Picking paint colors can feel like a headache, but a few shades make things easier. Sherwin Williams Neutral Ground SW 7568 brings together beige, gray, and soft khaki undertones for a balanced backdrop in just about any room.
This color stays calm without looking flat or cold. Depending on the lighting, it shifts—sometimes you’ll see more beige in warm light, other times it leans gray in cooler spaces.
That chameleon quality makes it easy to match with light trims or bolder accents. You get a lot of freedom to create a look that feels pulled together and classic.
Want a cozy living room, a fresh kitchen, or a mellow bedroom? Neutral Ground adapts without hogging the spotlight. Its warmth ties together different design styles, so it works for both modern and traditional spaces.
Key Takeaways
- Neutral Ground SW 7568 gives you a warm, balanced neutral
- Lighting can totally change its vibe
- Pairs well with both light trims and bold accents
What Color Is Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568?
Neutral Ground SW 7568 sits right between beige and gray. It’s soft, warm, and flexible, thanks to subtle undertones that shift with light and whatever else is in the room.
Color Family
This one lands in the warm neutral family, leaning toward light beige with gentle gray in the mix. It’s not a bright white, but it never feels heavy or dark either.
In daylight, it can look a bit creamy. Under artificial light, more gray comes out. That balance is great if you want a neutral paint color that’s warm but not yellow.
Some designers call it a khaki-inspired shade that adds softness without taking over a room. You can pair it with crisp whites for a clean look, or go for contrast with navy or charcoal.
Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)
Sherwin Williams gives Neutral Ground SW 7568 these values:
- Hex: #DDD6CA
- RGB: (221, 214, 202)
- Light Reflectance Value (LRV): 70
With an LRV of 70, it reflects plenty of light, so rooms feel brighter without being stark. It’s lighter than most beiges but softer than a true white.
The RGB mix leans a bit warmer—red and green outpace blue—so you get a cozy, approachable feel that still reads as neutral.
Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568 Undertones
Neutral Ground isn’t just plain white. It’s warm, with subtle khaki and beige undertones that make it feel grounded and soft.
In bright light, a slight yellow tint pops out, making things warmer. In dim light, it shifts toward muted taupe, keeping things balanced.
Here’s how the undertones show up:
| Lighting | Undertone Appearance |
|---|---|
| Natural daylight | Soft beige with a hint of yellow |
| Warm artificial light | Stronger khaki or tan look |
| Low light | More taupe and muted beige |
Thanks to these undertones, you can match Neutral Ground with crisp whites for contrast or use deep colors like navy for balance. It’s easy to use in different rooms without feeling too stark or too heavy.
Honestly, it’s a warm neutral that shifts a bit with lighting but always stays soft and inviting.
How Does Lighting Affect Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568?
Lighting changes this color a lot. Warmer or cooler tones pop out, and the paint can feel different depending on where you use it.
Natural Lighting
In rooms with south-facing windows, Neutral Ground looks warmer and creamier. Sunlight brings out the beige, making the space feel cozier.
With north-facing light, the color shifts cooler. You’ll see more gray, so walls feel softer and a bit muted.
In east-facing rooms, the paint is brighter and warmer in the morning but settles into a more neutral look by afternoon. West-facing light does the reverse—it’s lighter early in the day, then turns warmer and richer as evening comes around.
It’s worth testing samples on different walls. The same color can look creamy in one corner and cooler in another, all thanks to natural light.
Artificial Lighting
Under warm bulbs (like soft white or incandescent), Neutral Ground shifts more beige—great for a cozy feel in living rooms or bedrooms.
With cooler bulbs (like daylight LEDs), gray undertones come forward. The space feels cleaner and maybe a bit more modern, but less warm.
If you mix lighting—lamps and overheads—you might see both undertones at once. It can look balanced, but don’t expect the color to stay the same all day.
Try to match your bulb color temperature if you want the shade to look consistent at night. It helps keep surprises to a minimum.
Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568 LRV 70 (Light Reflectance Value)
This paint color bounces back a lot of light, so rooms feel bright but not harsh. Its LRV puts it in the light range, which matters for how it looks in different spaces.
What Is LRV?
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) tells you how much light a color reflects. The scale goes from 0 (black) to 100 (white).
Higher LRV means more light bounces back; lower LRV means the color soaks up more. This helps you guess how light or dark a paint will look once it’s on your walls.
- LRV 0–40: Dark colors
- LRV 41–60: Mid-tones
- LRV 61–100: Light colors
When picking paint, LRV can help you decide if a shade will brighten up a space or create a cozier, muted feel. It’s especially handy in rooms with little natural light.
Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568 LRV Range
Neutral Ground lands at an LRV of about 70–71, so it’s definitely in the light category. It reflects a lot of light, but isn’t as bright as pure white.
In sunny rooms, it feels soft and warm. In darker spaces, it still keeps things from feeling boxed in.
Since it’s near the middle of the light range, it’s a solid main wall color. You can pair it with darker accents or lighter trims—lots of design flexibility.
This balance makes Neutral Ground easy to use in open floor plans, hallways, and shared spaces where you want a light backdrop that’s not too stark.
Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568 Coordinating Colors
This warm neutral plays well with earthy shades and bolder accents. You can pair it with muted greens, deep blacks, or creamy off-whites for contrast or harmony.
Oyster Bay SW 6206
Oyster Bay SW 6206 adds a calm, natural vibe to spaces painted in Neutral Ground. It’s a muted green with gray undertones, so it feels soft and never overwhelming.
Pairing these two gives you a grounded, organic look. Neutral Ground stays warm, while Oyster Bay adds a cool touch. If you want to bring a bit of nature inside without going full green, this combo is a winner.
Try Oyster Bay on cabinets, accent walls, or even furniture. It highlights the warmth of Neutral Ground and keeps the space cozy. Check out Oyster Bay for more details on the color.
Tricorn Black SW 6258
If you’re after contrast, Tricorn Black SW 6258 is a solid pick. It’s a true black with no weird undertones, so it sets off Neutral Ground’s softness in a big way.
Try Tricorn Black on doors, window frames, or trim. It makes architectural details pop and gives a room some structure. The combo feels modern but not cold—kind of timeless, actually.
This black also works in kitchens or bathrooms on cabinets or hardware. The balance between Neutral Ground and Tricorn Black keeps things crisp but not too harsh.
Natural Choice SW 7011
Natural Choice SW 7011 is a soft off-white with beige undertones that goes hand-in-hand with Neutral Ground. Its high LRV brightens spaces but never feels cold or sterile. Together, you get a warm, layered neutral palette.
This combo is great for open layouts where you want a little variation without strong contrast. Use Neutral Ground on the walls and Natural Choice on trim, ceilings, or in connecting rooms.
If you’re after a light, airy feel that’s still welcoming, this pairing works. You can read more about Natural Choice if you’re curious how it looks in real spaces.
Trim Colors For Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568
When picking trim for Neutral Ground, you want to balance its warm tan base. The right trim either highlights that subtle warmth or tones down yellow-green hints for a smoother transition.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster SW 7008 is a super popular trim choice because it’s clean but not too stark. With an LRV of 82, it bounces back plenty of light and makes trim stand out against Neutral Ground’s softer tone.
This shade brings a warm undertone, so it doesn’t look too sharp. That keeps your trim feeling fresh but still welcoming. It really shines in rooms with natural light, where Alabaster’s brightness adds to the airy vibe.
If you want trim that’s crisp but not icy, Alabaster is a safe bet. It also plays nicely with wood floors or cabinets since it won’t clash with warm wood tones.
Shoji White SW 7042
Shoji White SW 7042 leans warmer than Alabaster and brings a soft greige vibe. If you want your trim to blend more gently with Neutral Ground instead of popping out, this one’s a solid bet.
This color has a muted quality that works in both modern and traditional spaces. It feels a little creamier, so instead of creating strong contrast, it subtly frames your walls.
If you’re after trim that feels understated and cohesive, Shoji White deserves a look. It’s best in rooms where you want a calm, seamless vibe without the starkness of a true white.
Creamy SW 7012
Creamy SW 7012 is definitely the warmest of the bunch. Its gentle yellow undertones add a soft, cozy feel that matches Neutral Ground’s tan base really well.
This trim color isn’t about contrast—it’s about harmony. It blends in, creating a warm transition that feels inviting, especially if your space has warm lighting or golden wood finishes.
If you want trim that feels soft and homey, Creamy is a strong match. It keeps the palette warm and consistent without bringing in cooler notes.
Real World Examples Of Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568 In Different Spaces
Neutral Ground really shines in spaces where you want warmth but don’t want the starkness of pure white. Its khaki and soft yellow undertones make it flexible for both modern and traditional styles.
Lighting can totally shift how it looks from room to room.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms painted in Neutral Ground get a light, clean backdrop that never feels sterile. The warmth in the undertones balances out cool surfaces like tile or chrome fixtures.
If your bathroom lacks natural light, this shade still brightens things up but stays cozy. In a bathroom with southern exposure, Neutral Ground softens and leans toward a creamy off-white.
Pair it with white trim for a crisp look or try brushed nickel hardware for subtle contrast. For a spa feel, toss in sage green or muted blue accents.
Neutral Ground loves natural stone countertops, beige tiles, and wood vanities.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms done in Neutral Ground feel calm, restful, and inviting. The soft warmth makes a cozy backdrop for both kids’ and adult rooms.
In a nursery, the color stays timeless as your child grows, and you can swap out decor without repainting. In a main bedroom, it pairs nicely with warm wood furniture or an upholstered headboard.
North-facing rooms may make the color look more muted, while south-facing rooms bring out its warmth. It also looks great with ivory bedding, tan rugs, and soft gray curtains.
Front Doors
Painting a front door in Neutral Ground gives you a subtle, welcoming entry. It’s not as bold as navy or black, but sometimes that’s the whole point.
This shade pairs nicely with brick exteriors, stonework, or warm beige siding. If your home rocks white trim, the door stands out as a warmer accent without being too loud.
Darker hardware like oil-rubbed bronze or matte black adds contrast. Frame the door with greenery or dark shutters to highlight those soft khaki tones if you want more depth.
Home Offices
Neutral Ground creates a balanced backdrop in home offices that helps cut down visual distractions. The warm undertones keep things inviting but still professional.
In offices with lots of natural light, the color appears brighter and softer. Dimmer spaces make it lean a bit darker, which can help you focus.
Pair it with white shelving for a clean look or darker wood desks for contrast. Muted accent walls in navy, olive, or charcoal give the workspace more definition.
Houses
On exteriors, Neutral Ground gives a soft, warm look that suits a bunch of architectural styles. It’s light enough to brighten a facade but has enough depth to avoid looking washed out in sunlight.
This shade pairs well with white trim for a classic feel or charcoal shutters for contrast. It also plays nicely with stone, brick, or wood siding.
The khaki undertones don’t feel harsh against landscaping greenery. Want a coastal vibe? Add blue accents. Going for farmhouse? Combine with black windows or doors.
Kitchen Cabinets
Neutral Ground can give kitchen cabinets a warm, updated look without being too bright. It’s softer than pure white but still keeps the space feeling open.
It balances well with warm flooring like oak or brick. In modern kitchens, it pairs with white walls and dark islands for a nice contrast.
Cabinet finishes in satin or semi-gloss show off the color best, adding a bit of sheen and durability. Brushed brass or matte black hardware pops against the creamy undertones and gives your cabinets a polished finish.
Living Rooms
Living rooms painted in Neutral Ground get an easy, versatile backdrop for all kinds of furniture. The warm undertones keep things from feeling cold, especially if you get a lot of natural light.
It works with both gray sofas and tan leather chairs, so mixing materials isn’t a problem. If you have a stone or brick fireplace, this color softens the look without hiding the texture.
For a layered effect, add white trim around windows and built-ins. Accent colors like navy, muted green, or terracotta work well with the warmth of the walls.
Comparing Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568 To Similar Colors
Neutral Ground SW 7568 is a warm off-white with khaki undertones that shifts depending on the light. When you line it up with other soft neutrals, you start to notice the differences in warmth, depth, and those sneaky undertones that totally change a room’s vibe.
Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568 vs Pearly White SW 7009
Pearly White SW 7009 comes out lighter and brighter than Neutral Ground. With an LRV of 77, it reflects more light than Neutral Ground’s 70, so it’s a better pick for dim spaces.
While Neutral Ground leans khaki with a soft beige cast, Pearly White has a creamy-gray mix that avoids yellow tones. Pearly White looks cleaner, while Neutral Ground feels warmer and a bit more grounded.
If you want a neutral with some depth, Neutral Ground is a solid choice. But if you’re after a softer, brighter backdrop, Pearly White might be the way to go.
Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568 vs Navajo White SW 6126
Navajo White SW 6126 is a classic warm cream with stronger yellow undertones than Neutral Ground. That makes it look richer and a bit more traditional.
Neutral Ground balances beige and khaki without getting too yellow, so it’s easier to pair with cooler accents like soft grays or muted greens.
If you want a cozy, golden warmth, Navajo White gives you that. For a more adaptable neutral that doesn’t go yellow, Neutral Ground is the safer call.
Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568 vs Shoji White SW 7042
Shoji White SW 7042 is a greige-leaning off-white with subtle gray undertones. Compared to Neutral Ground, it feels cooler and more muted.
Neutral Ground’s warmth makes a space feel welcoming, while Shoji White offers a more modern, subdued look. In north-facing rooms, Shoji White can look a bit flat, while Neutral Ground keeps its warmth.
If you like neutrals that blend with gray palettes, Shoji White could work. For a classic, slightly warmer backdrop, Neutral Ground is probably the better pick.
Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568 vs Ethereal White SW 6182
Ethereal White SW 6182 is a soft off-white with a faint green-gray undertone, so it reads cooler than Neutral Ground’s khaki warmth.
In bright light, Ethereal White looks airy and fresh, while Neutral Ground holds onto its cozy, beige feel. The undertone difference matters—Ethereal White might pick up green, while Neutral Ground leans yellow-beige.
If you want a crisp but not stark neutral, Ethereal White is a good pick. But if you prefer a warmer, more versatile shade, Neutral Ground is more reliable.
Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568 vs Natural Choice SW 7011
Natural Choice SW 7011 is a creamy off-white with beige undertones. It reads softer and lighter than Neutral Ground, and its higher reflectance makes it a good fit for low-light spaces.
Neutral Ground feels more grounded with its khaki tint, giving a room more depth. Natural Choice, on the other hand, creates a lighter, airier backdrop.
If you’re torn between Neutral Ground vs Natural Choice, think about whether you want a cozier vibe (Neutral Ground) or a fresher, lighter feel (Natural Choice). Both play well with warm neutrals like Accessible Beige.
Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568 vs Ivory Lace SW 7013
Ivory Lace SW 7013 is a creamy white with a soft yellow undertone. It feels brighter and more delicate than Neutral Ground.
Neutral Ground’s khaki tone gives it more weight, so it’s better for big spaces where you want warmth but not starkness. Ivory Lace is great for smaller rooms or trim where you want a clean, soft finish.
For a true creamy white, Ivory Lace is your match. If you need a warm neutral with more depth and flexibility, Neutral Ground is the way to go.
Complementary Colors To Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568
Pairing Neutral Ground SW 7568 with deeper blues creates a nice balance between warmth and richness. The soft khaki undertones of Neutral Ground anchor a space, while navy and blue tones bring in depth and contrast.
Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568 with Naval SW 6244
When you mix Neutral Ground with Naval SW 6244, you get a timeless combo of warm and cool. Neutral Ground’s creamy base softens Naval’s deep navy, making the darker shade feel less intense.
This pairing works especially well in living or dining rooms. Use Neutral Ground on the walls and Naval on built-ins, cabinets, or an accent wall. The contrast highlights architectural details but keeps the space calm.
Lighting makes a big difference here. Natural light makes Naval pop against the warm backdrop, while dimmer light gives things a cozier, more dramatic feel. Together, these two colors create a palette that’s both sophisticated and easy to live with.
Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568 with Needlepoint Navy SW 0032
Needlepoint Navy brings a softer, slightly vintage vibe compared to other navy shades. Next to Neutral Ground, the warmth of the neutral makes the navy stand out without taking over the room.
This combo is great in bedrooms or offices where you want a grounded, traditional look. Neutral Ground can cover most of the space, while Needlepoint Navy works on trim, doors, or furniture.
The pairing feels elegant but not stuffy. If you keep accessories simple—maybe brass hardware or natural wood accents—the two colors really get to shine.
Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568 with Rainstorm SW 6230
Rainstorm brings a rich, dark blue with just a hint of teal. Pair it with Neutral Ground, and you get this unexpected mix of warmth and coolness.
Neutral Ground’s khaki undertone really softens Rainstorm’s bold vibe. Suddenly, that blue feels so much more flexible.
I’d try this duo in kitchens or bathrooms. Maybe paint the walls in Neutral Ground and go bold with Rainstorm on the cabinets or island. The contrast grabs your attention, but it doesn’t shout.
Since Rainstorm has that touch of green, it actually works great with natural materials—think stone or wood. That’s probably why the combo feels earthy and balanced, not too cold or too warm.
Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568 with Dress Blues SW 9176
Dress Blues brings a strong, saturated navy, kind of classic and a little bit military. When you put it next to Neutral Ground, suddenly the whole thing feels crisp and structured.
The soft neutral keeps Dress Blues from getting too harsh. I’d use this pairing in entryways or hallways if you want to make a statement.
Dress Blues on doors or an accent wall really pops against the subtle backdrop of Neutral Ground. You can even toss in some metallic touches—brushed gold or bronze look especially sharp here.
The contrast feels bold, but there’s still something welcoming about it. It just works, whether your style leans modern or traditional. Funny how color can do that.
Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568 with Indigo Batik SW 7602
Indigo Batik offers a deep, inky blue that somehow stays soft. When you pair it with Neutral Ground, you end up with a look that feels both modern and kind of timeless.
This combo really shines in bedrooms or dining rooms. Neutral Ground keeps things light, while Indigo Batik adds just the right amount of depth.
I’d use Indigo Batik on an accent wall, wainscoting, or maybe some furniture. The pairing loves layered textures—natural fabrics, woven rugs, matte finishes.
Those little details help bridge the warmth of Neutral Ground and the cool richness of Indigo Batik. It’s a small thing, but it makes all the difference.
Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams SW 7568 with Smoky Blue SW 7604
Smoky Blue leans medium-dark, with gray undertones that give it a softer, more muted vibe. Put it next to Neutral Ground, and suddenly the whole space feels relaxed and genuinely inviting.
You’ll see this combo shine in family rooms, kitchens, or even on exteriors. Neutral Ground lays down a warm base, while Smoky Blue brings in just enough contrast—never too loud, but never boring either.
Those gray notes in Smoky Blue help it blend right in with natural stone, soft fabrics, or wood finishes. It’s a palette that just feels calm and easy to be around, like it’s not 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.