Picking the right neutral paint color can feel like a headache, but Sherwin-Williams Tony Taupe SW 7038 simplifies things. Tony Taupe is a warm, medium-depth beige that manages to feel soft but still has enough depth to add real character without taking over your room.
It fits into both modern and traditional homes, whether you’re painting walls, cabinets, or even the exterior. That’s a rare find in a paint color, honestly.
Tony Taupe changes with the light. In bright southern light, it warms up. In cooler northern rooms, it softens into a more muted, cozy shade.
This adaptability makes it a reliable pick if you want a neutral that doesn’t look the same every single hour but still always feels right.
Pairing Tony Taupe with the right trim and accent colors really lifts the whole look. Soft whites, muted greens, or even navy and charcoal add balance and keep things timeless.
Key Takeaways
- Tony Taupe SW 7038 is a warm, medium beige with subtle depth
- Lighting changes how Tony Taupe looks throughout the day
- It pairs well with soft whites, muted greens, and darker accents
What Color Is Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038?
Sherwin Williams Tony Taupe (SW 7038) is a warm, earthy neutral that blends gray and brown. It works in different lighting and pairs easily with both light and dark accents.
Color Family
Tony Taupe falls into the taupe family, which lands between gray and brown. Unlike chillier grays, it’s got a soft warmth that feels welcoming.
It leans a little brown, but not so much that it feels old-school beige. That balance gives you a flexible backdrop for both modern and traditional spaces.
Natural light can make Tony Taupe look lighter and warmer. In dimmer rooms, it turns deeper and a bit richer, so it works just about anywhere.
Because it’s so neutral, you can pair it with warm whites, muted greens, or deep navy for contrast. It also gets along with lighter grays or deeper browns.
Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)
Sherwin Williams shares some helpful color data for Tony Taupe so you can get a better sense of it before you paint.
- Hex Code: #B1A290
- RGB Values: R: 177, G: 162, B: 144
- Hue/Saturation/Lightness (HSL): 33°, 17%, 63%
- Light Reflectance Value (LRV): 37
With an LRV of 37, Tony Taupe reflects a moderate amount of light. It’s not super bright, but it won’t make your room feel like a cave either.
When you look at the hex and RGB values, you see the balance of red, green, and blue that gives Tony Taupe its soft effect. This data helps you match it with other colors or test it out digitally before you commit.
Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038 Undertones
When you check out Tony Taupe, you’ll see it leans more beige-brown than gray. It’s a warm neutral that doesn’t go too golden or too cool.
The undertones are subtle. Sometimes, depending on the light, you might spot a faint green or pink, but most of the time it stays firmly in warm beige-taupe territory.
Natural light can really change how it reads.
- In bright, south-facing rooms, it shows a soft warmth.
- In north-facing or low-light spaces, it can look a bit grayer and moodier.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Lighting Condition | How Tony Taupe Looks |
|---|---|
| Bright, sunny room | Warm beige with depth |
| Low/north light | Muted, grayish beige |
| Artificial light | Richer, cozy brown tone |
Because the undertones are so mild, Tony Taupe works with lots of colors. Lighter beiges, warm whites, or even soft blues and greens can highlight its warmth without any weird clashes.
Strong purple or red undertones just don’t show up, so it fits into a bunch of styles. It’s flexible, but you’ll get the best results if you use lighter trim or accents to balance it out.
How Does Lighting Affect Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038?
Tony Taupe really changes with the light in your space. Its medium depth means it won’t always look the same from one room to the next.
Natural Lighting
In bright south-facing rooms, Tony Taupe shows off its warmer side. Sunlight softens the color, so it feels inviting but never goes yellow.
In north-facing rooms, cooler light can pull out more gray. The color might look a bit muted or even slightly flat if there’s not much daylight.
East- and west-facing rooms are a toss-up. Morning light makes Tony Taupe lighter, while afternoon light in west-facing spaces deepens the shade. The color shifts throughout the day, which can be pretty interesting.
Since its LRV is 37, Tony Taupe absorbs more light than it reflects. In low-light rooms, it can look a bit darker and moodier.
Artificial Lighting
Under warm bulbs (incandescent or warm LED), Tony Taupe leans into its beige-brown vibe. The warmth adds to its cozy feel, so it works great for living rooms and bedrooms.
If you use cooler LED or fluorescent lights, the gray undertones come forward. The color feels more modern but maybe a touch less cozy, especially in smaller rooms.
With mixed lighting—like daylight plus warm bulbs—the color can shift depending on the time. It’s smart to test samples on a few walls to see how Tony Taupe behaves in your space.
For the best look, pair Tony Taupe with neutral white trim and try to keep your lighting consistent. That way, the paint won’t look too heavy or washed out.
Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038 LRV 37 (Light Reflectance Value)
Tony Taupe’s Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is 37, so it lands in the medium range. That makes it pretty versatile, but you’ll notice it reacts to natural and artificial light.
What Is LRV?
LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, measures how much light a paint color bounces back or soaks up. The scale goes from 0 (absolute black) to 100 (pure white).
Higher LRV colors reflect more light, so rooms feel brighter and bigger. Lower LRV colors absorb light, making things feel deeper or cozier.
Think of LRV as a shortcut for guessing how a color will behave once it’s on your walls. For example:
- LRV 70–100: Very light, airy colors
- LRV 40–69: Mid-range, balanced tones
- LRV 0–39: Darker, moodier shades
Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038 LRV Range
With an LRV of 37, Tony Taupe sits at the darker end of the medium range. It reflects some light but still has depth.
In a bright, south-facing room, Tony Taupe looks warmer and a bit softer. In low or north-facing light, it can look more muted and slightly grayer.
Because it’s medium-dark, Tony Taupe shines when you pair it with lighter trim or accents. That contrast keeps things from feeling too heavy.
If you want a neutral that’s not too light and not too dark, LRV 37 gives you a solid, adaptable option.
Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038 Coordinating Colors
You can team Tony Taupe with warm neutrals, balanced grays, or soft, muted shades for a pulled-together look. Each choice changes the mood—brighter, deeper, or just more chill.
Creamy SW 7012
For a lighter backdrop, Creamy SW 7012 is a great match. It’s an off-white with gentle yellow undertones that add warmth but never feel too bold.
Creamy works on trim, ceilings, or cabinets to highlight Tony Taupe walls. The contrast stays soft and natural, so the room doesn’t feel harsh. It’s especially nice in living rooms or bedrooms where you want cozy but clean vibes.
Pairing Creamy with Tony Taupe softens the depth and keeps things from getting too heavy. You can read more about Creamy SW 7012 if you want to see how it looks in different spaces.
Dovetail SW 7018
If you want something darker and more grounded, Dovetail SW 7018 is a strong choice. This medium gray has subtle brown undertones that connect with Tony Taupe’s warmth. The combo feels layered and rich without being too much.
Dovetail works on accent walls, cabinets, or even furniture. It brings definition and depth, and fits into modern or transitional rooms. The pairing holds up in both natural and artificial light.
Since Dovetail has enough contrast, it helps Tony Taupe stand out but still looks coordinated. For a deeper dive, check out Dovetail SW 7018.
Rainwashed SW 6211
For a cooler accent, Rainwashed SW 6211 blends green, blue, and a bit of gray. It brings a calm, refreshing vibe that balances Tony Taupe’s warmth.
This combo works especially well in bedrooms, bathrooms, or spaces where you want a soothing feel. Rainwashed adds color without going overboard, so Tony Taupe still gets to shine.
Lighting changes Rainwashed—sometimes it looks more blue, other times more green. That flexibility makes it easy to use in different rooms. If you’re curious, you can read more about Rainwashed SW 6211 to see how it might work in your home.
Trim Colors For Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038
Tony Taupe looks best with trim colors that balance its warm beige base while keeping things fresh. The right white can soften the contrast or frame your walls with a crisp edge, depending on what you’re after.
Pure White SW 7005
If you want a trim color that feels clean but not too stark, Pure White SW 7005 is a strong choice. It’s got a touch of softness, so it won’t look cold next to Tony Taupe’s warm undertones.
This shade gives you crisp edges around windows and doors, but it still blends in with beige walls. Cooler whites can look blue or gray in sunlight, but Pure White avoids that.
You can use Pure White SW 7005 on ceilings or cabinets for a consistent look. It handles both warm and cool accents without clashing—pretty handy if your space has a mix.
Dover White SW 6385
Dover White SW 6385 is a warmer off-white that works well with Tony Taupe when you want a softer, traditional vibe. There’s a subtle creaminess here that adds warmth but doesn’t turn yellow, which keeps things feeling inviting.
This color shines in rooms with natural light, where it brings out Tony Taupe’s cozy side. If you like trim that isn’t too sharp or modern, Dover White is a solid pick.
Pairing Dover White SW 6385 with Tony Taupe also helps tie in wood tones or other warm finishes. It’s especially nice in living rooms, dining areas, or bedrooms where you want a gentle contrast.
Eider White SW 7014
Eider White SW 7014 leans cooler than the others, so it brings a more modern edge. There’s a slight gray undertone that helps balance Tony Taupe’s warmth, making the whole look more neutral.
This trim color is great if you want a contrast that isn’t too creamy or too crisp. It really suits contemporary spaces or rooms with gray accents.
Use Eider White SW 7014 on built-ins or cabinets if you want a smooth transition with Tony Taupe walls. In open-concept spaces, it blends with multiple tones without stealing the show.
Real World Examples Of Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038 In Different Spaces
Tony Taupe really shines when you balance its warm, earthy undertones with lighter accents and plenty of natural light. In small rooms, it can feel bold, but in bigger, bright spaces, it adds depth and comfort.
Bathrooms
In bathrooms, Tony Taupe brings a warm, spa-like vibe when you pair it with crisp white trim and light tile. Try it on the walls with white subway tile or marble counters so things don’t get too heavy.
If your bathroom is small, use Tony Taupe as an accent wall instead of painting every wall. Brushed nickel or chrome fixtures help balance the warmth.
For bigger bathrooms with good light, go ahead and use Tony Taupe on all the walls. Soft beige towels and natural wood accents finish things off nicely.
Bedrooms
Tony Taupe works well in bedrooms as a feature wall behind the bed. It adds depth without overwhelming, especially if the other walls are a lighter neutral like Accessible Beige.
This color pairs nicely with soft white bedding, natural wood, and muted green or blue accents. It’s restful and grounded, which is never a bad thing in a bedroom.
If your bedroom doesn’t get much light, stick to smaller areas. A headboard wall or built-in shelving lets you bring in warmth without closing in the space.
Front Doors
Paint your front door in Tony Taupe for a welcoming, timeless look. Against white or cream trim, it stands out but doesn’t scream for attention.
This shade works especially well with stone or brick exteriors, since the earthy tones play nicely with natural textures. For a modern look, try matte black hardware.
If your home’s exterior is warm, Tony Taupe blends right in. On cooler-toned houses, it gives you contrast but still feels balanced.
Home Offices
In a home office, Tony Taupe makes the space feel focused and calm. If the room gets good light, use it on all the walls; otherwise, just pick one wall to keep things balanced.
Pair it with white shelves and a light desk to avoid a heavy look. Brass or black hardware adds a professional touch without overdoing it.
If you want something a bit softer, Taupe of the Morning is worth a look—it’s lighter and airier.
Houses
On exteriors, Tony Taupe looks lighter than it does inside thanks to sunlight. It’s a great main siding color with white trim and darker shutters.
For homes with stone or brick, it ties everything together without clashing. You can use it on both traditional and modern styles—it’s pretty flexible.
In sunny climates, Tony Taupe might look a bit warmer outside. Pair it with cooler whites or grays on the trim to keep things balanced.
Kitchen Cabinets
Tony Taupe on kitchen cabinets creates a warm, grounded feel that won’t go out of style. It pairs best with light countertops like white quartz or marble.
If your kitchen doesn’t get much natural light, use Tony Taupe on the lower cabinets and keep the uppers white. That two-tone look keeps things from feeling heavy.
For a modern vibe, combine Tony Taupe cabinets with stainless hardware and a white backsplash. Want cozy? Go for brass pulls and wood accents.
Living Rooms
In living rooms, Tony Taupe acts as a neutral backdrop for furniture and decor. It works on all the walls in big, bright spaces.
For smaller living rooms, try it as an accent wall behind a sofa or fireplace. Lighter beige or cream walls elsewhere keep things open.
This shade looks great with natural textures—linen, wool, wood. Muted blue or green accents help create a balanced, comfy atmosphere.
Comparing Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038 To Similar Colors
Tony Taupe sits right in the middle of Sherwin Williams’ neutral palette. It leans a little cool but still feels warm. When you line it up next to other neutrals, you’ll see some real differences in depth and undertone—each one works differently depending on the room.
Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038 vs Perfect Greige SW 6073
Tony Taupe has a cooler taupe base, while Perfect Greige SW 6073 mixes beige and gray for a warmer feel. Perfect Greige feels softer and more balanced, so it’s a good pick if you don’t want your walls too cool or too warm.
Tony Taupe fits nicely in modern spaces thanks to its subtle gray undertone. Perfect Greige is more at home in traditional and transitional houses.
If you want something lighter and friendlier, Perfect Greige is probably your match. Tony Taupe is darker and more grounded, adding depth in places like dining rooms or offices.
Key Difference: Perfect Greige is warmer and balanced, Tony Taupe is cooler and more structured.
Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038 vs Mega Greige SW 7031
Mega Greige is deeper and more dramatic than Tony Taupe. With an LRV around 37, Tony Taupe is already pretty dark, but Mega Greige goes even bolder.
You’ll see more beige in Mega Greige, while Tony Taupe leans taupe-gray. That makes Mega Greige feel warmer and heavier in a space.
Tony Taupe can brighten up a bit in sunlight, but Mega Greige stays dark no matter what. Mega Greige works better for accent walls or cozy spots, while Tony Taupe can cover a whole room more easily.
Key Difference: Mega Greige is darker and warmer, Tony Taupe is cooler and more flexible.
Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038 vs Anew Gray SW 7030
Anew Gray SW 7030 balances gray and beige evenly, while Tony Taupe sticks closer to taupe with a cooler feel. Anew Gray feels lighter and more adaptable in open spaces.
Tony Taupe’s LRV of 37 makes it a good bit darker than Anew Gray, which is brighter. That changes how each one looks in the light.
In a living room, Anew Gray gives you a soft backdrop for any accent. Tony Taupe brings a touch of sophistication and pairs well with crisp whites or bold contrasts.
Key Difference: Anew Gray is lighter and balanced, Tony Taupe is darker and cooler.
Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038 vs Kilim Beige SW 6106
Kilim Beige is a warm beige with golden undertones, while Tony Taupe is cooler and more neutral. Kilim Beige feels brighter and a bit more traditional compared to the modern vibe of Tony Taupe.
In south-facing rooms, Kilim Beige looks creamy and warm, while Tony Taupe stays steady with its gray-taupe shade.
Tony Taupe teams up well with chrome and black accents. Kilim Beige is better with warm woods, brass, and earthy decor.
Key Difference: Kilim Beige is warm and golden, Tony Taupe is cool and understated.
Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038 vs Balanced Beige SW 7037
Balanced Beige SW 7037 is lighter and warmer than Tony Taupe. With an LRV of 46, Balanced Beige bounces back more light, so it’s a better choice for bedrooms or anywhere you want a softer mood.
Tony Taupe, being darker, feels more grounded and a bit more modern. It’s great in dining rooms or offices where you want some depth.
Balanced Beige leans true beige, while Tony Taupe brings in a gray undertone. That means Balanced Beige works with warm decor, but Tony Taupe stands out with cooler accents.
Key Difference: Balanced Beige is lighter and warmer, Tony Taupe is darker and cooler.
Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038 vs Warm Stone SW 7032
Warm Stone is richer and has a stronger brown undertone than Tony Taupe. It feels earthy and bold, while Tony Taupe stays softer and more muted.
If you want a dramatic, grounding wall color, Warm Stone is your pick. But for a flexible neutral that won’t overpower, Tony Taupe is the safer bet.
Warm Stone usually works best as an accent or on exteriors. Tony Taupe, with its cooler balance, can cover more space without getting too heavy.
Key Difference: Warm Stone is deeper and more brown, Tony Taupe is cooler and more versatile.
Complementary Colors To Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038
Tony Taupe looks its best with rich, contrasting shades that highlight its warm beige base. Deeper blues add balance and depth, helping the color avoid looking flat in different light.
Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038 With Naval SW 6244
Pair Tony Taupe with Naval SW 6244 for a look that just never goes out of style. Tony Taupe’s warm beige softens Naval’s bold navy, so you get this nice harmony between light and dark.
Naval brings a deep, true navy blue that stays blue—no weird green or purple undertones sneaking in. It anchors a space and plays nicely with taupe’s warmth.
I’d use Tony Taupe on walls and bring in Naval for cabinets, trim, or maybe a standout piece of furniture. This combo isn’t just for indoors, either.
Taupe siding with a Naval front door or shutters? That creates such a welcoming, balanced exterior. If you’re curious about Naval’s vibe, check out Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244.
Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038 With Rainstorm SW 6230
Mix Tony Taupe with Rainstorm SW 6230 and you get a modern, slightly moody palette. Rainstorm is a deep blue with a touch of teal, which cools things down against Tony Taupe’s warmth.
This pairing works in living rooms or bedrooms if you want contrast but don’t want the space feeling heavy. Tony Taupe walls and a Rainstorm accent wall add depth without going overboard.
On the outside, a Rainstorm front door or shutters brings personality to taupe siding. It’s bold, sure, but still feels like you thought it through.
Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038 With Moscow Midnight SW 9142
Moscow Midnight SW 9142 leans dark, inky blue with just a hint of green. When you pair it with Tony Taupe, things get sophisticated and a little dramatic.
Inside, I like this combo for dining rooms or offices where you want things grounded and elegant. Tony Taupe keeps the mood from getting too heavy, while Moscow Midnight brings in richness.
For exteriors, Moscow Midnight on doors or shutters stands out against taupe siding. The contrast pops but doesn’t overwhelm—great for curb appeal without trying too hard.
Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038 With Blue Peacock SW 0064
Pair Tony Taupe with Blue Peacock SW 0064 and you get a stylish, slightly playful contrast. Blue Peacock is more teal-blue, with extra green compared to most navies.
It’s great for spaces where you want some energy but still want to keep it classy. Tony Taupe on walls and Blue Peacock for cabinetry strikes a nice balance between warmth and vibrancy.
In smaller spots like bathrooms or entryways, Blue Peacock accents against taupe walls feel bold but controlled. Honestly, this combo really shines with warm brass or gold hardware.
Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038 With Indigo Batik SW 7602
Indigo Batik SW 7602 is a deep, denim-like blue that’s softer than your typical navy. When you mix it with Tony Taupe, you end up with a calm, balanced palette.
This pairing works in bedrooms—Indigo Batik on an accent wall or bedding, Tony Taupe everywhere else. The result is cozy and restful, not stuffy.
Outside, Indigo Batik trim or shutters against taupe siding feels refined but not harsh. If you want contrast that’s still friendly, it’s a solid pick.
Tony Taupe by Sherwin Williams SW 7038 With Loyal Blue SW 6510
Loyal Blue SW 6510 brings a strong, true blue vibe that really stands out next to Tony Taupe’s earthy warmth.
This combo feels bold but not overwhelming. It works for both interiors and exteriors, honestly—kind of a rare find.
Inside, Loyal Blue pops on accent walls, cabinetry, or even a piece of furniture. Tony Taupe steps in to soften things up, so the blue never feels harsh or cold.
Outside, Loyal Blue doors or shutters can add a crisp, eye-catching detail against taupe siding. It’s got this fresh, timeless energy that doesn’t get old fast.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.