, but you still get that calm, neutral feel from Stardew.
Best Applications:
- Open floor plans: Use both colors to help rooms flow together
- Master suites: Stardew in the bedroom, Accessible Beige in the bathroom
- Main living areas: Keeps everything feeling cohesive and welcoming
This pairing lets you play with both warm and cool accents. Navy, coral, green—add them as pops of color and they won’t fight with the base.
Stardew by Sherwin Williams SW 9138 with Aged White SW 9180
Aged White brings a crisp, clean vibe that really plays up Stardew’s muted tones. It’s a slightly cooler white, and those subtle gray undertones feel like a quiet nod to Stardew’s base color.
Together, these two colors create a fresh, airy atmosphere. Smaller spaces or rooms that don’t get much sunlight seem to benefit the most.
Aged White lifts the whole palette, but still keeps things feeling sophisticated.
Ideal for:
- Small bedrooms: Makes space feel larger and brighter
- Powder rooms: Clean, elegant combination
- Home offices: Promotes focus and clarity
If you ask me, this combo really shines with white or light wood furniture. Silver or chrome fixtures fit right in, too.
The whole look feels cohesive and peaceful, almost like everything just fits without trying too hard.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.