Choosing the right paint color for your home is a big decision, especially when it comes to finding a neutral shade that suits your style.
Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen and Accessible Beige are two popular choices among homeowners and designers.
Both are warm, neutral tones, but they have distinct differences that can affect how they look in your space.
In this blog, I’ll compare these two colors in terms of undertones, versatility, light reflection, and ideal room types.
By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of which color is right for your home.
Overview of Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen
Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen (SW 9109) is a soft, warm beige with subtle yellow undertones, offering a classic light neutral tone that fits well in both traditional and modern spaces.
This color creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere and serves as an ideal neutral backdrop that isn’t too dark or too cool.
Its yellow undertones give it a cozy, soft feel, making it perfect for spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas that need extra warmth.
Natural Linen pairs beautifully with earth tones like brown, orange, and gold, creating a harmonious environment.
It’s particularly suited for areas that may feel too cold or sterile, such as kitchens or living rooms.
This color also complements traditional, rustic, and farmhouse-style homes, enhancing the cozy ambiance and working particularly well in spaces that receive ample natural light.
Overview of Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige
Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036) is a warm, versatile neutral that leans toward greige, a mix of gray and beige.
This soft, medium-toned color strikes a perfect balance between warm and cool, making it a popular choice for many homeowners.
Accessible Beige’s subtle gray and brown undertones create a neutral, adaptable tone that complements both modern and traditional styles.
It blends seamlessly with various colors, allowing it to pair beautifully with both warm and cool accents.
This flexibility makes Accessible Beige ideal for a wide range of spaces, including living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
It provides a cozy yet balanced feel, making it a perfect choice for homeowners seeking a versatile color that suits different design preferences.
Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen vs Accessible Beige
Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen and Accessible Beige are both warm, neutral colors, but they have distinct differences.
1. Undertones: Warm Beige vs. Greige
Natural Linen leans more toward yellow and beige undertones, giving it a warm, soft feel. This makes it a great choice for spaces that need a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
On the other hand, Accessible Beige is a greige, meaning it has a mix of gray and beige undertones. The gray undertones help neutralize the warmth, creating a more balanced and adaptable tone.
Accessible Beige is ideal for spaces where you want a neutral color that won’t feel too warm or too cool.
2. Light Reflection and Brightness
Natural Linen, with its yellow undertones, tends to add warmth to a room and can make a space feel cozier. It’s a great option for rooms with natural light, as it will enhance the brightness without feeling too stark.
Accessible Beige, with its greige nature, reflects light in a more balanced way. It won’t add the same warmth as Natural Linen, but it does provide a soft, neutral backdrop that complements various lighting conditions.
Accessible Beige works especially well in rooms that receive a mix of natural and artificial light.
3. Versatility and Pairing with Other Colors
When it comes to versatility, Accessible Beige has a slight edge. Its balanced undertones of gray and beige allow it to work well with both warm and cool accent colors.
It pairs beautifully with soft blues, greens, and even bolder shades like navy or charcoal. Its neutral nature makes it easy to incorporate into various design styles, from modern and minimalist to traditional and rustic.
Natural Linen, while still versatile, leans more toward warm accents. It pairs beautifully with earth tones like brown, gold, and terracotta, as well as rich greens and reds.
4. Room Atmosphere: Cozy vs. Balanced
Natural Linen is ideal for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Its yellow undertones add warmth to a space, making it perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms where a relaxed, comforting vibe is key.
Accessible Beige, while still warm, offers a more balanced and neutral feel. It works well in spaces that need a clean, sophisticated backdrop.
Because of its versatility, Accessible Beige can adapt to both modern and traditional styles, helping to create a polished and cohesive look in any room.
5. Popularity and Trends
Both Natural Linen and Accessible Beige are popular choices, but Accessible Beige has gained more traction in recent years due to its versatility and ability to complement various décor styles.
Its greige undertones make it a timeless and adaptable color that can fit into a wide range of settings.
Natural Linen, while not as widely used, remains a beloved choice for those who prefer warm, cozy neutrals.
It’s ideal for spaces that need a little extra warmth and comfort, making it a great option for traditional and farmhouse-style homes.
Natural Linen vs Accessible Beige: Color Terminology
Understanding key color terminology can help you make an informed decision when choosing between Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen and Accessible Beige.
| Feature | Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen | Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige |
|---|---|---|
| Hex Code | #D0C6A1 | #D1C6B1 |
| RGB Values | RGB(208, 198, 161) | RGB(209, 198, 177) |
| Undertones | Yellow | Gray and Brown (Greige) |
| Color Family | Beige | Greige (Gray + Beige) |
| Light Reflectance Value (LRV) | 68 | 58 |
| Tone | Warm, Cozy | Balanced, Neutral |
| Best for | Living Rooms, Bedrooms, Dining Areas | Living Rooms, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Bedrooms |
| Style Compatibility | Traditional, Rustic, Farmhouse | Modern, Traditional, Transitional, Minimalist |
Uses of Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen and Accessible Beige
Both Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen and Accessible Beige are versatile neutrals that can be used in a variety of spaces. Understanding how each color works in different rooms can help you decide which one will best enhance your home.
Natural Linen
Natural Linen is a warm, soft beige that creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere, making it ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and entryways.
1. Living Rooms
Natural Linen’s warm undertones make it an ideal choice for creating a cozy, welcoming environment in living spaces.
The soft, beige color pairs beautifully with natural wood furniture, earthy accents, and soft textiles, adding comfort and warmth to the room.
If you have a traditional or rustic style, this color will enhance the ambiance and make the space feel inviting.
2. Bedrooms
In bedrooms, Natural Linen brings a soft, relaxing vibe. Its warm undertones create a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and rest.
This makes it a great choice for both master bedrooms and guest rooms, providing a sense of warmth and calm that’s perfect for creating a peaceful retreat.
3. Kitchens
This color works well in kitchens and dining areas, especially in homes with rustic, farmhouse, or traditional décor.
Natural Linen helps create a comfortable and inviting space, encouraging family gatherings or entertaining guests.
Its warm tones provide a cozy atmosphere, making the kitchen or dining room feel like the true heart of the home.
4. Hallways
For hallways and entryways, Natural Linen adds warmth and makes these transitional spaces feel inviting.
It works especially well in homes with abundant natural light, as the color reflects the light, enhancing the brightness and making the space feel open and welcoming.
Accessible Beige
Accessible Beige is a versatile greige that works well in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms, providing a balanced, neutral backdrop for various design styles.
1. Living Rooms
Accessible Beige’s balanced tone makes it perfect for living rooms or other common areas. Its neutral nature helps it adapt to a wide range of furniture styles, from modern to traditional, creating a sophisticated atmosphere.
The color’s versatility allows it to work seamlessly in open-plan living spaces, where it enhances the overall aesthetic without overwhelming the room.
2. Kitchens
Accessible Beige’s versatility makes it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. The greige undertones offer a sleek, contemporary look while still maintaining a warm, inviting feel.
It complements both modern appliances and natural wood finishes, creating a balanced environment in these highly functional spaces.
If you’re aiming for a modern kitchen or a relaxing bathroom, Accessible Beige can tie the design together beautifully.
3. Bedrooms
Accessible Beige works well in bedrooms, offering a neutral backdrop that pairs effortlessly with various color schemes.
Its balance between warm and cool tones complements different bedding styles and furniture, whether you prefer soft pastels or rich, deep tones.
It’s a great choice for creating a restful space that still feels inviting and cohesive.
4. Offices and Study Rooms
Because of its calming and neutral qualities, Accessible Beige is a great choice for office spaces or study rooms.
The color provides a peaceful environment that encourages focus without feeling too warm or too cool.
It’s perfect for creating a space that promotes productivity while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere.
Which is Better: Natural Linen or Accessible Beige?
Choosing between Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen and Accessible Beige depends on the atmosphere and style you want to create in your space.
If you’re looking for a warm, soft color with yellow undertones to create a cozy, inviting environment, Natural Linen is an excellent choice.
It works well in spaces that need extra warmth, such as living rooms and bedrooms, and complements rustic or farmhouse-style décor.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced, neutral tone that adapts well to both modern and traditional designs, Accessible Beige may be the better fit.
Its greige nature offers versatility, making it a great option for a wide range of spaces and design styles. Ultimately, it comes down to the mood you want to set in your home and how each color complements your existing décor.
Tips for Choosing Between Natural Linen and Accessible Beige
Consider your room’s lighting, furniture style, and desired atmosphere when choosing between Natural Linen for warmth and coziness or Accessible Beige for versatility and balance.
- Consider Room Lighting: Natural Linen adds warmth to rooms with natural light, while Accessible Beige works well in spaces with mixed lighting.
- Match with Furniture Style: Choose Natural Linen for traditional or rustic furniture and Accessible Beige for modern, transitional pieces.
- Test Both Colors: Always sample the colors in your space to see how they look with your furniture, lighting, and decor.
- Think About Atmosphere: Use Natural Linen to create a cozy, inviting environment, and Accessible Beige for a more balanced, versatile atmosphere.
- Pairing with Accent Colors: Natural Linen pairs best with earthy tones, while Accessible Beige complements both warm and cool colors.
Conclusion
Both Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen and Accessible Beige offer unique qualities that can enhance your home’s atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a warm, cozy feel with yellow undertones that add comfort and invite relaxation, Natural Linen may be the perfect choice. It’s ideal for spaces that need extra warmth and a welcoming ambiance.
On the other hand, if you want a neutral, balanced color that adapts to various styles and works well in both modern and traditional spaces, Accessible Beige is a great option.
Its versatility and greige undertones make it a timeless choice for many areas of your home.
I recommend testing both colors in your space to see how they interact with your lighting and furniture before making a final decision.
Need help selecting the right color or design ideas? 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.
