Sherwin Williams Alpaca

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If there’s one color that’s sparked more DMs in my inbox than any other, it’s Sherwin Williams Alpaca. Every week, someone reaches out asking the same thing in different ways:

“Is Alpaca gray or beige?”
“Why does it look purple in my living room?”
“Should I repaint because it feels totally different at night?”

And I get it—Alpaca is one of those deceptively neutral colors that’s anything but boring. Over the years, I’ve recommended it for everything from full-home refreshes to cozy bedrooms, and I’ve seen it in real-world conditions: under fluorescent lights, golden morning sun, cloudy northern shadows—you name it.

So, let’s really talk about it. Not in that generic “here are the undertones” way, but from the lens of someone who’s tested it, lived with it, and helped hundreds of homeowners decide if it’s right for them.

First, What Is Sherwin Williams Alpaca Really?

Alpaca (SW 7022) sits in that sweet spot between warm gray and taupe. On the surface, it looks like your average greige—but when you actually get it on your walls? That’s when it starts to play games.

If I had to define it in one sentence:
Alpaca is a warm, medium-light greige with soft purple undertones that shift depending on light and surrounding colors.

It’s not gray like Repose Gray, and it’s not creamy-ish like Accessible Beige. It’s more like if those two had a quieter, more introverted cousin who still managed to be stylish without trying too hard.

Undertones: Where That Purple Comes From

Let’s not sugarcoat it—the purple undertone in Alpaca is real.

Now, is it going to turn your living room into a lilac lounge? No. But in certain lighting (especially cooler, low-light spaces), the purple peeks through more noticeably. It’s not always a bad thing. In fact, in homes with red-toned wood floors or warm lighting, Alpaca balances out beautifully and softens those pink-orange hues.

But if you’re already battling pink undertones in your carpet or tile, it might amplify the issue instead of solving it. It’s why I always test it in-person using large swatches (more on that in a bit).

How Lighting Affects Alpaca (From Real Homes)

Here’s what I’ve observed working in homes all over the U.S. with different exposures and lighting setups:

North-Facing Rooms

• Light is cool and indirect.
• Alpaca appears more gray, and those purple undertones can become pronounced.
• Recommendation: Only use here if you want a cooler neutral.

South-Facing Rooms

• Light is warm and bright all day.
• Alpaca shifts warmer, showing off its taupe-beige side.
• Verdict: This is Alpaca at its most forgiving and flattering.

East-Facing Rooms

• Morning light is soft and warm, fading cooler by afternoon.
• Expect Alpaca to feel warmer early and cooler as the day goes on.
• Tip: Test it at different times before committing.

West-Facing Rooms

• Cooler in the morning, warmer and shadowed in the evening.
• Alpaca here is a chameleon—sometimes soft and warm, sometimes surprisingly gray.
• Best for those who like a dynamic color.

LRV: What It Tells Us About Brightness

Alpaca has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 57—that’s right in the middle. It reflects a moderate amount of light, which means:

• It’s not too dark for most rooms.
• But it also won’t brighten a dark hallway on its own.

If your room has low light and you’re hoping it will make it feel airy—you’ll likely need layered lighting and white trim to help it out.

Trim Colors I’ve Used (And Loved)

Trim makes or breaks a paint job. Period. Here’s what pairs beautifully with Alpaca, based on real projects:

• SW Pure White (SW 7005): Crisp, neutral white. Makes Alpaca feel clean and modern.
• SW Alabaster (SW 7008): Creamier and softer. Works well when you want a cozy, layered look.
• SW Extra White (SW 7006): Brightest option—makes Alpaca lean a bit grayer and sharper.

🖌️ Personal note: I used Pure White in a kitchen remodel where Alpaca was on the walls, and it was chef’s kiss with natural wood open shelving and brushed gold fixtures.

When I Recommend (And When I Don’t)

Great for:

• Living rooms with warm natural light
• Bedrooms with neutral furnishings
• Transitional spaces like hallways or home offices
• Homes with hardwood or terracotta tile

Proceed with caution in:

• Rooms with north-facing light
• Spaces with pink or red undertones in carpet or tile
• Areas with ultra-modern blue-gray palettes (Alpaca can clash or look muddy)

Looking for an easier way to swatch paint colors? 

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Sample Color Palettes

Cozy Earthy Neutrals

• Walls: Alpaca
• Trim: Alabaster
• Accent: SW Urbane Bronze
• Contrast: SW Canyon Clay (for warm terracotta or leather tones)

Soft and Balanced

• Walls: Alpaca
• Trim: Pure White
• Cabinets or Built-ins: SW Accessible Beige
• Accent Color: SW Sea Salt

Modern Contrast

• Walls: Alpaca
• Trim: Extra White
• Feature Wall or Cabinets: SW Iron Ore
• Metals: Brushed nickel or matte black

Alpaca vs. Other Popular Sherwin-Williams Neutrals

Paint Color	Undertone	LRV	Vibe	Best Trim Pairing
Alpaca (SW 7022)	Warm gray, soft purple	57	Soft, elegant greige	Pure White, Alabaster
Agreeable Gray (SW 7029)	Warm greige, green-violet	60	Balanced, versatile neutral	Pure White
Repose Gray (SW 7015)	Cool gray with slight purple	58	Modern, cooler tone	Extra White
Accessible Beige (SW 7036)	Beige with gray undertones	58	Cozy, classic beige	Alabaster

FAQs

Is Alpaca a warm or cool color?
Alpaca is technically warm, but has cool purple undertones that can surface in low light or next to blue-toned decor.

Why does Alpaca look purple on my walls?
Lighting plays a huge role. In north-facing rooms or under cool LEDs, those purple undertones become more visible.

Can I use Alpaca on kitchen cabinets?
Yes, but I’d recommend pairing it with crisp white trim and plenty of natural light. It can look dingy on cabinets if the room is too shadowed.

What flooring works well with Alpaca?
Warm-toned hardwoods, natural oak, and terracotta tile are all great. Avoid pairing with flooring that has pink or red undertones unless you’re okay with a more taupe-forward look.

Is Alpaca good for an open-concept space?
It can be! Especially if you’re going for warm and cozy. Just make sure you’re using consistent lighting across zones so it doesn’t shift dramatically from room to room.

Want More Paint Wisdom?

If you found this post helpful, I’ve got more paint magic where that came from:

• Agreeable Gray vs Repose Gray – Which Neutral Wins?
• Accessible Beige Full Color Review
• Best Paint Colors for Basements
• How to Choose the Right White Trim Paint

Final Thoughts

Sherwin Williams Alpaca isn’t the easiest neutral to use—but it is one of the most rewarding when you get it right. It’s soft, complex, and quietly elegant. With the right lighting, trim, and decor choices, it can completely transform a space.

Need help making the call? I offer color consultations, and I’d love to help you bring your paint vision to life—with less guesswork and more confidence.

See you in the paint aisle (or at least on Samplize.com)