Picking the right neutral paint can get overwhelming, but Sherwin Williams Alpaca SW 7022 makes it feel a little less daunting. This warm gray, with its sneaky taupe and violet undertones, gives you a color that shifts beautifully as the light changes.
Alpaca adapts—sometimes cozy for a bedroom, sometimes balanced enough for a living room, or even soft enough for a nursery. It never feels too cold, but it doesn’t go full-on beige either.
You’ll spot Alpaca morphing with the light in your space. When the sun pours in from the south, it warms up and leans taupe. In cooler northern light, its gray side steps forward.
That chameleon vibe is part of its charm, but honestly, you’ll want to test it out before you commit to painting an entire room.
Alpaca really shines when you pair it with the right trim and accent colors. Crisp whites bring out its softness, while dark accents like charcoal or black give it some real depth.
With good color combos, Alpaca works in all kinds of homes—modern, traditional, you name it.
Key Takeaways
- Alpaca is a warm gray with taupe and violet undertones
- Lighting totally changes how Alpaca looks
- Coordinating colors and trim make a big difference
What Color Is Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022?
Alpaca SW 7022 sits in that soft neutral zone, shifting between gray, taupe, and greige as the light changes. It sits right in the middle—deep enough for modern spaces, yet classic enough for traditional rooms.
Color Family
You’ll find Alpaca in the greige paint color family—that sweet spot where gray and beige blend together. It doesn’t go yellow or golden like some warm colors.
Instead, Alpaca brings along subtle violet and taupe undertones that sometimes jump out, especially under certain lighting.
In north-facing rooms, Alpaca leans cool and gray. In south-facing spots, it warms up and you’ll catch more of its taupe personality.
It’s a true chameleon neutral. The vibe changes depending on the light’s direction and strength.
Because of that balance, Alpaca pairs nicely with cool paint colors like crisp whites or charcoals, but it also plays well with warm paint colors like browns and tans.
You can use it pretty much anywhere—bedrooms, living rooms, even exteriors—if you want a calm, easygoing backdrop.
Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)
Sherwin Williams spells out the details so you know what to expect from Alpaca. The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is 57, putting it in the medium-light range. It reflects a decent amount of light but still shows some depth.
Here’s the quick rundown for Alpaca SW 7022:
| Code Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Hex | #B9B2A9 |
| RGB | (185, 178, 169) |
| LRV | 57 |
So, Alpaca isn’t a bright white or a moody dark gray. It sits comfortably in the middle, soft and neutral, never too stark or heavy.
Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022 Undertones
Alpaca doesn’t behave like a basic gray. Depending on your space and the light, it shifts between gray, taupe, and greige.
The undertones set Alpaca apart. Some days you’ll catch purple undertones, and other times, brown undertones warm things up with a taupe feel.
North-facing rooms often bring out that subtle purple side. South-facing spaces tend to pull out the brown and taupe notes.
Here’s how Alpaca’s undertones show up:
| Lighting Direction | Likely Undertone Visible |
|---|---|
| North-facing | Soft gray with purple hints |
| South-facing | Warm taupe with brown tones |
| East/West-facing | Shifts between gray and taupe throughout the day |
Depending on your home, Alpaca might feel warmer or cooler. Your furniture, floors, and trim will nudge those undertones one way or another.
If you want to highlight the purple undertones, go with cool accents—soft violets or grays. If you’re after the brown side, lean into warm woods or earthy decor.
How Does Lighting Affect Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022?
Lighting changes everything with Alpaca. Its taupe-gray base and those sneaky purple and pink undertones react wildly to natural daylight and whatever bulbs you’re using.
Natural Lighting
In north-facing rooms, cooler light pushes Alpaca grayer and sometimes brings out those faint purple tones. North light just does that—it’s on the cool side of the color wheel.
South-facing rooms warm things up. The steady daylight softens the taupe, and Alpaca feels more balanced and neutral.
East-facing rooms get warm light in the morning, then cooler light as the day goes on. Alpaca looks warmer at sunrise, then chills out by evening.
West-facing rooms flip that—cooler in the morning, golden in the evening. You’ll see Alpaca show off both its soft gray and taupe sides, sometimes in the same space.
If you like it warmer, pair Alpaca with creamy whites or warm accents. Want to keep it cool? Stick with crisp whites or cooler decor.
Artificial Lighting
Bulbs matter. Warm incandescent bulbs pull out Alpaca’s taupe and beige side, softening the purple. That’s great for bedrooms or living rooms where you want cozy vibes.
Cool LED or fluorescent bulbs push Alpaca toward its gray and purple undertones. Sometimes, it might look cooler than you expect.
Neutral or daylight LEDs land in the middle. They show Alpaca pretty close to how it looks in natural light, which is handy if you want consistency.
Think about bulb temperature (Kelvins). Warmer bulbs (2700K–3000K) bring out the warmth, while cooler bulbs (4000K+) lean into the gray. It’s a small detail, but it gives you some control over how Alpaca feels in your room.
Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022 LRV 57 (Light Reflectance Value)
Alpaca SW 7022 has a light reflectance value of 57. That puts it in the mid-light range—reflects a fair amount of light, but still feels grounded and not washed out.
What Is LRV?
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is a number from 0 to 100. It tells you how much light a paint color bounces around.
- 0 = pure black (absorbs all light)
- 100 = pure white (reflects all light)
LRV helps you guess how bright or dark a color will look. The higher the LRV, the lighter your room feels. Lower LRV? Things get a little cozier, maybe even moodier.
When you’re picking paint, LRV gives you a clue about how your color will play with sunlight and bulbs. It’s extra helpful if your room doesn’t get much daylight or you’re juggling different spaces in your home.
Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022 LRV Range
With an LRV of 57, Alpaca sits right in the middle—not as bright as an off-white, but lighter than a lot of medium grays or taupes. That makes it a flexible neutral, ready for both big and small rooms.
North-facing? Alpaca might lean a little cooler and look more gray. South-facing? The same paint warms up, showing off more taupe or beige.
Since it reflects a decent amount of light, Alpaca holds its own in open spaces without looking stark. It also avoids that heavy feeling in smaller rooms. That balance is what makes it such a safe pick when you want a soft, neutral backdrop that changes with the light.
Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022 Coordinating Colors
This shade plays well with both bold and soft colors, so you’ve got options. Deep neutrals, airy greens, or clean whites all help Alpaca’s warm gray and taupe undertones stand out.
Urbane Bronze SW 7048
Want contrast? Urbane Bronze SW 7048 is a solid pick. This deep brownish-gray got crowned Color of the Year in 2021, and honestly, it still feels timeless.
Its earthy undertones add some real depth, making Alpaca look even lighter and softer. Use this combo in living rooms or bedrooms if you’re after a grounded, cozy vibe.
Alpaca works for the main walls, while Urbane Bronze pops on trim, built-ins, or maybe an accent wall.
For a modern twist, try Alpaca on the walls and Urbane Bronze on cabinetry. The mix feels calm, warm, and just a little bit sophisticated. If you’re curious, check out Urbane Bronze SW 7048 for more ideas.
Sea Salt SW 6204
Sea Salt SW 6204 is a soft green with gentle blue undertones. It has a chill, coastal vibe that plays nicely with Alpaca’s warmth.
Together, they make a palette that’s fresh but never too bright. This pairing is great for bathrooms, bedrooms, or kitchens.
Alpaca gives you a neutral base, and Sea Salt adds a subtle pop of color. The combo is light, but not boring.
Try Alpaca on the main walls with Sea Salt for an accent wall or cabinets. Or flip it—let Sea Salt take over, with Alpaca in a supporting role. If you’re on the fence, check out Sea Salt SW 6204 before grabbing samples.
Pure White SW 7005
Need a trim or ceiling color? Pure White SW 7005 is a go-to. It’s clean, but not harsh, so it keeps Alpaca’s undertones from looking muddy or too purple.
Pairing Alpaca with Pure White gives you that sharp, modern contrast, but it still feels soft. This combo is great for open floor plans where you want everything to flow together.
Pure White on cabinetry with Alpaca walls? Classic look, and it keeps the space feeling bright while letting Alpaca’s warmth shine. You can read more about Pure White SW 7005 if you want to see how it works in real homes.
Trim Colors For Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022
When you pick trim for Alpaca, the undertones really matter. This warm greige has hints of purple and taupe, so choosing the right white helps keep your walls balanced instead of clashing.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster is a favorite for trim because it’s soft and warm, but not overly creamy. With an LRV of 82, it bounces a lot of light around, which brightens up spaces where Alpaca could feel a bit heavy.
Alabaster leans warm, but not so much that it fights Alpaca’s undertones. It makes a clean, natural transition.
If you need a trim color that works in both bright and dim rooms, Alabaster’s a safe bet. It’s versatile and doesn’t make Alpaca look flat like some stark whites can.
Natural Choice SW 7011
Natural Choice is a soft off-white with beige undertones. Its LRV is 73, so it reflects a bit less light than Alabaster but still keeps things bright.
Natural Choice gives you a warmer, grounded vibe with Alpaca. The beige in Natural Choice pairs up nicely with Alpaca’s taupe side, so the wall and trim flow together subtly.
It’s a solid pick if you want warmth without the harsh contrast of pure white. In rooms with natural light, Natural Choice helps Alpaca feel softer and a bit cozier.
Creamy SW 7012
Creamy is another off-white, but it leans more yellow than Natural Choice. That makes it a little trickier with Alpaca, since too much warmth can draw out the purple undertones.
In rooms with balanced light, Creamy can create a traditional, inviting feel. But in spaces with a lot of artificial light, the yellow in Creamy might clash with Alpaca’s undertones.
Definitely test this combo first, especially if your room gets a lot of warm light. If it looks right, Creamy gives you a gentle, classic trim that’s warmer than Alabaster or Natural Choice.
Real World Examples Of Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022 In Different Spaces
This soft greige changes a lot depending on lighting, undertones, and what’s around it. You’ll see it shift between gray, taupe, and sometimes a hint of violet, so testing samples is a must before you commit.
Bathrooms
Alpaca brings a soothing feel to bathrooms, especially when you pair it with crisp whites on trim or cabinets. In small spaces, its warm undertones prevent the room from feeling chilly and still look modern.
Skip creamy or yellow-based whites here, since those can highlight the violet undertones. Use Pure White or Extra White instead for a cleaner look.
Satin or eggshell finishes work best on walls because they stand up to moisture. If you’re painting vanities or cabinets in Alpaca, go for a semi-gloss finish for durability and easier cleaning.
Lighting is huge in bathrooms. In north-facing spaces, Alpaca can look cooler and more gray. In southern light, it shifts warmer and feels softer.
Bedrooms
Alpaca sets a calm, balanced tone in bedrooms. Its greige shade fits with both light and dark furniture, so you get plenty of options for décor.
Lots of natural light makes Alpaca look lighter and softer. With less light, it feels cozier and deeper. White trim helps brighten the room and keeps the walls from feeling heavy.
This color is popular in nurseries because it’s neutral but not too stark. It pairs well with natural woods, woven accents, and soft fabrics. Try peel-and-stick samples to see how Alpaca changes in your lighting before you paint everything.
Front Doors
Alpaca isn’t the obvious pick for a front door, but it can work if you want a subtle, neutral entry. Outside, the undertones shift a lot depending on the time of day.
Morning light brings out cooler gray tones, while afternoon sun can show taupe or even a little lavender. Testing big paint samples outdoors is honestly essential.
Pair Alpaca doors with bright white trim or stone siding for balance. Steer clear of really warm beige or yellow siding, since that can clash with Alpaca’s cooler undertones.
If you want something easy to maintain, use a satin or semi-gloss exterior paint for cleaning and weather resistance.
Home Offices
Alpaca helps create a productive but comfortable home office. Its neutral base lets you play with accent colors—blues, greens, warm wood, whatever you’re into.
In rooms without much natural light, Alpaca leans gray, which pairs with modern furniture. In brighter spots, it turns taupe and feels more relaxed.
Try pairing it with matte black hardware or shelves for contrast. White trim or built-ins in Pure White keep things fresh and prevent the space from looking too muted.
Since you’ll probably spend hours here, test samples at different times of day to see how the undertones shift.
Houses
On exteriors, Alpaca works best as a main body color rather than trim. Its mid-range LRV (57) keeps it from looking washed out in sunlight, but it won’t feel too dark either.
It pairs well with stone, brick, or darker accents like charcoal or navy. White trim sharpens the look, and black windows really pop.
Watch out for exterior lighting—sometimes the violet undertones show up more than you’d expect. Test big samples on different sides of the house to see how it reacts throughout the day.
For a cohesive vibe, try Alpaca on siding with a darker roof and lighter trim.
Kitchen Cabinets
Painting kitchen cabinets in Alpaca gives you a soft, neutral look that’s not as stark as white but still feels light. It works especially well with warm wood floors or stone counters.
Since cabinets take a beating, a semi-gloss finish is best for durability and easy cleaning. Pair Alpaca cabinets with white walls for a classic feel, or go with darker walls for more contrast.
Don’t use Alpaca cabinets with creamy yellow counters or tiles, since that can pull out the violet undertones. Cooler quartz or marble surfaces match up better.
Always test a big paint sample on a cabinet door first—lighting and finishes can totally change how the undertones show up.
Living Rooms
Alpaca fits right in living rooms because it bridges warm and cool tones. It matches both light and dark furniture, so it’s easy to style different ways.
In bright, open spaces, Alpaca reads as a soft gray that feels modern. In cozier rooms, it goes taupe and adds warmth without getting too brown. If you want a neutral backdrop for colorful accents or art, it works well.
Pair Alpaca walls with white trim for a crisp look. If you want more depth, add an accent wall in something darker like Peppercorn or Iron Ore.
Peel-and-stick samples let you see how Alpaca shifts throughout the day before you commit to painting the whole room.
Comparing Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022 To Similar Colors
Alpaca sits in the warm gray and taupe family, but its subtle violet undertones make it act differently depending on the light. When you compare it to popular neutrals, you’ll spot changes in warmth, depth, and undertone that help you figure out which shade fits your space best.
Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022 vs Agreeable Gray SW 7029
Alpaca and Agreeable Gray SW 7029 are both greiges, but they lean in different directions. Alpaca has a cooler edge with violet undertones, while Agreeable Gray brings in softer beige notes that make it feel warmer and a bit more flexible.
Agreeable Gray is often called a “safe” neutral because it balances warm and cool tones so evenly. Alpaca, though, can surprise you by shifting toward taupe or a faint purple in certain lights.
If you want something that blends easily with wood and natural textures, Agreeable Gray might be your pick. Alpaca is great if you like a slightly moodier neutral that doesn’t feel too beige. You can read more about Agreeable Gray if you want a closer look at how flexible it is.
Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022 vs Repose Gray SW 7015
Repose Gray SW 7015 is another greige, but it leans more gray than Alpaca. Both have similar depth, but Repose Gray feels steadier since its undertones are softer and less likely to shift a lot.
Alpaca’s violet undertones can bring unexpected coolness, especially in north-facing rooms. Repose Gray, in contrast, has just enough warmth to keep it from looking cold.
If you’re after a dependable gray that works with both warm and cool palettes, Repose Gray is a strong option. Alpaca is better if you want a neutral with a bit more personality. Learn more about Repose Gray to see how it compares in different rooms.
Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022 vs Drift of Mist SW 9166
Drift of Mist SW 9166 is lighter and airier than Alpaca. While Alpaca has mid-tone depth with taupe and violet undertones, Drift of Mist is a soft warm gray that brightens a room without feeling harsh.
If you want a color that keeps things light, Drift of Mist is a better fit. Alpaca works when you want more contrast against white trim or a shade with a bit more body.
Drift of Mist tends to look more consistent in different lighting, while Alpaca can shift between gray and taupe. For a closer look, check out Drift of Mist and compare it to Alpaca in your own space.
Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022 vs Crushed Ice SW 7647
Crushed Ice SW 7647 is a light gray with subtle warm undertones, so it feels more neutral and less moody than Alpaca. With an LRV in the low 60s, Crushed Ice reflects more light than Alpaca’s 57, giving it a brighter look on walls.
Alpaca feels cozier and a bit deeper, which works well in bedrooms or living rooms where you want warmth. Crushed Ice is better for big, open spaces where you want a soft, clean backdrop.
If you’re deciding between the two, think about how much light your room gets. You can explore Crushed Ice to see how it compares side by side with Alpaca.
Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022 vs On the Rocks SW 7671
On the Rocks SW 7671 gives you a true gray with barely-there undertones, so it feels more neutral than Alpaca. Alpaca shifts into taupe or violet, but On the Rocks stays steady and shows up as a soft gray in almost any light.
If you want a wall color that won’t fight with your decor, On the Rocks usually does the trick. Alpaca adds more depth and warmth, especially when you mix in natural wood or earthy accents.
On the Rocks comes across as more modern and crisp. Alpaca feels softer and works well in transitional spaces.
Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022 vs Modern Gray SW 7632
Modern Gray SW 7632 leans warmer and a bit more beige than Alpaca. Alpaca sits closer to gray with taupe hints, while Modern Gray brings a creamy warmth that just feels inviting.
If your home has warm floors or gold touches, Modern Gray blends in more naturally. Alpaca works better if you want a cooler neutral that still has some warmth but steers clear of yellow.
Modern Gray pairs nicely with shades like Accessible Beige and Edgecomb Gray. Alpaca does best with cooler whites and muted tones, which makes Modern Gray a better fit for traditional spaces and Alpaca a good pick for transitional or contemporary rooms.
Complementary Colors To Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022
Alpaca is a warm greige that shifts between taupe and gray, depending on the light and what’s around it. If you pair it with deeper blues, you get balance and contrast—plus a polished look that works in living rooms, bedrooms, or even outside.
Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022 with Naval SW 6244
When you pair Alpaca with Naval SW 6244, you get a classic contrast. Naval is a deep navy blue with a crisp undertone that doesn’t slide into green or purple, so it’s a solid anchor color.
Alpaca’s warm greige softens Naval’s intensity. Together, they create a palette that feels both classic and a bit modern.
Try using Naval on cabinets or accent walls, then keep Alpaca on the main walls. Brass or gold hardware can tie everything together and highlight the depth of both shades.
This pairing really shines in dining rooms, offices, or entryways where you want something bold but still welcoming.
Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022 with Smoky Blue SW 7604
Smoky Blue brings a medium blue with a muted, slightly gray undertone. Next to Alpaca, these colors complement each other without feeling heavy or overwhelming.
Alpaca’s softness grounds Smoky Blue’s cool tone. This combo feels just right for bedrooms or family spaces where you want calm energy.
Use Alpaca on bigger surfaces like walls, and bring in Smoky Blue for built-ins, doors, or accent furniture. White trim can brighten things up and keep the look from getting too subdued.
It’s a relaxed, approachable look that still feels stylish and intentional—at least, that’s how it comes across to me.
Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022 with Needlepoint Navy SW 0032
Needlepoint Navy gives you a rich, traditional navy with more depth than lighter blues. Pair it with Alpaca, and you get a strong contrast that feels formal but not stiff.
Use Needlepoint Navy for wainscoting, cabinetry, or standout furniture. Alpaca on the walls softens the effect and keeps the space from turning too dark.
This pairing works in dining rooms or offices where you want a polished vibe. Add in some natural wood or leather accents to warm things up and avoid a stark look.
Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022 with Slate Tile SW 7624
Slate Tile SW 7624 brings a dark gray-blue that feels moody and elegant. When you mix it with Alpaca, you get a layered neutral palette with just enough contrast.
Alpaca’s taupe undertones keep Slate Tile from feeling too cold, making this combo pretty versatile for modern or traditional interiors.
Try Slate Tile on kitchen islands, accent walls, or exterior doors, and let Alpaca handle the main walls. Metallic accents like brushed nickel or matte black can really pull the look together.
This duo stands out in kitchens, bathrooms, or exterior spaces where you want some depth without going overboard.
Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022 with Dress Blues SW 9176
Dress Blues is a bold navy with strong saturation, so it’s more dramatic than softer blues. Pair it with Alpaca, and you get a striking contrast that feels stylish and confident—maybe even a little daring.
Try Dress Blues on accent walls or furniture to create a focal point. Alpaca gives you a neutral backdrop that balances out the navy’s intensity.
This combo works well in living rooms or bedrooms where you want a bold statement but not something that overwhelms the space.
Add crisp white trim and metallic accents for a clean, modern finish. It’s a look that just works, honestly.
Alpaca by Sherwin Williams SW 7022 with Charcoal Blue SW 2739
Charcoal Blue dives deep into navy, with hints of gray that give it a slate-like vibe. When you put it next to Alpaca, the palette feels grounded and, honestly, pretty sophisticated.
Alpaca brings some warmth that softens Charcoal Blue’s cool edge. Suddenly, the space feels more inviting than cold.
I love using Charcoal Blue on cabinetry or an accent wall. It even works on textiles—think curtains or a bold rug.
Let Alpaca cover the main walls to keep things light. That way, the room doesn’t get weighed down.
This combo really shines with natural wood and soft lighting. The result? Cozy, but still modern.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.