Looking for a color that feels warm, modern, and timeless? Sherwin Williams Felted Wool (SW 9171) might just be it. This neutral shade blends gray and brown tones, giving you a balanced, natural look that fits a ton of styles.
Felted Wool adds quiet sophistication and depth to your space without being too dark or heavy. Use it to bring calm into a living room, create focus in a home office, or add warmth to a bedroom.
Its subtle undertones shift in different light, so each space feels a little unique. Felted Wool pairs easily with off-whites, wood accents, and deeper colors, so you’ve got plenty of options when designing.
Key Takeaways
- Felted Wool (SW 9171) is a soft, balanced neutral with gray and brown tones.
- It changes slightly with lighting and pairs well with natural textures.
- It works in many design styles, from modern to rustic.
What Color Is Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171?
Felted Wool (SW 9171) is a versatile neutral that blends gray and brown for a calm, grounded vibe. It’s deep enough to add character but balanced enough to stay subtle in both modern and traditional rooms.
Color Family
You’ll find Felted Wool in the neutral color family, leaning toward a warm greige—basically a mix of gray and beige with soft taupe undertones. It gives you the depth of gray but feels cozier thanks to that touch of warmth.
This color works really well in spaces with natural light and earthy materials like wood, stone, or leather. It doesn’t come off as too cold or too yellow, which makes it easy to pair with shades like Shoji White, Mindful Gray, or Dried Thyme.
Lighting changes it up a bit—brighter light brings out more taupe, while low light leans into a rich, muted gray.
Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)
Here’s some quick color data to help you get a sense of how it behaves in a space:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Hex Code | #787061 |
| RGB | (120, 112, 97) |
| Light Reflectance Value (LRV) | 28 |
With an LRV of 28, this shade sits on the darker side of mid-tone neutrals. It absorbs more light than it reflects, so you get a cozy, subdued effect.
On walls, it pops against white trim but still feels soft and welcoming. Pair it with lighter neutrals or natural textures for a balanced, sophisticated vibe that never goes stark.
Real World Examples of Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171 in Different Spaces
Felted Wool (SW 9171) brings calm, warmth, and a grounded feel into homes. Its balanced mix of gray, beige, and green undertones works in both natural and artificial light, helping you create spaces that feel cohesive and timeless.
Bathrooms
Try Felted Wool SW 9171 in bathrooms for a subtle, spa-like warmth. Its green-beige undertone plays nicely with white or cream tiles and brushed nickel fixtures.
Bathrooms often feel cold with all those hard surfaces, so this shade brings in some much-needed softness. Add white trim or a light stone vanity top for contrast.
Natural lighting makes it look more greige, while warm bulbs pull out the taupe. In small bathrooms, maybe just use it on an accent wall behind the mirror or vanity. In bigger spaces, go for all the walls for a cozy, cocoon-like vibe.
It also teams up well with light oak or walnut cabinetry, giving you an earthy look that’s both stylish and comfortable.
Bedrooms
In bedrooms, Felted Wool creates a calm, cozy atmosphere that helps you unwind. Its muted depth reduces visual clutter, making it easier to rest.
Pair it with neutral bedding in white, tan, or soft green for a layered, tone-on-tone effect. If your room gets a lot of afternoon sun, you’ll see a warmer, taupe look. In darker rooms, it shifts more gray-green.
Use cream or ivory accents to keep things light. For trim or ceilings, Shoji White (SW 7042) is a great match. Toss in some linen curtains or wool throws for even more of that natural, inviting feel.
Front Doors
Paint your front door in Felted Wool for a grounded, welcoming entrance. The color stands out against white, beige, or dark brick exteriors without being loud.
Its warm undertones keep things approachable. Plus, its mid-dark depth hides dirt and smudges better than lighter shades. Try pairing the door with matte black or bronze hardware for a modern edge.
If your home has wood or stone siding, this color ties natural materials together. Under sunlight, Felted Wool reveals a subtle green tint that looks great with outdoor greenery and neutral trim.
Home Offices
Paint a home office in Felted Wool and you’ll get a focused and balanced space. It’s neutral enough for concentration but rich enough to keep the room from feeling flat.
If you work in natural daylight, you’ll notice the undertones shifting as the sun moves, which can help prevent visual fatigue. Combine it with white shelving, dark wood desktops, or a matte black lamp for structure.
Add a pop of muted blue, like Storm Cloud (SW 6249), for a little contrast. Felted Wool isn’t too light or too dark, so you can use it on all four walls without overwhelming the room.
It helps set a professional tone that’s ideal for remote work or studying.
House Exteriors
Felted Wool looks refined on house exteriors, especially with off-white trim, charcoal roofs, or wood-stained accents. Its warm gray tone fits well in both modern and traditional architecture.
The LRV of 28 means it’s a darker color, so it absorbs light a bit and cuts down on glare in bright sun. For balance, try light stonework or neutral-colored shutters.
In cloudy or shaded spots, its subtle green undertone brings your exterior to life. Homes with lots of trees or landscaping really benefit, since this shade blends naturally with outdoor hues. It also resists fading and hides dust better than super light neutrals.
Kitchen Cabinets
Felted Wool makes kitchen cabinets look sleek but still welcoming. Its earthy depth plays well with brass, matte black, or brushed steel hardware.
Pair it with white quartz countertops or warm butcher block for contrast. In kitchens with lots of light, the tone softens into a sandy greige. With less light, it feels more grounded and muted.
It works with natural wood flooring or subway tile backsplashes. For a pulled-together look, paint the walls a softer neutral like Skyline Steel (SW 1015) so the cabinets stand out. This setup fits especially well in modern farmhouse or transitional kitchens.
Living Rooms
In living rooms, Felted Wool gives you a cozy backdrop that lets your furnishings pop. Pair it with warm white trim and soft textiles for a relaxed vibe.
The green-beige mix works for both rustic and modern decor. It coordinates nicely with tan leather sofas, dark wood frames, or woven rugs.
Layer your lighting—table lamps, sconces, and warm bulbs—to bring out the color’s depth. In open-concept spaces, use Felted Wool on the walls and go lighter, like Shoji White, in adjoining rooms to keep the flow but still get contrast.
If your living room gets variable daylight, this color transitions smoothly from morning to evening light—no weird surprises.
Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171 Undertones
Felted Wool (SW 9171) lives right between warm and cool tones, making it a flexible neutral. It’s a muted gray-brown that shifts a bit depending on lighting and what you pair with it.
In bright natural light, the color leans cooler and you’ll see more gray. Under warm bulbs, subtle taupe and beige come forward, giving it a softer, cozier vibe. This balance means you can use it in both modern and traditional spaces without any fuss.
| Lighting Type | Seen Undertone | Temperature Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Daylight | Gray/Greige | Cooler appearance |
| Warm Indoor Light | Taupe/Brown | Warmer atmosphere |
| Low or Dim Lighting | Deep Gray-Brown | Moodier tone |
If you pair Felted Wool with warm colors like creamy whites, tan woods, or muted greens, you’ll bring out its earthy side. Match it with crisp whites or soft blue-grays, and it reads more refined and modern.
This subtle mix of undertones helps Felted Wool adapt easily, so your room feels grounded and calm—never flat or cold.
How Does Lighting Affect Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171?
Lighting really changes how Felted Wool (SW 9171) looks on your walls. The tone swings between warm and cool depending on the type and direction of light, and the balance of brown and gray can look richer or softer as the day goes on.
Natural Lighting
Natural light makes a big difference. In north-facing rooms, Felted Wool appears cooler and more muted since that direction brings in bluish light.
In south-facing rooms, sunlight adds warmth, softening the gray and pulling out the brown. This can make it feel more inviting, especially in the afternoon.
East-facing light in the morning gives the paint a lighter, fresher look, but it goes grayer later in the day. West-facing spaces highlight the richer, earthy side during sunset hours.
If your room gets patchy natural light, you might notice the color shifting subtly throughout the day. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Direction | Appearance in Natural Light |
|---|---|
| North | Cool, gray, muted |
| South | Warm, balanced, soft brown |
| East | Light in morning, gray later |
| West | Deep, warm in late day |
Artificial Lighting
Artificial lighting affects Felted Wool just as much as daylight does. Warm incandescent bulbs or LED lights with warm tones (2700–3000K) really bring out the brown undertones, making the space feel extra cozy.
These lights work great in rooms where you want a comfortable, inviting vibe. On the other hand, cool white or daylight bulbs (4000–5000K) highlight the gray base and give the color a modern, crisp look.
You might like this cooler effect in a workspace or a sleek, modern interior where clean lines matter. If you mix warm and cool light sources, the paint shifts—brown in one corner, gray in another.
Try to keep lighting consistent across fixtures to keep the color harmonious. Honestly, the best move is to test sample swatches under your actual lighting—it’s the only way to see what really flatters your space.
Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171 LRV 28 (Light Reflectance Value)
Felted Wool (SW 9171) has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of about 28, which puts it on the darker side. It absorbs more light than it reflects, so you get a soft, grounded atmosphere—perfect for spaces with good lighting or strong color contrast.
What Is LRV?
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures how much visible light a color reflects, using a scale from 0 (black) to 100 (white). Think of it like a brightness rating for paint.
Higher LRV makes a room feel more open, while lower LRV deepens the tone and coziness. Designers use LRV to guess how paint will look under natural and artificial lighting.
Paint with an LRV below 30 can make a dim room feel even darker, while values between 50–60 help spaces feel balanced. LRV doesn’t change the color itself—it just impacts how bright or moody a space feels, depending on your lighting and surroundings.
When you pick color combos, the LRV difference between wall and trim colors also changes the contrast. A 40-point difference gives you strong contrast, while a smaller gap makes for a smoother, more subtle shift.
Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171 LRV Range
With an LRV of 28, Felted Wool lands in the medium-dark range. It reflects about 28% of light, so you get depth without things feeling heavy.
In bright rooms, its muted neutral tone looks earthy and grounded. In lower light, it reads as a warm gray-beige that adds comfort.
Felted Wool shifts a bit throughout the day. In natural sunlight, it feels lighter and more open, while warm indoor lighting brings out the brown undertones for a soft glow.
If you pair Felted Wool with white trim or lighter accents, you’ll get more contrast and a modern edge. With wood tones or darker grays, the space feels calm and cohesive.
It’s honestly a flexible pick for living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways—anywhere you want some light control and a balanced feel.
Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171 Coordinating Colors
This color pairs beautifully with balanced neutrals and nature-inspired hues that highlight its soft mix of gray and brown. The colors below help you create calm, cohesive color palettes that fit modern, rustic, or transitional styles.
Shoji White SW 7042
If you want to lighten up a room painted in Felted Wool, Shoji White SW 7042 is a great match. This warm neutral mixes cream and greige, adding comfort without too much contrast.
It keeps spaces bright while softening Felted Wool’s cooler undertones. Shoji White works especially well on trim, ceilings, or accent walls where you just want a gentle shift in tone.
The pairing feels balanced—not too crisp, not too warm—so it’s easy to use in open-concept spaces. If you’re after a timeless, soft look, check out Shoji White SW 7042.
Together, these two shades form a natural palette that fits cozy living rooms, relaxed bedrooms, and minimalist entryways.
| Use Area | Recommended Finish | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Trim or ceilings | Satin | Lifts the space visually |
| Accent wall | Matte | Adds gentle dimension |
| Furniture | Semi-gloss | Brings a clean, finished look |
Skyline Steel SW 1015
Skyline Steel SW 1015 brings quiet sophistication to Felted Wool. This light gray-beige has a soft undertone that picks up the cooler side of Felted Wool, keeping the look harmonious.
You can use it for adjacent rooms, cabinetry, or built-ins to create smooth transitions. The pairing works perfectly for neutral color palettes, balancing mid-tone walls and lighter surfaces without the harsh contrast of white.
Add subtle metallic or black hardware if you want to highlight the contrast but keep the vibe even. These two neutrals together feel grounded but never dull—honestly, they fit both modern and traditional homes.
Foxhall Green SW 9184
When you want depth, Foxhall Green SW 9184 gives Felted Wool a rich contrast. This dark green, with gray undertones, adds personality but still feels refined.
The gray base helps it blend naturally with Felted Wool’s muted tone, so the combo looks sophisticated but approachable. Try Foxhall Green on accent walls, cabinetry, or furniture if you want a dramatic focal point.
Pair it with matte black or antique brass hardware to really show off its depth. This combination fits right in with earthy palettes—think wood, stone, and natural textures. You get a grounded, tailored space that doesn’t need bright or bold accents to feel inviting.
Trim Colors for Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171
Picking the right trim color for Felted Wool SW 9171 helps define edges, highlight details, and balance the warmth of this gray-taupe shade. Whites with warm or cool undertones change how Felted Wool looks—giving you either contrast or harmony.
Pure White SW 7005
Pure White SW 7005 has a clean, balanced tone that works well with mid-tone neutrals like Felted Wool. It doesn’t lean too warm or too cool, so you get clear contrast without harshness.
The result is a crisp, modern look that’s great for baseboards, door frames, and ceilings. The softness keeps it from competing with Felted Wool’s depth—Pure White frames the walls neatly and lets the main color shine.
Rooms with plenty of natural light especially benefit, since Pure White stays bright even in shaded corners. You can check out Pure White SW 7005 for more on how this shade behaves in different lighting.
Try it in spaces with wood or stone—it highlights those textures and keeps the design feeling fresh.
Extra White SW 7006
Extra White SW 7006 is one of Sherwin Williams’ brightest whites. Its cool undertone neutralizes Felted Wool’s warmth, giving your space a modern, structured vibe.
When you pair them, the sharp white outline pops against the walls and makes them seem a bit deeper. In well-lit rooms, Extra White looks crisp and reflective, offering a sleek backdrop for metal or glass features.
It’s best if you want a refined, gallery-like feel—not so much if you’re after cozy. Because it’s a cooler white, it can look bluish under artificial lighting, so use it with daylight or balanced LEDs.
It works especially well in kitchens or offices where you want energy and brightness.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster SW 7008 brings gentle warmth that complements Felted Wool’s earthy tone. It softens transitions and gives a more relaxed, inviting look than the brighter whites.
The creamy undertones make it perfect for spaces where you want the trim to blend in rather than stand out. With its high reflectance, Alabaster brightens walls but stays easy on the eyes.
North-facing rooms or those with limited light benefit most, since the trim helps lift the overall brightness. Paired with wood accents, it brings out natural textures without looking yellow or dull.
Take a look at Alabaster SW 7008 if you want a warm trim that works with lots of neutrals.
Comparing Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171 to Similar Colors
Felted Wool (SW 9171) has a warm, earthy undertone that blends beige and green, giving it a cozy, grounded look. Several similar Sherwin Williams neutrals—each with their own undertones and light reflectance—let you fine-tune a room’s warmth, depth, and sophistication.
Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171 vs Repose Gray SW 7015
Felted Wool comes off as a darker greige with warm green undertones, while Repose Gray SW 7015 leans cooler with a faint violet note.
This undertone difference gives Repose Gray a slightly airier feel, especially in bright light. Felted Wool’s Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 28 means it absorbs more light, making it deep and moody. Repose Gray, with an LRV near 58, reflects much more, so it feels lighter and more open.
If you’re into rich, moody tones, Felted Wool shines as an accent wall. For softer contrast or open spaces, Repose Gray is the safer bet—it never feels stark.
| Attribute | Felted Wool | Repose Gray |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 28 | 58 |
| Undertone | Beige-green | Greige-violet |
| Tone | Warm, dark neutral | Soft, balanced neutral |
Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171 vs Mindful Gray SW 7016
Both colors balance warmth and neutrality, but Mindful Gray SW 7016 comes across just a bit lighter and cooler. Its subtle brown undertone softens the gray, while Felted Wool shows off a stronger green tint that adds depth.
Felted Wool brings more visual weight, which makes it great for contrast against white trim or light furnishings.
Mindful Gray feels smoother and adapts well for continuous color through several rooms. If you want a cozier, grounding color, Felted Wool might be your pick.
Mindful Gray gives you versatility and gentle transitions between spaces. Both look good with creamy whites and medium wood tones.
| Attribute | Felted Wool | Mindful Gray |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 28 | 48 |
| Undertone | Beige-green | Warm brown-gray |
| Best Use | Accent walls, dens | Living areas, hallways |
Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171 vs Agreeable Gray SW 7029
When you compare to Agreeable Gray SW 7029, you’ll spot a brighter, lighter hue. Agreeable Gray mixes beige and gray pretty evenly, creating a soft, neutral greige.
Felted Wool has heavier saturation and appears earthier. Agreeable Gray’s LRV around 60 means it reflects more light and helps rooms look bigger.
Felted Wool stays deep, with its taupe-olive influence showing up most in shadowy corners. If you want a calm, well-lit backdrop, Agreeable Gray fits right in with both warm and cool décor.
Felted Wool works better for bold contrast or a cozy, moody vibe. It’s a matter of what you’re after.
| Attribute | Felted Wool | Agreeable Gray |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 28 | 60 |
| Undertone | Beige-green | Beige-gray |
| Atmosphere | Deep, moody warm | Light, airy neutral |
Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171 vs Dorian Gray SW 7017
Dorian Gray SW 7017 and Felted Wool sit at a similar depth, but their undertones set them apart. Dorian Gray leans more pure gray with a mild brown base, which makes it feel cooler.
Felted Wool has a warm, slightly olive cast that adds an organic touch. Dorian Gray’s LRV of 39 lets it reflect more light than Felted Wool’s darker 28, so it lands between medium and dark in terms of brightness.
Both shades look refined. Felted Wool feels distinctly grounded, especially in spaces where you want warmth.
In rooms with natural light, Dorian Gray keeps a neutral balance, but Felted Wool shifts more with changing light, giving richer contrast in dim spots.
| Attribute | Felted Wool | Dorian Gray |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 28 | 39 |
| Undertone | Green-beige | Brown-gray |
| Vibe | Earthy warmth | Modern neutrality |
Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171 vs Useful Gray SW 7050
Useful Gray feels noticeably lighter and milder than Felted Wool. It brings in hints of yellow-beige, giving it a soft, warm cast that brightens up dim spaces.
Felted Wool, being darker and heavier, works best if you want strong visual grounding. In north-facing light, both colors show a bit of green, but Useful Gray stays softer and more neutral.
The lighter tone helps small rooms feel open, while Felted Wool deepens the mood for a more dramatic design. If you’re pairing with white trim, both balance nicely, but Useful Gray bounces back more daylight, making it easier to use on big wall areas.
| Attribute | Felted Wool | Useful Gray |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 28 | ~60 |
| Undertone | Beige-green | Yellow-beige |
| Use | Bold accent | Light main wall |
Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171 vs Anew Gray SW 7030
Anew Gray SW 7030 and Felted Wool both have greige roots, but they differ in warmth and intensity. Anew Gray feels smoother and lighter with beige undertones, while Felted Wool’s green twist adds more earthiness.
Anew Gray’s LRV near 47 means it reflects a moderate amount of light—so it sits between Felted Wool and darker shades. Felted Wool feels den-like, giving character and depth to smaller accent zones.
If you use both in one space, Anew Gray can act as a balanced wall color, with Felted Wool highlighting built-ins or trim. Both link up well with wood, leather, and stone, but Felted Wool adds more natural contrast.
| Attribute | Felted Wool | Anew Gray |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 28 | 47 |
| Undertone | Beige-green | Beige-gray |
| Mood | Deep, grounded | Warm, adaptable |
Complementary Colors to Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171
Felted Wool SW 9171 works best with hues that highlight its cool gray-brown undertones. Whether you’re after warmth, energy, balance, or depth, these complementary colors create contrast while keeping things calm and cohesive.
Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171 with Coral Clay SW 9005
Pairing Felted Wool with Coral Clay creates a classic warm-and-cool balance. Coral Clay’s earthy red-orange tones play nicely with the muted gray base of Felted Wool, adding warmth but not overpowering the space.
This combo works well in living areas where you want both comfort and a bit of vibrancy. Try Coral Clay on an accent wall or in decor pieces like pillows or vases.
Felted Wool keeps the look grounded and easy to live with. Add wood finishes, woven textures, and plants to soften Coral Clay’s brightness and let Felted Wool anchor the design.
Together, they make a balanced environment that feels inviting and coordinated.
Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171 with Rejuvenate SW 6620
Rejuvenate brings in a bold terracotta-orange that pops against Felted Wool’s cool tones. This rich hue adds energy and makes neutral spaces feel more dynamic.
If you want a palette that’s lively but not chaotic, this contrast does the trick. In well-lit rooms, Rejuvenate really stands out against Felted Wool’s subtle gray-brown base.
The darker neutral softens the orange and adds a bit of refinement. For balance, keep most surfaces neutral and let the orange shine in accents.
You might use this scheme in kitchens or dining rooms for a cozy, welcoming feel. Metallic finishes—think bronze or copper—pair great and boost Rejuvenate’s warmth.
Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171 with Rainwashed SW 6211
When you pair Felted Wool with Rainwashed SW 6211, you get a cool, balanced palette that feels calm and fresh. Rainwashed blends blue and green with gray undertones, which works smoothly with Felted Wool’s neutral base.
This combo brings soft contrast and subtle depth. It’s a good pick for bedrooms or bathrooms if you’re aiming for a spa-like vibe.
The muted quality of both colors keeps the look modern and understated. Materials like white oak, brushed nickel, and natural fabrics fit right in.
This pairing feels natural and adapts easily to changes in lighting.
Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171 with Indigo Batik SW 7602
Combine Felted Wool with Indigo Batik SW 7602 for a clean, structured look. Indigo Batik’s deep navy stands out against the neutral warmth of Felted Wool, giving you a timeless, balanced pairing.
This combo works in offices, libraries, or any space where you want focus and sophistication. The darker blue highlights Felted Wool’s warmth while keeping things grounded.
Mix in crisp whites or soft creams for relief. Warm metallics like brass or gold add a touch of luxury and balance the cool undertones.
Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171 with Ripe Olive SW 6209
Felted Wool gets an earthy boost when paired with Ripe Olive SW 6209. Ripe Olive’s deep green and blue-gray undertones blend naturally with Felted Wool’s grounded vibe, creating a palette that feels steady and mature.
This combo fits living rooms or entryways where you want calm and structure. Felted Wool softens Ripe Olive’s darkness, so spaces feel layered but not heavy.
Accents in ivory or woodgrain bring in extra warmth without messing up the tone. If you love natural elements, this pairing echoes outdoor colors and really shines in spaces with plants, stone, or lots of natural light.
Felted Wool by Sherwin Williams SW 9171 with Waterscape SW 6470
Waterscape brings in a relaxed aqua vibe that really wakes up Felted Wool’s earthy, neutral base. Together, these two shades add a subtle coastal feel—nothing too loud or blinding. It feels calm and balanced, perfect if you want an open, breezy room that doesn’t try too hard.
I’d use Felted Wool for the main stuff like walls or big furniture pieces. Then, I’d pop Waterscape onto accents or maybe some cabinetry. The warm and cool undertones don’t clash; instead, they offer a gentle, almost effortless contrast.
If you want to finish this look, toss in some white trim, woven fabrics, or even pale woods. Those touches help Waterscape feel a bit brighter, while Felted Wool keeps everything grounded. The result? Clean, cohesive, and honestly just easy on the eyes.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.