Picking paint colors can honestly get overwhelming, especially when you stumble across a shade that seems to shift right in front of you. Sherwin Williams Thunderous SW 6201 is absolutely one of those colors—people stop and say, “Wait, what color is that?” Thunderous is a deep green-gray with some brown mixed in and an LRV of 15, so it moves between gray, green, and brown as your lighting changes during the day. It’s a great option if you want something more interesting than basic gray but don’t want to go full-on green.
Thunderous stands out because it adds depth to your space without making rooms feel like caves. You can use it in lots of styles—modern farmhouse kitchens, cozy bedrooms, you name it. It looks amazing with warm whites, natural wood, and brass fixtures.
This guide shows you real-life photos, shares the best color pairings, and points out what to watch out for. You’ll see how lighting totally changes its look and figure out if this unique shade fits your vibe.
Key Takeaways
- Thunderous is a deep green-gray with an LRV of 15, shifting between gray, green, and brown depending on the light
- Pairs best with warm whites like Alabaster and natural materials—wood, brass, linen
- Always test Thunderous with big samples in your space first; it can look totally different in morning sun versus evening lamp glow
What Color Is Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201?
SW 6201 is a deep green-gray that slides between green, gray, and even brown, depending on your lighting. It’s got low saturation and a dark vibe, so it feels moody but grounded.
Color Family
Thunderous falls in the green family, but don’t expect anything bright or in-your-face.
This color leans hard into gray, so you’ll see it as a green-gray or gray-green, shifting with the light. It’s muted, which keeps things from getting overwhelming.
If your room gets lots of sunlight, the green pops more. In low light, the gray takes over and everything feels a bit more subdued.
Sometimes, especially with warm lighting, you’ll even catch brown or taupe peeking through. Thunderous really adapts to its surroundings, which is part of its charm.
Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)
The hex code for Thunderous: #6D6C62. The RGB values: R: 109, G: 108, B: 98.
Red and green are nearly the same, blue is a little lower—that’s what gives you that green-gray effect.
Thunderous has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 15. LRV tells you how much light a color bounces back—0 is black, 100 is white.
With an LRV of 15, this color sits on the darker end. It soaks up most of the light, which gives you that dramatic, cozy feeling.
Real World Examples Of Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201 In Different Spaces
Thunderous brings its earthy green-gray mood to all kinds of rooms—bathrooms, bedrooms, even exteriors. It adapts to different light and materials but always keeps that grounded, inviting feel.
Bathrooms
Thunderous really sets a spa-like tone in bathrooms. Pair it with bright white tile and warm metals, and suddenly the space feels dramatic but not at all claustrophobic. Mirrors and good lighting help a lot.
It works with matte black hardware, brass faucets, or brushed nickel for a modern twist. In powder rooms, Thunderous comes across as rich and inviting. Try it with marble counters or classic white tile.
Natural light brings out the green. At night, warm bulbs pull forward the brown undertones, making things feel extra cozy. If your bathroom lacks daylight, stick to lighter vanities and trim so it doesn’t get too heavy.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms painted in Thunderous feel calm—almost cocoon-like. The deep tone helps you unwind. It looks great with linen bedding, warm wood furniture, and soft throws.
You can go all-in on every wall or just do an accent behind the bed. Either way, it adds depth without shouting. White or Alabaster trim keeps things from closing in.
In south-facing bedrooms, sunlight softens Thunderous and brings out warmth. North-facing rooms make it cooler and more muted. Always test it on your wall first; it really does shift with the light.
Front Doors
Thunderous makes a front door pop, but not in an over-the-top way. Against white, cream, or pale gray siding, it feels grounded and welcoming.
It looks especially nice on wood doors, letting the grain show through. Pair with brass or black hardware for a sharp finish. If your house has stone or brick, Thunderous ties it all together with those earthy undertones.
Try it on the door trim or nearby shutters for a pulled-together look. The color holds up in sun or shade, looking rich either way.
Home Offices
Thunderous helps you focus in a home office. The deep green-gray sets a calm backdrop, so you can work without distractions. It works with wood desks, black shelves, and warm lighting.
Paint all the walls or just an accent behind your desk—either way adds character. White or cream trim keeps things from feeling too dark.
Daylight balances the depth, while warm lamps at night bring out the brown. Add plants, books, or art in warm colors to keep it lively.
House Exteriors
Thunderous is gorgeous on home exteriors—think modern farmhouses, cottages, or sleek contemporary homes. The earthy green-gray blends with trees and stone, but still stands out.
Pair it with white trim, black windows, or wood accents. It also works with stone foundations and metal roofs. Sunlight makes it look rich, while shade brings out a softer side.
Try it on siding, board-and-batten, or stucco. It holds up in different climates, and fading isn’t much of a worry. If you’re painting the whole house, use a lighter neutral for trim and maybe a darker shade for shutters or doors.
Kitchen Cabinets
Thunderous on kitchen cabinets gives you a grounded, warm look that’s both modern and classic. It pairs with wood countertops, white marble, or butcher block. The deep green-gray adds richness without making things gloomy.
Paint all your cabinets or just the lowers, then use a lighter shade for uppers. Gold or brass hardware, matte black handles, or even leather pulls all look great. Open shelving in light wood or white keeps things airy.
Combine Thunderous cabinets with white subway tile, neutral backsplashes, or stone. It works in small and large kitchens—just be sure to keep the lighting and other surfaces light enough.
Living Rooms
Thunderous brings a cozy, layered vibe to living rooms. Use it on all the walls or just behind the fireplace or TV. It plays well with leather, rattan, and textured textiles like linen and wool.
The color feels warm but never heavy. It fits rustic, modern, or in-between styles. Cream or white trim keeps things balanced, and wood beams or shelves add more warmth.
In bright rooms, Thunderous softens the light and makes things feel relaxed. In dim spaces, warm lamps bring out the brown. Add art, plants, or textured decor for a lived-in, inviting look.
Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201 Undertones
Thunderous has a pretty complex mix of undertones that shift with your lighting. The main players are green and brown, working together to give it personality.
Morning sunlight makes the green undertones pop. It’s a muted, earthy green—not loud or neon.
As afternoon rolls in, brown undertones warm everything up and make the space feel grounded. That brown keeps the color from ever feeling cold or sterile.
Gray is the glue here. It stops Thunderous from going too far green or brown. That’s why it reads as a sophisticated neutral instead of just another earth tone.
Here’s how those undertones play out:
- Morning light: Green stands out, feels cooler
- Afternoon sun: Brown warms everything
- Evening/artificial light: Gray pulls things together
- Cloudy days: All three blend evenly
Your lighting will decide which undertones you notice most. North-facing rooms bring out gray and green, while south-facing spaces highlight the brown. Always test the color in your actual space to see how it behaves for you.
How Does Lighting Affect Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201?
Thunderous SW 6201 changes a lot depending on your lighting. The deep gray-green shifts between warm and cool tones all day, showing off different undertones in sunlight or under bulbs.
Natural Lighting
Natural light totally changes Thunderous. In north-facing rooms, the cooler, softer light brings out blue and gray, so the color feels darker and calming.
South-facing rooms get warm sun all day, which makes Thunderous look warmer and a bit brighter. You’ll notice the green undertones more, and the space feels inviting.
East-facing rooms start with bright morning light that highlights the blue-gray side of Thunderous. Later in the day, the color deepens but keeps its cool tone. West-facing rooms catch that intense, warm afternoon and evening light, making the greenish hues stand out and giving the room a cozy, rich feel.
Artificial Lighting
Your bulbs matter here. Incandescent bulbs make Thunderous warmer, pulling out green and brown undertones and giving a cozy vibe. It can look less gray this way.
Fluorescents make the color sharper and a bit clinical, showing off the blue-gray and feeling less homey. LEDs are probably your best bet—they keep the color true and balanced, no matter the time of day.
Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201 LRV 15 (Light Reflectance Value)
Thunderous has an LRV of 15, so it’s definitely on the darker side. This means it absorbs more light, which affects how your space will feel.
What Is LRV?
LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value. It measures how much visible light a paint color reflects, using a scale from 0 to 100.
If a color has an LRV of 0, it’s pure black and absorbs all light. At the other end, LRV 100 means pure white, bouncing all the light back at you.
Colors with low LRV numbers look darker because they soak up more light. High LRV colors seem lighter since they send more light back into the room.
This number helps you get a sense of how a color will behave in your space. Think of LRV as a quick way to guess if a paint will brighten things up or make a room feel a little more closed in.
Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201 LRV Range
Thunderous lands at 15 on the LRV scale. It’s definitely a dark color, absorbing most of the light that hits it.
With an LRV of 15, Thunderous works best when you use it thoughtfully. I like it as an accent wall or on cabinets if you want some depth and drama.
If you put Thunderous on your walls, you’ll need to bump up the lighting a bit. The low LRV means sunlight alone might not cut it, and the room could feel a bit dim.
Colors between 10 and 20 LRV create those cozy, close-in vibes. Thunderous nails that, giving you a rich look without going all the way to black like Iron Ore at LRV 6.
Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201 Coordinating Colors
Pairing Thunderous with the right colors really brings out its character. Soft whites like Frosty White give you crisp contrast, Ivory Lace adds some warmth, and Gateway Gray helps spaces flow together.
Frosty White SW 6196
Frosty White looks great with Thunderous if you want a clean, modern vibe. It’s a bright white with a cool undertone, so it plays nicely with Thunderous’s gray-green shade.
Try Frosty White on your trim, ceilings, or doors for a sharp edge against Thunderous walls. The combo keeps the room from getting too dark and really makes that deep green-gray stand out, especially if you have good daylight.
You can also use Frosty White on the walls next to a Thunderous accent wall. The contrast brings interest without making things feel busy.
Ivory Lace SW 7013
Ivory Lace softens Thunderous in a more subtle way than bright whites. It’s a creamy off-white with warm undertones that balance Thunderous’s cool gray side.
This pairing feels cozy and inviting in bedrooms or living rooms. Ivory Lace pulls out the faint yellow in Thunderous, making the whole palette feel a bit more earthy and organic.
If you use Thunderous on the walls, try Ivory Lace on trim and ceilings. It’s less stark than a bright white and still gives enough contrast to show off your trim.
Gateway Gray SW 7644
Gateway Gray makes a sophisticated, monochrome look with Thunderous. It’s a medium gray with warm undertones that sit right between light and dark, so it doesn’t fight for attention.
Use Gateway Gray in nearby rooms or hallways to keep things flowing. These two colors share undertones, so they blend nicely from one space to another. This is especially handy in open floor plans where you want variety without harsh breaks.
For a modern, tone-on-tone look, try Gateway Gray on your trim. It wraps the room in color and feels more up-to-date than white trim, but still gives definition.
Trim Colors For Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201
White trim pops against Thunderous’s deep green-gray. The right white can either highlight the earthy warmth or the cool gray in Thunderous.
Pure White SW 7005
Pure White gives you a clean, bright edge with Thunderous, but doesn’t feel too harsh. Subtle green undertones in Pure White connect with Thunderous, so the combo feels intentional.
Even in darker rooms, Pure White stays bright and helps your moldings and door frames stand out. This pairing is a favorite for modern farmhouse kitchens where crisp lines matter.
With an LRV of 84, Pure White reflects plenty of light and balances Thunderous’s darker side. The space feels grounded but never gloomy.
Use Pure White on baseboards, crown molding, and windows for a classic look that fits anywhere. It photographs well too—handy if you like sharing your home online.
Extra White SW 7006
Extra White gives you the sharpest contrast with Thunderous. It’s a true, bright white with an LRV of 86, so it’s even brighter than Pure White. This pairing really makes a statement.
Extra White trim feels more modern and emphasizes the architecture, making Thunderous look even richer. I think it works best in rooms with lots of natural light.
In north-facing rooms, Extra White might look a bit cool next to Thunderous. If your space is small and you want it cozy, test this combo first to be sure.
Try it in dining rooms or living rooms when you want a bold look. The white trim frames Thunderous walls almost like a piece of art.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster adds warmth to Thunderous trim. With an LRV of 82, it’s a touch softer than Pure or Extra White. The creamy undertones in Alabaster work with the brown hints in Thunderous.
This pairing feels relaxed and less formal than a stark white. Alabaster doesn’t compete with Thunderous, just smooths the transition. They seem like they’re from the same family.
Alabaster looks great in bedrooms or home offices where you want calm and a bit of sophistication. It holds up well in both daylight and lamplight, so your trim won’t glare at night.
If you like a collected-over-time look, go with Alabaster. It hides little flaws better than bright whites and ages gracefully.
Comparing Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201 To Similar Colors
Thunderous, with its LRV of 15, sits squarely in the dark neutral zone. It’s got this unique green-gray-brown vibe, while other grays in this lineup range from LRV 39 to 60 and feel more straightforward, with fewer undertones messing things up—in a good way, sometimes.
Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201 vs Rain SW 6219
Rain SW 6219 is much lighter, with an LRV around 32. It reads as a soft, cool gray-green, perfect if you want color without too much drama.
Thunderous feels earthier and deeper, with more brown mixed into the green-gray. Rain stays airier and definitely leans cooler.
If you like the green in Thunderous but need something lighter, Rain gives you that outdoorsy feel without the weight. Rain is also a better pick for rooms with less sunlight since it reflects more light.
Both colors have green undertones, but Thunderous leans olive while Rain is more sage. Lighting will shift both colors through the day, though Thunderous shows bigger changes from morning to night.
Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201 vs Dorian Gray SW 7017
Dorian Gray sits at LRV 39, so it’s a lot lighter than Thunderous. It’s a warm, balanced gray that doesn’t really pick sides with undertones.
Thunderous brings in green and brown complexity that Dorian Gray just doesn’t have. Dorian Gray stays neutral and pretty steady in any light.
If you want a color for trim or nearby walls, Dorian Gray bridges the gap between dark and light. Both are warm, so they get along well.
Dorian Gray is more flexible and fits more spaces overall. Thunderous is bolder and takes a bit more confidence to use. Your decor will stand out more against Thunderous, while Dorian Gray just fades into the background (in a good way).
Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201 vs Repose Gray SW 7015
Repose Gray comes in at LRV 60, so it’s a light gray—way lighter than Thunderous. It’s got warm undertones and a touch of beige to keep it from feeling chilly.
Thunderous is much deeper, with those green-brown notes that Repose Gray doesn’t even try for. Repose Gray stays simple and neutral.
These two actually work well together if you use Thunderous on an accent wall or cabinets and Repose Gray on the rest of the walls. The contrast adds definition but doesn’t feel harsh.
Repose Gray makes rooms feel bigger and more open. Thunderous, on the other hand, cozies things up. It really comes down to whether you want your walls to fade back or make a statement.
Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201 vs Mindful Gray SW 7016
Mindful Gray has an LRV of 46 and shows up as a warm gray with taupe undertones. It feels grounded and comfy, but skips the green that makes Thunderous stand out.
Thunderous is much darker and has this earthy, mossy thing going on that Mindful Gray doesn’t. Mindful Gray keeps it warmer, with a beige-brown base instead of green-brown.
Both make spaces feel welcoming, but in their own way. Mindful Gray is like a warm hug, while Thunderous is more like a walk in the woods.
If you use them in side-by-side rooms, you’ll get nice color flow without repeating yourself. Mindful Gray fits traditional spaces, while Thunderous feels more at home in contemporary or organic modern rooms. Wood tones look different with each—Mindful Gray loves warm woods, and Thunderous plays well with both light and dark wood.
Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201 vs Gray Screen SW 7071
Gray Screen has an LRV of 59, so it’s definitely a light neutral. It shows up as a soft, cool gray that stays pretty steady no matter the light.
Thunderous is much darker at LRV 15, and it shifts between gray, green, and brown as the day goes on. Gray Screen keeps its cool—literally and figuratively.
Gray Screen gives off a calm, spa-like vibe, perfect for bedrooms or baths. Thunderous wraps you up and feels more cocooning.
If you’re painting a whole house, Gray Screen works in hallways and common areas, while Thunderous brings the drama to certain rooms. Gray Screen pairs easily with both cool and warm accents, but Thunderous really shines with warm metals and natural wood. Picking between them? It depends if you want a subtle background or a color that jumps into your design.
Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201 vs Steely Gray SW 7664
Steely Gray has an LRV around 43 and reads as a true medium gray with barely-there undertones. It feels neutral—neither warm nor cool takes over.
Thunderous sits darker and brings more complexity with its mix of green, gray, and brown. Steely Gray keeps things simple, just a straight-up gray.
Steely Gray fits modern spaces where you want your color to fade into the background. Thunderous, on the other hand, grabs attention and gives your room some personality.
You can pair these two when you want gray variety without any weird temperature swings. Steely Gray looks great with sleek, contemporary furniture, while Thunderous feels right at home with organic textures and natural materials.
Metal finishes look crisp against Steely Gray’s neutral base. Warm metals like brass seem richer next to Thunderous.
Complementary Colors To Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201
Thunderous pairs well with colors that either echo its earthy depth or throw in a fresh contrast. The right match can highlight Thunderous’s green-gray tones and add some visual interest.
Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201 With Coral Clay SW 9005
Coral Clay adds warmth that balances out the coolness in Thunderous. This terracotta-inspired color feels soft and earthy next to those deep green-grays.
Try Thunderous on your walls and bring in Coral Clay with pillows, throws, or art. The combo feels organic since both colors come from nature.
Coral Clay stands out just enough and doesn’t clash. It even picks up on the warm yellow undertones hiding in Thunderous.
This could work in living rooms or bedrooms where you want cozy energy. The contrast between dark and mid-tone adds depth, but it never gets too dramatic.
Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201 With Rainwashed SW 6211
Rainwashed gives you a lighter, softer take on Thunderous’s green-gray vibe. Depending on your lighting, Rainwashed shifts between blue, green, and gray.
Pairing these two colors creates a monochromatic look that feels calm and cohesive. Rainwashed works as trim or on walls next to Thunderous.
The gradient from light to dark adds dimension without introducing clashing colors. Since both shades have similar undertones, the transition feels smooth and natural.
This combo is ideal for bathrooms, bedrooms, or any spot where you want a serene atmosphere. Thunderous grounds the room, while Rainwashed keeps things light. You could even use Rainwashed on the ceiling to make the space feel taller.
Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201 With Ripe Olive SW 6209
Ripe Olive deepens the green in Thunderous. This near-black green has blue-gray undertones that play nicely with Thunderous.
Try painting built-ins or cabinets in Ripe Olive and keep the walls in Thunderous. Both colors have low LRVs, so they soak up light and create a cozy, intimate vibe.
This pairing works best in rooms with good natural or layered artificial light. The subtle difference between the two greens adds interest without breaking the moody feel.
Think about this duo for home offices, libraries, or dining rooms where you want some drama and focus. Lighter furniture and metallic accents really pop against these dark shades.
Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201 With Waterscape SW 6470
Waterscape brings in a blue-green freshness that lifts Thunderous’s mood. It leans more blue than green, which sets up a nice contrast with Thunderous’s earthy base.
Both colors share gray undertones, so the pairing feels balanced. Waterscape’s medium LRV bridges the gap between Thunderous and bright whites.
You could use Waterscape in nearby rooms or as an accent wall. It also looks great on trim, doors, or furniture. The combo gives off a coastal vibe, but not in a cliché way.
This pairing works in bathrooms, kitchens, or anywhere you want a hint of water and nature. The contrast helps architectural features stand out and keeps the space flowing.
Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201 With Indigo Batik SW 7602
Indigo Batik adds a deep, muted blue that really pops against Thunderous. Both colors have cool undertones and similar low LRVs.
They balance each other out—neither color dominates. Indigo Batik brings a sense of calm, while Thunderous grounds the space.
You can use these shades on different walls in the same room or in adjacent spaces. Both make great cabinet colors for kitchens or bathrooms. The blue-green mix feels modern and a bit collected.
This combo shines in bedrooms, home offices, or media rooms where you want things cozy and focused. Toss in some warm wood or brass accents so the space doesn’t get too chilly.
Thunderous by Sherwin Williams SW 6201 With Rejuvenate SW 6620
Rejuvenate is a soft, muted green that brightens things up but still stays in the same color family as Thunderous.
This mid-tone shade has enough saturation to feel fresh, yet it never goes neon.
When you pair these two, you get a tonal gradient that just feels natural and easygoing.
Rejuvenate brings warm undertones that pick up on the yellow hints in Thunderous. Try using Rejuvenate on upper cabinets and Thunderous on the lowers—or maybe swap them on different walls if you’re feeling bold.
Together, they create botanical vibes that don’t feel forced or overly themed.
This combo really shines in kitchens, sunrooms, or bathrooms where you want a nod to nature. The lighter Rejuvenate bounces more light around and keeps Thunderous from turning the room too dark.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.