Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige vs Natural Linen

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Trying to decide between Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige and Natural Linen? I’m glad you stumbled upon this post, because I have all the info you need to decide.

These two soft, warm neutrals are the kind of colors that make you feel like you’ve finally grown up enough to own matching hand towels. But which one is actually better for your space?

I’ve tested, painted, and stared at these colors under more lighting conditions than a department store fitting room—so let’s break down the undertones, lighting behavior, and real-life vibes of each to help you make the perfect choice.

First, Meet the Contenders

Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036)

Ah, the crowd-pleaser. Accessible Beige is a warm greige (gray + beige) that’s been a fan favorite for years—and for good reason. It’s neutral without being boring, warm without feeling yellow, and flexible enough to work with nearly any decor style.

Key details:

• LRV: 58
• Undertones: Warm gray with a hint of taupe
• Vibe: Sophisticated comfort. Like cashmere socks and a clean kitchen.

👉 Get an Accessible Beige Samplize sample

Sherwin Williams Natural Linen (SW 9109)

Natural Linen is a touch warmer and creamier. It’s more beige than gray, and has a soft, almost buttery undertone that makes it feel like sunlight is baked right in.

Key details:

• LRV: 66
• Undertones: Yellow-beige with a whisper of pink
• Vibe: Airy, cozy, and light. Like your favorite linen dress in paint form.

👉 Get a Natural Linen Samplize sample

Accessible Beige vs Natural Linen: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Accessible Beige	Natural Linen
Tone	Balanced warm greige	Soft warm beige
Undertones	Taupe-gray	Creamy yellow-pink
LRV (Light Reflectance Value)	58 (medium-light)	66 (light and bright)
Best For	Balanced warmth in mixed lighting	Sunny rooms or north-facing rooms
Pairs Well With	White trim, charcoal accents, muted blues	Warm whites, tan, earthy greens
Feel	Calm, grounding, timeless	Soft, bright, welcoming

👉 Compare both colors with Samplize samples

Lighting Matters (A Lot)

Both colors behave differently depending on your lighting.

• North-facing rooms:

Natural Linen’s warmth helps balance cool light—it keeps the space from feeling too sterile. Accessible Beige can lean a bit gray in this light, but still looks cozy.

• South-facing rooms:

Both shine here (literally). Natural Linen will look warmer and creamier, while Accessible Beige stays beautifully balanced.

• Low-light or basement spaces:

Accessible Beige wins this round. Its neutral undertones hold up better without turning yellowish.

Where to Use Each Color

Accessible Beige

Perfect for…

• Open floor plans
• Living rooms and dining rooms
• Basements
• Anywhere you want calm, sophisticated warmth

It’s a fantastic “transitional” color—works equally well with cool grays or warm browns, so you don’t have to redesign your whole house around it.

👉 Ready to try Accessible Beige in your home?
Order a Samplize sample of Accessible Beige to see the undertones and lighting shifts in real life — no paint cans, no stress, no regrets.

Natural Linen

Perfect for…

• Bedrooms and nurseries
• South-facing kitchens
• Hallways and entryways

It adds instant lightness and coziness—think “Sunday morning pancakes” energy.

👉 Thinking Natural Linen might be the one?
Grab a Samplize sample of Natural Linen to test it on your walls and watch how beautifully warm and soft it looks in your space.

My Humble Take: The Real Difference

Here’s the honest truth: Accessible Beige feels a bit more modern and grounded, while Natural Linen feels soft, classic, and traditional.

If you lean toward greige neutrals with subtle sophistication, Accessible Beige is your best friend.

If you prefer warmth that feels breezy and welcoming, Natural Linen is your soulmate.

Or, if you’re like me and are indecisive at heart, grab Samplize peel-and-stick samples of both. Stick them on your walls and watch how your lighting transforms them throughout the day. (Trust me, you’ll be shocked how much it changes.) This is why, in my books, sampling is a non-negotiable.

Samplize is having a sale right now, so if I were you, I’d grab a few of your favorites!

🧠 Quick Tips to Choose Between Them

• Got lots of natural light? → Natural Linen
• Have lower light or mixed lighting? → Accessible Beige
• Want a color that plays nice with gray decor? → Accessible Beige
• Love warm, creamy neutrals and cozy vibes? → Natural Linen

Colors to Compare Next

If you’re still not sure, check out my other comparisons:

• Worldly Gray vs Agreeable Gray
• Natural Linen vs Canvas Tan (coming soon!)
• Gray Paint Colors That Always Work
• Agreeable Gray vs Modern Gray

❓ FAQs About Accessible Beige & Natural Linen

Q: Which color is lighter?
A: Natural Linen. Its LRV of 66 makes it a touch brighter than Accessible Beige’s 58.

Q: Do either of these colors look yellow?
A: Natural Linen can pick up a soft golden glow in bright light. Accessible Beige stays more neutral and grounded.

Q: Are they good whole-home colors?
A: Absolutely. Accessible Beige works great in homes with mixed lighting, while Natural Linen shines in bright, sunny spaces.

Q: What’s the best white trim for each?
A: For Accessible Beige → Sherwin Williams Alabaster or Pure White. For Natural Linen → Swiss Coffee or White Dove (from Benjamin Moore).

Final Thoughts

Both Accessible Beige and Natural Linen are timeless, versatile, and full of charm—but they speak different design languages.

• Accessible Beige: grounded, balanced, and quietly confident.
• Natural Linen: soft, warm, and effortlessly inviting.

If your home feels a bit cold or gray, Natural Linen will bring it back to life. If you’re fighting warm light or yellow tones, Accessible Beige will restore balance without turning your walls into oatmeal.

So go ahead—grab those Samplize samples, test them in your lighting, and see which one makes your heart do that little “oh yes, that’s it” thing.

Because at the end of the day, picking paint isn’t just about undertones—it’s about finding the color that makes your home feel like you.