Selecting a paint color like Sherwin Williams Upward (SW 6239) involves more than just admiring a swatch; it requires understanding its nuanced characteristics and how it interacts with light and surrounding elements. This soft, airy blue-gray has emerged as a popular choice for those seeking a serene, yet sophisticated backdrop in their spaces. Its appeal lies in its ability to introduce color without overwhelming a room, offering a versatile foundation for various design aesthetics. For homeowners, designers, and commercial property managers, evaluating Upward means considering its specific hue, undertones, and light reflectance to ensure it aligns with the desired mood and functional requirements of a space.
Understanding Sherwin Williams Upward (SW 6239)
Upward is a delicate blue-gray, recognized for its calming presence. It's not a stark blue, nor is it a simple gray. Instead, it occupies a balanced position that lends it significant adaptability across different rooms and styles.
Color Profile and Undertones
Upward is primarily a cool-toned color. Its blue base is softened by a notable gray influence, which prevents it from appearing too vibrant or juvenile. The critical aspect of Upward lies in its undertones:
- Subtle Green: In certain lighting conditions, particularly in rooms with northern exposure or ample natural light, a faint green undertone can become apparent. This green adds to its organic, natural feel, preventing it from leaning too cold.
- Barely-there Violet/Lavender: Less frequent, but occasionally, a very slight violet or lavender undertone can surface, especially when paired with specific warm-toned woods or fabrics. This adds a layer of complexity without making the color overtly purple.
These undertones are what give Upward its dynamic quality, allowing it to shift subtly throughout the day and under different light sources. It's this complexity that makes it compelling for those seeking a color with depth.
Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
Upward has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 57. This places it firmly in the mid-range of colors, meaning it reflects a fair amount of light without being an off-white. An LRV of 57 suggests:
- It will brighten a room more than a darker gray or blue, but won't feel as expansive as a very light white.
- It works well in rooms with moderate natural light, as it won't absorb too much light, nor will it feel washed out in bright conditions.
- In dimly lit spaces, it will appear deeper and more saturated, leaning more into its gray aspects.
Understanding its LRV is crucial for predicting how the color will behave in your specific environment.
Pairing and Complementary Colors
The versatility of Sherwin Williams Upward allows it to pair effectively with a range of colors, creating various aesthetic outcomes. Its cool nature benefits from both contrasting warmth and harmonious cool tones.
Warm Neutrals and Whites
To balance Upward's coolness, consider warm whites and soft beiges.
- Sherwin Williams Pure White (SW 7005): A clean, crisp white that provides a sharp contrast, making Upward feel even more vibrant and fresh. Ideal for trim, ceilings, and doors.
- Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008): A slightly warmer off-white that offers a softer, more inviting contrast, reducing the starkness and creating a cozier feel.
- Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036): A popular greige that introduces warmth and earthiness, grounding Upward and creating a sophisticated, balanced palette.
Cool Tones and Natural Elements
For a cohesive, serene palette, pair Upward with other cool tones or natural materials.
- Muted Greens: Colors like Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog (SW 9130) or muted sage greens can enhance Upward's subtle green undertones, creating a tranquil, nature-inspired scheme.
- Darker Blues/Grays: For depth, consider accent walls or furnishings in deeper blues or charcoal grays.
- Wood Tones: Light to medium natural wood tones (e.g., white oak, maple) add organic warmth without clashing. Darker woods (e.g., walnut) provide a rich contrast.
- Metals: Brushed nickel, chrome, and matte black metals complement Upward's cool sophistication. Brass or gold can introduce a touch of warmth and luxury.
Room Ideas and Applications
Upward's balanced blue-gray hue makes it suitable for a variety of spaces, each benefiting from its specific qualities.
Living Rooms and Common Areas
Best for: Creating an inviting, yet refined atmosphere.
In living rooms, Upward provides a calm backdrop that allows furniture and artwork to stand out. Its mid-range LRV prevents it from feeling too dark in larger spaces, while its subtle undertones add visual interest. Pair with light-colored upholstery and natural textures for a modern coastal or contemporary aesthetic.
Bedrooms
Best for: Promoting relaxation and tranquility.
The inherently soothing quality of blue-gray makes Upward an excellent choice for bedrooms. It fosters a peaceful environment conducive to rest. Consider pairing it with soft whites for bedding and textiles, and natural wood furniture to enhance the serene feel.
Bathrooms
Best for: Achieving a clean, spa-like ambiance.
Upward's fresh appearance makes it ideal for bathrooms. It creates a crisp, clean feel that can elevate a standard bathroom into a more luxurious, spa-like retreat. It pairs well with white ceramics, chrome fixtures, and natural stone accents.
Kitchens
Best for: Cabinetry, accent walls, or islands.
While perhaps not a full wall color for every kitchen, Upward can be stunning on lower cabinetry, a kitchen island, or an accent wall. It offers a refreshing alternative to traditional white or gray kitchens, providing a subtle pop of color that remains sophisticated. It works particularly well with white countertops and backsplashes.
Home Offices and Studies
Best for: Fostering focus and calm.
The calming nature of Upward can contribute to a productive and stress-free work environment. It's unobtrusive enough to allow for concentration but still offers more visual interest than a plain white or beige. Integrating plants and natural light further enhances its effect.
Pro Tip: Always test paint colors on your actual walls. Upward's subtle undertones and light reflectance value (LRV) can shift dramatically based on natural light, artificial lighting, and surrounding finishes, making a large sample board essential. Observe it at different times of day and in varying weather conditions to accurately assess its true appearance in your space.
Choosing Your Upward Application
Integrating Sherwin Williams Upward into your design scheme requires careful consideration of the specific room's function, existing elements, and desired mood. Its versatility means it can adapt to various styles, from a minimalist modern aesthetic to a more traditional, layered look. Focus on how its blue-gray base and subtle undertones will interact with your furnishings, flooring, and natural light sources. By understanding its LRV and potential color shifts, you can confidently select Upward to create a space that feels both current and enduringly serene.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sherwin Williams Upward
Is Sherwin Williams Upward a warm or cool color?
Sherwin Williams Upward (SW 6239) is predominantly a cool color. Its blue-gray base provides a refreshing and calming effect, though it can exhibit very subtle green or violet undertones depending on the lighting.
What colors go well with Upward?
Upward pairs effectively with warm whites like Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008), crisp whites such as Pure White (SW 7005), and warm neutrals like Accessible Beige (SW 7036). It also complements muted greens, deeper blues, natural wood tones, and cool-toned metals like brushed nickel.
What is the LRV of Sherwin Williams Upward?
Sherwin Williams Upward has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 57. This indicates it is a mid-range color that reflects a moderate amount of light, making it suitable for various room sizes and lighting conditions without appearing too dark or too washed out.
Is Upward a good color for small rooms?
Yes, Upward can be a good choice for small rooms. Its LRV of 57 is high enough to prevent a small space from feeling too enclosed, and its airy blue-gray quality can contribute to a sense of openness and tranquility. However, always test a sample in your specific small room to observe how light affects it throughout the day.
