Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080: Color Guide & Tips

Searching for a paint color that feels warm but still grounded? Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams (SW 9080) is a muted red with soft brown undertones that brings depth without overwhelming a space. Its earthy vibe makes it easy to use, whether you want a cozy accent wall or a rich backdrop for furniture and décor.

This shade really does shift with light—sometimes it looks deeper and moodier in low light, but in bright spaces, it softens up and feels more welcoming. The balance of red and brown gives it a natural warmth, so it’s easy to pair with neutrals, greens, or muted blues if you’re building out a palette.

If you get a handle on its undertones, light reflectance value, and which colors play well with it, Hushed Auburn can help you put together a space that’s both stylish and comfortable. It’s one of those colors that just feels good to live with.

Key Takeaways

• Hushed Auburn is a muted red with earthy undertones.
• Lighting shifts its depth and warmth throughout the day.
• It pairs well with neutrals, greens, and muted blues.

What Color Is Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080?

Hushed Auburn is a medium, earthy red with brown undertones that feels warm and grounded. It gives off a natural look that works in both modern and traditional spaces without ever being too bold or flashy.

Color Family

Hushed Auburn sits in the red family, but it’s far from a bright or fire-engine red. It leans more muted, almost clay-like, with hints of brown and rose.

This makes it feel grounded, kind of like terracotta or worn leather. You can use it in living rooms, dining spaces, or even on cabinetry, and it won’t take over the room.

If you want warmth but don’t want to veer into orange or burgundy, this color’s earthy base gives you flexibility. Pair it with neutrals, muted blues, or soft greens for a cozy, refined look.

Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)

Hushed Auburn has specific values that help you match it up for different uses:

• Hex Code: #a8857a
• RGB Values: 66% Red, 52% Green, 48% Blue
• Light Reflectance Value (LRV): 26

With an LRV of 26, it reflects a moderate amount of light. It’s not super dark, but it won’t brighten things up either.

In bright spots, it looks softer and warmer. In low light, it deepens and feels richer. These codes come in handy if you’re working with digital designs or comparing paint samples.

Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080 Undertones

When you look at Hushed Auburn (SW 9080), you’ll spot that it isn’t just a plain red. Instead, you get soft brown and rose undertones that keep it grounded and natural. This mix keeps the color from feeling harsh or too bold.

The undertones lean warm, so the shade feels cozy and inviting. You might catch hints of clay, terracotta, or aged leather depending on your room’s light. It’s subtle, but it makes the color versatile.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Undertone	Effect in a Room
Brown	Adds depth and warmth
Rose	Brings a gentle softness
Red-Orange	Creates an earthy, clay-like feel

Lighting really changes what you see. In bright natural light, the red tones pop more. In lower or artificial light, the brown comes through, making it look richer.

These undertones help Hushed Auburn pair nicely with warm neutrals, muted blues, or green-grays. It’s easy to coordinate with other colors at home.

How Does Lighting Affect Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080?

This color shifts noticeably depending on the light source. In bright daylight, it looks warmer and more vibrant. In dim or artificial light, it can appear deeper and more muted.

Natural Lighting

Natural light changes Hushed Auburn throughout the day. In the morning, when the light is cooler, you might see more of its soft rose or clay undertones. By afternoon, as sunlight warms up, the color leans richer and closer to terracotta.

Rooms with big windows make this shade feel brighter and more open. North-facing rooms with less light? It’ll look darker and more subdued there.

Tip: If you’re thinking about this color for a room with little natural light, try a sample on a few different walls. It’s worth seeing how shadows and sunlight shift the depth.

Artificial Lighting

Artificial lighting can change Hushed Auburn, too. Warm incandescent or LED bulbs boost the red and brown, making things feel cozy and inviting. That’s great for bedrooms, dining rooms, or reading nooks.

Cool fluorescent or bright white LEDs can mute the warmth, so the color sometimes looks browner or more neutral. You’ll notice this in kitchens or offices where cooler bulbs are common.

Quick guide:

• Warm bulbs (2700K–3000K): richer, warmer look
• Neutral bulbs (3500K–4000K): balanced, earthy tone
• Cool bulbs (5000K+): muted, less red

Trying out different bulbs lets you tweak whether the color feels bold or more low-key.

Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080 LRV 26 (Light Reflectance Value)

This color only reflects a small amount of light, so it shows up richer and deeper on walls. Knowing its LRV helps you predict how it’ll look in your rooms.

What Is LRV?

LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, measures how much light a paint color bounces back on a scale from 0 to 100. Zero is pure black, and 100 is pure white.

Looking at LRV helps you guess whether a color will feel bright or dark in a space. Higher numbers bounce more light, lower numbers soak it up.

This info helps you plan for natural versus artificial light at home. It can save you from surprises, like a color turning out darker than you thought.

By checking LRV, you can compare colors and decide if a shade works best for a big wall, trim, or just an accent.

Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080 LRV Range

Hushed Auburn has an LRV of 26. That puts it on the darker side, so it absorbs more light and feels cozy and grounded.

In natural daylight, it softens up so you see more of those muted red and brown undertones. Under artificial light, it often feels warmer and a bit more intimate.

You can use this depth to play off lighter neutrals or pair it with wood tones for balance. Since it’s not super dark, it still works in medium-sized rooms without making them feel boxed in.

This LRV makes Hushed Auburn a solid pick for accent walls, cabinetry, or anywhere you want a comfortable, welcoming vibe.

Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080 Coordinating Colors

Pairing Hushed Auburn with the right supporting shades brings out the best in this color. Neutral whites, bold blues, and earthy taupes all highlight something different in this warm auburn.

Greek Villa SW 7551

Greek Villa SW 7551 works as a clean and soft backdrop, letting Hushed Auburn take center stage. It’s a warm, creamy white that feels bright without being harsh. It’s a good pick if you want light walls but still want some coziness.

Greek Villa reflects light, so it stops darker shades like Hushed Auburn from feeling too heavy. The combo feels balanced—fresh but still grounded.

Try it on trim, ceilings, or in adjacent rooms. Using Greek Villa with Hushed Auburn gives you a subtle contrast and highlights architectural details, all while keeping things soft and welcoming.

Smoky Blue SW 7604

Smoky Blue SW 7604 brings bold, cool contrast to Hushed Auburn’s warmth. This deep blue is muted, so it feels sophisticated, not overwhelming. When you pair it with auburn, you get a strong, balanced look.

You might put Smoky Blue on cabinetry, accent walls, or even furniture. It works in living rooms and dining areas where you want a layered, rich feel.

The mix of warm and cool tones keeps things from feeling too one-note. If you want depth and variety, this is a great pairing.

Warm Stone SW 7032

Warm Stone SW 7032 is a medium taupe with earthy undertones that blend right in with Hushed Auburn. It offers a grounded, neutral base that helps tie your palette together.

This shade works for bigger surfaces like walls or built-ins when you want a calm backdrop with a touch of warmth. Pairing it with Hushed Auburn gives you a soft transition between rich color and lighter accents.

Try Warm Stone in flooring, rugs, or textiles to echo those earthy tones. The whole mix feels inviting, and it’s easy to layer in wood or leather for extra texture.

Trim Colors For Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080

Pairing Hushed Auburn with the right trim color balances its warm, earthy undertones and helps the walls stand out. Soft, clean whites work best—they give you contrast without making things feel cold or stark.

Shoji White SW 7042

If you want a trim color that’s warm but not too creamy, Shoji White is a great option. It sits somewhere between white and beige, with a subtle greige vibe that softens the edges of Hushed Auburn. It never looks harsh, so your walls keep their cozy feel but still have definition.

Shoji White works especially well in rooms with natural light. Its warm undertone keeps the trim from looking too bright or cold, even in shaded corners. That makes it versatile if your space faces north or east, where the light can be cooler.

You’ll see how Shoji White frames the auburn walls with a gentle contrast. Instead of fighting with the wall color, it just complements it. Check out more about Shoji White if you want a reliable trim choice.

Greek Villa SW 7551

Greek Villa is a clean, soft white that’s brighter than Shoji White but still has a hint of warmth. It draws a crisp line against Hushed Auburn, making the color pop without feeling too sharp. If you like a fresh, airy look, this is a solid trim color.

This shade shines in spaces where you want to maximize light. Its higher reflectance keeps the room feeling open, even with a darker wall color. Greek Villa can also balance out the depth of Hushed Auburn in smaller rooms by adding some brightness.

The slight warmth in Greek Villa stops it from looking sterile. Instead, you get a polished finish that ties the space together, especially if you use light furnishings or natural wood.

Snowbound SW 7004

If you’re after a trim color with a cooler edge, Snowbound is a pretty versatile pick. Its subtle undertones shift with the light—sometimes you’ll catch hints of gray, other times a touch of cream.

This chameleon quality helps it adapt, especially in spaces where daylight changes things up hour by hour.

When you put Snowbound next to Hushed Auburn, you get a crisp contrast that gives your walls a sharp, defined edge. It doesn’t feel as warm as Shoji White or Greek Villa, so if you’re into a palette that balances warm and cool, this one’s a solid choice.

Since it’s not blindingly bright, Snowbound won’t look harsh against darker walls. Instead, it delivers a modern, refined trim that somehow keeps the room feeling fresh.

If you want to dig deeper, check out Snowbound—you’ll see how it shifts in different lighting.

Real World Examples Of Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080 In Different Spaces

This muted red-brown works in small and large rooms, bringing warmth without shouting for attention. It’s great for highlighting architectural details, adding contrast to lighter neutrals, or just giving depth to everyday living spaces.

Bathrooms

Hushed Auburn in a bathroom? It instantly makes things feel cozy and grounded. On the walls, it looks great with warm white trim and soft beige tile, creating a spa vibe that’s not too dark.

Not into colored walls? Try painting a vanity instead. That rich shade pops against marble or quartz counters.

To keep things from feeling heavy, mix in soft lighting, brushed gold hardware, or a little natural wood. Suddenly the bathroom feels warm, but still fresh and inviting.

Bedrooms

In bedrooms, Hushed Auburn sets a restful, intimate mood. Its earthy undertones bring calm, especially with soft bedding in cream, tan, or muted gray.

Paint an accent wall behind the bed to add depth—especially helpful in smaller bedrooms where you want warmth, not darkness.

Natural textures like linen curtains, woven baskets, or wood furniture help balance the color. A few bronze lamps or metallic frames add just enough contrast.

Front Doors

Painting your front door Hushed Auburn makes your home look inviting. It stands out, but not in a way that screams for attention—nice if you want something besides black or navy.

It’s especially good with neutral siding like beige, cream, or light gray. Up against brick, it blends right in with those earthy tones.

Go for matte black hardware if you like a modern look, or brass if you want it warmer. Some potted greenery nearby? That’ll make your entryway feel even more welcoming.

Home Offices

Hushed Auburn helps you build a home office that feels productive and comfortable—never cold or stark, which is huge if you’re working long hours.

Try it on all four walls for a cocoon effect, or just behind the desk for a bit of focus. Either way, it grounds the space.

This shade plays well with muted greens, soft grays, or natural wood desks. Good warm lighting keeps the room inviting, not dim.

Houses

On a house exterior, Hushed Auburn adds character without being flashy. Use it as a main color on smaller homes or as an accent for shutters and trim on bigger ones.

Its muted vibe lets it blend with stone, brick, and wood. It also looks right at home with neutral roofs like charcoal, brown, or weathered gray.

Pair it with lighter trim—off-white or beige—to highlight details and keep things looking cohesive.

Kitchen Cabinets

Paint kitchen cabinets in Hushed Auburn and you’ll get a warm, grounded feel. It really shines in kitchens with butcher block counters or stone backsplashes.

If you want contrast, go for light countertops and soft white walls. That’ll make the cabinets pop without making the kitchen feel closed in.

Hardware in brushed brass or matte black both work. Open shelves or glass-front cabinets in lighter shades help balance out the richness.

Living Rooms

In living rooms, Hushed Auburn creates a welcoming backdrop for both modern and traditional styles. Paint all the walls for a cozy vibe, or just do one feature wall for a bit of depth.

It pairs well with soft furnishings in beige, tan, or muted blue-gray. Mixing up textures—linen sofas, leather chairs, wool rugs—keeps things inviting.

Wood coffee tables, woven baskets, or framed art really pop against this color. With good lighting, the room feels warm and comfortable, never heavy.

Comparing Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080 To Similar Colors

Hushed Auburn sits in the warm red-brown family. Its muted undertones make it pretty versatile. When you stack it up against other shades, you’ll spot differences in depth, saturation, and how each one changes in the light.

Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080 vs Cavern Clay SW 7701

Cavern Clay SW 7701 is a bold terracotta, while Hushed Auburn feels softer and a bit more muted. Cavern Clay leans more orange, which makes it brighter and more energetic.

Hushed Auburn mixes brown and red for a grounded look. If you want less intensity, Hushed Auburn is the safer bet.

Quick contrast:

• Cavern Clay: Vibrant, orange-leaning terracotta
• Hushed Auburn: Muted, brown-red warmth

Cavern Clay is great for statement walls, but Hushed Auburn fits better in cozy spaces where you want warmth without the boldness.

Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080 vs Spiced Cider SW 7702

Spiced Cider SW 7702 is deeper and richer than Hushed Auburn. It’s got stronger brown undertones, so it feels darker and a bit more rustic.

Hushed Auburn reflects more light, thanks to its lighter value. That makes it easier to use in rooms where you don’t want things to get too dark.

Key difference:

• Spiced Cider: Deeper, brown-heavy red
• Hushed Auburn: Softer, balanced red-brown

Spiced Cider brings drama to dining rooms. Hushed Auburn is calmer—better for bedrooms or living spaces.

Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080 vs Reddened Earth SW 6053

Reddened Earth SW 6053 has more pink and clay undertones, so it looks a bit rosier—especially in natural light.

Hushed Auburn stays more neutral with its brown base, making it easier to pair with earthy neutrals or muted greens.

Comparison notes:

• Reddened Earth: Rosy, clay-like red
• Hushed Auburn: Neutral, brown-red balance

Reddened Earth is softer and warmer. Hushed Auburn is subtler and more grounded—if that’s your thing, it’s the better pick.

Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080 vs Fired Brick SW 6335

Fired Brick SW 6335 is a bold, classic red with way more saturation. It’s dramatic, while Hushed Auburn is quieter and more understated.

Fired Brick works for exterior doors or accent pieces when you want a real red statement. Hushed Auburn blends in better for whole rooms without overwhelming the space.

Side by side:

• Fired Brick: Bold, saturated red
• Hushed Auburn: Muted, earthy red

Need impact? Fired Brick’s your color. Want warmth with less intensity? Hushed Auburn is the practical pick.

Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080 vs Copper Mountain SW 6356

Copper Mountain SW 6356 is all about orange and copper tones. It’s brighter, more metallic, and has a different kind of warmth compared to the softer, muted Hushed Auburn.

Hushed Auburn stays grounded in the red-brown family, which feels calmer. Copper Mountain adds energy and richness, but it might be too bold for big spaces.

At a glance:

• Copper Mountain: Orange-copper, energetic
• Hushed Auburn: Brown-red, subdued

Copper Mountain is nice for accents or furniture. Hushed Auburn is better for walls when you want warmth without all the brightness.

Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080 vs Sunbaked SW 6051

Sunbaked SW 6051 brings more orange undertones and feels a bit lighter than Hushed Auburn. It gives off a sun-warmed, vibrant look.

Hushed Auburn, on the other hand, reads deeper and more muted—a kind of grounded warmth.

Comparison points:

• Sunbaked: Lighter, orange-leaning warmth
• Hushed Auburn: Darker, muted red-brown

For cheerful, bright color, go with Sunbaked. If you want something richer and more subdued, Hushed Auburn is the way to go.

Complementary Colors To Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080

Hushed Auburn really shines with deep, muted blues that balance its warmth. These combos create contrast but still feel grounded and timeless—works for both modern and classic spaces.

Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080 with Naval SW 6244

Pair Hushed Auburn with Naval SW 6244 and you’ll get a classic warm-cool mix. Naval is a rich navy with a clean base—no weird green or purple undertones. Its depth makes Hushed Auburn’s earthy side pop.

This combo works in living rooms, dining areas, or offices. Use Hushed Auburn as an accent or on cabinetry, and let Naval anchor the bigger surfaces.

If you want to keep things balanced, add light neutrals like cream or soft beige for trim and furniture. That way, the palette never feels too heavy and the room stays inviting.

Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080 with Gale Force SW 7605

Gale Force is a deep blue with a hint of teal. When you pair it with Hushed Auburn, you get a bold, modern contrast that somehow avoids being harsh. Both colors are muted, so the look stays sophisticated.

This combo is especially nice in bedrooms or studies. Try Hushed Auburn on accent walls or built-ins, and let Gale Force take over the main walls or big cabinets.

Metallic touches—think brushed brass or matte black—add a little extra polish. Natural wood tones also soften the contrast and tie everything together.

Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080 with Smoky Blue SW 7604

Smoky Blue lands in the medium-dark blue range, with just enough gray to soften it. That muted tone lets it play nicely with Hushed Auburn, instead of competing like some bold navies might.

Together, they create a palette that feels calm and approachable. Honestly, it’s a combo that fits right into family rooms, kitchens, or even entryways where you want some warmth and comfort.

Highlight architectural features with Hushed Auburn, and let Smoky Blue set a steady backdrop. If you want to keep the space bright, go for crisp white trim or lighter flooring—it’s an easy way to stop the darker colors from taking over.

Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080 with Dress Blues SW 9176

Dress Blues brings a strong navy vibe, leaning a bit darker than Naval. When you mix it with Hushed Auburn, you get a sharp, dramatic contrast—kind of formal, kind of bold.

This pairing just works in dining rooms or offices where you want a polished look. Use Hushed Auburn in smaller doses—maybe on furniture or a feature wall—while Dress Blues sets the overall tone.

Want a balanced design? Add lighter accents: pale grays, off-whites, or soft tans. That way, the palette doesn’t get too heavy, and honestly, it makes the colors a lot more versatile.

Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080 with Indigo Batik SW 7602

Indigo Batik is a deep, slightly muted blue with a gentle edge. Pair it with Hushed Auburn and the richness brings out those warm red undertones, but doesn’t overpower them.

This combo feels right for bedrooms or cozy living areas. Try Hushed Auburn on textiles—think rugs or curtains—and let Indigo Batik make a statement on the walls.

Mix in natural fabrics like linen, cotton, or even a bit of leather. It helps the palette feel more relaxed and lived-in, but still intentional. Who doesn’t want that?

Hushed Auburn by Sherwin Williams SW 9080 with Charcoal Blue SW 2739

Charcoal Blue brings a dark, gray-blue vibe that really adds a moody edge next to Hushed Auburn. That gray influence takes the contrast down a notch, so the palette feels less formal and a bit more flexible.

I find this combo shines in open-concept spaces. Hushed Auburn helps carve out smaller zones, and Charcoal Blue ties together bigger areas with a sense of cohesion.

If you want to keep things feeling fresh, toss in lighter neutrals like ivory or a soft gray. Metallic finishes—think silver or pewter—play nicely with the cooler undertones of Charcoal Blue and balance out the warmth from Hushed Auburn.