This blog is all about unlocking the potential of Sherwin Williams Upward (SW 6239) and discovering the perfect coordinating colors to complement it.
If you’ve been drawn to its soft, serene blue-gray hue but aren’t sure which shades work best with it, you’re in the right place. Together, we’ll explore the best color pairings that will enhance Upward’s beauty and create a cohesive, stylish look in your home.
Ready to find out how to bring your space to life? Let’s dive in.
About Upward SW 6239
Sherwin Williams Upward (SW 6239) is a beautifully soft, cool blue-gray that brings a refreshing and calming ambiance to any room.
It strikes the perfect balance between a subtle blue and a sophisticated gray, making it versatile for various design styles, from modern to coastal to contemporary.
Upward’s RGB values are 189, 197, and 202, which means it has a gentle balance of blue and gray undertones, giving it a cool, crisp feel.
Its Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is 54, which places it in the medium-light range.
This means it reflects a good amount of light, making it ideal for spaces that could use a bit of brightness without being overly harsh.
Coordinating Colors for SW 6239 Upward
Here’s how each color coordinates with Upward SW 6239 and how you can use them in your space:
Soft Neutral Palette:
SW 7004 Snowbound:
If you’re looking for a bright, clean foundation, Snowbound is your go-to.
This crisp, off-white will beautifully lighten any space while making Upward feel even more serene and airy.
You can pair it with Upward for a soft, neutral backdrop that creates a balanced, soothing atmosphere.
You can also consider Snowbound for trim, ceilings, or even cabinetry to keep things feeling fresh and open.
SW 9097 Soft Fawn:
For those of you who crave a bit of warmth, Soft Fawn adds just the right amount of beige to the mix.
It brings a cozy, inviting vibe when paired with Upward, without overpowering it.
This color is perfect for accent walls, furniture, or textiles, offering a soft contrast to the cooler tone of Upward.
Try it in living rooms or bedrooms for a welcoming, laid-back ambiance.
Cool Modern Palette:
SW 7004 Snowbound:
We can’t get enough of Snowbound in this palette, either.
It works wonders with Upward to brighten up the space while keeping everything crisp and clean.
Its fresh, white tones highlight Upward’s cool blue-gray undertones, creating a modern, minimalist look.
Try it for your walls, trim, or cabinets, and watch how the cool, airy combo elevates your room.
SW 7669 Summit Gray:
If you’re after a sleek, contemporary vibe, Summit Gray is a fantastic choice.
It’s a deeper, more industrial gray with a cool edge, perfectly complementing Upward’s soft blue-gray hues.
This combo is ideal for creating contrast and depth without introducing too much warmth.
Summit Gray is great for feature walls, accent pieces, or even furniture, adding a sophisticated touch to your living room, office, or kitchen.
Soft Organic Palette:
SW 7004 Snowbound:
Once again, Snowbound shines through as a versatile choice to pair with Upward. Its light, clean tones allow the organic, earthy elements of this palette to stand out.
You can use it to create a balanced and harmonious environment where Upward and Evergreen Fog can truly shine.
Snowbound is perfect for walls, trim, or cabinetry, providing a neutral backdrop for natural textures and tones.
SW 9130 Evergreen Fog:
For a touch of nature in your space, Evergreen Fog is a fantastic match for Upward.
This muted, soft green brings a calming, organic feel that works beautifully with Upward’s cool, blue-gray shades.
The earthy, grounding undertones of Evergreen Fog will create a peaceful, nature-inspired space.
You can try it for accent walls, furniture, or textiles like throw pillows or rugs to add depth and warmth to your room while maintaining an organic, serene aesthetic.
Historic Palette:
SW 7004 Snowbound:
Snowbound makes another appearance here, and it’s easy to see why.
Its bright, fresh nature helps create a clean contrast with the deeper, richer tones in the historic palette.
By pairing Snowbound with Upward, you get a dynamic yet balanced look that adds lightness to your historic-inspired space without losing sophistication.
Use Snowbound for trim, doors, or even as the primary color in spaces where you want the other hues to pop.
SW 9080 Hushed Auburn:
For those looking to add a touch of rich, historical elegance, Hushed Auburn is your answer.
This soft, muted red works wonderfully with the cool tones of Upward to create a timeless, refined feel.
Hushed Auburn is perfect for creating focal points in your home, whether through accent walls, furniture, or decorative pieces.
It pairs beautifully with Upward to create a space that feels both historic and sophisticated, ideal for dining rooms, libraries, or entryways.
Choosing the Right SW Upward Coordinating Colors
Choosing coordinating colors for Upward SW 6239 was a fun challenge. At first, I wasn’t sure how to balance its cool, blue-gray tone, but I quickly discovered how versatile it is.
Whether you’re aiming for a calming neutral or something more vibrant, Upward pairs well with so many shades.
Testing the combinations in different lighting helped. I found that pairing it with complementary colors, like Snowbound for trim and Soft Fawn for warmth, really elevated the space without overpowering it.
I also tried pairing Upward with deeper tones, like Summit Gray. The contrast created a sleek, modern look that still felt grounded and sophisticated, proving that light and dark tones can work together beautifully.
My advice? Don’t hesitate to mix cool and warm shades. Evergreen Fog pairs wonderfully with Upward, bringing an earthy, organic feel that’s calming and inviting.
Test these combos in different lighting, trust your instincts, and experiment boldly to find what works best for your space.
Best Paint Finishes to Try
For Upward SW 6239, the best finishes depend on the mood and function of the room:
Eggshell offers a soft, velvety sheen that enhances Upward’s calming tone, ideal for living rooms and bedrooms.
Satin adds a subtle shine, perfect for kitchens or bathrooms, offering durability and a modern, polished look.
Matte absorbs light, creating a cozy, contemporary vibe, perfect for bedrooms or living spaces.
Semi-gloss is great for high-traffic areas like trim or cabinetry, offering durability with a touch of shine.
Flat Enamel is non-reflective and durable, ideal for accent walls or ceilings, providing a chic, soft finish.
Each finish enhances Upward’s soft, cool tone in its way, so choose based on the vibe you want to create.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Upward SW 6239 is a wonderfully versatile color that can transform any space with its soft blue-gray tones. Whether you’re looking for a calm and neutral vibe or a modern, sophisticated contrast, there’s a perfect coordinating color to complement it.
From light neutrals like Snowbound to deeper shades like Summit Gray or organic tones like Evergreen Fog, the possibilities are endless.
FAQs
How do I balance warm and cool tones with Upward?
Pair Upward with warm shades like Soft Fawn SW 9097 for a cozy, inviting vibe. Mixing cool and warm tones can create a balanced and dynamic space.
Can I use Upward with darker colors?
Yes! Pairing Upward with darker shades like Summit Gray SW 7669 creates a sleek, modern contrast while keeping the room grounded and sophisticated.
How do I test color combinations in my space?
I recommend testing your colors in different lighting (natural, artificial, and at night) to see how they shift and work together before making your final decision.
Does Upward work well in rooms with natural light?
Yes, Upward works wonderfully in rooms with natural light. Its LRV of 54 allows it to reflect light while maintaining a cozy, inviting atmosphere without feeling too stark.
How do I create contrast with Upward without overwhelming the room?
To create contrast, pair Upward with darker or deeper tones like Summit Gray for a bold, sophisticated look, or use lighter tones like Snowbound for a gentle yet crisp contrast. Keep the accents minimal to maintain balance.
