Picking the right blue paint really can turn a room around, and Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141 hits a sweet spot between bold and sophisticated. This muted blue-gray has cool undertones and a Light Reflectance Value of 13, so it’s great for adding depth and elegance—without shouting for attention.
Maybe you’re dreaming up an accent wall or a full room refresh. Understanding how Waterloo shifts in different light and which colors play nicely with it will help you nail your look.
This guide dives into Waterloo’s undertones, lighting quirks, and some real-life examples. You’ll get practical tips for pairing it with trims and coordinating colors, too.
Key Takeaways
- Waterloo SW 9141 is a muted blue-gray with cool undertones and a low LRV of 13
- Its look changes a lot with lighting and it works in many types of spaces
- Pairing it with warm whites and complementary accents helps create balanced color schemes
What Color Is Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141?
Waterloo SW 9141 lands somewhere between muted blue and gray, with a smoky, sophisticated vibe. This deep color stands out because of its unique technical specs.
Color Family
Waterloo belongs to the blue family, but it doesn’t scream “blue.” It’s muted, almost desaturated, which gives it a grown-up feel.
The gray undertones soften the blue, so you get a smoky, calming effect. It’s kind of dramatic, but not in an overwhelming way.
Think of Waterloo as a deep slate blue with a dose of gray. The cool undertones keep it modern and timeless.
It’s darker than most blue-grays, which adds depth and richness. You can use it as a neutral or let it be the star of the show.
Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)
Waterloo SW 9141 comes with some handy measurements to help you picture it in your space. Its Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is 13, which means it reflects just 13% of the light that hits it.
Anything under 20 on the LRV scale is considered dark, so Waterloo will make a room feel more intimate and cozy.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Sherwin Williams Number | SW 9141 |
| Light Reflectance Value | 13 |
| Color Temperature | Cool |
Because it doesn’t bounce much light around, you’ll want to be thoughtful about using Waterloo in small or dark rooms. It really shines in spaces with good natural light or as a bold accent.
Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141 Undertones
Waterloo SW 9141 hides some interesting undertones that shift depending on your space. The main ones? Gray, navy, and purple.
Sometimes you’ll catch a hint of dark green or olive if the lighting’s right. Here and there, people spot brown or lilac undertones too.
Lighting and surrounding colors influence which undertones pop out. Natural light brings out different vibes compared to artificial bulbs.
Gray undertones keep Waterloo calm and neutral. Navy undertones give it that extra depth and richness.
Purple undertones add a touch of sophistication, while green undertones sometimes show up in bright, sunny rooms.
All these mixed undertones make Waterloo a flexible blue-gray paint. What you see really depends on your lighting.
Those undertones help Waterloo play nicely with lots of other colors, and they explain why it can look totally different from one room to the next.
How Does Lighting Affect Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141?
Waterloo SW 9141 shifts throughout the day as the light changes. Natural light, artificial bulbs, and even the direction your windows face will all impact how this blue shows up.
Natural Lighting
Morning light softens Waterloo, making it lean more gray-blue. The warmth of sunrise pulls out subtle undertones.
Midday sun reveals the truest version of Waterloo—this is when the blue feels most balanced and honest.
Afternoon light darkens the paint a bit. The angle of the sun changes how those blue undertones pop.
Evening light brings out warmer undertones, so you might spot more purple or gray as the sun sets.
North-facing rooms make Waterloo cooler and grayer. South-facing rooms pull out the warmer, richer blues.
Artificial Lighting
Cool LED bulbs make Waterloo look crisp and blue, while warm LEDs bring out the gray and purple side.
Incandescent bulbs add warmth, muting the blue and sometimes making it look a bit gray-green.
Fluorescent lighting tends to wash Waterloo out, flattening the depth and making it less vibrant.
Dimmer switches change the mood at night. Lower light makes Waterloo deeper and can shift the undertones again.
Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141 LRV 13 (Light Reflectance Value)
Waterloo’s LRV of 13 means it’s a dark blue that soaks up most of the light. This low light reflectance means you’ll want to think about how and where you use it.
What Is LRV?
LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, measures how much visible light a color bounces back into a room.
The scale runs from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white). So, the higher the LRV, the brighter and airier the color will feel.
Colors with high LRV (50-100) reflect a lot of light and make spaces feel open. Colors with low LRV (0-30) absorb light, creating a moodier, cozier vibe.
Paint companies usually test and publish LRV numbers to help you predict how a color will actually look on your walls.
Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141 LRV Range
With an LRV of 13, Waterloo lands firmly in the dark color category. It absorbs about 87% of the light that hits it.
Rooms painted with Waterloo tend to feel more intimate—almost cocoon-like. It’s often best as an accent wall, not on every wall.
In a space with lots of natural light, Waterloo looks rich and dramatic. In darker rooms, it can feel a little heavy—maybe even too much, depending on your taste.
Pairing Waterloo with lighter, high-LRV colors helps balance things out and keeps your space from feeling too dark or closed in.
Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141 Coordinating Colors
Waterloo SW 9141 pairs up beautifully with crisp whites like Alabaster, soft blues like Megabyte, and versatile neutrals such as Repose Gray. These combos bring balance and work in all sorts of styles, from modern to classic.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster gives you a gorgeous contrast with Waterloo’s deep blue. This warm white doesn’t look cold or sterile next to the blue—it’s just right.
Try Alabaster on trim, ceilings, or neighboring walls to brighten up a room with Waterloo. It’s especially good in bedrooms and living rooms where you want both drama and light.
Popular combinations:
- Waterloo on one wall, Alabaster on the rest
- Waterloo cabinets with Alabaster countertops
- Waterloo front doors, Alabaster trim outside
The warm undertones in Alabaster keep things from clashing and help everything feel intentional.
Megabyte SW 6495
Megabyte is a lighter blue-gray that plays well with Waterloo’s richer tones. It creates a calm, cohesive look—like a gentle blue echo.
Use Megabyte where you want a softer blue, like bathrooms or guest rooms. It’s also handy for spaces with less natural light.
Effective pairings:
- Waterloo as the accent, Megabyte as the main wall color
- Waterloo for lower cabinets, Megabyte for uppers
- Waterloo furniture against Megabyte walls
Since the undertones are similar, the colors flow together naturally and add depth without overwhelming the room.
Repose Gray SW 7015
Repose Gray is a neutral that lets Waterloo stand out as an accent. Its warm undertones balance Waterloo’s coolness.
Try Repose Gray in main living areas and let Waterloo pop as a statement color. It keeps things cohesive but still interesting.
Smart applications:
- Repose Gray on main walls, Waterloo built-ins
- Repose Gray in bedrooms, Waterloo on the headboard wall
- Repose Gray kitchens, Waterloo islands
Repose Gray is great for open layouts because it connects spaces and allows Waterloo to shine where you want a focus.
Trim Colors For Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141
Waterloo SW 9141 looks stunning with crisp white trim, which pops against that deep blue. Pure White, Extra White, and Alabaster each bring their own level of warmth and brightness to the mix.
Pure White SW 7005
Pure White gives a clean, fresh edge to Waterloo’s moody blue. Its LRV of 84 makes it bright, but not blinding.
The neutral undertones in Pure White by Sherwin Williams SW 7005 play well with Waterloo’s cool side. You won’t see any weird color shifts.
This pairing works for both modern and classic homes. The contrast highlights details like trim and molding, making them stand out.
Pure White mostly stays true in any lighting, so you don’t have to worry about it turning yellow or pink next to Waterloo.
Extra White SW 7006
Extra White is the brightest trim option for Waterloo. With an LRV of 86, it bounces even more light around than Pure White.
This choice creates a sharp, clean contrast that makes Waterloo seem even deeper. It’s a great option for rooms with lots of sunlight.
Since Extra White barely has any undertone, it won’t fight with Waterloo’s complex color. It’s a safe bet if you want a crisp look.
Try this combo in kitchens, bathrooms, or bedrooms. The bright trim keeps Waterloo from feeling too heavy and brings balance to the room.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster adds warmth to the Waterloo and trim combo. This white is popular for its subtle warm undertones, which soften the look.
With an LRV of 82, Alabaster by Sherwin Williams SW 7008 feels a touch less bright than the other choices. That gentler contrast makes the space feel more relaxed.
Try this pairing in living rooms or bedrooms if you want a cozy vibe. The warm white keeps the room from feeling cold or stark.
Alabaster’s creamy undertones play nicely with Waterloo, letting its blue character shine without getting lost. Together, they create a timeless, elegant scheme.
Real World Examples Of Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141 In Different Spaces
Waterloo SW 9141 looks fantastic with colors that highlight its deep blue-gray vibe. Here are some ways to use Waterloo at home with other Sherwin Williams favorites.
Smoky Azurite SW 9148
Smoky Azurite and Waterloo make a gorgeous monochromatic palette. Paint your kitchen cabinets in Waterloo and try Smoky Azurite on the island for extra depth.
Open-concept spaces benefit from this duo. Their similar undertones keep things cohesive, but the contrast still defines separate areas.
Living rooms look great with a Waterloo accent wall and Smoky Azurite on built-ins. The darker Waterloo anchors the space, while Smoky Azurite prevents it from feeling too heavy.
Bedrooms feel calm and stylish with Waterloo on the headboard wall, and Smoky Azurite wrapping the rest. It’s cozy, but not overwhelming.
Daphne SW 9151
Daphne brings a fresh pop against Waterloo’s deeper shade. Paint main walls in Daphne and use Waterloo for trim or doors.
Bathrooms feel elegant with Daphne walls and Waterloo vanity cabinets. This combo is spa-like and relaxing, but not boring.
Home offices can use Waterloo behind the desk and Daphne around the rest. The contrast defines your workspace without being a distraction.
Nurseries thrive with Daphne on most walls and Waterloo accents on furniture or decor. It’s gentle and calming.
The light-dark play here can even make small rooms look bigger, while keeping things peaceful.
Blustery Sky SW 9140
Blustery Sky and Waterloo create a subtle gradient. Both have blue undertones, but the difference in intensity lets you layer them easily.
Dining rooms pop with Waterloo on the lower wall and Blustery Sky above a chair rail. It’s a modern twist on a classic look.
Try Waterloo cabinets in your kitchen and Blustery Sky on the walls. You’ll get depth and a cohesive color story.
Stairways benefit from Waterloo on lower walls and Blustery Sky above. It helps spaces flow between floors.
Master bedrooms feel plush with Waterloo behind the bed and Blustery Sky on the sides. The tonal shift adds interest without chaos.
Indigo Batik SW 7602
Indigo Batik brings richness to Waterloo’s muted base. Use Waterloo on big surfaces, then add Indigo Batik for drama.
Libraries or studies get a cozy, intellectual vibe with Waterloo on most walls and Indigo Batik on bookcases.
Your powder room can handle this bold pair. Paint walls in Waterloo and use Indigo Batik for accents or a statement wall.
Entryways stand out with Waterloo on the main wall and Indigo Batik on doors or trim. It’s a confident, stylish welcome.
Indigo Batik grounds Waterloo’s cool tones and adds needed warmth.
Gale Force SW 7605
Gale Force is a darker, moodier partner for Waterloo. Use them together for bold interiors that still feel inviting.
Man caves or media rooms work well with Waterloo on most walls and Gale Force as the feature behind the TV or sofa.
Formal dining rooms shine with Gale Force wainscoting and Waterloo above. It’s traditional, but with a modern edge.
Try Waterloo on bathroom walls and Gale Force on the vanity for a spa-like master bath.
Accent walls in Gale Force look striking when surrounded by Waterloo. It creates a focal point without overpowering the room.
Refuge SW 6228
Refuge brings a warm gray balance to Waterloo’s coolness. This combo feels modern yet timeless—never too trendy.
In open floor plans, use Waterloo in the kitchen and Refuge next door in the living area. The colors work together but still define each space.
Your bedroom gets a serene vibe with Refuge on three walls and Waterloo behind the headboard.
Hallways can use Refuge as a bridge, connecting rooms that feature Waterloo. It keeps the flow going.
Guest bedrooms feel welcoming with this balance. It’s calm, but not dull.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster is that crisp white that makes Waterloo pop. This classic combo fits pretty much any room or style.
Kitchens look fresh with Waterloo cabinets and Alabaster walls. The contrast makes both colors stand out.
Your living room benefits from Waterloo accent walls and Alabaster everywhere else. It’s dramatic, but not claustrophobic.
Trim work in Alabaster outlines Waterloo walls with clean, sharp edges. It really highlights the details.
Bedrooms feel balanced with Waterloo as a feature and Alabaster all around. White bedding and wood furniture complete the look.
Comparing Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141 To Similar Colors
Waterloo’s deep blue-gray brings out the best in neutral whites and beiges. Here’s how it stacks up next to some popular light neutrals for balanced color schemes.
Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141 vs Pure White SW 7005
Pure White gives the strongest contrast to Waterloo’s deep tones. This pairing is classic and crisp, letting both colors stand out.
The difference in light reflection is huge. Pure White bounces nearly all light, while Waterloo absorbs most of it.
Try Pure White on trim, ceilings, or accent walls if Waterloo is your main color. It fits both modern and traditional rooms.
Both have cool undertones, so Pure White won’t fight Waterloo’s blue-gray base.
This combo adds depth. The contrast helps highlight architectural features and keeps boundaries clear.
Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141 vs Redend Point SW 9081
Redend Point brings out warm red undertones, creating an intriguing contrast with Waterloo’s cool vibe. It’s a richer relationship than just using neutrals.
Redend Point’s warmth softens Waterloo’s intensity. The blend feels comfortable and inviting.
Try Redend Point in nearby rooms or as an accent. The warm-cool play adds interest without being loud.
Both colors have similar depth, so neither one takes over. They’re solid partners for a sophisticated palette.
This pairing fits living spaces where you want comfort and a touch of elegance. They also look great with wood and natural textures.
Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141 vs Antique White SW 6119
Antique White offers a softer take than pure white. Its warm undertones ease the transition from Waterloo’s deep blue-gray.
The creamy touch in Antique White warms up rooms with a lot of Waterloo. It keeps the space from feeling chilly.
Use Antique White for trim or ceilings. You’ll get contrast, but the mood is more relaxed and lived-in than bright whites.
Both shades have a classic feel. This combo works in traditional and transitional designs—never feels dated.
The difference in light reflection is enough to brighten the space, but not so much that it feels harsh.
Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141 vs Accessible Beige SW 7036
Accessible Beige brings neutral warmth to balance Waterloo’s coolness. This pairing feels welcoming and comfortable.
The beige acts as a bridge between Waterloo and other warm elements like wood floors or furniture.
Try Accessible Beige in hallways or next to rooms painted in Waterloo. It keeps the flow without overpowering the blue-gray.
Both colors have substance. Together, they create a sophisticated look that works for casual or formal settings.
This combination even supports warm beige undertones found in many trendy grays. They play well together without competing.
Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141 vs Aged White SW 9180
Aged White brings vintage, weathered charm to Waterloo’s richness. This combo has real character.
The slightly gray undertones in Aged White naturally match Waterloo’s blue-gray. Both share cool qualities for easy harmony.
Use Aged White on cabinets, trim, or furniture with Waterloo walls. It feels intentional and collected.
Both colors are understated and sophisticated. They suit farmhouse, traditional, or transitional styles without effort.
The contrast is moderate, so it defines spaces without being jarring. It feels comfortable and lived-in, not stiff.
Complementary Colors To Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141
Waterloo SW 9141 pairs effortlessly with warm neutrals and classic whites. These combos bring out its cool blue-gray side while keeping things sophisticated, whether you lean modern or traditional.
Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141 with Pure White SW 7005
Pure White SW 7005 delivers a crisp, clean contrast to Waterloo’s moody blue-gray. This pairing gives a fresh, airy vibe—perfect for coastal or contemporary looks.
The bright white lifts darker rooms when Waterloo covers big wall areas. Use Pure White on trim, ceilings, or accent walls to give your eyes a break.
This combo works in bathrooms and bedrooms if you’re after a calming atmosphere. The cool blue and pure white feel spa-like and peaceful.
Color pairing tips:
- Try Waterloo on accent walls with Pure White everywhere else
- Use Pure White for all trim and molding to keep things sharp
- Consider Pure White ceilings to bounce more light around
Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141 with Redend Point SW 9081
Redend Point SW 9081 brings a cozy warmth that really balances out Waterloo’s cool undertones. This soft, peachy-beige pops against the blue and somehow manages to feel both modern and classic at the same time.
The warm beige keeps Waterloo from turning cold or harsh in your space. I find this combo especially inviting in living rooms or dining areas, where you want a bit of sophistication without losing that sense of comfort.
Try using Redend Point on most of your walls and let Waterloo shine as an accent. That way, you get depth and drama, but it never feels too heavy or dark.
Best applications:
- Redend Point for main walls, Waterloo for a feature wall
- Great in rooms that don’t get a ton of sunlight
- Works wonders in open floor plans that connect different spaces
Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141 with Antique White SW 6119
Antique White SW 6119 gives you a softer alternative to bright white when you pair it with Waterloo. This creamy white has just enough warmth to play nicely with Waterloo’s blue-gray vibe.
The gentle creaminess of Antique White keeps things from feeling chilly or sterile. You’ll get an elegant, timeless look that really fits in both traditional and transitional spaces.
Try Antique White on trim, cabinets, or even on nearby walls to tie everything together. That subtle cream tint adds a little richness without stealing the spotlight from Waterloo.
Design applications:
- Kitchen cabinets in Antique White, with a Waterloo island
- Waterloo in the dining room, Antique White on the wainscoting
- Bedroom walls in Antique White and a Waterloo accent wall
Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141 with Accessible Beige SW 7036
Accessible Beige SW 7036 gives you that ideal neutral to balance Waterloo’s boldness. It has gray undertones that blend so well with Waterloo’s blue-gray base.
This combo feels grounded and sophisticated, but never stuffy or overdone. Accessible Beige brings a little warmth, which helps if Waterloo alone feels too cool for your taste.
I love this pairing in open layouts where you want colors to flow but still have a standout moment. Accessible Beige lets Waterloo take center stage, while offering those much-needed visual breaks.
Room combinations:
- Living room in Accessible Beige, Waterloo on the fireplace wall
- Hallways in Accessible Beige, leading into Waterloo-painted rooms
- Home office with Accessible Beige walls and Waterloo built-ins
Waterloo by Sherwin Williams SW 9141 with Aged White SW 9180
Pairing Aged White SW 9180 with Waterloo gives a space vintage charm and a dash of modern sophistication. This white, with its slight gray tint, adds a soft, layered feel that almost seems collected over the years.
The gentle gray hints in Aged White pick up on Waterloo’s own gray notes. Together, they tell a color story that feels thoughtful and a bit refined—almost like it just happened naturally.
If you want character in a room but don’t love bold contrast, this combo might be just right. Those similar undertones add some depth and keep things calm and cohesive.
Style applications:
- Farmhouse kitchens—think Aged White cabinets and Waterloo walls
- Master bedrooms with lots of layered neutral textiles
- Powder rooms where Aged White wainscoting meets Waterloo upper walls
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.