Sherwin-Williams Sage

Sage (SW 2860) is a flexible and pretty paint color that can warm up your space with its earthy, green-gray tones. If you’re looking for a comfortable and calming hue, the subtle nuances of Sherwin-Williams Sage can make it an excellent choice for your home.

While Sage is certainly not a neutral color in the traditional sense, the undertones of this shade make it warm and inviting and give it a versatility that can work in so many spaces. It does a great job blending the traditional as well as modern, so while gray-greens are extra trendy right now, this particular shade is timeless enough to have staying power.

In fact, I think this lovely color can work pretty much in any room. Sage is likely my favorite green paint color of all time, and I opted to use it in my own home in one of my favorite rooms.

So, let’s dive right into Sage so you can discover if it’s the paint color you’ve been searching for!

Note: Even if/when you fall in love with Sage, please take the time to swatch paint color samples in your own home, as the lighting can absolutely alter the shade (as you’ll see in this post!) I also recommend taking the time to view the paint in your home at different times of day—how it will look in the early morning light is very different from sunset and at night!

I know swatching seems like an extra step (and it is), but it’s one of the most important steps of choosing a paint color. Trust me, don’t skip it.

Now, onto all things Sage!

What color is SW Sage?

Sage is a light, muted green-gray that isn’t bright or overly bold, but can still make a statement.

Depending on the lighting, it can look like a light green or a dark green (remember – swatch this one on your walls before committing!). I painted my pantry cabinets Sage, and I find that at times, they look like a brighter yellow-green, and other times they look closer to an olive shade.

It’s also worth noting that Sage is part of Sherwin-Williams’ Historic Colors, which means it’s lasted the test of time and is still beautiful by today’s standards.

Also, to clear up any confusion, Sherwin Williams has several paint colors that have the word “sage” in their name, but for this post, we are chatting exclusively about straight-up Sage (SW 2860).

Undertones

Understanding undertones is a critical factor when it comes to choosing paint colors, and Sage is no exception. Just think of how many different shades of “green” there are in the world—undertones are a huge part of what makes each shade look so different.

Part of what gives this particular hue staying power is the classic earthy undertones it has. These undertones add complexity and warmth to the color, while being traditional enough to ensure it doesn’t become dated.

Depending on the light, you may see a range of different undertones peeking through, ranging from brown to yellow to even warm gray.

In warmer light, the yellow undertones will peek out a bit more, while in darker spaces, you’ll see more of the brown or gray.

I think this photo is a fantastic example of all the subtle (and not-so-subtle) nuances of Sage. On the bottom left, you can see where the natural light hits the cabinetry and the paint appears much brighter with gray undertones. This is a pretty striking contrast to the top right shelf, where that warm candlelight from my spooky-chic Halloween decor is showing off brown undertones.

Same exact color, but very different results. Fascinating, right?

LRV

Another important part of selecting the right paint color is understanding LRV (light reflective value). LRV is the measurement of how much light a color will reflect or absorb. The scale is from 0 (total blackness) to 100 (pure bright blinding white).

Sage has an LRV of 42, which means it absorbs slightly more light than it reflects. In practical terms, this shade may work better for you in a room that gets a decent amount of natural lighting, vs one that doesn’t.

In my pantry, I have a south-facing window, as well as light that floods in from the kitchen. Because of this, Sage appears pretty mid-toned rather than overly dark or dim.

Where to Use

Sage is an incredibly versatile paint color and would look great in almost any room.

In bedrooms, I think it’s a particularly lovely option because of its calming nature. You could use it as an overall wall color or perhaps just as an accent wall to bring some life into the space.

It can also look great in bathrooms and can actually help create a peaceful, spa-like environment.

Of course, my favorite application may be for cabinetry, like my very own pantry cabinets! I’ve also seen beautiful images of bookshelves and other furniture pieces painted SW Sage, and I love the idea of this color for a front door.

Honestly, while I chose this as a cabinet color, it could be beautiful wall color in basically any room.

Complementary Colors

Now that you know a bit more about Sage, what colors should I pair it with?

Because of its muted nature, this shade looks best when paired with other toned-down hues. Fortunately, there are plenty to choose from! My top picks are:

• SW Snowbound (SW 7004) – I have a soft spot in my heart for this shade as it’s what I personally selected to paint the walls of my kitchen, dining room, and pantry. You can see from the photos that it works perfectly with Sage!
• SW Egret White (SW 7570) – This is the color that I choose for my main kitchen cabinetry. The cabinetry pairs beautifully together.
• SW Alabaster (SW 7008) – in the same vein of creamy whites, I think Alabaster is another excellent option that will help pull out those warm undertones slightly more than Snowbound.
• SW White Heron (SW 7627) – if you’re looking for a bit more contrast, White Heron is a beautiful choice. It’s one of Sherwin Williams’ most popular colors and the company’s personal pick to pair Sage.
• SW Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) – this is the perfect shade if you want to add a slightly darker element to your space without going too dark. It’s a great way to bring out the earthy undertones in Sage while also creating an interesting contrast.

I also have to give a special shoutout to Sage for looking amazing with pretty much any decor. It pairs really nicely with yellow, which I use a good amount of in spring and summer, orange (fall) and red for Chrstmas. Here’s some visual proof!

Colors Similar to Sage

While SW 2860 is my personal favorite sage color, the good news is that gray-green shades are all the rage these days! So, if you’d like to check out a few other options, I’d recommend looking at:

1. Aloe (SW 6464): A soft and calming green with a hint of gray, similar to Sage but slightly lighter and brighter.
2. Oyster Bay (SW 6206): A muted green with subtle gray undertones, creating a serene and sophisticated look.
3. Rainwashed (SW 6211): A delicate green with a just a touch of blue-gray, which evokes a tranquil coastal vibe.
4. Retreat (SW 6207): This is maybe my second favorite green-gray! It’s a cool and muted green with those classic gray undertones that create a serene, yet sophisticated look.
5. Sea Salt (SW 6204): This is another popular green-gray color with a hint of blue. In my opinion, it’s a bit less saturated than Sage, and it’s definitely lighter, so it’s a good option if you have a space that doesn’t get as much light.

Additionally, Sherwin Williams provides a pretty robust list of options for similar colors to Sage, including:

• Svelte Sage (SW 6164)
• Meander (SW 9522)
• Outrigger (SW 9517)
• Silver Gray (SW 0049)
• Frosted Fern (SW 9648)

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think SW Sage is one of the more versatile color options out there that isn’t a straight-up neutral. It’s a great way to add a bit of life and warmth to any space in your home while still maintaining that calming vibe.

Just remember to try out some sample swatches first, please! Other than that…happy painting!

More Paint Colors You May Love:

• Agreeable Gray – the “best” gray paint color
• Pigeon – cozy green-gray perfect for cabinetry
• Naval – the ultimate navy paint
• North Star – sophisticated blue-gray
• See All The Paint Colors in My Home

So, what do you think? Is Sage the right green-gray for you? Let me know in the comment section!

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