Are you searching for a paint color that brings a serene culture without overwhelming your space?
Sherwin-Williams Stardew might be exactly what you need.
This versatile mid-tone blue-gray changes ordinary rooms into refined, tranquil spaces full of subtle character.
With its balanced undertones, Stardew creates a gentle presence that makes furniture and decorations stand out beautifully.
It’s remarkably adaptable.
It shifts throughout the day to reveal different depths, showing its blue side in bright light and its softer gray tones in the evening.
Perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, or entire homes, this refined color works in both contemporary spaces and traditional homes.
Despite its nuanced nature, Stardew is surprisingly easy to decorate with and pairs well with countless styles.
Understanding Paint Color Basics
Stardew is a versatile mid-tone blue-gray paint color by Sherwin-Williams.
It converts ordinary rooms into serene, smart spaces with character and balance.
Color Terminology
Let’s explore the technical details of Sherwin-Williams Stardew.
These numbers help homeowners and designers understand the true nature of this color.
| PROPERTY | VALUE |
|---|---|
| LRV | 43 |
| RGB | 166 / 178 / 181 |
| Hex Value | #A6B2B5 |
The moderate LRV of 43 explains why Stardew creates such a balanced presence in homes.
You can reference these RGB and Hex codes when coordinating digital designs or custom furnishings.
Undertones:
- Stardew contains gentle blue and soft gray undertones
- It’s a balanced, versatile neutral that adapts to your space
- Not flat gray, but a dimensional, blue-gray with depth
Psychology of Blue-Gray Colors
The colors we choose affect our mood and perception, especially balanced ones like Stardew.
The perfect blue-gray shade can change your living experience.
- Serene blue-grays like Stardew promote relaxation and peaceful contemplation.
- Balanced mid-tone neutrals create instant harmony and timeless dignity
- Reflective blue-gray pigments make spaces feel open and intentional
- Advantages: complement most decor styles, reduce visual noise, and showcase furnishings beautifully
Stardew stands as a confident choice that transcends passing trends.
It serves as a versatile canvas, making light fixtures and furniture truly shine.
Why Choose Sherwin-Williams Stardew (SW 9138)?
Sherwin-Williams Stardew is a balanced, mid-tone blue-gray that makes rooms feel refined and balanced.
It’s remarkably easy to decorate with because it works as a beautiful backdrop for almost any style.
1. Versatility
Sherwin-Williams Stardew shifts beautifully throughout the day.
In bright daylight, it reveals its blue undertones, while evening light brings out its softer gray side.
This color works wonderfully in living rooms, bedrooms, or as a whole-home color.
It fits nicely in both modern city apartments and traditional suburban homes without feeling out of place.
2. Key Features
Stardew makes a statement while remaining neutral.
This color has staying power that trendy colors lack – it’s been popular for years and continues to be a designer favorite.
Once it’s on your walls, you’ll find it adapts to changing decor styles easily.
3. Durability
When applied in Sherwin-Williams’ Duration or Emerald finishes, Stardew stands up to daily life beautifully.
The mid-tone color balances between showing some marks while still being practical for everyday living, making it perfect for busy households.
Its rich pigment maintains its depth even after years of cleaning, so your walls will look freshly painted longer.
4. Texture Patterns
Stardew creates a smooth, dimensional look that adds instant refinement to your walls.
Its complex undertones respond to changing light in charming ways, creating subtle variations throughout the day.
This balanced shade makes decorative moldings and architectural details stand out smartly.
When used in connected spaces, it creates a cohesive flow while making artwork, metals, and furniture stand out beautifully.
Room Color: Sherwin-Williams Stardew (SW 9138)
Stardew is a versatile blue-gray that creates balanced, serene spaces in your home.
It changes slightly throughout the day, showing different depths and undertones as lighting shifts.
1. Living Spaces and Family Rooms
- Stardew creates an incredible backdrop in living rooms, establishing a serene atmosphere that makes your furniture and artwork stand out against the balanced background.
- The refined color creates a welcoming feeling in family rooms, especially when paired with warm lighting and natural wood tones for balance.
- For open floor plans, Stardew works beautifully throughout connected spaces to maintain flow while providing enough color to define different zones.
2. Bedrooms and Relaxation Areas
- When used on all walls, Stardew creates a peaceful feeling in bedrooms, promoting better sleep and a sense of calm.
- The balanced color sets a refined backdrop for bedding and lamps, making whites and metallics look crisp while complementing various color schemes.
- Try Stardew in master suites for a spa-like retreat that feels both modern and timeless.
3. Bathrooms and Fresh Spaces
- Stardew helps create a clean, spa-like feeling in bathrooms when paired with white fixtures.
- The refined color creates a refined background that uplifts simple bathroom designs into designer-inspired spaces.
- The blue undertones bring a fresh, clean, and serene quality, perfect for spaces where relaxation is important.
4. Kitchens and Dining Areas
- Stardew makes striking kitchen cabinets when paired with white countertops for a two-tone look.
- The mid-tone color balances practicality and style in busy cooking spaces.
- Use Stardew in dining rooms to create a smart atmosphere that feels refined but not stuffy.
Color Pairings and Combinations for SW Stardew
Stardew is a versatile blue-gray shade with balanced undertones.
Here are the perfect partner colors for this versatile shade.
Complementary Trim Colors
Picking the right trim color can intensify how Stardew looks in your home.
These specific colors create beautiful relationships with Stardew’s balanced depth.
- Pure White (SW 7005) – A clean, bright white that creates clear definition against Stardew, making details pop smartly in contemporary spaces
- Mountain Air (SW 6224) – A lighter blue-gray that creates a refined tone-on-tone effect with Stardew, perfect when you want a more subtle transition between spaces
- Alabaster (SW 7008) – A soft, warm off-white that balances Stardew’s coolness, creating a more traditional feel while still maintaining beautiful contrast for trim and doors
Before finalizing your color scheme, paint small test sections with different combinations to see how they interact with your furniture and lighting.
Creating Cohesive Color Schemes
Stardew works beautifully with many other colors to create a pulled-together look throughout your home.
Here are three different color schemes that use Stardew as a featured color.
| SCHEME | MAIN WALLS / AREAS | TRIM / ACCENT / CEILINGS | OTHER ROOMS / ACCENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monochromatic | Stardew (SW 9138) | Pure White (SW 7005), Mountain Air (SW 6224) | Patience (SW 7555) |
| Warm | Stardew (SW 9138) | Coral Clay (SW 9005), Accessible Beige (SW 7036) | Kilim Beige (SW 6106) |
| Cool | Stardew (SW 9138) | Sea Salt (SW 6204), Rain (SW 6219) | Krypton (SW 6247) |
Note: All colors shown are Sherwin-Williams paints. Colors will look different depending on your lighting, so always test samples on your walls before buying full gallons.
Coordinating with Furniture and Decor
Stardew is a versatile color that complements your furniture and decorations beautifully.
Its balanced blue-gray tone creates a refined backdrop that smartly showcases your favorite pieces.
1. Wood Tones
Stardew creates a lovely complement to medium woods like oak, maple, and cherry.
These woods provide natural warmth against Stardew’s cool undertones, creating a balanced look.
Light woods like ash and birch create a fresh, Scandinavian feel against this blue-gray shade.
Dark woods like walnut or mahogany create a rich, refined look when paired with this versatile color.
2. Metals
Gold, brass, and copper fixtures stand out warmly against Stardew, adding luxury to the cool background.
Chrome and silver create a fresh, contemporary contrast that feels clean and modern.
Brushed nickel hardware creates a balanced, transitional look that works well with Stardew’s versatile nature.
3. Decor
Natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and wool in cream, taupe, or navy blue complement Stardew’s refined character.
Coral, sage green, or navy accents pop beautifully against the balanced background.
Textured items like woven baskets, patterned pillows, and natural elements add depth and interest to spaces painted in this versatile, complex color.
Similar Paint Colors: Perfect Alternatives to Stardew (SW 9138)
These colors all create serene, refined spaces with a subtle blue-gray appeal.
They’re perfect for creating calm, cohesive environments in bedrooms, living rooms, or bathrooms.
1. Niebla Azul (SW 9137)
- Slightly deeper blue-gray with more prominent blue undertones
- Lower LRV than Stardew creates a more intimate, cozy atmosphere
- Brings a tranquil, coastal-inspired feeling that pairs beautifully with natural textures
2. Lullaby (SW 9136)
- Lighter blue-gray with softer, more muted undertones
- Higher LRV gives spaces an airy, expansive quality while maintaining the serene vibe
- Creates a versatile backdrop that adapts beautifully to changing light throughout the day
3. Debonair (SW 9139)
- Deeper blue-gray with more saturated color for added drama
- Similar tone to Stardew but with increased depth and presence
- Establishes a smart, refined feeling that works wonderfully in dining rooms or studies
Final Thoughts
Sherwin-Williams Stardew is a truly special paint color for homeowners who want to create balanced, refined spaces.
This blue-gray shade offers versatility, from serene bedrooms to refined whole-home colors that highlight your art and furnishings.
It balances light reflection beautifully while its complex undertones shift subtly throughout the day.
Stardew complements crisp whites or coordinating tones, changing ordinary rooms into magazine-worthy spaces.
Ready to bring a serene culture to your home?
Stardew might be the perfect color to bring your vision to life! Have you used Stardew in your home?
We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
If you’re interested in more informational color review content, feel free to click here and explore other blogs that you might enjoy.
Alex Guerrero, a graduate with a Fine Arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, has been a visionary in the world of color and design for over 15 years. His professional journey began in the heart of the fashion industry in Milan, where he developed an acute sense for color harmonies and trends. Alex joined our team in 2018, offering fresh and innovative perspectives on color utilization in various spaces. Renowned for his ability to blend contemporary trends with timeless elegance. Outside of work, Alex is an accomplished painter and a volunteer art therapist, his artistic talents further enriching his professional insights.
