Clary Sage by Sherwin Williams, SW 6178: A Beautiful Green-Gray Paint for Your Home

Looking to transform your space with a versatile and calming color? Clary Sage SW 6178 is a soft green-gray paint shade that creates a peaceful atmosphere while maintaining enough warmth to keep spaces inviting.

This nature-inspired hue works beautifully in any room of your home, from living areas to bedrooms. You’ll love how it pairs with white trim, natural wood tones, and other neutral colors to create a balanced look.

Whether you’re painting an accent wall or refreshing your entire home, this versatile green shade adapts to different lighting conditions throughout the day. Its muted undertones help create spaces that feel both fresh and timeless.

What Color Is Sherwin Williams Clary Sage SW 6178?

Clary Sage SW 6178 is a calming green-gray paint color with yellow undertones that brings natural warmth to any space.

Color Family

Clary Sage SW 6178 belongs to the green color family, but it’s not a bright or bold green. It’s a soft, muted shade that sits between sage green and gray.

The color has subtle yellow undertones that give it warmth and prevent it from feeling cold or clinical. You’ll notice how it can appear more green or more gray depending on your lighting conditions.

This versatile paint color pairs beautifully with both warm and cool tones. It works especially well with crisp whites and earthy neutrals.

Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)

The technical details for Clary Sage are important when matching colors or ordering paint:

  • Hex Code: #AAB097
  • RGB Values:
    • Red: 170
    • Green: 176
    • Blue: 151
  • Light Reflectance Value (LRV): 41

The LRV of 41 means you can use this color in rooms with good natural light without it feeling too dark. This mid-range LRV helps the color stay balanced throughout the day.

Sherwin Williams Clary Sage SW 6178 Undertones

Your walls will showcase a blend of gentle green and gray undertones that create a soothing, versatile backdrop for any room.

Green Undertones

Clary Sage SW 6178 features soft, natural green undertones with mild yellow hints. This mix creates a fresh, organic feel that connects your space to nature.

The green undertones appear more prominent in north-facing rooms where natural light is cooler. In these spaces, you’ll notice the color takes on a deeper sage appearance.

When paired with Pure White SW 7005, the green undertones become more noticeable and create a crisp, clean contrast.

Gray Undertones

The gray undertones in Clary Sage help create a sophisticated, muted appearance that prevents the color from feeling too bold or overwhelming.

In south-facing rooms with warm light, the gray undertones become more visible, helping to balance the green and create a neutral backdrop.

You’ll notice the gray-green balance shifts throughout the day as lighting changes, making this color especially dynamic and adaptable to your space.

For the most balanced appearance, test the paint in different areas of your room to see how the gray undertones interact with your specific lighting conditions.

How Does Lighting Affect Sherwin Williams Clary Sage SW 6178?

Your lighting choices dramatically change how Clary Sage appears on your walls, shifting from a soft sage green to more muted gray tones throughout the day.

Natural Lighting

When painting with Clary Sage in rooms with north-facing windows, you’ll notice the color appears more muted and grayish. This creates a calming, sophisticated look perfect for bedrooms or studies.

In south-facing rooms, the bright direct sunlight brings out the warmer sage undertones. Your walls will look brighter and more vibrant during peak daylight hours.

East-facing rooms show Clary Sage at its truest in the morning, while west-facing spaces display the warmest version of this color in the afternoon.

Artificial Lighting

Cool white LED bulbs make Clary Sage appear more crisp and gray-toned. This works well in modern spaces where you want a cleaner look.

Warm white bulbs enhance the green undertones and create a cozier feel. Your walls will feel more inviting under this type of lighting.

Yellow-tinted incandescent lighting brings out the warmth in Clary Sage, making it appear slightly more beige during evening hours.

Sherwin Williams Clary Sage SW 6178 LRV (Light Reflectance Value)

The light reflectance value of Clary Sage SW 6178 is 41, making it a medium-toned paint color that balances light absorption and reflection.

What Is LRV?

LRV measures how much light a paint color reflects versus absorbs. The scale runs from 0 to 100.

A value of 0 means the color absorbs all light, like pure black. A value of 100 means it reflects all light, like pure white.

Think of LRV as a brightness meter for your paint. Higher numbers mean brighter rooms, while lower numbers create deeper, moodier spaces.

Sherwin Williams Clary Sage SW 6178 LRV Range

Clary Sage’s LRV of 41 puts it right in the middle range of the scale. This means it won’t make your room too dark or too bright.

You’ll find this color works well in rooms with both natural and artificial light. It reflects enough light to keep spaces feeling open.

The moderate LRV helps the color stay true to itself throughout the day as lighting changes in your space.

Sherwin Williams Clary Sage SW 6178 Coordinating Colors

Your color choices will transform this versatile green-gray paint into stunning combinations for any room.

Clary Sage SW 6178 works beautifully with many other paint colors thanks to its balanced undertones.

Complementary Colors

Pure White SW 7005 creates a fresh, clean look when paired with Clary Sage. This combo works great in kitchens and bathrooms where you want a crisp appearance.

For a cozy feel, try pairing Clary Sage with Universal Khaki SW 6150. This earthy combination brings warmth to living rooms and bedrooms.

Dover White SW 6385 adds a soft, creamy contrast without being too stark. It’s perfect for trim and ceilings.

Monochromatic Color Scheme

Sagey SW 6175 is a lighter shade that creates depth when used with Clary Sage. Use it on an accent wall or in adjacent rooms.

Try Evergreen Fog SW 9130 for a deeper tone in the same family. This combination adds visual interest while maintaining harmony.

Nurture Green SW 6451 provides a softer option that complements Clary Sage perfectly in spaces where you want a calming effect.

Analogous Color Scheme

Tumblin’ Tumbleweed SW 9120 brings a warm beige tone that naturally flows with Clary Sage. This pairing works wonderfully in transition spaces like hallways.

Consider using greens and soft browns nearby. These colors share similar undertones and create a natural flow.

Mix in some warm whites and creamy neutrals to break up the green tones and add brightness to your space.

Trim Colors for Sherwin Williams Clary Sage SW 6178

Choosing the right trim color for Clary Sage SW 6178 can transform your space from simple to stunning.

White Trim Colors

Pure White SW 7005 creates a crisp, fresh contrast against Clary Sage walls. This combination works well in both modern and traditional spaces.

White trim helps define architectural details and makes the sage green walls appear richer and more vibrant. Consider using Extra White SW 7006 for a brighter, more contemporary look.

High Reflective White SW 7757 offers the brightest white option, perfect for spaces where you want to maximize light reflection.

Cream and Off-White Trim Colors

Dover White SW 6385 provides a soft, warm pairing that feels more casual and welcoming than stark white. This combination works beautifully in farmhouse or cottage-style homes.

Alabaster SW 7008 offers a subtle warmth that complements the earthy tones in Clary Sage without competing with them.

Creamy SW 7012 adds a touch of yellow undertone that creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere perfect for living rooms and bedrooms.

Contrasting Trim Colors

Deep bronze or charcoal trim creates dramatic impact against Clary Sage walls. Try Urbane Bronze SW 7048 for a bold, modern statement.

Navy blue trim like Naval SW 6244 offers an unexpected twist that works especially well in coastal or traditional homes.

For an earthy look, Universal Khaki SW 6150 provides a subtle contrast while maintaining the natural, organic feel of your space.

Sherwin Williams Clary Sage SW 6178 in Different Spaces

Clary Sage SW 6178 brings calming energy and versatile style to any room in your home, making it a great choice for both small and large spaces.

Living Rooms

Clary Sage SW 6178 creates a welcoming atmosphere in living rooms. The muted green tone helps you relax after a long day while providing enough personality to keep the space interesting.

Try pairing it with cream-colored sofas and natural wood furniture to enhance its earthy appeal. Add textural elements like woven baskets and chunky knit throws in neutral tones.

Your living room will feel extra cozy when you combine Clary Sage walls with warm metal accents like brass or copper light fixtures.

Bedrooms

In bedrooms, this gentle shade promotes rest and tranquility. The soft green undertones work beautifully with crisp white bedding and natural linen curtains.

Layer different textures through pillows and throws in complementary earth tones. Natural wood nightstands and dressers enhance the organic feel of the space.

Consider using Clary Sage on all walls for a cocooning effect, or create an accent wall behind your headboard.

Kitchens

Your kitchen gains warmth and character with Clary Sage cabinets or walls. The color works especially well with white quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances.

For a modern farmhouse look, pair Clary Sage cabinets with Pure White walls. Add brass hardware and pendant lights to bring warmth to the space.

The green tone creates a fresh backdrop for displaying colorful cookware and fresh herbs.

Bathrooms

Clary Sage brings spa-like serenity to bathrooms of any size. The color looks stunning with white porcelain fixtures and marble tiles.

Add natural elements like bamboo bath mats or wooden storage containers to enhance the organic vibe. Chrome or nickel fixtures pop beautifully against the sage backdrop.

Consider painting just the vanity in Clary Sage for a subtle accent that won’t overwhelm the space.

Home Offices

Your home office becomes more productive and peaceful with Clary Sage walls. The color reduces eye strain while maintaining enough presence to keep you focused.

Light wood desks and white shelving create perfect contrast against the green walls. Add plants to enhance the natural feeling and improve air quality.

Use cream-colored curtains or blinds to soften natural light while maintaining the serene atmosphere.

Comparing Sherwin Williams Clary Sage SW 6178 to Other Colors

When choosing the perfect green-gray paint color for your space, comparing similar shades can help you find the exact match for your style.

Sherwin Williams Clary Sage SW 6178 vs Sea Salt SW 6204

Sea Salt appears lighter and more blue-tinted than Clary Sage. While Clary Sage has earthy green undertones, Sea Salt leans toward a softer, coastal vibe.

The colors work differently in natural light. Sea Salt brightens up spaces with its airy feel, making rooms feel open and breezy. Clary Sage maintains a more grounded presence.

Your room’s lighting will affect how each color shows up. North-facing rooms make Sea Salt appear more gray, while Clary Sage holds its green tones better.

Sherwin Williams Clary Sage SW 6178 vs Comfort Gray SW 6205

Comfort Gray has stronger blue-green undertones compared to Clary Sage’s muted sage tones. You’ll notice Comfort Gray changes more dramatically throughout the day.

In artificial light, Comfort Gray might appear more moody and deep. Clary Sage stays more consistent with its warm undertones.

Your trim color choice matters more with Comfort Gray. White trim creates stronger contrast with Comfort Gray than with Clary Sage’s softer appearance.

Sherwin Williams Clary Sage SW 6178 vs Oyster Bay SW 6206

Oyster Bay reads as a deeper, more saturated version of the gray-green family. You’ll see more prominent green notes than in Clary Sage.

The color intensity differs noticeably. Clary Sage offers a gentler, more neutral presence, while Oyster Bay makes a stronger statement on your walls.

These colors pair differently with decor. Oyster Bay works best with cool-toned furnishings, while Clary Sage welcomes both warm and cool accent pieces.

Sherwin Williams Clary Sage SW 6178 Color Palettes

Create stunning room designs by pairing Clary Sage with complementary colors that match your style preferences and desired mood.

Warm Color Palette

Clary Sage SW 6178 pairs beautifully with warm earth tones to create a cozy, inviting space.

Try these warm color combinations:

  • Terra cotta oranges
  • Rich burgundies
  • Golden yellows
  • Rustic browns

Universal Khaki SW 6150 creates an especially cozy and earthy feel when combined with Clary Sage.

Cool Color Palette

Cool colors alongside Clary Sage create a calming, spa-like atmosphere in your space.

Perfect cool pairings include:

  • Soft blues
  • Muted lavenders
  • Sea glass greens
  • Cool grays

The green undertones in Clary Sage make it a natural fit with other cool-toned paint colors.

Neutral Color Palette

Neutral colors give you flexibility while letting Clary Sage remain the star of your design.

Top neutral combinations:

Adding neutral accents helps balance the richness of Clary Sage while maintaining a sophisticated feel.

Conclusion: Embracing the Versatility of Sherwin Williams Clary Sage SW 6178

Clary Sage SW 6178 brings natural elegance and adaptability to your space with its soothing green-gray tones.

This paint color can transform any room in your home. Its soft, muted green with gray undertones works well in bedrooms, living rooms, and even exteriors.

You’ll find it pairs beautifully with many colors. White trim, warm neutrals, and natural wood tones create perfect combinations for your design vision.

The color’s medium Light Reflectance Value of 41 means it won’t make your space too dark or too bright. This balance helps create comfortable, livable rooms throughout the day.

Consider using Clary Sage in these ways:

  • Main wall color in living spaces
  • Accent walls in bedrooms
  • Kitchen cabinets
  • Exterior siding
  • Bathroom walls

Your choice of Clary Sage brings a timeless quality that won’t go out of style. It works equally well in modern, traditional, or transitional spaces.

Exterior Walls

Front Door

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