You can use Sherwin-Williams Clematis to add a moody, sophisticated purple that works well as an accent or a bold room color. Clematis has a medium-dark, cool violet tone with an LRV around the mid-teens, so it reads rich without going too dark; check the Clematis color page to see full specs and photos. Use the linked page to confirm undertones, coordinating swatches, and real-world photos before you buy.
Try Clematis on a front door, an accent wall in a bedroom, or a dining room focal wall to create depth and style. You’ll find simple pairings and placement ideas for each room in the following sections to help you pick trim, fabrics, and lighting that keep the space balanced.
Front Door
Use Clematis on your front door to create a bold, welcoming focal point that stands out against neutral siding. Pair it with crisp white trim to keep the look bright and modern and to avoid the door feeling too heavy.
Add hardware in warm brass or polished nickel to balance the cool purple tones and lift the overall feel. A simple contrast wreath or a pair of matching planters will tie the door into the entry without competing for attention.
Test the color in different light before committing; it reads darker in low light and richer in bright sun. Paint a full-size sample panel on the door or a board, then view it at morning and evening to confirm the effect.
Bedroom
Use Clematis on one wall as an accent behind the bed to create depth without darkening the whole room. Pair it with crisp white bedding and trim to keep the space feeling fresh and to highlight the color.
Balance the rich purple with warm wood tones like oak or walnut for furniture and floors. Add a soft rug and brass or gold hardware to bring warmth and subtle shine.
Keep window treatments light and sheer so natural light softens the hue during the day. For bedside lighting, choose warm LED bulbs (2700–3000K) to avoid making the color look too cool.
Use a neutral paint on the remaining walls with an LRV around 60–70 to prevent the room from feeling enclosed. Add two or three accent pillows in muted pink or dusty mauve to tie the palette together.
Dining Room
Use Clematis on a single accent wall to add depth without overwhelming the room. Pair it with warm neutrals like cream or soft beige on the other walls to keep the space balanced and let the color read as intentional, not dark.
Choose a dining table and seating in natural wood or black metal to ground the palette. Add brass or gold light fixtures and mirror frames to lift the purple with warm metallic highlights.
Keep textiles simple: a light rug, neutral curtains, and seat cushions in muted tones. Introduce one patterned element—like a runner or cushions—with small hints of purple to tie the scheme together.
For lighting, use layered sources: a dimmable chandelier, wall sconces, and a lamp for corners. Aim for warm bulbs (2700–3000K) so the color reads cozy and inviting during evening meals.
Home Office
Paint one wall in Clematis as an accent behind your desk to create depth without closing the room. Pair it with crisp white trim and a lighter neutral on the other walls to keep the space bright and reduce strain during long work sessions.
Choose warm wood or brass hardware for shelves and lighting to balance the coolness of the purple and add warmth. Use task lighting with adjustable arms so you control glare and color accuracy for screens and printed work.
Limit large textiles in dark purple; instead, add a patterned chair or rug that includes muted grays and a small amount of the accent shade. Keep desk surfaces clutter-free and use clear storage or matching baskets to maintain a calm, focused atmosphere.
Bathroom
Use the paint on one wall as an accent behind the vanity or tub to add depth without overpowering the space. Pair it with crisp white trim and fixtures to keep the room feeling bright and clean.
Balance the rich tone with matte subway tile or pale gray floor tile to prevent the color from feeling heavy. Add brass or brushed gold hardware for a warm contrast that brings out subtle pink undertones.
Keep textiles light and simple: white or soft blush towels and a neutral shower curtain. Add a large mirror to reflect light and make the room feel larger when the walls are darker.
Test the color in the room at different times of day before committing to full coverage. Use a 12–16 inch sample and view it under your bathroom lighting to confirm the look.
Mudroom
Paint the lower half of the walls with Clematis to hide scuffs and add depth, leaving the upper half a lighter neutral to keep the space bright. Use a satin or semi-gloss finish on the painted lower walls for easier cleaning after shoes and pet traffic.
Add a built-in bench and cubbies in a natural wood or charcoal to anchor the color and provide practical storage. Place washable rugs and mudroom-friendly mats in neutral tones to protect floors and reduce visual clutter.
Use brass or matte black hooks and hardware for contrast that reads modern and durable. Install a shelf above the hooks for baskets; label baskets for gloves, hats, and pet gear to keep the area organized.
Kitchen
Use Clematis as an accent wall behind open shelves or a breakfast nook to add depth without overwhelming the space. Pair it with white or light gray cabinets to keep the room bright and make the purple read richer.
Choose brushed brass or warm nickel hardware for a subtle contrast that feels modern and grounded. Add a backsplash in a neutral tile—subway or stone—to prevent the color from dominating work surfaces.
Keep countertops light and durable, such as quartz or honed marble, so stains are less visible and the room feels balanced. Introduce textiles—dish towels or a rug—in soft blush or muted teal to echo undertones and tie the palette together.
Patio
Use Clematis on an accent wall or the back of built-in seating to give your patio depth without overpowering the space. Pair it with light, warm neutrals for cushions and large pots to keep the area bright and comfortable.
Add mixed-metal planters and brass or copper light fixtures to bring warmth and a subtle shine against the color. Choose greenery with varied leaf shapes—ferns, hostas, and snake plants—to create contrast and a lively texture.
Use weather-resistant fabrics in soft creams or pale gray for furniture to balance the medium LRV and prevent the patio from feeling too dark. Keep flooring and large surfaces in lighter tones so the painted area reads as intentional and cozy rather than heavy.
Living Room
Use Clematis on a single focal wall to add depth without overwhelming the room. Paint the wall behind a sofa or media unit and keep the other walls light to preserve brightness.
Pair the color with warm metallics like brass or antique gold in lighting and hardware. These accents pick up the paint’s warm undertone and make the space feel refined.
Choose neutral upholstery in soft grays or warm creams to balance the rich tone. Add one or two patterned throw pillows that include a hint of purple to tie the scheme together.
Keep window treatments light and translucent to maintain natural light. If the room is small, use mirrors opposite the painted wall to reflect color and make the space feel larger.
House Exterior
Use Clematis as an accent to add depth without overpowering your facade. Paint shutters, the front door, or trim in this cool purple to create contrast with neutral siding like warm gray, cream, or soft beige.
Pair it with white or off-white trim to keep lines sharp and make architectural details pop. Add matte or satin finishes outside; they hide imperfections and keep the color looking rich in daylight.
Balance with natural materials: stone, brick, or wood siding tones ground the purple and prevent it from feeling cold. For landscaping, choose foliage with deep green and silver-gray leaves to echo the cool undertone and keep the overall look cohesive.
Test paint samples on different walls and view them at morning, midday, and evening. Colors shift in light; you want to confirm how the tone reads against other exterior elements before committing.
Similar Colors to Clematis SW 6831
Clematis SW 6831 vs Forget-Me-Not SW 6824
Forget-Me-Not SW 6824 is a similar color to Clematis SW 6831, making it a candidate to sample when you are choosing between alternatives. Clematis SW 6831 has an LRV of 15.93, compared with 15.83 for Forget-Me-Not SW 6824. Forget-Me-Not has the lower light reflectance value, by 0.10 points.
Both colors are cool. With a small LRV difference, judge the color character on physical samples rather than relying on reflectance alone. Hold both samples against the flooring and fabrics you plan to keep. Recheck in daylight and under your evening lighting; LRV and a screen swatch do not establish how either paint will look in your room.
Clematis SW 6831 vs Passionate Purple SW 6981
Passionate Purple SW 6981 is a similar color to Clematis SW 6831, making it a candidate to sample when you are choosing between alternatives. Clematis SW 6831 has an LRV of 15.93, compared with 12.01 for Passionate Purple SW 6981. Passionate Purple has the lower light reflectance value, by 3.92 points.
Both colors are cool. Use the LRV difference to decide which sample deserves closer attention, then compare its color character against the flooring and fabrics you plan to keep. Recheck in daylight and under your evening lighting; LRV and a screen swatch do not establish how either paint will look in your room.
Clematis SW 6831 vs Vigorous Violet SW 6838
Vigorous Violet SW 6838 is a similar color to Clematis SW 6831, making it a candidate to sample when you are choosing between alternatives. Clematis SW 6831 has an LRV of 15.93, compared with 13.12 for Vigorous Violet SW 6838. Vigorous Violet has the lower light reflectance value, by 2.81 points.
Both colors are cool. With a small LRV difference, judge the color character on physical samples rather than relying on reflectance alone. Hold both samples against the flooring and fabrics you plan to keep. Recheck in daylight and under your evening lighting; LRV and a screen swatch do not establish how either paint will look in your room.
Clematis SW 6831 vs Gutsy Grape SW 6980
Gutsy Grape SW 6980 is a similar color to Clematis SW 6831, making it a candidate to sample when you are choosing between alternatives. Clematis SW 6831 has an LRV of 15.93, compared with 11.21 for Gutsy Grape SW 6980. Gutsy Grape has the lower light reflectance value, by 4.72 points.
Both colors are cool. Use the LRV difference to decide which sample deserves closer attention, then compare its color character against the flooring and fabrics you plan to keep. Recheck in daylight and under your evening lighting; LRV and a screen swatch do not establish how either paint will look in your room.
Clematis SW 6831 vs Wood Violet SW 6557
Wood Violet SW 6557 is a similar color to Clematis SW 6831, making it a candidate to sample when you are choosing between alternatives. Clematis SW 6831 has an LRV of 15.93, compared with 16.32 for Wood Violet SW 6557. Wood Violet has the higher light reflectance value, by 0.39 points.
Both colors are cool. With a small LRV difference, judge the color character on physical samples rather than relying on reflectance alone. Hold both samples against the flooring and fabrics you plan to keep. Recheck in daylight and under your evening lighting; LRV and a screen swatch do not establish how either paint will look in your room.
Clematis SW 6831 vs African Violet SW 6982
African Violet SW 6982 is a similar color to Clematis SW 6831, making it a candidate to sample when you are choosing between alternatives. Clematis SW 6831 has an LRV of 15.93, compared with 10.78 for African Violet SW 6982. African Violet has the lower light reflectance value, by 5.15 points.
Both colors are cool. Use the LRV difference to decide which sample deserves closer attention, then compare its color character against the flooring and fabrics you plan to keep. Recheck in daylight and under your evening lighting; LRV and a screen swatch do not establish how either paint will look in your room.
Clematis SW 6831 vs Lavish Lavender SW 6975
Lavish Lavender SW 6975 is a similar color to Clematis SW 6831, making it a candidate to sample when you are choosing between alternatives. Clematis SW 6831 has an LRV of 15.93, compared with 22.32 for Lavish Lavender SW 6975. Lavish Lavender has the higher light reflectance value, by 6.39 points.
Both colors are cool. Use the LRV difference to decide which sample deserves closer attention, then compare its color character against the flooring and fabrics you plan to keep. Recheck in daylight and under your evening lighting; LRV and a screen swatch do not establish how either paint will look in your room.
Clematis SW 6831 vs Veri Berri SW 9069
Veri Berri SW 9069 is a similar color to Clematis SW 6831, making it a candidate to sample when you are choosing between alternatives. Clematis SW 6831 has an LRV of 15.93, compared with 20.80 for Veri Berri SW 9069. Veri Berri has the higher light reflectance value, by 4.87 points.
Both colors are cool. Use the LRV difference to decide which sample deserves closer attention, then compare its color character against the flooring and fabrics you plan to keep. Recheck in daylight and under your evening lighting; LRV and a screen swatch do not establish how either paint will look in your room.
Clematis SW 6831 vs Plummy SW 6558
Plummy SW 6558 is a similar color to Clematis SW 6831, making it a candidate to sample when you are choosing between alternatives. Clematis SW 6831 has an LRV of 15.93, compared with 11.49 for Plummy SW 6558. Plummy has the lower light reflectance value, by 4.44 points.
Both colors are cool. Use the LRV difference to decide which sample deserves closer attention, then compare its color character against the flooring and fabrics you plan to keep. Recheck in daylight and under your evening lighting; LRV and a screen swatch do not establish how either paint will look in your room.
Clematis SW 6831 vs Purple Passage SW 6551
Purple Passage SW 6551 is a similar color to Clematis SW 6831, making it a candidate to sample when you are choosing between alternatives. Clematis SW 6831 has an LRV of 15.93, compared with 12.02 for Purple Passage SW 6551. Purple Passage has the lower light reflectance value, by 3.91 points.
Both colors are cool. Use the LRV difference to decide which sample deserves closer attention, then compare its color character against the flooring and fabrics you plan to keep. Recheck in daylight and under your evening lighting; LRV and a screen swatch do not establish how either paint will look in your room.
Trim Colors for Clematis SW 6831
Clematis SW 6831 vs Original White SW 7077
Original White SW 7077 works as a trim color for Clematis SW 6831. Consider this pairing for baseboards, door frames or window casings alongside the main wall color. Clematis SW 6831 has an LRV of 15.93, compared with 73.55 for Original White SW 7077. Original White has the higher light reflectance value, by 57.62 points.
Clematis is cool and Original White is warm. This pair also works as a coordinating combination. Sample Original White directly beside Clematis, including a narrow strip that represents trim. Check how the boundary looks with your intended wall and trim finishes. Recheck in daylight and under your evening lighting; LRV and a screen swatch do not establish how either paint will look in your room.
Coordinating Colors for Clematis SW 6831
Clematis SW 6831 vs Origami White SW 7636
Origami White SW 7636 works as a coordinating color for Clematis SW 6831. Compare the two for separate surfaces, such as walls and cabinetry, or for adjoining spaces. Clematis SW 6831 has an LRV of 15.93, compared with 76.00 for Origami White SW 7636. Origami White has the higher light reflectance value, by 60.07 points.
Clematis is cool and Origami White is warm. Place samples of Clematis and Origami White on the surfaces you would assign to each color. Compare them beside your flooring and larger furnishings before committing. Recheck in daylight and under your evening lighting; LRV and a screen swatch do not establish how either paint will look in your room.
Clematis SW 6831 vs Perle Noir SW 9154
Perle Noir SW 9154 works as a coordinating color for Clematis SW 6831. Compare the two for separate surfaces, such as walls and cabinetry, or for adjoining spaces. Clematis SW 6831 has an LRV of 15.93, compared with 7.52 for Perle Noir SW 9154. Perle Noir has the lower light reflectance value, by 8.41 points.
Clematis is cool and Perle Noir is neutral. Place samples of Clematis and Perle Noir on the surfaces you would assign to each color. Compare them beside your flooring and larger furnishings before committing. Recheck in daylight and under your evening lighting; LRV and a screen swatch do not establish how either paint will look in your room.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.