Looking for a paint color that feels warm but still neutral? Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams (SW 7640) is a medium-tone greige that blends gray and brown for a balanced, versatile look.
It’s rich enough to add depth, yet soft enough to work in almost any space. Living rooms, exteriors—you name it.
You’ll notice how its undertones shift with the light. In bright natural light, it leans softer and more open.
In dimmer spaces, it feels cozy and grounded. This flexibility makes it a dependable choice if you want a color that adapts without looking flat or dull.
Pair it with crisp whites for contrast. Deep greens or blues create drama, while warm wood tones bring out a natural vibe.
Whether you want a modern edge or a timeless backdrop, Fawn Brindle gives you options without overwhelming the space.
Key Takeaways
- Fawn Brindle is a balanced greige with warm undertones
- Lighting changes how the color looks throughout the day
- It pairs well with whites, deep colors, and natural wood tones
What Color Is Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640?
Fawn Brindle SW 7640 is a warm neutral that blends gray and beige tones, often called greige. It shifts slightly depending on lighting, making it versatile for both interiors and exteriors.
Color Family
You’ll find Fawn Brindle in the warm gray family with soft brown undertones. It sits between gray and beige, so it feels balanced without leaning too cool or too yellow.
This makes it a good option if you want a color that works across different rooms and styles. In bright natural light, it can look lighter and more airy.
In low light, it deepens into a cozier shade that feels grounded. Because of its greige quality, it pairs well with both warm and cool colors, offering flexibility in design.
Compared to similar neutrals, Fawn Brindle is slightly darker than many light grays but not as heavy as deep taupes. If you’re familiar with RAL colors, it’s closest to muted earthy tones like RAL 7030 (Stone Grey), though not an exact match.
This makes it easy to coordinate with finishes such as stone, wood, and brick.
Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)
The technical details of Fawn Brindle help you understand how it will look in different settings. Its Hex code is #A7A094, which gives it a soft, earthy base.
In RGB values, it’s made up of 167 red, 160 green, and 148 blue, keeping the color balanced without strong saturation.
Its Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is 36, placing it in the medium-dark range. This means it won’t reflect as much light as pale grays or off-whites, but it also won’t feel overly dark.
In a well-lit room, it feels approachable and warm. In dimmer spaces, it creates a more intimate atmosphere.
When compared to other paint brands, you’ll find similar tones in Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Valspar neutrals, though exact matches vary. If you’re trying to coordinate across brands, always test a sample since lighting and undertones can shift the appearance.
Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640 Undertones
When you look at Fawn Brindle, you’ll notice it sits in the warm gray family with clear hints of brown. These subtle brown and taupe notes give the color more depth than a plain gray.
In brighter natural light, the undertones lean a little warmer, which brings out a soft, earthy feel. In lower light, the gray tones become more noticeable, making the shade appear slightly cooler.
You can think of it as a balanced mix of gray and brown that shifts depending on the light. This makes it flexible for different rooms and times of day.
Key Undertones in Fawn Brindle:
- Warm gray base
- Soft brown influence
- Taupe hints that show more in daylight
| Lighting Condition | How Undertones Appear |
|---|---|
| Natural daylight | Warmer, taupe comes forward |
| Artificial light | More neutral gray tone |
| Dim light | Slightly cooler, muted look |
Because of this balance, you can pair Fawn Brindle with both warm and cool colors in your home. It won’t clash easily, and it adapts to many styles.
How Does Lighting Affect Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640?
The look of Fawn Brindle changes a lot depending on the type of light in your space. Its balance of gray and brown undertones can shift toward warm or cool, which makes placement and lighting conditions important to consider.
Natural Lighting
Natural light has the biggest impact on how you see Fawn Brindle. In bright, direct sunlight, the color often looks lighter and more muted, leaning closer to a soft greige.
This makes it feel brighter and less heavy during the day. In north-facing rooms, where the light is cooler, the gray tones in Fawn Brindle stand out more.
You may notice it looking slightly more crisp and subdued compared to warmer exposures. South-facing rooms bring out its warmer side.
The brown undertones feel stronger, giving the color a cozier and more inviting look. East- and west-facing rooms can shift throughout the day, with warmer tones in the morning or evening and cooler tones at midday.
If you want to highlight its depth, pair it with natural wood finishes. The warmth of the wood balances the cooler moments of the paint when the light changes.
Artificial Lighting
Artificial light also changes how Fawn Brindle reads, especially at night. Under warm incandescent or soft LED bulbs, the brown undertones become more noticeable.
This makes the color feel richer and more grounded. Cool white or daylight LED bulbs push the gray side forward.
In this case, Fawn Brindle can look more modern and less earthy, which may suit a clean, minimal style. The type of finish you choose also matters.
A satin or eggshell finish reflects more light, making the color appear slightly lighter. A matte finish absorbs light, which can make the shade look deeper and more muted.
Using layered lighting, like combining overhead lights with lamps, helps you control how the color shifts throughout the day. This gives you flexibility to highlight either its warm or cool qualities depending on your preference.
Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640 LRV 36 (Light Reflectance Value)
This shade reflects a moderate amount of light, making it neither too bright nor too dark. It balances warm gray and brown tones, so you can use it in many spaces without it feeling washed out or heavy.
What Is LRV?
LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value, which measures how much light a paint color reflects on a scale of 0 to 100. A higher number means the color reflects more light and feels brighter.
A lower number means it absorbs more light and feels darker. For example:
- 0 = pure black (absorbs all light)
- 100 = pure white (reflects all light)
Knowing the LRV helps you predict how a color will look in different lighting. If your room gets little natural light, a low-LRV color will appear darker.
In bright rooms, the same color can look lighter. This makes LRV an important tool when choosing paint.
Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640 LRV Range
Fawn Brindle has an LRV of 36, which places it in the medium range. It reflects some light but still has enough depth to feel grounded.
This makes it a versatile neutral that works in both sunny and dim spaces. In brighter rooms, Fawn Brindle holds its color without looking washed out.
In darker rooms, it can look richer and cozier but not too heavy. Here’s a quick reference:
| LRV Range | Appearance | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| 60–100 | Light, airy | Small rooms, low-light spaces |
| 40–59 | Balanced | Most living areas, versatile |
| 0–39 | Deep, bold | Accent walls, cozy rooms |
At 36, Fawn Brindle sits at the edge of the deeper range, giving you a warm, neutral backdrop that adapts well to different settings.
Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640 Coordinating Colors
Pairing Fawn Brindle with the right shades helps you create balance and flow in your rooms. These colors highlight its warm gray undertones while adding contrast and brightness in different ways.
Accessible Beige SW 7036
If you want a soft transition between colors, Accessible Beige is a great choice. It leans warmer than Fawn Brindle but still carries subtle gray undertones that keep it from looking too yellow.
This makes the two shades work well side by side without clashing. You can use Accessible Beige on walls in open floor plans while keeping Fawn Brindle for accent walls or cabinetry.
The combination feels natural and helps you avoid sharp contrasts. Because Accessible Beige is slightly lighter, it can brighten spaces where Fawn Brindle might feel too heavy.
This balance works especially well in living rooms and bedrooms. Learn more about how Accessible Beige works as a flexible neutral if you want to explore it further.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster is a warm white that pairs nicely with Fawn Brindle’s earthy gray tones. It softens the look of darker walls and adds light without being stark or cold.
You can use Alabaster on trim, ceilings, or built-ins to create contrast against Fawn Brindle walls. This pairing makes each shade stand out while keeping the overall look calm and inviting.
In kitchens, Alabaster cabinets with Fawn Brindle walls create a clean but cozy feel. In bedrooms, the mix keeps the space restful while still adding depth.
Because Alabaster has a touch of warmth, it blends seamlessly with Fawn Brindle’s taupe undertones instead of competing with them.
Pure White SW 7005
Pure White is brighter and crisper than Alabaster, giving you a sharper contrast with Fawn Brindle. It works best when you want a fresher, more modern look.
Use Pure White on trim, doors, or ceilings to frame Fawn Brindle walls. The high contrast draws attention to architectural details and makes the room feel structured.
This pairing also helps small spaces feel larger. Pure White reflects more light, which balances the medium depth of Fawn Brindle.
In bathrooms or kitchens, Pure White keeps the design clean while allowing Fawn Brindle to bring warmth and grounding.
Trim Colors for Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640
When you pair Fawn Brindle with the right trim, you highlight its warm gray-brown tones and create a balanced look. The right white can either brighten the space with crisp contrast or soften the edges with a more subtle transition.
Pure White SW 7005
If you’re after a trim color that feels clean but not too sharp, Pure White SW 7005 pairs nicely with Fawn Brindle. It’s a soft white—never looks yellow, never feels icy.
This shade fits right in with both modern and traditional spaces. On trim, Pure White frames Fawn Brindle walls in a way that feels fresh but not too stark.
The greige tones get to stand out, and you still end up with a smooth, polished finish. Pure White adapts to different lighting, so you won’t see it turn harsh in bright daylight or lose its charm in dim rooms.
Curious how it looks in real homes? Check out Pure White SW 7005 for more ideas.
Extra White SW 7006
Want more contrast? Extra White SW 7006 brings a bright, crisp vibe. It’s one of Sherwin Williams’ sharpest whites, so it really makes Fawn Brindle look deeper and more grounded.
This mix shines if you like a modern, high-contrast look. Extra White outlines crown molding, baseboards, and window trim with a sharp edge against those softer walls.
It bounces more light around, so rooms feel brighter—especially if Fawn Brindle might otherwise feel a bit heavy. Best in spaces with lots of natural light, or if you just love a clean, fresh finish.
Alabaster SW 7008
If you lean toward a softer, warmer trim, Alabaster SW 7008 is a lovely choice with Fawn Brindle. Alabaster has a gentle warmth, so it blends right in with the taupe undertones.
The combo feels cozy and inviting, not stiff or formal. It works especially well in bedrooms, living rooms, or anywhere you want a gentle transition between walls and trim.
Alabaster’s high light reflectance keeps rooms feeling bright without ever looking stark. You can dive deeper into Alabaster SW 7008 to see why it’s a fan favorite.
Real World Examples of Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640 in Different Spaces
This warm greige fits in both light and dark settings, so it’s a flexible pick for interiors and exteriors. Use it to highlight trim, balance out bold accents, or just create a calm backdrop for wood, tile, and furniture.
Bathrooms
Try Fawn Brindle in bathrooms if you want a spa-like vibe that doesn’t go too dark. Its medium depth looks great with white tile and light stone countertops.
The contrast grounds the walls but keeps the room bright. Matte black fixtures or brushed nickel hardware give it a modern twist.
If you’re into warmth, bronze or brass finishes work too. For small bathrooms, stick to light vanities and tile so the color doesn’t take over.
In bigger bathrooms, you can use Fawn Brindle on both the walls and cabinets for a unified look.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms really benefit from this calming shade. Paint all four walls for a cozy retreat, or just use it on an accent wall behind the bed.
It pairs beautifully with wood furniture—oak or walnut both add warmth. Crisp bedding in white or cream keeps things from feeling too heavy.
If you’re after more contrast, toss in navy or deep green textiles. They balance the greige and give the room a finished look without being too bold.
Front Doors
Fawn Brindle looks great on front doors if you want something softer than black but deeper than beige. It’s got enough depth to stand out against white trim or light siding, but still feels natural with brick or stone.
Pair it with matte black hardware for a modern edge, or brass if you like a traditional touch. Both finishes work well with the undertones.
Its slight green-gray cast really pops in natural settings—think trees, stone paths, or wood porches.
Home Offices
In a home office, Fawn Brindle creates a balanced backdrop that actually helps you focus. It’s not as stark as white and not as dark as charcoal, so it’s easy to live with for long stretches.
Use it on the walls with white trim for a clean look. Add a wood desk and shelving for warmth.
If you like a modern vibe, try black furniture and metal accents. The neutral shade lets colorful artwork or office décor stand out.
Houses
On exteriors, Fawn Brindle is flexible enough for all kinds of home styles. With an LRV of 36, it’s a mid-to-dark shade that shows depth but doesn’t feel too heavy.
It works with stone, brick, and wood siding. Designers often use it as the main body color and then bring in creamy white trim for balance.
For accents, try darker shades like Urbane Bronze or Black Fox on shutters, gutters, or doors. The result? A layered palette that feels both modern and classic.
Kitchen Cabinets
Fawn Brindle on kitchen cabinets gives you a warm, grounded look without the heaviness of deep grays. It looks especially nice with white tile backsplashes and light quartz or marble countertops.
If you’ve got wood floors, the greige ties everything together. Medium to dark stains like walnut really shine with this color.
For hardware, brushed nickel brings a sleek finish, while brass adds warmth. Both highlight the undertones and keep the kitchen welcoming.
Living Rooms
In living rooms, Fawn Brindle is a solid neutral base for all sorts of furniture. Paint the walls this shade, then use sofas or chairs in lighter fabrics to keep things airy.
It pairs well with wood coffee tables and shelving, adding natural warmth. If you want some contrast, go for black light fixtures or dark accent tables.
Layer in cream rugs, patterned pillows, and linen curtains for softness. The color works for both casual and formal spaces—honestly, it’s hard to go wrong.
Comparing Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640 to Similar Colors
Fawn Brindle lives in the warm gray family with just a bit of brown underneath, so it’s versatile but close to a lot of other neutrals. Even small changes in undertone or depth can make a big difference in how each color feels at home.
Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640 vs Dorian Gray SW 7017
Fawn Brindle and Dorian Gray SW 7017 are both mid-tone grays, but they go in different directions. Fawn Brindle has more brown, so it feels grounded and earthy.
Dorian Gray, with an LRV of 39, reflects a bit more light and looks cleaner and cooler. If you want a cozier look, Fawn Brindle’s taupe vibe is hard to beat.
Dorian Gray feels more modern and crisp, especially with lots of natural light. In darker rooms, Fawn Brindle might read more muted, while Dorian Gray holds its color better.
Both work in lots of spaces, but your pick depends on whether you like a warmer or cooler gray.
Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640 vs Functional Gray SW 7024
Functional Gray is definitely darker than Fawn Brindle. With its deeper tone, it brings more drama and contrast, while Fawn Brindle stays softer and easier as a main wall color.
Fawn Brindle’s LRV of 36 keeps it mid-range, but Functional Gray sits lower and soaks up more light. That matters if you’re working with small or dim rooms—Functional Gray might feel heavy.
For a neutral that won’t take over, Fawn Brindle is safer. Functional Gray can work as a strong accent with lighter trim or cabinets.
Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640 vs Perfect Greige SW 6073
Perfect Greige leans more beige, while Fawn Brindle strikes a pretty even balance between beige and gray. That makes Fawn Brindle a true greige, while Perfect Greige sometimes reads warmer, almost taupe.
In warm lighting, Perfect Greige can look richer and cozier. Fawn Brindle stays more neutral.
If you want a color that bridges both warm and cool palettes, Fawn Brindle wins for adaptability. Perfect Greige is best if you want the warmth to really stand out.
Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640 vs Keystone Gray SW 7504
Keystone Gray is deeper and bolder than Fawn Brindle. Its stronger brown influence gives it a traditional, earthy vibe.
Fawn Brindle feels lighter and just fits more design styles. Keystone Gray creates more contrast with lighter trim and ceilings, while Fawn Brindle blends in more softly and doesn’t dominate as much.
If you need a main wall shade that won’t make a room feel closed in, Fawn Brindle is easier. Keystone Gray is for those who want a statement neutral with more weight.
Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640 vs Analytical Gray SW 7051
Analytical Gray is lighter and leans a bit cooler than Fawn Brindle. Its higher LRV means it reflects more light and helps brighten a room.
Fawn Brindle, with its deeper tone, feels more grounded and cozy. In north-facing rooms, Analytical Gray can look cooler, while Fawn Brindle keeps its warmth.
Analytical Gray works if you want a subtle gray that won’t weigh down a space. Fawn Brindle is better when you want more depth and presence.
Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640 vs Worldly Gray SW 7043
Worldly Gray is lighter and softer than Fawn Brindle. It’s a beige-gray mix with less brown, so it feels more airy and fresh.
Fawn Brindle carries more depth and warmth. In smaller rooms, Worldly Gray helps open things up, while Fawn Brindle works if you want a stronger neutral that adds character without going too dark.
Both are versatile, but Worldly Gray is great as a light, subtle backdrop. Fawn Brindle offers a richer, cozier look—especially nice with wood tones and darker accents.
Complementary Colors to Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640
Fawn Brindle plays well with deep blues and greens, which create contrast but keep the overall look balanced. Pair it with bold or muted shades to highlight its warm undertones and add some depth to your space.
Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640 with Naval SW 6244
Pairing Fawn Brindle with Naval SW 6244 gives you a mix of warmth and depth. Fawn Brindle’s taupe-gray base softens the bold navy, so the space feels classic and steady.
Naval is a deep blue that sticks to its true shade and doesn’t shift toward green or purple. It’s a reliable choice for accent walls, cabinetry, or built-in shelving.
Try Fawn Brindle on the walls and Naval on trim or furniture for a timeless vibe. Or flip the combo if you’re after a more dramatic look. If you’re curious about its undertones, check out more on Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244.
Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640 with Smoky Blue SW 7604
Smoky Blue brings a softer, muted navy that’s less formal than Naval. Against Fawn Brindle, it creates a relaxed, stylish look.
This combo works well in bedrooms or offices if you want a calm atmosphere. Fawn Brindle’s earthy warmth balances Smoky Blue’s cooler tone, so the space never feels too chilly.
Use Smoky Blue on accent walls or doors and keep Fawn Brindle on the main walls. Natural wood or leather finishes help tie both colors together.
Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640 with Moody Blue SW 6221
Moody Blue sits at a medium depth, blending blue and gray with a hint of green. Pairing it with Fawn Brindle brings out a cozy, inviting palette.
This works in family rooms or kitchens where you want a welcoming vibe. Moody Blue adds personality without taking over.
Highlight Moody Blue through cabinetry, accent furniture, or textiles. Let Fawn Brindle ground the space on the walls so the blue can stand out.
Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640 with Distance SW 6243
Distance is a smoky, deep blue with gray undertones. It teams up with Fawn Brindle for a cool, modern look that still feels comfortable.
This combo shines in open concept spaces. Distance brings depth to focal points like kitchen islands, while Fawn Brindle keeps things neutral elsewhere.
Try Distance on interior doors or built-ins for a bold touch. Brushed nickel or matte black finishes work well here if you want a clean, cohesive design.
Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640 with Blue Peacock SW 0064
Blue Peacock is a bold teal that adds energy and contrast to Fawn Brindle. The warmth in Fawn Brindle keeps the teal from feeling too sharp.
This pairing works best in smaller doses—a striking accent wall or statement piece of furniture. Blue Peacock grabs attention, while Fawn Brindle keeps things balanced.
Try this duo in dining rooms or entryways if you want a strong first impression. Metallic accents like brass or gold can pull the look together for a polished finish.
Fawn Brindle by Sherwin Williams SW 7640 with Cascade Green SW 0066
Cascade Green is a soft, muted green that gives off a vintage vibe. When you mix it with Fawn Brindle, you get a natural palette that feels calming and outdoorsy.
This combo fits nicely in bedrooms or bathrooms, especially if you want a peaceful mood. Fawn Brindle brings warmth and never fights with the green.
Try Cascade Green on cabinetry or even wainscoting. Accent furniture works too—why not?
Toss in some linen fabrics and light wood tones to nail that relaxed, nature-inspired look.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.