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“Neutrals are the blank canvas of design.” Yeah, yeah, we’ve all heard that before. But let’s be real—some neutrals are just plain boring. Enter taupe: the middle ground between warm beige and cool gray, the unsung hero of sophisticated interiors, and your new best friend in the search for a perfect, not-too-warm, not-too-cool paint color.
![SW Taupe paint colors](https://westmagnoliacharm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SW-Taupe-paint-colors-1.jpg.webp?x31067)
Sherwin Williams has a lineup of taupe paint colors that are versatile, elegant, and—dare I say—just the right amount of moody. Whether you’re revamping your living room, giving your bedroom a cozy makeover, or trying to pick a color that won’t make your kitchen look like a hospital cafeteria, taupe might just be your answer. Let’s dive into the best Sherwin Williams taupe shades and break down how to use them like a pro.
What Makes Taupe, Well… Taupe?
![bedroom with taupe walls, large window, bed and headboard.](https://westmagnoliacharm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/bedroom-with-taupe-walls-large-window-bed-and-headboard._1.jpg.webp?x31067)
Taupe is a chameleon. It’s not quite brown, not quite gray, and not quite beige—but a perfect mix of all three. The key to understanding taupe is undertones. Some lean warm, with hints of red or pink, while others pull cooler with purple or gray undertones. And trust me, those undertones matter. Ever painted a room thinking you picked a nice neutral, only to realize it turns lavender at sunset? Yep, undertones.
Sherwin Williams has some of the best taupe shades that manage to stay classy, balanced, and timeless. Let’s break down the best of the bunch and how to use them like a seasoned designer.
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Top Sherwin Williams Taupe Paint Colors
1. Sherwin Williams Perfect Greige (SW 6073)
![Sherwin Williams Perfect Greige Digital Paint Can swatch](https://westmagnoliacharm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Sherwin-Williams-Perfect-Greige-Digital-Paint-Can-swatch-1.jpg.webp?x31067)
This one is a true taupe with equal parts warmth and coolness. It’s the definition of balanced. If you’re indecisive (hey, no judgment), Perfect Greige is the safest bet. It works in any room, plays well with both warm and cool decor, and won’t surprise you with weird undertones at different times of the day.
Try before you buy! Get a Samplize Sample of Perfect Greige
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, open-concept spaces.
Pairs well with: Crisp white trim (Sherwin Williams Extra White) and soft warm wood tones.
2. Sherwin Williams Keystone Gray (SW 7504)
![Sherwin Williams Keystone Gray Digital Paint Can swatch](https://westmagnoliacharm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Sherwin-Williams-Keystone-Gray-Digital-Paint-Can-swatch-1.jpg.webp?x31067)
Slightly deeper than your average taupe, Keystone Gray brings a cozy and refined look to walls. It has an earthiness that makes it perfect for spaces that need a little more depth but still want to keep things neutral. If you’ve ever dreamed of a home that looks like it belongs in an Architectural Digest spread, this is your color.
Grab a Samplize Sample of Keystone Gray!
Best for: Accent walls, kitchens, home offices.
Pairs well with: Soft whites, deep blues, and natural stone accents.
3. Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige (SW 7037)
![Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige Digital Paint Can swatch](https://westmagnoliacharm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Sherwin-Williams-Balanced-Beige-Digital-Paint-Can-swatch-1.jpg.webp?x31067)
Okay, technically, this leans more beige than taupe, but it has that grayish depth that keeps it from being too yellow. Balanced Beige is for those who like the idea of taupe but don’t want anything that feels too cool. It’s warm, inviting, and ridiculously easy to style.
Test before you buy. Try a Samplize Sample of Balanced Beige.
Best for: Dining rooms, hallways, bathrooms.
Pairs well with: Warm whites, soft greens, and dark bronze hardware.
4. Sherwin Williams Tony Taupe (SW 7038)
![Sherwin Williams Tony Taupe Digital Paint Can swatch](https://westmagnoliacharm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Sherwin-Williams-Tony-Taupe-Digital-Paint-Can-swatch-1.jpg.webp?x31067)
Tony Taupe is the OG taupe here. It’s rich, warm, and has just the right amount of depth to keep things interesting. It creates a cozy, inviting space that still feels neutral and sophisticated. It also plays beautifully with natural light, making it a fantastic option for south-facing rooms.
Pick up a Samplize Sample of Tony Taupe to try in you space.
Best for: Exteriors, bedrooms, formal dining rooms.
Pairs well with: Deep charcoal accents, creamy whites, and medium wood tones.
5. Sherwin Williams Versatile Gray (SW 6072)
![Sherwin Williams Versatile Gray Digital Paint Can swatch](https://westmagnoliacharm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Sherwin-Williams-Versatile-Gray-Digital-Paint-Can-swatch-1.jpg.webp?x31067)
If taupe had a cool, modern cousin, it would be Versatile Gray. It has that slight grayish tint that keeps it fresh but enough warmth to avoid feeling cold. If you love the idea of taupe but don’t want anything too brown, this is your winner.
See for yourself, grab a Samplize Sample of Versatile Gray.
Best for: Modern spaces, offices, living rooms.
Pairs well with: Black metal accents, crisp whites, and soft blues.
SAMPLING YOUR PAINT COLORS
Instead of physically going to your nearest paint store to grab your samples, you need to try Samplize Peel & Stick paint samples.
Why should you try Samplize?
- Super affordable
- Mess-free
- Non-damaging
- Made with real manufacturer paint
- Displays color just like a wall
- Environmental friendly
- Reusable
These peel & stick paint samples are super affordable and allow you to test a paint color in all different areas of a room without the mess of a traditional paint sample!
You know how I feel about testing paint colors. It’s a must!
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Best Places to Use SW Taupes
![bedroom with taupe walls, bed and large headboard](https://westmagnoliacharm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/bedroom-with-taupe-walls-bed-and-large-headboard_1.jpg.webp?x31067)
Taupe isn’t just for walls—it’s a powerhouse neutral that works in almost any space. Here are some of the best places to use Sherwin Williams taupe paints:
- Living Rooms: Taupe creates a cozy yet polished look, making it perfect for main gathering spaces. Pair with textured fabrics, wood accents, and layered lighting for an inviting feel.
- Bedrooms: A soft taupe on the walls brings a beautiful warmth and sophistication without overpowering the space. If you add some plush bedding and warm-toned decor you will create a serene retreat.
- Kitchens: If you want a neutral but not stark kitchen, taupe is a fantastic option. Use it on cabinets for a soft, earthy feel, or on walls to complement natural wood and stone finishes.
- Bathrooms: For a spa-like feel, taupe walls provide just the right amount of warmth while maintaining a clean, modern look.
- Exteriors: Taupe is a timeless choice for home exteriors. It pairs beautifully with white trim, dark shutters, and natural stone accents.
- Home Offices: A taupe backdrop keeps things neutral while adding enough depth to prevent the space from feeling sterile.
Coordinating Colors
![living room with taupe walls, gray couch, coffee table and wall art](https://westmagnoliacharm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/living-room-with-taupe-walls-gray-couch-coffee-table-and-wall-art-_1.jpg.webp?x31067)
Pairing taupe with the right colors can elevate your space. Here are some stunning combinations:
- Soft Whites: Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) or Extra White (SW 7006) keep things fresh and crisp.
- Earthy Greens: Sage greens like Clary Sage (SW 6178) add a natural, organic feel.
- Deep Blues: Naval (SW 6244) or Gale Force (SW 7605) create a bold contrast with taupe.
- Warm Grays: Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) or Mindful Gray (SW 7016) complement taupe beautifully.
Trim Colors That Work with Taupe
Taupe loves a good trim color! Here are some foolproof options:
- Crisp White: Extra White (SW 7006) for a classic, high-contrast look.
- Soft Off-White: Pure White (SW 7005) for a subtle, seamless transition.
- Dark Contrast: Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) for a moody, dramatic effect.
Best Ceiling Colors for Taupe Walls
Your ceiling color choice can subtly shift the room’s mood and ambiance. Here’s how to make the right pick:
- Crisp White for a Light, Airy Feel
- SW Ceiling Bright White (7007) – A classic choice that reflects light and keeps the space feeling open.
- SW Extra White (7006) – Ideal for modern spaces or rooms with minimal decor, making taupe walls pop.
- Soft White for a Seamless, Warm Look
- SW Pure White (7005) – Works well if you want a subtle contrast without the starkness of a bright white ceiling.
- SW Alabaster (7008) – A great option if your taupe has warm undertones and you want a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
- Matching the Ceiling for a Cocooning Effect
- Use the Same Taupe Color in a Flat Finish – Painting the ceiling the same color as the walls (but in a flat finish) can create a sophisticated, enveloping look, especially in smaller rooms.
Final Thoughts: Why Taupe is the MVP of Neutrals
![bathroom with single vanity, mirror , taupe colored walls and door](https://westmagnoliacharm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/bathroom-with-single-vanity-_1.jpg.webp?x31067)
I really think Sherwin Williams has some of the best taupe paint colors out there. Whether you want something cozy, modern, or a little bit dramatic, there’s a shade for you.
I love it because it is one of those colors that effortlessly ties a space together, making it look polished without trying too hard. And who doesn’t want that?
So, if you’re tired of plain gray or uninspired beige, taupe is your answer. It’s classic, it’s stylish, and it just might be the secret sauce your space has been missing.
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![headshot of Cate Griffing](https://westmagnoliacharm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Headshot.jpg.webp?x31067)
I’m Cate. As a seasoned paint color consultant and former proprietor of the highly regarded painting company WOW 1 Day Painting in Bergen County, my journey in the world of design and home improvement has been a colorful one, quite literally. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Northern New Jersey, I’ve cultivated a passion for transforming spaces through the power of paint, furniture restoration, and thoughtful home decor.