When selecting the perfect color for your living room, Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen (SW 9109) is a top contender.
Its warm, soft beige with subtle yellow undertones creates an inviting, cozy atmosphere that complements various design styles.
If you’re aiming for a traditional, rustic, or modern look, Natural Linen provides the versatility and warmth that enhances your living space.
In this blog, I will provide a detailed explanation of Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen, discussing its characteristics, best uses, and what real customers have to say.
My goal is to help you make an informed decision and find out if this beautiful, neutral color is right for your living room.
What is Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen?
Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen (SW 9109) is a soft, warm beige color with subtle yellow undertones, creating a gentle and inviting atmosphere for any space.
This light, neutral shade is versatile and works well in a variety of design styles, from traditional to modern, adding warmth without feeling too overpowering.
Natural Linen is ideal for creating a cozy, comfortable environment, especially in living rooms, bedrooms, and other spaces where relaxation is key.
Its yellow undertones bring a soft glow that helps brighten a room, making it a perfect choice for areas with natural light or those that need a little extra warmth.
This color pairs effortlessly with a range of accent colors and materials, making it an easy choice for homeowners looking for a timeless, neutral backdrop.
Undertones of Natural Linen
The main undertone of Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen is yellow, giving the color a soft, warm glow that adds depth and warmth to any room.
While the yellow undertones are subtle, they contribute to a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making the space feel more welcoming.
These undertones also allow Natural Linen to pair beautifully with a wide range of accent colors such as gold, brown, or green, creating a harmonious and balanced environment.
The yellow undertones also help the color appear lighter and brighter, making it an ideal choice for rooms that need a touch of extra warmth or natural light.
If you have a room that feels a bit cold or lacks natural sunlight, Natural Linen’s undertones will enhance the space, creating a warm and comfortable feel.
What is the LRV of Natural Linen?
The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen is 68, which means it reflects a moderate amount of light.
With an LRV of 68, this color can help brighten up a room without being too stark or cold.
It provides a nice balance by reflecting enough light to make the space feel open and airy, while still maintaining a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Natural Linen works well in both well-lit rooms and spaces that may lack natural light, as its LRV helps to make the room feel brighter and more inviting.
Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen in Different Lights
The way Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen appears can change depending on the lighting in your room. Natural Linen has a warm, inviting feel, but the way it reflects light in various conditions can impact how the color looks in your space.
1. Natural Light
When Natural Linen is exposed to abundant natural light, it appears lighter and brighter, creating a room that feels open and airy.
The warm yellow undertones are more noticeable in daylight, creating a soft, welcoming glow that enhances the room’s overall atmosphere.
Natural Linen helps amplify natural light, making it an ideal choice for rooms with large windows or spaces that require additional brightness.
In areas with strong sunlight, this color will produce a light, sun-kissed effect, contributing to a fresh and vibrant ambiance.
2. Artificial Light
Under artificial lighting, Natural Linen can take on a slightly softer, warmer tone. Depending on the type of light bulbs you use, it can lean towards a more golden or creamy hue.
Soft white or warm light bulbs will complement Natural Linen’s yellow undertones, making the space feel even more cozy and inviting.
However, with cooler lighting, like fluorescent bulbs, the yellow undertones may appear more subtle, allowing the color to blend more neutrally with the surroundings.
This versatility allows Natural Linen to work well in different types of lighting.
3. Low Light
In spaces with limited natural or artificial light, Natural Linen may appear a little deeper and more muted. While it still retains its warmth, it won’t have the same brightness as it would in well-lit areas.
The yellow undertones can provide a soft glow in low-light settings, but the color may not feel as vibrant.
To avoid a too-dark or dull feeling, it’s best to pair Natural Linen with additional lighting sources, such as lamps or accent lights, to maintain its inviting atmosphere.
Despite this, it still remains a warm, neutral choice for spaces that need extra coziness, especially in bedrooms or smaller living rooms.
Pros and Cons of Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen
Natural Linen offers a warm and versatile tone, making it ideal for a wide range of living spaces, but it may not be suitable if you prefer cooler shades or have limited lighting.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Warm, inviting color that creates a cozy atmosphere | May appear slightly yellow in certain lighting |
| Versatile and works well with many furniture and décor styles | Not the best choice if you prefer cooler tones in your space |
| Complements a variety of accent colors | May require additional lighting in rooms with little natural light |
| Ideal for both large and small living rooms | |
| Enhances natural light, making the room feel brighter and more open |
Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen vs Other Popular Neutral Colors
Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen, with its warm, soft beige undertones, offers a cozier and more inviting atmosphere than popular neutrals like Agreeable Gray and Accessible Beige, which have cooler beige undertones.
| Color Name | Undertones | LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | Best Use | Style Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Linen (SW 9109) | Yellow (Warm, Soft Beige) | 68 | Living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas | Traditional, rustic, modern |
| Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) | Greige (Gray + Beige) | 60 | Living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms | Modern, farmhouse, minimalist |
| Accessible Beige (SW 7036) | Greige (Gray + Beige) | 58 | Living rooms, bedrooms, and offices | Traditional, contemporary |
| Alabaster (SW 7008) | Warm White | 82 | Living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms | Classic, minimalist |
| Creamy (SW 7012) | Warm Yellow | 81 | Living rooms, dining areas | Traditional, vintage, rustic |
Where to Use Natural Linen?
Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen is a versatile color that can be used in various areas of your home to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Living Rooms: Natural Linen adds warmth and balance to living rooms, creating a cozy, welcoming space that pairs well with various furniture styles.
- Bedrooms: Perfect for bedrooms, this color promotes a restful, soothing environment with its soft beige tones and subtle warmth.
- Kitchens and Dining Rooms: Ideal for kitchens and dining areas, Natural Linen enhances the natural light and adds a comfortable, neutral backdrop to these social spaces.
- Hallways and Entryways: Use Natural Linen in hallways or entryways to make these transitional spaces feel open, inviting, and warm.
- Home Offices: Natural Linen creates a calm and cozy workspace, promoting productivity while maintaining a warm and welcoming environment.
Customer Reviews of Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen
Customer reviews of Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen highlight its warmth, versatility, and ability to complement various furniture styles, though some note its yellow undertones may appear stronger in certain lighting.
Positive Reviews
Many customers who have used Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen in their living rooms appreciate the warmth and versatility it brings to the space.
The soft beige tones with subtle yellow undertones help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere without overwhelming the room.
Reviewers often mention how well the color complements various furniture styles, from dark wood to light-colored upholstery, making it an excellent neutral backdrop.
The color’s ability to work well with different accent pieces also adds to its appeal, with many users noting its subtle elegance that enhances the overall design of the room.
Negative Reviews
While the majority of reviews for Natural Linen are positive, some customers have found that the color can appear slightly different depending on the lighting in their room.
In certain lighting, the yellow undertones may be more noticeable, making the color appear warmer than expected.
This has led to some disappointment for those who were looking for a more neutral beige tone. To avoid surprises, it’s recommended to test a sample of the paint in your space before making a final decision.
Conclusion
Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen is an excellent choice for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in your living room.
Its soft beige tones with subtle yellow undertones bring comfort and coziness to any space, making it a versatile and timeless option for various décor styles.
With traditional, rustic, or modern furniture, Natural Linen provides a neutral backdrop that enhances your living room’s overall look.
I recommend considering Natural Linen if you’re looking for a color that balances warmth with flexibility and creates an inviting atmosphere.
Need help selecting the perfect paint color or design ideas for your living room? Contact me today for personalized guidance and expert advice.
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.
