In this blog, I’m diving into Sherwin Williams Upward (SW 6239)—a soft, airy, soothing, and stylish blue.
If you’re looking for a color that adds a sense of calm without feeling dull or overly bright, this might be the perfect shade. But is it right for your space? Will it work with your lighting and decor? I’ll explore everything you need to know—its undertones, how it reacts to different lighting, the best color pairings, and where it shines the most.
By the end, you’ll have a clear answer on whether Upward SW 6239 is the dreamy blue you’ve been searching for.
About Upward SW 6239
Sherwin-Williams SW 6239 Upward is a soft, airy blue with a subtle gray undertone that keeps it from feeling too bright or pastel.
With an LRV of 57, it reflects a good amount of light, making it a versatile choice for various spaces.
This serene shade works beautifully in bedrooms, bathrooms, and coastal-inspired living areas, creating a calming and refreshing atmosphere.
It pairs well with crisp whites like SW 7006 Extra White and SW 7008 Alabaster, as well as deeper blues like SW 6244 Naval and warm neutrals like SW 7043 Worldly Gray.
What Makes Sherwin Williams Upward SW 6239 Unique?
When I first used Sherwin-Williams Upward SW 6239, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
I wanted a soft, airy blue that didn’t feel too bright or childish but still had enough depth to make a statement.
The moment it went up on the walls, I knew I had found the perfect shade. Upward has this effortless way of feeling light and fresh without looking washed out, thanks to its subtle gray undertone.
It’s calming but not dull, giving any space a soft, serene vibe.
If you’re looking for a blue that won’t overpower your room but still adds personality, I can’t recommend Upward enough.
I used it in a bedroom, and it instantly made the space feel more peaceful, but I can also see it working wonderfully in a bathroom for that spa-like touch.
Undertones and LRV: How Does Upward Really Look?
Sherwin-Williams Upward SW 6239 is one of those colors that can surprise you in the best way.
At first glance, it’s a soft, airy blue, but its subtle gray undertone keeps it from looking too pastel or overly bright.
This balance makes it incredibly versatile—it’s not too cool, not too warm, just the right kind of blue that shifts beautifully depending on the lighting.
With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 57, Upward sits in the mid-range, meaning it reflects a good amount of light but still holds its color well. In bright, natural light, it leans more toward a true sky blue, feeling fresh and open.
In dimmer or artificial lighting, the gray undertone becomes more noticeable, giving it a slightly muted, sophisticated look.
If you want a blue that feels soft and breezy without being overwhelming, Upward is a fantastic choice.
Just be mindful of your lighting—if your room gets a lot of warm light, it will look a bit softer, while in cooler lighting, it can take on a more crisp, airy feel.
Perfect Sherwin williams upward coordinating colors
Here are some of the best pairings to consider for SW Upward 6239:
1. Crisp Whites for a Fresh and Clean Look
Pairing Upward with whites keeps the space feeling bright and open. SW 7006 Extra White is a great choice for trim, doors, and ceilings if you want a sharp contrast.
If you prefer something a bit softer, SW 7008 Alabaster offers a warm, inviting balance while still maintaining a fresh look.
2. Warm Neutrals for a Cozy Contrast
If you want to balance the coolness of Upward, warm neutrals are the way to go. SW 7043 Worldly Gray and SW 7036 Accessible Beige add warmth without feeling too yellow or overpowering.
These shades create a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere, making them perfect for living rooms and bedrooms.
3. Deep Blues and Grays for a Bold Statement
For those who love contrast, darker accent colors can make Upward pop. SW 6244 Naval is a deep, rich blue that enhances Upward’s soft tones without overwhelming it.
If you prefer a smoky, moody contrast, SW 7019 Gauntlet Gray provides depth and sophistication, making it a great choice for cabinetry, accent walls, or furniture.
4. Soft Greens for a Natural, Tranquil Feel
If you want to bring a touch of nature indoors, pairing Upward with soft greens creates a soothing and organic vibe.
SW 6177 Softened Green or SW 6204 Sea Salt complements Upward beautifully, making the space feel peaceful and inviting—perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, or even an airy home office.
5. Muted Taupes for a Balanced, Timeless Look
For a more grounded and timeless combination, taupe shades like SW 7031 Mega Greige or SW 7044 Amazing Gray work beautifully with Upward.
These earthy tones create a sophisticated contrast, making them ideal for open-concept spaces where you want a cohesive yet dynamic color palette.
Where To Use Upward SW 6239?
Here’s where Upward truly shines:
1. Bedrooms
If you want a peaceful, restful bedroom, Upward is a perfect choice.
Its airy blue tone creates a relaxing atmosphere, making it ideal for winding down at the end of the day.
You can pair it with crisp white bedding and soft neutrals for a cozy yet fresh look.
2. Living Rooms
Upward works beautifully in living spaces, especially if you want a subtle touch of color without overwhelming the room.
It pairs well with warm woods, soft whites, and neutral upholstery, creating an inviting and open feel.
For an extra cozy touch, layer it with warm beiges or taupes in furniture and decor.
3. Bathrooms
If you’re aiming for a spa-like, relaxing bathroom, Upward is a fantastic pick.
Its cool undertones make it feel clean and refreshing, especially when paired with white subway tiles, marble countertops, or brushed nickel fixtures.
It’s a color that instantly makes a bathroom feel fresh and rejuvenating.
4. Kitchens
While not a traditional kitchen color, Upward can work beautifully on walls or even cabinets if you want a soft, airy feel.
It pairs well with white or light gray cabinetry, butcher block countertops, and natural textures like rattan or woven light fixtures for a modern farmhouse or coastal-inspired space.
5. Home Offices
Since blue tones are known for promoting focus and relaxation, Upward is a great choice for a home office.
It’s light enough to keep the space feeling open but has just enough color to add personality and energy.
You can pair it with dark wood or white furniture for a stylish and balanced workspace.
6. Nurseries and Kids’ Rooms
Upward is a fantastic alternative to traditional pastel blues for nurseries or kids’ rooms.
It feels soft and soothing, making it a great backdrop for both modern and classic décor styles.
Add warm woods, soft whites, and pops of muted green or blush for a perfectly cozy and inviting space.
7. Hallways and Entryways
If you want a light, welcoming entryway, Upward provides just enough color to make a statement while remaining subtle and sophisticated.
You can pair it with crisp white trim and warm lighting to create an inviting and timeless look.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, a fresh and airy space, or a subtle pop of color, Upward SW 6239 adapts beautifully to different areas of your home.
Its versatile, calming nature makes it a go-to choice for creating a relaxed and stylish atmosphere anywhere.
Is Upward SW 6239 the Right Choice for You?
If you want a soft, airy blue that feels relaxing without being too bright, Upward SW 6239 could be a great fit. Its subtle gray undertones keep it from looking overly vibrant or childish.
With an LRV of 57, Upward reflects a moderate amount of light. It works best in rooms with good natural light but may appear a bit muted in darker spaces.
This color pairs beautifully with crisp whites, warm wood tones, and deep charcoals. It suits coastal, modern, and Scandinavian-style homes but may not blend as well with earthy or warm-toned décor.
Upward leans cool, so if you prefer fresh, airy hues, it’s a great choice. However, if your home is filled with warmer neutrals, it might not be the best match.
If you’re looking for a light, calming blue with a modern touch, Upward SW 6239 is worth considering. But if your space lacks natural light or leans warm, testing a sample first is a smart move.
Challenges of Using Upward SW 6239
Sherwin-Williams Upward (SW 6239) is a soft, airy blue with subtle gray undertones. While it’s a beautiful choice, it comes with a few challenges.
Natural Light Impact
In bright rooms, Upward looks fresh and light. But in dim spaces, it can turn dull or grayish. North-facing rooms make it feel cooler, while south-facing light brings out its warmth.
Coordination Challenges
This blue pairs best with crisp whites, grays, and cool tones. It may clash with warm woods or earthy hues, making it tricky to match in some spaces.
Undertone Shifts
Depending on lighting and décor, Upward can shift between a soft sky blue and a muted gray blue. If you want a more vibrant blue, this might not be the best choice.
Works Best in Certain Styles
Upward suits are modern, coastal, and airy interiors. It might not complement heavy wood tones or traditional styles without careful balancing.
Not a Bold Statement Color
If you’re looking for a dramatic blue, Upward may feel too subtle. It works better as a calming backdrop than a bold accent.
Conclusion
Upward SW 6239 is a beautiful choice if you’re looking for a soft, airy blue with a hint of sophistication. Its subtle gray undertones keep it balanced, making it versatile for various styles, from coastal to modern. However, its cool tones may not work as well in spaces dominated by warm hues.
Before committing, always test a sample in your space. Lighting and surrounding décor can influence how the color appears, ensuring it’s truly the right choice for your home.
FAQs
What finish should I use for Upward?
Eggshell or satin for living rooms and bedrooms, Semi-gloss for trim and cabinetry, and Matte or flat for ceilings for a soft, seamless look.
Is Upward a good choice for small spaces?
Absolutely! Its light, airy quality can make small rooms feel more open and expansive, especially when paired with white trim and soft neutrals.
How does Upward compare to similar colors like Misty (SW 6232) or Tradewind (SW 6218)?
Misty (SW 6232) leans grayer and has a more muted feel compared to Upward’s airy blue. Tradewind (SW 6218) has more noticeable green undertones, making it a slightly warmer blue compared to Upward’s balanced tone.
Does Upward work well for a modern or farmhouse-style home?
Yes! Upward’s subtle sophistication makes it a great fit for modern, coastal, farmhouse, and even traditional homes. It pairs beautifully with black hardware, shiplap, and mixed metals.
Will Upward go out of style?
Not at all! Its timeless appeal, versatility, and ability to adapt to various decor styles make it a long-lasting favorite. Whether you’re going for a classic or contemporary look, Upward remains a stylish and soothing choice.
