Sherwin-Williams Tradewind (SW 6218) brings a calm, breezy blue with a hint of gray and green. It instantly gives any space a relaxed coastal vibe.
This versatile paint color creates a balanced look that feels both fresh and timeless, making it perfect for nearly any room in your home.
Maybe you want a soft backdrop for bold accents, or you’re after a soothing shade for peaceful spaces. Tradewind offers an easy, airy charm that’s hard to mess up.
You’ll notice its undertones shift with lighting—sometimes more blue, sometimes a touch green or gray sneaks in. That flexibility helps Tradewind feel unique in every room, blending well with whites, neutrals, and other light colors.
With an LRV of 61, it reflects plenty of light but never feels washed out. It strikes a nice balance for walls, cabinets, or even ceilings.
Style Tradewind thoughtfully, and you’ll get a sense of quiet elegance. It works beautifully in bedrooms, bathrooms, or open living spaces where you want a gentle splash of color that doesn’t take over.
Key Takeaways
- Tradewind SW 6218 is a cool blue with soft gray-green undertones.
- Lighting changes its appearance, making it adaptable for many spaces.
- It pairs well with whites, beiges, and light neutrals for a balanced look.
What Color Is Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218?
Tradewind is a soft, cool blue with gray and green undertones. It gives your space an open, airy feel but keeps things gentle and soothing on the walls.
Color Family
You’ll find Tradewind in the blue color family, leaning toward a cool tone. It sits somewhere between a breezy gray-blue and a light teal, offering balance and calm.
Its subtle green undertone keeps it from looking icy, so it feels comfortable in both modern and classic rooms. In natural light, it shifts just a bit—cooler in north-facing rooms, warmer in afternoon sun.
This flexibility lets it pair nicely with warm whites, beige, or natural wood. Picture the color of a calm coastal sky—soft, not pale, and never too bold.
Tradewind’s low saturation gives it a muted and refined character. Because of that, it fits bedrooms, living areas, and offices where you want a relaxed environment. If you like color but don’t want anything too bright, this one’s a solid bet.
Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)
Sherwin Williams Tradewind has a few defining values that help you match it exactly:
| Format | Code |
|---|---|
| HEX | #C2CFCF |
| RGB | 194, 207, 207 |
| LRV | 61% |
The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 61% means it reflects a fair bit of light, so small or dim spaces can feel bigger. The RGB mix is almost perfectly balanced, which explains why it looks so calm and neutral.
On your wall, it’s not stark or overly bright. Instead, it gives off a fresh and tranquil vibe, especially when daylight pours in.
Real World Examples Of Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218 In Different Spaces
Tradewind’s soft blue-gray tone shifts with different lighting and fits a bunch of design styles, from coastal to modern farmhouse. Its calm look works in rooms that need a fresh feel or just a subtle hint of color.
Bathrooms
In bathrooms, Tradewind creates a clean, relaxing space that feels open—even in smaller rooms. The color’s LRV helps bounce light around, making everything brighter.
Under warm lighting, green undertones start to show and add a soft coastal vibe. Natural daylight brings out its cooler blue side, which looks great with white tile or brushed nickel fixtures.
Pair it with white trim and marble accents for a spa-like look. For a modern farmhouse bathroom, Tradewind’s muted tone balances rustic wood shelves or black metal lighting. It’s flexible enough for both casual and refined styles.
Bedrooms
Tradewind feels soothing in bedrooms, especially if you’re after rest and calm. The blue base brings tranquility, and the gray keeps it sophisticated.
Try it with white bedding and natural wood furniture for a beachy, relaxed vibe. Cozy up the lighting with soft lamps or warm bulbs if you want to balance out the coolness.
People often use it as a backdrop for accent colors like navy, charcoal, or soft beige. It also works with textures like woven blankets or linen curtains. That versatility makes it a favorite for guest rooms and main bedrooms alike.
Front Doors
Paint your front door with Tradewind, and you’ll give your home some personality without making it too loud. It pops against white or gray siding and light brick exteriors.
Since it’s a cool blue with subtle gray-green undertones, it brings a fresh yet timeless look. In bright sunlight, the color can look soft turquoise; in shade, it leans more dusty blue.
For a modern farmhouse home, Tradewind adds charm with black hardware and crisp trim. You can pair it with matte brass or silver finishes for some contrast. The result? A welcoming, balanced entrance that feels just right.
Home Offices
In a home office, Tradewind helps reduce visual clutter and keeps your focus steady. Its blend of blue and gray tones brings calm but stays bright enough to keep things lively.
If your office gets lots of daylight, the color looks crisp and light. Under dimmer lighting, you’ll notice more of the gray. Pair it with white shelving, light wood desks, or black metal accents for contrast and structure.
This color supports a thoughtful atmosphere—good for working or studying without distractions. Whether your workspace is modern or farmhouse-inspired, Tradewind keeps things polished and easy on the eyes.
House Exteriors
Tradewind shines on home exteriors, especially for coastal or modern farmhouse looks. The color shifts with daylight, sometimes looking brighter blue or a bit green-gray depending on the angle.
It pops against bright white trim and adds just enough color to stand out from neutral surroundings. On sunny days, Tradewind looks crisp and cheerful. Cloudy weather brings out its muted side for a cozier effect.
Pair it with soft gray roofing and natural wood accents for balanced curb appeal. The color is calm, timeless, and perfect if you want your home to feel relaxed and stylish.
Kitchen Cabinets
Use Tradewind on kitchen cabinets for a subtle pop of color that won’t overwhelm. The light blue-gray sits comfortably between traditional and modern, matching well with white countertops or gray backsplash tile.
In a modern farmhouse kitchen, it mixes beautifully with open shelving and brass hardware. The cool undertones give contrast to warm wood floors or butcher block counters.
Its moderate depth keeps the space light but still gives some color definition. Whether you’re updating lower cabinets or a whole island, Tradewind makes the kitchen feel airy but grounded.
Living Rooms
Tradewind works well in living rooms where you want calm but also flexibility. Its neutral blue-gray tone pairs easily with off-white trim, beige upholstery, and natural materials like rattan or wicker.
In south-facing rooms, the warm light softens the blue, adding a gentle green tint. North-facing spaces bring out its cooler side, which helps create a clean, modern look.
If you like a layered design, combine Tradewind walls with muted grays, textured rugs, or wood ceiling beams for a cozy modern farmhouse vibe. The color’s subtle presence ties everything together without yelling for attention.
Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218 Undertones
Look at Tradewind SW 6218 and you’ll see it’s not just plain blue. There’s a soft mix of blue and gray undertones that give a calm, balanced look.
Depending on the light, you might even catch a faint green tint that brings a breezy, coastal feel. The gray undertone stops the color from feeling too bright or juvenile and adds a bit of sophistication.
That makes Tradewind flexible for bedrooms or living spaces. The color feels cooler in rooms with little sunlight but brightens up nicely in natural light.
Here’s a quick breakdown of its tone:
| Color Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Masstone | Light gray-blue |
| Main Undertone | Cool blue |
| Secondary Undertone | Soft gray with a tiny hint of green |
If your room gets northern light, the gray tone stands out and creates a peaceful look. In warmer or southern light, the blue undertone is more obvious, and the color can seem lighter and airier.
This combo of cool blue and subtle gray makes Tradewind easy to live with. It pairs well with whites, creams, and natural textures, keeping your space fresh without getting too chilly.
How Does Lighting Affect Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218?
Lighting really changes how Tradewind SW 6218 looks. Its mix of blue, gray, and green undertones shifts depending on the light’s warmth and direction.
You’ll see clear differences between how it appears in daylight versus under indoor lighting. Kind of amazing, honestly.
Natural Lighting
Tradewind looks lighter and more vibrant in natural light, especially in south-facing rooms that get plenty of sunlight.
Daylight brings out more of its soft blue-green tone, giving off a refreshing, breezy vibe.
But in north-facing rooms, less natural light makes Tradewind look a bit cooler and more muted.
In the morning, east-facing spaces show a gentle bluish tint.
Later in the day, the color softens, picking up a slightly grayer look. It’s a subtle shift, but you’ll notice it, especially on big wall areas.
| Light Direction | Color Appearance |
|---|---|
| South-facing | Bright, airy, light blue |
| North-facing | Cool, gray-blue |
| East-facing | Soft morning blue |
| West-facing | Warmer, slightly gray tone |
Testing samples on different walls really helps before you commit to Tradewind.
Artificial Lighting
Artificial light changes how Tradewind feels after sunset.
With warm bulbs (yellow or soft white), Tradewind leans toward a light gray-blue with a bit of warmth, making rooms feel cozy and balanced.
That warm glow cuts some of the cool undertones, which is great if you want a relaxed look.
Switch to cool white or daylight bulbs, and the color gets crisper and bluer.
In bigger or modern rooms, this can feel clean and airy, but sometimes a bit cooler than you might expect.
You can play with bulb temperature to get Tradewind just right for your space.
Warm lighting adds comfort to bedrooms and living rooms.
Cool lighting works well in kitchens or bathrooms where you want lots of brightness.
Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218 LRV 61 (Light Reflectance Value)
Tradewind reflects a good amount of light, so rooms stay bright without looking washed out.
Its LRV of 61 makes it a practical pick for most spaces, adapting to all sorts of lighting and room sizes.
What Is LRV?
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) tells you how much visible light a color bounces back compared to how much it soaks up.
The scale goes from 0% (pure black) to 100% (pure white). Think of it as your cheat sheet for figuring out how light or dark a color will look on your walls.
Higher LRV numbers mean more light gets reflected, so things look brighter. Lower numbers absorb more light, making colors look deeper and richer.
Knowing a color’s LRV helps you guess how it’ll act under different lighting.
Colors with an LRV around 60–70% usually work well at home—they’re light and airy but still give you a pop of color.
Checking LRV when planning your paint scheme helps you balance brightness and depth, especially if you’re mixing light and dark tones throughout your place.
Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218 LRV Range
With an LRV of 61, Tradewind sits in the light range.
It bounces back enough light to open up small or dim rooms, but you still see the color in bright spaces.
This makes it pretty flexible for bedrooms, bathrooms, or living rooms.
Under natural light, Tradewind’s blue-gray stays soft and luminous.
It doesn’t change too much from day to night, so you get a consistent look.
If your room’s on the darker side, pairing Tradewind with white trim or light furnishings helps boost brightness.
| Property | Tradewind SW 6218 |
|---|---|
| LRV | 61% |
| Tone | Light, cool blue-gray |
| Finish Options | Matte, satin, semi-gloss |
This mix of light reflectance and tone lets you create a fresh but calm space, whether you lean modern or classic.
Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218 Coordinating Colors
Pairing Tradewind SW 6218 works best when you mix its cool, airy blue with softer neutrals and light-to-medium shades.
These combinations keep things balanced and inviting, with just enough contrast to stay interesting.
Topsail SW 6217
Topsail SW 6217 is a bit lighter than Tradewind, so you get a smooth, monochromatic look.
It shares those blue and gray notes but feels brighter, thanks to an LRV around 75.
Put Topsail next to Tradewind and you get a layered, subtle effect—great for open floor plans or rooms that connect.
Topsail shines on ceilings or upper walls, adding lift and light without harshness.
Try matte or satin finishes to keep things soft and breezy.
In low light, it can look a bit cooler; in sunlight, you’ll see a gentle aqua tint.
Blending the two in a bedroom or hallway gives a seamless, calm transition between spaces, really playing up Tradewind’s laid-back vibe.
Shell White SW 8917
Shell White SW 8917 brings a warm, creamy backdrop that pops against Tradewind’s cooler blue.
It’s a flexible off-white that stays neutral, so it won’t fight with Tradewind’s green and gray undertones.
This combo keeps things bright and comfortable, never cold.
Shell White looks great on trim, cabinets, or wainscoting, framing blue walls with a clean edge.
The warmth softens Tradewind and adds a bit of coziness—perfect for kitchens or living rooms.
In north-facing rooms, Shell White can help warm things up and keep Tradewind balanced.
This pairing fits both modern and beachy interiors.
Whirlpool SW 9135
Whirlpool SW 9135 brings in a deeper blue-gray that grounds Tradewind in a more defined palette.
It’s got stronger gray notes and a lower LRV, so it feels richer and a bit more sophisticated next to Tradewind.
You might use Whirlpool as an accent wall, furniture color, or lower cabinetry to add depth.
This pairing keeps things cool and airy, but with enough contrast to avoid everything blending together.
In bright natural light, Whirlpool’s muted base works with Tradewind’s softness without feeling heavy.
This mix looks balanced in coastal, contemporary, or transitional spaces where you want calm but some structure.
Trim Colors For Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218
Pairing Tradewind SW 6218 with the right trim color keeps the blue balanced and bright.
The best trim shades either highlight Tradewind’s cool, airy side or add a bit of warmth for harmony in different lighting.
Snowbound SW 7004
Snowbound SW 7004 is a soft, slightly warm white with subtle gray undertones.
It works best if you want gentle contrast without overpowering Tradewind’s cool vibe.
This combo feels relaxing and polished in bedrooms, baths, and living rooms.
Natural light makes Snowbound look clean and fresh, helping Tradewind keep its blue-gray calm.
With warmer bulbs, the trim’s faint warmth keeps walls from feeling too cold or clinical.
Snowbound is a good pick if your style is modern coastal or transitional, and you want trim that plays nicely with both blue and neutral tones.
It also pairs well with whites like SW 7012 Creamy on furniture or built-ins for a unified palette.
Curious? Check out Snowbound SW 7004 if you’re after a subtle, balanced trim color.
Pure White SW 7005
Pure White SW 7005 is probably the most versatile trim for Tradewind.
It’s a bright, crisp white that stays neutral in all kinds of light—great for walls and trim throughout your home.
This shade sits between warm and cool, so it won’t look yellow next to Tradewind, and it won’t turn stark or bluish either.
It gives you clear separation from the wall color but keeps the whole look soft and unified.
Paired with cool blues and grays, Pure White creates a fresh and classic backdrop for accents like light oak, silver fixtures, or soft beige textiles.
Go with this if you like a clean design that flows from room to room and across different finishes.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster SW 7008 is a creamy off-white with gentle warmth that takes the edge off Tradewind’s coolness.
If you want a more inviting, cozy look, this combo gives you warmth without dulling the breezy blue feel.
Alabaster keeps things open but adds just enough depth so the room doesn’t feel flat.
In spots with less light, this trim color can help interiors feel brighter and a bit more comfortable.
It’s especially nice in farmhouse, classic, or coastal styles where natural textures and soft whites make a timeless mix.
Pairing Alabaster with Tradewind works beautifully with natural fabrics and light woods for a balanced, approachable look.
Comparing Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218 To Similar Colors
Tradewind (SW 6218) sits in the cool blue family with hints of green and gray that change with the light.
Sherwin-Williams has some close alternatives that vary in warmth, depth, and undertone, so you have options depending on your space.
Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218 vs Rainwashed SW 6211
Rainwashed (SW 6211) has more green than Tradewind but still feels soft and airy.
Both colors land in the same value range and give off a coastal feel, though Rainwashed reads greener, especially under warm light.
Tradewind holds onto its blue side, with a light gray base.
| Feature | Tradewind | Rainwashed |
|---|---|---|
| Undertone | Blue with soft green-gray | Green-blue with mild gray |
| LRV | 61 | 59 |
| Feel | Cool and calm | Gentle and natural |
If you want a bit more natural warmth, you might lean toward Rainwashed.
You can read more about Rainwashed by Sherwin Williams SW 6211 for ideas.
Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218 vs Sea Salt SW 6204
Sea Salt (SW 6204) balances green and blue, but leans into a stronger gray tone. That extra gray makes it look more neutral than Tradewind.
People love Sea Salt for bathrooms and bedrooms because the color shifts with the light—sometimes it’s green, sometimes a soft blue. Tradewind, on the other hand, feels cleaner and more obviously blue.
| Key Difference | Tradewind | Sea Salt |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tone | Blue-gray | Green-gray |
| Lighting Reaction | Stays cooler | Changes more with light |
If you’re into more subdued greens, check out Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 for a calm, flexible look.
Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218 vs Watery SW 6478
Watery (SW 6478) comes off lighter and brighter than Tradewind, and you’ll notice more green in it. It creates a cheerful, coastal vibe, while Tradewind brings a balanced, cool calmness.
Both have a soft energy, but Watery really brightens up rooms that don’t get much sunlight. Tradewind feels more refined and muted because of its gray undertones.
If your space is a bit dim, Watery can bounce light around and open things up. Tradewind gives a steadier, cooler backdrop that looks great with crisp whites and neutral grays.
Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218 vs Silver Strand SW 7057
Silver Strand (SW 7057) is technically a gray with blue-green undertones, so it reads cooler and more subdued than Tradewind. You might see Silver Strand as almost neutral—just a hint of color.
Tradewind, because it’s more saturated, gives off a clearer blue vibe.
| Tone | Tradewind | Silver Strand |
|---|---|---|
| Hue Balance | Blue-green-gray | Gray with blue-green hint |
| Mood | Airy and coastal | Calm and minimalist |
With crisp white trim, both colors can modernize a space without going cold. Silver Strand brings subtlety, while Tradewind pops with more color presence.
Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218 vs Misty SW 6232
Misty (SW 6232) falls further into the gray-blue camp and skips the green in Tradewind. It creates a soft, cloud-like feel in bright rooms.
Tradewind feels a bit warmer and livelier, thanks to its coastal undertones. If you want a foggy, consistent tone no matter the light, Misty’s a solid pick.
Both shades pair well with colors like SW 6219 Rain or SW 6246 North Star. Misty fits right in with modern or minimalist looks, while Tradewind suits breezy, ocean-inspired spaces.
Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218 vs Windy Blue SW 6240
Windy Blue (SW 6240) has more depth and saturation than Tradewind, so it’s closer to a medium blue. It reads cooler and bolder, giving a real contrast with crisp whites or soft beiges.
Tradewind stays lighter and more muted, which can actually make rooms feel bigger. If you want a bold coastal statement, Windy Blue delivers. For subtle serenity, Tradewind’s your friend.
Both look great with colors like SW 9137 Niebla Azul or SW 6221 Moody Blue to round out your blues naturally.
Complementary Colors To Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218
Pairing Tradewind SW 6218 with the right complementary colors brings out its cool, calm vibe. You can match this airy blue with warm shades for contrast, or layer it with other soft hues for a relaxed, coastal look that still feels polished.
Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218 with Rainwashed SW 6211
Pair Tradewind SW 6218 with Rainwashed SW 6211 for a subtle, peaceful combo. Both sit in the cool color family and share gray and green undertones.
Rainwashed is a bit deeper, so it adds dimension without clashing. Use this blend in a bedroom or bathroom where you want a gentle flow of color.
Rainwashed works well as an accent wall, while Tradewind covers the rest. They pull off that coastal vibe, but still look modern.
White trim or soft greige furniture really ties it all together and keeps things feeling cohesive.
Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218 with Coral Clay SW 9005
If you want to warm things up next to Tradewind’s coolness, try Coral Clay SW 9005. This earthy coral pops against Tradewind’s blue-gray and brings a lively, grounded energy to the room.
Use Coral Clay on an accent wall or for furniture, and Tradewind will seem even brighter. That warm-and-cool mix feels welcoming, almost like a coastal sunset.
Woven textures or light woods help tie it all together. Off-white accents will soften the contrast and keep the look light.
Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218 with Indigo Batik SW 7602
Indigo Batik SW 7602 pairs well with Tradewind when you want some depth. Indigo Batik’s dark navy grounds the space, but doesn’t make it feel heavy.
Both share a blue base, but the contrast is clear. Use this mix in a living room or entryway to add focus and a hint of formality.
Try Indigo Batik on cabinetry or paneling, and Tradewind on the walls. This combo works in nautical or coastal styles too. Brushed nickel hardware or crisp white trim makes the colors pop and keeps things fresh.
Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218 with Ripe Olive SW 6209
Pairing Ripe Olive SW 6209 with Tradewind gives you a natural, muted look. Ripe Olive is a deep green with earthy gray undertones, which balances out Tradewind’s cool blue.
The result feels peaceful and mature. This combo fits nicely in living rooms or studies—it keeps things calm, but not boring.
Let Tradewind be your main wall color, and use Ripe Olive for cabinets, shelving, or trim. To pull it all together, add natural fibers like jute or rattan, and warm metallics like brass or gold. That touch of warmth brings the whole palette to life.
Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218 with Waterscape SW 6470
Using Waterscape SW 6470 with Tradewind creates a tonal, cohesive design with obvious layering. Both have blue-green undertones, but Waterscape is more saturated, while Tradewind stays soft.
This combo gives off a spa-like vibe, perfect for bathrooms or laundry rooms. Tradewind works as the base, and Waterscape makes a great accent or cabinet color.
Together, they reflect light and keep the space open. Add white tile, soft grays, and light woods to finish off a balanced palette that never feels overwhelming.
Tradewind by Sherwin Williams SW 6218 with Rejuvenate SW 6620
If you’re looking for bold contrast, try pairing Rejuvenate SW 6620, a punchy coral-red, with the airy blue of Tradewind SW 6218.
This combo forms a true complementary color scheme—blue and orange-red sit directly across from each other on the color wheel.
Rejuvenate brings out the crisp coolness of Tradewind, adding a lively, energetic edge to the space.
I like using Rejuvenate in artwork, pillows, or accent furniture, while Tradewind covers the main walls so things don’t get overwhelming.
To keep the look balanced, mix in neutral elements like soft beige rugs or some gray upholstery.
That way, both colors get a chance to stand out without clashing or feeling too much.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.