Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 has quickly become one of the most talked-about green paint colors—and honestly, it deserves the buzz. This sophisticated mid-tone green strikes a balance between warmth and depth with its earthy undertones and herbal vibe, making it a great pick for accent walls or even whole rooms.
With an LRV of 14, Rosemary brings natural elegance to just about any space. It’s also versatile enough to handle a range of lighting situations, which is always a bonus.
Rosemary isn’t just another sage green. It stands out from the crowd with some unique qualities that set it apart from other popular greens.
This guide covers what you need to know about this shade—from how it shifts in different lights to the best colors to pair with it.
If you’re eyeing Rosemary for your living room, bedroom, or kitchen, knowing its undertones and what coordinates well will help you make smarter design choices.
There are plenty of real-life examples here to show how Rosemary transforms spaces. You’ll also get tips on trim colors that highlight its natural beauty.
Key Takeaways
- Rosemary SW 6187 is a sophisticated mid-tone green with earthy undertones and an LRV of 14. It works well in a range of lighting.
- This color pairs nicely with warm whites, soft neutrals, and rich accent shades—so you can go subtle or dramatic.
- Understanding Rosemary’s unique character and what goes with it helps you create spaces that feel both natural and elegant.
What Color Is Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187?
Rosemary SW 6187 is a green-gray paint that blends earthy green with subtle gray. It’s part of the green family, but its technical specs help you predict how it’ll actually look in your space.
Color Family
Rosemary fits into the green family, but more specifically, it’s a green-gray. It’s a muted, mid-tone green with cool, earthy undertones.
It looks like a mix of sage and olive green. The gray mixed in keeps it from being as bright as pure green.
Some people say it reminds them of rosemary leaves or even pine trees. It’s lighter than a deep forest green but darker than most sages.
This blend of green and gray gives Rosemary a natural, sophisticated vibe. The gray undertones almost let it act like a neutral in a room.
Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)
Knowing Rosemary’s color codes helps you match it up with other shades and materials. Here’s what matters:
Light Reflectance Value (LRV): 14
With an LRV of 14, Rosemary is definitely on the darker side. It only reflects about 14% of light.
You’ll notice the color looks deep and rich on walls. Good lighting is a must, or your room might feel a bit closed in.
Technical Color Codes:
- Hex Code: Not specified in available data
- RGB Values: Not specified in available data
That low LRV makes Rosemary a strong choice for accent walls or spaces with lots of daylight. It gives any room a grounded, cozy feel.
Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 Undertones
Rosemary SW 6187 brings cool, earthy undertones that add depth and personality. You’ll pick up on the gray undertones right away—they soften the green and keep it from feeling too bright.
You’ll also notice olive green undertones that add a touch of warmth. These olive hints help the color avoid looking cold or sterile.
Gray takes the lead as the main undertone, making Rosemary look muted and sophisticated instead of loud or bold.
In some lighting, you might spot a hint of blue-green. North-facing rooms or fluorescent bulbs can really bring those out.
The earthy vibe comes from that gray and olive mix. It’s what gives Rosemary its natural, organic feel—works great in both modern and traditional spaces.
| Primary Undertones | Secondary Undertones |
|---|---|
| Gray | Blue-green |
| Olive green | Brown |
| Cool earth tones | Sage |
Lighting really changes what undertones you see. Warm light brings out the olive and brown. Cool light makes the gray and blue-green pop.
These mixed undertones make Rosemary flexible but also mean you should definitely test it in your own space first.
How Does Lighting Affect Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187?
Rosemary shifts a lot depending on the time of day and your light sources. Because it’s a dark green with a low LRV, it soaks up most of the light that hits it.
Natural Lighting
Morning light softens Rosemary and makes it feel a bit more muted. The cooler side of the green stands out more in those early hours.
Afternoon sun brings out the richer, deeper side of this color. That’s when the earthy undertones really show up.
As the sun goes down, Rosemary can look even darker and more dramatic. The herbal green qualities fade a bit as the light disappears.
North-facing rooms highlight Rosemary’s cool side all day. South-facing rooms pull out more warmth and depth.
On cloudy days, Rosemary leans more gray-green. When it’s bright and sunny, the green really shines through.
Artificial Lighting
Warm LED bulbs (around 2700K-3000K) make Rosemary feel cozy and inviting. The green looks richer and more balanced.
Cool white LEDs (4000K-5000K) can push Rosemary toward gray or sage. This lighting brings out the cooler undertones.
Incandescent bulbs add a yellow warmth, making Rosemary look a bit more olive. It’s a different vibe than you might expect from the paint chip.
Track lighting and recessed lights create shadows that deepen the color even more. Table and floor lamps give a softer glow that shows off Rosemary’s true character.
Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 LRV 14 (Light Reflectance Value)
Rosemary SW 6187 sits at an LRV of 14, so it’s definitely a dark paint that reflects very little light. This has a real impact on how it looks and how much lighting you’ll need.
What Is LRV?
LRV (Light Reflectance Value) measures how much light a paint color bounces back into your room.
The scale goes from 0 (pure black, no reflection) to 100 (pure white, reflects all light). Most paint colors land somewhere between 3 and 93.
Darker colors have lower LRV numbers, while lighter shades have higher ones.
LRV ranges look like this:
- 0-20: Dark colors
- 21-50: Medium colors
- 51-100: Light colors
Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 LRV Range
With an LRV of 14, Rosemary falls solidly in the dark color category. It absorbs most of the light that hits it.
This gives rooms a more intimate, cozy feel. You’ll want good natural or artificial lighting if you go with this shade.
Dark colors like Rosemary can make small rooms feel even smaller. They’re often best for accent walls or bigger spaces where you want a bit of drama.
You’ll probably need a few extra light fixtures in rooms painted with Rosemary, since this green absorbs a lot of lamp and overhead light.
Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 Coordinating Colors
Rosemary pairs really well with soft neutrals like Alabaster for crisp contrast, Accessible Beige for a bit of warmth, and Evergreen Fog if you want a sophisticated monochromatic look.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster SW 7008 offers a perfect contrast to Rosemary’s deep green. With an LRV of 82, it’s bright enough to balance Rosemary’s darkness.
Alabaster’s subtle warmth keeps the combo from feeling too harsh. Try it on trim, ceilings, or accent walls to brighten up spaces painted in Rosemary.
This pairing looks especially good in kitchens and bathrooms. Rosemary on lower cabinets with Alabaster uppers? Chef’s kiss.
Best applications:
- Trim and molding
- Kitchen cabinets (mixed with Rosemary)
- Accent walls
- Ceilings
Accessible Beige SW 7036
Accessible Beige SW 7036 brings some warmth that plays nicely with Rosemary’s cool green. With an LRV of 58, it sits right in the middle—neither too light nor too dark.
The beige undertones in SW 7036 complement Rosemary’s gray undertones, creating a calm, earthy palette that feels timeless.
This combo works well in living rooms and bedrooms. Use Accessible Beige on most walls and Rosemary as an accent behind the bed or sofa.
It’s a good choice for open floor plans, too. Paint connecting spaces in Accessible Beige and use Rosemary in dining areas or cozy nooks.
Evergreen Fog SW 9130
Evergreen Fog SW 9130 makes a great partner for Rosemary if you’re after a monochromatic look. Both colors share green and gray undertones, so they layer together seamlessly.
Evergreen Fog has an LRV of 24—darker than most neutrals but lighter than Rosemary. This makes it easy to create depth and interest.
Try Evergreen Fog on main walls and Rosemary on built-ins or accent features for a spa-like vibe.
Color pairing ideas:
- Evergreen Fog: main walls
- Rosemary: kitchen island or bathroom vanity
- Both colors: different rooms in open layouts
This pairing also looks awesome with natural wood and brass accents.
Trim Colors for Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187
White trim pops against Rosemary’s deep green, making the color look even richer while keeping the space bright.
Pure White SW 7005
Pure White gives you a crisp, clean contrast next to Rosemary’s earthy green. It’s a bright white with no weird undertones, so it stands out against muted green walls.
The contrast brings a traditional look that works especially well in farmhouse or colonial-style homes. Trim looks sharp and defined.
Pure White reflects a lot of light back into your space, which helps balance out Rosemary’s low LRV.
Best for:
- Traditional home styles
- Rooms with good natural light
- Bold contrast looks
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster gives you a softer contrast than Pure White, but still brightens up your space. It’s a warm white with subtle cream undertones that play nicely with Rosemary’s gray-green vibe.
This combo feels more relaxed and modern than that harsh, stark white trim. Your room gets a sophisticated, layered look—no jarring contrasts here.
If your Rosemary walls lean gray, Alabaster steps in to keep things from feeling chilly. The warmth balances out the coolness.
- Warm undertones echo Rosemary’s earthy character
- Less intense than pure white
- Keeps color flow cohesive
High Reflective White SW 7757
High Reflective White cranks up the light in rooms with dark Rosemary walls. It reflects 93% of light, which is a big jump from Pure White’s 84%.
Your space will instantly feel brighter and bigger. All that extra reflection helps Rosemary show off its vibrancy instead of looking muddy.
This white works best if you’re dealing with limited natural light or north-facing rooms. It keeps Rosemary from feeling heavy or too dark.
- Great for dark rooms
- Perfect in small spaces
- Ideal for north-facing rooms
- If you want maximum brightness, this is it
Real World Examples of Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 in Different Spaces
Rosemary SW 6187 shines in all sorts of rooms, from cozy bedrooms to bold front doors. This deep green shifts its mood depending on your lighting and where you use it.
Bathrooms
Rosemary turns bathrooms into spa-like escapes. The deep green brings a calming, natural vibe that just feels peaceful.
In powder rooms, you can cover all four walls in Rosemary for serious drama. The darkness actually makes tiny spaces feel cozy, not cramped.
For bigger bathrooms, try Rosemary on an accent wall behind the vanity. Pair it with white subway tile and brass fixtures for a classic touch.
It looks great with natural materials like wood vanities and stone counters. White trim and fixtures really pop against it.
North-facing bathrooms pull out more of Rosemary’s gray side. If your bathroom faces south, you’ll see more of the green and things feel warmer.
Bedrooms
Rosemary bedrooms feel like peaceful hideaways. The deep green sets the tone for relaxation and better sleep.
Paint all the walls for a cozy cocoon, especially in master bedrooms with lots of sunlight. In smaller rooms, try just the wall behind your bed—it creates a stunning focal point without closing things in.
White bedding and natural wood furniture look awesome with Rosemary. If you like brass or black accents, they really finish the space.
- Rosemary walls with Alabaster trim
- Natural wood nightstands
- White or cream bedding
- Warm brass lighting
Front Doors
Rosemary on a front door? Instant curb appeal. This rich green feels classic and modern all at once.
You can use it on almost any exterior style—farmhouse, colonial, or even something more modern. It pairs well with white, gray, or beige siding, and looks beautiful with brick or stone.
Go for a semi-gloss or gloss finish on your door to make the color pop and stand up to the weather. Rosemary’s deep green stays classy all year, and it works with any seasonal decor.
Home Offices
Rosemary sets the mood for focus and calm in a home office. The deep green helps with eye strain and concentration—especially during those long stretches at the desk.
Paint an accent wall behind your desk for a gorgeous video call backdrop. Rosemary works with both modern and traditional furniture, so you’ve got options.
If you have built-in shelves, try painting the backs in Rosemary. Books and decor really stand out that way.
- Use warm white LEDs
- Brass desk lamps add style
- Let in natural light if you can
- Skip the cool fluorescent bulbs
Houses
Rosemary is a fantastic exterior house color. The deep green feels timeless and connects your home to the outdoors.
Use it as your main color or just for accents—shutters, trim, or garage doors all look elegant in Rosemary. It pairs well with white, cream, or light gray siding, and stone or brick details work perfectly too.
On larger homes, Rosemary really shines as a whole-house color. For small houses, it might feel a bit too intense.
It holds up well in different climates, resists fading, and looks good in both sun and shade.
Kitchen Cabinets
Rosemary cabinets give kitchens a sophisticated, timeless feel. The deep green works across styles, from farmhouse to modern.
Try Rosemary on lower cabinets with white uppers for a fresh, balanced look. If you’re feeling bold, go all in and paint every cabinet in Rosemary—just pair with white countertops and brass hardware for a classic finish.
Rosemary works with both warm and cool counters—white quartz, marble, butcher block, you name it.
- Rosemary lowers, white uppers
- Brass or black hardware
- White or light countertops
- Subway tile backsplashes
Living Rooms
Rosemary in the living room feels cozy and a bit luxurious. The deep green makes the space inviting for family or friends.
Paint an accent wall behind the sofa or fireplace for drama without darkening the whole room. Rosemary plays nice with lots of furniture styles—beige sofas, white chairs, natural wood tables, take your pick.
In open layouts, use Rosemary to carve out zones—a dining area or reading nook in this rich green looks intentional. Warm up the room with table and floor lamps so the color never feels too heavy.
Comparing Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 to Similar Colors
Rosemary SW 6187 stands out as a green-gray with warm olive undertones. It pairs beautifully with other earthy greens. If you’re wondering how it stacks up against similar shades, here’s a quick rundown.
Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 vs Succulent SW 9650
Succulent SW 9650 is a brighter, more vibrant green than Rosemary’s deeper, muted look. While Rosemary leans gray, Succulent stays clean and saturated.
Succulent feels energetic and fresh—great for modern kitchens or lively bathrooms. Rosemary brings sophistication and calm to bedrooms or dining rooms, creating a more intimate mood.
Light changes these colors. Succulent stays pretty consistent, while Rosemary shifts from gray in northern light to greener in southern light.
Both go well with creams and beiges, but Rosemary handles deeper accents like burgundy or navy better.
Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 vs Ripe Olive SW 6209
Ripe Olive SW 6209 shares Rosemary’s earthy, organic feel but pushes more into yellow-green territory. Both work in nature-inspired spaces, but they set different moods.
Rosemary feels gray and sophisticated, perfect for formal spots like studies or master bedrooms. Ripe Olive brings warmth and comfort with its yellow undertones, making it a good fit for family rooms or casual kitchens.
Lighting matters. Ripe Olive can look muddy in dim rooms, but Rosemary keeps its elegance even when it’s darker out.
Think about your finishes—Rosemary loves cooler metals like brushed nickel, while Ripe Olive pairs with brass or copper.
Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 vs Evergreen Fog SW 9130
Evergreen Fog SW 9130, the 2022 Color of the Year, is lighter and more gray than Rosemary. It’s a softer take on green-gray paint.
Evergreen Fog feels more versatile for big spaces—it won’t overpower a room the way Rosemary can in a small area. Rosemary, though, creates drama and depth you just don’t get from a lighter color.
Both work with warm whites, creams, and wood tones, but Evergreen Fog lets you use brighter accents without a fight for attention. If you get a lot of natural light, Rosemary adds richness; Evergreen Fog is better for brightening up darker rooms.
Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 vs Retreat SW 6207
Retreat SW 6207 is a cooler, more blue-green compared to Rosemary’s warm olive. Both are calming, but they relax you in different ways.
Rosemary’s warmth makes spaces cozy and inviting, especially in bedrooms. Retreat brings more of a spa-like tranquility—great for bathrooms or meditation spots.
Decorating with them is different, too. Rosemary loves warm woods and brass, while Retreat looks better with cool metals and lighter woods. Retreat also handles coral or peach accents, which would clash with Rosemary.
Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 vs Courtyard SW 6440
Courtyard SW 6440 is a darker, forest-like green compared to Rosemary’s gray-green blend. Both bring nature inside, but they set totally different tones.
Rosemary keeps things elegant and refined, even in shadow. It’s great for formal dining or an office where you want a touch of sophistication.
Courtyard is bold and dramatic—maybe too much for small rooms, but perfect for accent walls or big, airy spaces. Lighting is key: Courtyard needs a lot of it to avoid feeling gloomy, while Rosemary is more forgiving.
For trim, Rosemary plays well with both warm and cool whites. Courtyard really needs a crisp, bright white trim for contrast.
Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 vs Sage SW 2860
Sage SW 2860 gives you a lighter, more traditional green than Rosemary’s complex gray-green vibe. Both fit right in with farmhouse or traditional decor, but they each have their own personality.
Rosemary adds modern sophistication to classic color palettes. It updates the usual green while still feeling earthy and grounded.
Sage brings timeless appeal that slides easily into different decorating styles. If you want green but don’t want to go too bold or trendy, Sage feels like a safe bet.
Both colors play nicely with similar accents—think cream, warm whites, and natural woods. Sage leans more country, while Rosemary feels a bit more contemporary.
Think about your long-term plans before you decide. Sage gives you flexibility if your style changes down the road, while Rosemary feels like a stronger commitment to modern, sophisticated design.
Complementary Colors to Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187
Rosemary SW 6187 pairs beautifully with warm neutrals like Alabaster and Accessible Beige. It also pops against deeper shades like Soulmate burgundy and vibrant oranges such as Soft Apricot and Persimmon.
Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 with Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster SW 7008 makes a classic partner for Rosemary. This warm white has an LRV of 82, so it’s bright enough to balance Rosemary’s much deeper 14 LRV.
The combo works just about anywhere. Try Rosemary on an accent wall and Alabaster on the rest—it adds interest without making things feel heavy.
Popular ways people use this pair:
- Rosemary kitchen cabinets with Alabaster walls
- Bedroom accent wall in Rosemary, Alabaster trim
- Living room built-ins in Rosemary, Alabaster on the walls
Both shades have warm undertones, so they complement each other. Alabaster’s creamy base keeps everything from feeling too cold or stark.
Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 with Accessible Beige SW 7036
Accessible Beige SW 7036 gives you a softer, less stark alternative to white with Rosemary. Its LRV is 58, so you get a gentle contrast with Rosemary’s depth.
This pairing feels earthy and grounded. The beige brings out Rosemary’s gray side, but the overall vibe stays calm and a bit sophisticated.
Where this combo shines:
- Whole house color schemes
- Master bedroom retreats
- Home offices that need a soothing atmosphere
These colors really sing with natural wood. Oak or walnut furniture looks especially good here.
Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 with Soulmate SW 6270
Soulmate SW 6270 brings some drama with its deep burgundy tone. When you pair it with Rosemary, you get a rich, sophisticated look that’s perfect for formal spaces.
The burgundy and sage green combo feels both traditional and just a little bit modern. You’ll want to use these carefully, though—too much can overwhelm a small room.
Good places to try this pairing:
- Dining room feature walls
- Library or study spaces
- Master bedroom accent pieces
Keep Soulmate as an accent—maybe on built-in bookcases—while Rosemary stays on the walls. Cream or white trim helps lighten everything up.
Brass or gold hardware really finishes off the look.
Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 with Soft Apricot SW 6353
Soft Apricot SW 6353 brings warmth and a little energy to Rosemary’s cool green. This peachy orange feels fresh and inviting, not too loud.
The combo works well if you want to brighten up a space. Soft Apricot’s gentle orange keeps things cheerful but not overwhelming.
Where it works best:
- Children’s bedrooms or playrooms
- Breakfast nooks
- Powder rooms
Use Soft Apricot as an accent—think accessories, pillows, or a small chair. Keep Rosemary as your main wall color for balance.
This pairing looks especially good with natural textures like jute rugs or woven baskets. There’s something about that mix that just works.
Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 with Persimmon SW 6339
Persimmon SW 6339 is a bolder orange than Soft Apricot. This vibrant orange-red grabs attention and creates a really striking contrast with Rosemary.
The combo feels energetic and confident. I’d use Persimmon sparingly so it doesn’t take over the whole look.
Fun ways to use these together:
- Front door in Persimmon, Rosemary shutters
- Kitchen island in Rosemary, Persimmon bar stools
- Accent pillows and bold artwork
Balance these strong colors with plenty of white or cream. Natural wood or stone helps ground everything and keeps it from feeling too busy.
This pairing is especially at home in modern farmhouse or contemporary spaces. It’s bold, but in a good way.
Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW 6187 with High Reflective White SW 7757
High Reflective White SW 7757 gives you the crispest contrast when you pair it with Rosemary. This pure white shows off an LRV of 93, so you get a ton of brightness next to Rosemary’s deeper shade.
The combo feels fresh and modern, honestly. High Reflective White really shines on trim, ceilings, and built-in details, especially if you’ve got Rosemary on the walls.
Popular uses for this pairing:
- Exterior siding in Rosemary with white trim
- Kitchen cabinets in Rosemary with white countertops
- Bathroom vanities with white walls
This high-contrast duo makes architectural details pop. Crown molding, door frames, and window trim all look extra sharp in High Reflective White.
You can pull off this pairing in both traditional and contemporary spaces. It’s flexible like that.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.