Don’t let the name fool you—Oyster White by Sherwin Williams isn’t really white. This popular paint color is a light greige with cool undertones that shift between gray and beige depending on your lighting and decor.
With an LRV of 72, it’s a versatile neutral that fits beautifully in pretty much any room. It gets along with most color schemes, too.
Homeowners who want something more interesting than plain white but still neutral enough for their furniture and decor tend to love this chameleon-like paint. Lighting changes its mood throughout the day, and those undertones? They’re always a surprise. It sits somewhere between colors like Alabaster and Natural Choice, but with its own twist.
Thinking about Oyster White for your walls, cabinets, or even outside? This guide should help you get a feel for what to expect. You’ll see real-life examples, plus some tips on which trim and accent shades make it shine.
Key Takeaways
- Oyster White is actually a light greige with gray, beige, and a hint of green undertones—not a true white
- Lighting changes its look a lot: gray in cool light, beige in warm light
- It works well in any room and plays nicely with most colors, though red or orange accents are best skipped
What Color Is Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637?
Oyster White SW 7637 is a warm off-white with green-beige undertones, sitting in the white color family. It reflects 72% of light, so it’s lighter than most beiges but not quite a pure white.
Color Family
Oyster White technically belongs to the white family, but honestly, most people call it greige. It’s warmer than a stark white, for sure.
The color shows up as a creamy off-white, but there’s more going on beneath the surface. It doesn’t look flat or cold like basic whites.
This shade works as a neutral backdrop in your home. It’s cozy but still brings in plenty of light.
It kind of bridges that gap between white and beige. You get the crispness of white, but with the comfort of something warmer.
Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)
The hex code for Sherwin Williams Oyster White is #E2DDD0. That’s handy if you’re trying to match colors digitally or across brands.
The RGB values are:
- Red: 226
- Green: 221
- Blue: 208
This balanced blend gives Oyster White its warm neutral vibe.
Oyster White’s Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is 72. So, it reflects 72% of the light that hits it.
With an LRV of 72, it’s in the off-white range. It’s bright enough to open up a room, but not so stark that it feels chilly.
Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637 Undertones
Oyster White isn’t a true white. Its complex undertones make it look different depending on your lighting.
The main undertones you’ll notice are:
- Gray
- Beige
- Green
- Slight orange
These undertones blend to create a “greige” effect—a mix of gray and beige that feels modern but not cold.
Bright lighting makes the white aspect pop, so you’ll see a cleaner, lighter look.
Dim lighting draws out the deeper tones. That’s when the gray, beige, and green really show up.
The green undertones stand out in certain rooms. They give Oyster White a soft, natural vibe that fits coastal or contemporary styles.
Lighting direction changes everything. North-facing rooms pull out more gray, while south-facing rooms make it warmer and more beige.
The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 72 keeps the undertones in check, so things never get too intense.
You can pair Oyster White with warm colors to highlight the beige or with cool colors to bring out the gray. It’s flexible like that.
How Does Lighting Affect Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637?
Oyster White shifts between warm and cool vibes based on your lighting. Natural light brings out different undertones than artificial bulbs, and it kind of keeps you guessing all day.
Natural Lighting
North-facing rooms get cooler, indirect light. Here, Oyster White leans more muted and neutral, with gray undertones stepping up.
South-facing rooms soak up warm, direct sunlight. In these spaces, Oyster White turns brighter and more welcoming—beige and cream undertones really stand out.
East-facing rooms feel warmest in the morning. The sunrise brings out a subtle yellow hint, but that fades as the day goes on.
West-facing rooms start off cool, then warm up in the afternoon and evening. That shift creates a cozy, changing atmosphere.
With an LRV of 72, Oyster White bounces a lot of natural light around, but still keeps some depth.
Artificial Lighting
Warm LED bulbs make Oyster White creamier and softer. The color turns a bit cozier—great for bedrooms or living rooms.
Cool LED or fluorescent lights push Oyster White in a crisper, grayer direction. The walls feel more neutral and sharp.
Incandescent bulbs highlight the warmest qualities, dialing up any beige undertones.
Dimmer switches let you play with the mood. Lower light brings out the subtle undertones, while bright overheads keep things looking cleaner.
Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637 LRV 72 (Light Reflectance Value)
Oyster White has an LRV of 72, so it reflects a lot of light back into your space. It’s definitely in the “bright” category, but there’s still enough depth that it doesn’t look washed out.
What Is LRV?
LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value. It’s a measure from 0 to 100 of how much light a paint color bounces back.
Zero is pure black—absorbs all the light. 100 is the brightest white—reflects everything.
Most paint colors land somewhere in between. Higher LRV numbers mean lighter, brighter walls.
LRV gives you a way to predict how light or dark a color will look in your space. It doesn’t change with lighting or furniture.
It’s a handy tool for comparing paint colors side by side, so you can skip the guesswork.
Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637 LRV Range
With an LRV of 72, Oyster White is definitely in the “light” camp. It’s bright enough to open up a room and make it feel bigger.
Colors between 50-80 LRV are considered light to medium-light. Oyster White sits toward the higher end of that range.
That 72 LRV means you might not need as much artificial light during the day. Rooms feel naturally brighter with this paint.
It strikes a nice balance—fresh and light, but not flat or sterile.
Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637 Coordinating Colors
Oyster White’s greige undertones let it play well with darker neutrals and bold accents. Here are three colors that really make it pop.
Dorian Gray SW 7017
Dorian Gray offers a solid contrast to Oyster White’s creamy lightness. With an LRV of 45, it’s a lot darker—and that makes the pairing feel modern but not harsh.
Both colors have neutral undertones, so they don’t fight each other. Dorian Gray’s balanced gray works with Oyster White’s greige, not against it.
You might use Dorian Gray on accent walls and keep Oyster White as the main color. That adds depth without making things feel heavy.
Popular combos:
- Kitchen islands with Oyster White cabinets
- Bedroom accent walls paired with Oyster White
- Bathroom vanities and Oyster White walls
This pairing works in both modern and traditional spaces. Natural light really brings out their best sides.
Stardew SW 9138
Stardew is a soft blue-green that picks up on Oyster White’s subtle green undertones. It brings a calming, spa-like vibe to the palette.
Stardew’s coolness balances Oyster White’s warmer notes. That combo is especially nice in bathrooms or bedrooms.
In north-facing rooms, where Oyster White leans gray, Stardew’s blue-green tones feel right at home.
Best rooms for this duo:
- Master bedrooms for a peaceful feel
- Powder rooms for a clean, fresh look
- Home offices for a calm workspace
The two colors flow together without feeling too bold or forced.
Urbane Bronze SW 7048
Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams is all about drama. Against Oyster White, it brings out a rich, deep contrast. Urbane Bronze’s warm brown undertones complement Oyster White’s beige side.
The pairing feels sophisticated, no matter if your style is classic or modern. Urbane Bronze makes Oyster White look even brighter and cleaner.
Try Urbane Bronze on lower cabinets with Oyster White uppers for a two-tone kitchen. That combo adds interest without overwhelming the space.
Design ideas:
- Kitchen cabinets: Dark on the bottom, light on top
- Trim work: Bronze trim with white walls
- Furniture: Dark accent pieces in light rooms
This contrast keeps things from feeling flat. Both colors have enough warmth to feel inviting, not stark.
Trim Colors for Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637
Three crisp white trim options work beautifully with Oyster White’s warmth: Pure White SW 7005, Extra White SW 7006, and Alabaster SW 7008. Each one gives a different level of contrast, but they all keep things looking fresh and coordinated.
Pure White SW 7005
Pure White gives a crisp, fresh contrast when you use it with Oyster White walls. Its neutral undertones play nicely with Oyster White’s subtle green-beige hints and never feel out of place.
This combo feels both modern and timeless. The trim pops just enough to define spaces, but it never looks harsh or too bold.
Pure White by Sherwin Williams SW 7005 fits right in with both traditional and contemporary homes. It’s bright enough to make your trim noticeable, yet soft enough to feel inviting.
Kitchens and bathrooms especially benefit from this pairing. Clean lines help highlight cabinetry and architectural details in a way that just feels right.
Extra White SW 7006
Extra White brings out the brightest contrast against Oyster White walls. You’ll see crisp, defined lines all around your space.
The high contrast can actually make your room feel bigger and more open. Architectural features stand out, looking sharp and intentional.
This pairing shines in rooms with lots of natural light. If you’ve got a north-facing room, though, you might find it a bit too stark.
Extra White trim cools down Oyster White’s warmth. Those cool undertones keep your space from drifting into beige or yellow territory.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster offers the softest contrast with Oyster White. Its warm undertones blend right in with your wall color.
The difference is subtle, just enough to gently define walls and trim. You end up with a cohesive, calm vibe.
This combo is perfect for bedrooms and living rooms. Low contrast creates that soothing, almost spa-like mood.
Alabaster trim helps keep Oyster White’s cozy feeling intact. Both shades share similar warmth, so the room feels unified and peaceful.
Real World Examples of Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637 in Different Spaces
Oyster White gives you a versatile neutral backdrop in living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. Its light greige nature lets it play well with all sorts of color schemes.
This paint shines in spaces with lots of natural light. It pairs beautifully with warm wood tones and cool accent colors alike.
Shoji White SW 7042
Shoji White is a warmer alternative, thanks to its creamy undertones. While both work in living spaces, Shoji White leans more beige, and Oyster White feels a bit cooler.
In bedrooms, Oyster White creates a soft off-white look that’s incredibly serene. It’s especially nice in nurseries, where its gentle green undertones add subtle color without overwhelming the space.
Shoji White has an LRV of 74, just above Oyster White’s 72. Both are bright, but Shoji White brings a touch more warmth, especially in north-facing rooms.
In kitchens, you’ll notice the biggest difference. Oyster White keeps its neutral greige vibe next to white cabinets, while Shoji White comes across as creamier in the same setup.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster really brightens up a space with its LRV of 82. It’s a lighter option compared to Oyster White’s more muted 72.
Living rooms in Oyster White feel deeper and richer than Alabaster’s clean look. Oyster White’s greige undertones give you subtle color shifts as the light changes throughout the day.
Bathrooms benefit from Oyster White’s off-white look that still has some depth. Alabaster can feel a bit stark in small bathrooms, while Oyster White keeps things welcoming.
Kitchen cabinets in Oyster White offer warmth without making things feel cold, which sometimes happens with pure whites. Its beige undertones play nicely with both warm wood and cool counters.
Natural Choice SW 7011
Natural Choice has an LRV of 73, just a smidge brighter than Oyster White. Both are great for hallways and entryways where you want a neutral background.
In master bedrooms, you’ll notice the differences more. Natural Choice looks warmer and lighter, while Oyster White keeps a crisp, neutral feel.
Home offices get a calm, distraction-free backdrop with Oyster White. Its neutral nature works for both traditional and modern office setups.
On exteriors, Natural Choice reads warmer, but Oyster White holds onto its sophisticated greige look. Both pair well with dark trim and roofing.
Creamy SW 7012
Creamy brings yellow undertones that warm up a space more than Oyster White’s cool greige. Living rooms in Creamy look golden, especially in afternoon sunlight.
Kitchens really show the contrast. Oyster White stays neutral next to all sorts of cabinets, while Creamy adds a warmth that can clash with cooler materials.
Dining rooms benefit from Oyster White’s ability to work with both warm and cool accents. Its balanced undertones make it easy to swap out decor as the seasons change.
Farmhouse homes often pick Creamy for its cozy vibe, but Oyster White is more versatile if you want to mix design styles in one space.
Moderne White SW 6168
Moderne White brings a contemporary, clean look to neutral paint. Oyster White, by comparison, gives you more warmth and depth.
Modern living spaces really benefit from Oyster White’s subtle color shifts as the day goes on. It looks more beige in the morning, but leans gray as afternoon shadows roll in.
Minimalist bedrooms get just enough color from Oyster White to avoid feeling cold. Its greige quality adds interest without being too much.
Open floor plans are easy to decorate with Oyster White. The color coordinates with all sorts of furniture and accents across connected spaces.
Egret White SW 7570
Egret White shares warm off-white qualities with Oyster White, but it leans more taupe. Both work in traditional and modern settings.
Family rooms in Oyster White feel welcoming and adapt well to different lighting. The way it shifts throughout the day keeps things visually interesting.
Powder rooms get a sophisticated boost from Oyster White. Its depth keeps small spaces from looking flat or dull.
Even laundry rooms feel more pleasant with Oyster White. Its neutral tone makes these functional areas a little more enjoyable.
Naval SW 6244
Naval creates striking contrast when you use it with Oyster White for accent walls. That deep navy makes Oyster White look even lighter and creamier.
Naval accent walls pair beautifully with Oyster White on the rest. This combo is especially nice in bedrooms and home offices where you want a bit of drama.
Kitchen islands in Naval look fantastic with Oyster White walls. The contrast adds visual interest but still feels timeless and sophisticated.
On exteriors, Naval shutters or doors really pop against Oyster White siding. This classic combo works for everything from traditional to modern farmhouse designs.
Comparing Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637 to Similar Colors
Oyster White SW 7637 stands out among neutrals with its warm greige base and a whisper of green. Every comparison shows different strengths—sometimes it’s the brightness against darker grays, other times it’s the warmth next to cool blues.
Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637 vs Smoky Azurite SW 9148
Oyster White brings warmth and light with its LRV of 72. It helps rooms feel open and airy.
Smoky Azurite is a totally different mood—deep blue-gray with a much lower LRV around 25. That creates serious drama and contrast.
| Color | LRV | Undertones | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oyster White | 72 | Green-beige | Main walls, small rooms |
| Smoky Azurite | 25 | Blue-gray | Accent walls, large spaces |
Oyster White is the better pick for small spaces that need a little light boost. Smoky Azurite is all about bold statements in big rooms.
The vibe is totally different. Oyster White feels cozy and welcoming. Smoky Azurite has a cool, sophisticated edge.
Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637 vs Redend Point SW 9081
Redend Point leans into pink and coral undertones. That’s a whole different energy from Oyster White’s green-beige base.
With Redend Point, your room feels warmer and more romantic. Oyster White keeps things neutral and calm.
Both work in bedrooms and living areas, but Redend Point brings more personality and boldness to the table.
There’s a real LRV gap here. Oyster White reflects more light at 72, while Redend Point sits at about 60, so it makes rooms feel a bit dimmer.
Oyster White pairs better with:
- Cool blues and greens
- Natural wood tones
- White trim
Redend Point works with:
- Warm corals and peaches
- Gold accents
- Cream trim
Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637 vs Comfort Gray SW 6205
Comfort Gray brings true gray tones, skipping the green undertones you get in Oyster White. That makes Comfort Gray feel cooler and a bit more modern.
Comfort Gray has an LRV of 61, so it’s darker than Oyster White’s 72.
Oyster White comes across as cozy and more traditional. Comfort Gray leans toward sleek and contemporary.
Both look great with white trim, but Comfort Gray pops more against bright whites.
Undertones are the big difference here. Oyster White’s green-beige brings warmth, while Comfort Gray stays neutral, not really pulling warm or cool.
Room impacts:
- Oyster White makes rooms feel bigger and brighter
- Comfort Gray creates a calm, sophisticated mood
- Oyster White is a good choice for north-facing spaces
- Comfort Gray fits modern furniture styles
Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637 vs Accessible Beige SW 7036
Accessible Beige has stronger beige undertones than Oyster White, so it feels warmer and more traditional.
Both colors have pretty similar light reflection values. Accessible Beige is at 58, Oyster White at 72.
You’ll see more yellow undertones in Accessible Beige. Oyster White keeps a green-beige balance that feels a little fresher.
Accessible Beige is best with:
- Traditional furniture
- Warm wood tones
- Gold and brass fixtures
Oyster White fits:
- Contemporary designs
- Cool metal finishes
- Coastal themes
Versatility is where they really differ. Oyster White adapts to more styles, while Accessible Beige is all-in on warm, traditional looks.
Both set a calm, neutral background. Really, it just comes down to whether you want cooler sophistication or a warmer, cozier feel.
Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637 vs Moody Blue SW 6221
Moody Blue brings a dramatic punch with its deep blue-gray vibe. Its LRV sits around 35, which is way darker than Oyster White’s bright 72.
You’ll notice a totally different feel in your rooms depending on which you pick. Oyster White opens up spaces, while Moody Blue cozies things up and makes them feel more intimate.
Color temperature really splits these two:
- Oyster White comes across as warm and inviting
- Moody Blue delivers a cool, sophisticated look
- Oyster White fits any room size
- Moody Blue needs good lighting so it doesn’t feel gloomy
Your styling options change a lot with these colors. Oyster White plays nicely with both warm and cool accents. Moody Blue? It looks best with whites, creams, and metallics—otherwise, it can get heavy fast.
Moody Blue takes more planning. You’ll want lighter furniture and lots of light to keep the space balanced.
Oyster White gives you flexibility if you like to switch up your décor later. Moody Blue sort of locks you into a specific vibe and palette.
Complementary Colors to Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637
Oyster White SW 7637 pairs beautifully with rich blues like Smoky Azurite, warm reds such as Redend Point, and soft neutrals like Comfort Gray and Accessible Beige. These combinations highlight Oyster White’s warm undertones and create a nice balance.
Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637 with Smoky Azurite SW 9148
Smoky Azurite SW 9148 stands out against Oyster White’s creamy warmth. This deep blue-gray brings a little sophistication when you mix it with the soft warmth of Oyster White.
This combo feels especially nice in bedrooms where you want things calm. You could do Oyster White on most walls and Smoky Azurite as an accent behind the bed.
In living rooms, this pairing adds interest without being too loud. Try Oyster White for trim and ceilings, with Smoky Azurite on a feature wall.
The cool blue in Smoky Azurite balances out Oyster White’s yellow undertones. Together, they make a color scheme that’s cozy but still feels a bit refined.
Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637 with Redend Point SW 9081
Redend Point SW 9081 brings a rich, earthy red that really complements Oyster White’s creamy base. This combo gives warmth and a bit of energy, especially in traditional or rustic rooms.
It works great in dining rooms and kitchens. Use Oyster White as your main color, then sprinkle in Redend Point with cabinetry or a single accent wall.
These colors create a welcoming atmosphere that feels classic but not stuffy. The red adds some depth, while the cream keeps things light.
Honestly, Redend Point works best as an accent. Too much of it, and the room can start to feel overwhelming instead of inviting.
Try this combo in entryways if you want a bold first impression but still want the space to feel warm.
Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637 with Comfort Gray SW 6205
Comfort Gray SW 6205 naturally pairs with Oyster White for a soft, neutral look. This duo fits both modern and traditional homes without fuss.
The gray gives just enough contrast but doesn’t fight with Oyster White’s warmth. Both colors reflect light well, making rooms feel airier.
This pairing is honestly great for open layouts where you want colors to flow together. Try Comfort Gray in nearby rooms to tie everything together.
White trim and natural wood look fantastic with these shades. Add some texture through fabrics or rugs so the space doesn’t fall flat.
Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637 with Accessible Beige SW 7036
Accessible Beige SW 7036 forms a soft, monochromatic look with Oyster White. Both have similar warm undertones, so the combo feels easy and calm.
This pairing gives you subtle variety but still keeps everything unified. Use Accessible Beige in hallways and Oyster White in main living spaces for a nice flow.
If you like understated elegance, you’ll probably love these together. They’re not dramatic, but they always look pulled together.
Both shades work with wood, stone, or even colorful art and accessories. The combo really shines in smaller homes where you want rooms to feel connected, not chopped up.
Oyster White by Sherwin Williams SW 7637 with Moody Blue SW 6221
Pairing Moody Blue SW 6221 with Oyster White’s gentle warmth adds depth and drama. This navy-inspired color brings in a sophisticated contrast you might not expect.
I love how the combo works in master bedrooms and home offices. Try Oyster White as your main color, then paint one accent wall in Moody Blue for a little wow factor.
Both brass and chrome fixtures look great with these colors. White trim and natural wood elements fit right in, too.
If you want things to feel balanced, the 60-30-10 rule is your friend. Let Oyster White dominate, Moody Blue play backup, and toss in a third accent color—just a touch.
Honestly, this pairing holds up in photos and still looks good years later. It’s a solid pick if you want something that won’t go out of style fast.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.