If you have been searching for a warm neutral that brings instant coziness to a space without feeling too yellow or too beige, let me introduce you to Natural Linen Sherwin Williams! This soft, creamy paint color has become one of my favorites after using it on our dresser set. I’m also considering it for our interior doors next!
In this post, I’ll also share some real life pictures so you can see what it actually looks like in person. I’ll also share what you need to know about Natural Linen: From its undertones and LRV to coordinating colors and how it compares to other popular Sherwin Williams paint colors.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, you can find more information in my disclosures here.
Why I Love Natural Linen Sherwin Williams
Natural Linen strikes the perfect balance between greige and cream, making it super versatile.
It’s one of Sherwin Williams’ most popular neutral colors alongside colors like Agreeable Gray, Accessible Beige, and Alabaster. To me, it’s a lighter and slightly more neutral version of Accessible Beige.
If you love calming neutral interior colors, I think Natural Linen is a great option!
What is the LRV of Natural Linen Sherwin Williams
The LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of Natural Linen Sherwin Williams is 66. For reference, LRV measures how much light a color reflects on a scale from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white).
With an LRV of 66, Natural Linen is considered a light color that reflects a generous amount of light, making it an excellent choice for rooms that don’t get a lot of natural sunlight. It will brighten up a space without looking overly white, and it will also make a room feel larger in scale, which is great news if you’re working with a smaller home.
In comparison, Accessible Beige has an LRV of 58 so Natural Linen is lighter than Accessible Beige.
What Are the Undertones of Natural Linen SW
Natural Linen has warm beige undertones with the slightest hint of yellow and a touch of gray. This combination is what gives it that creamy, linen-like feeling without veering into pure cream or true greige territory.
In some rooms Natural Linen can lean slightly warmer and creamier. In other rooms, it can read a touch more gray.
As always, I recommend testing it in your own home using a large painted cardboard that you can easily move around or you can buy a peel & stick sample here.
How I Used Natural Linen Sherwin Williams
I first used Natural Linen when I painted our dresser set which included my $5 dresser makeover. I paired it with gold knobs and love how it turned out!
Here are a few pictures of Natural Linen when I used it:
Our walls in the background are painted Alabaster, so you can definitely see a difference between that and Natural Linen but the contrast is not as great as with our Alabaster walls and Accessible Beige trim!
I’m considering it for our interior doors next. They’re currently painted Accessible Beige but I feel like that color doesn’t go well with our floors at our current house. I’ll definitely update this post if I decide to repaint them Natural Linen.
What Shade is Lighter Than Natural Linen Sherwin Williams?
If you love the look of Natural Linen but want something a touch lighter, consider these Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White (SW 7035). It’s something between an off-white and a light beige paint color with a slight hint gray. It could be a great option if you want to keep the warm neutral feeling but need more light reflection in a darker space.
Natural Linen Sherwin Williams Coordinating Colors
One of the best things about Natural Linen is how easily it coordinates with other colors. Here are some popular pairings:
- Pure White (SW 7005): A crisp true white trim color.
- Alabaster (SW 7008): A soft and warm off-white.
- Black Fox (SW7020): Dark neutral with its warm greige undertone.
- Urbane Bronze (SW 7048): A rich, moody dark color for a stunning contrast.
- Iron Ore (SW 7069): Perfect for accent walls, doors, or cabinetry.
What Colors Are Similar to Natural Linen Sherwin Williams
If you want to compare Natural Linen to other popular neutrals, here are some shades that are similar but slightly different:
- Wool Skein (SW 6148): Beige with khaki undertones.
- Accessible Beige (SW 7036): Slightly more gray and a bit darker.
- Agreeable Gray (SW 7029): A cooler greige with less warmth.
Pros and Cons of Natural Linen SW
Like any paint color, Natural Linen has its strengths and a few things to keep in mind.
Pros:
- Warm and inviting neutral
- High LRV of 66 makes rooms feel larger and brighter
- Pairs beautifully with a wide range of colors
- One of the most calming neutral interior colors available
- Works for both interior and exterior applications
- Appeals to potential buyers if you are selling your home
Cons:
- Can read slightly yellow
- May feel too warm for those who prefer cool gray tones
- If used on walls, it needs the right trim color like a crisp white for enough contrast
Tips for Making Any Room Feel Larger with Paint
Tip: light and warm neutrals like Natural Linen are some of the best paint colors for making a room appear larger. You could consider pairing them with light flooring and mirrors to increase the impact of a light color.
Final Thoughts on Natural Linen Sherwin Williams
Natural Linen Sherwin Williams is one of those paint colors that can work almost anywhere. Whether you are refreshing a single room, repainting your entire home, or choosing a neutral for resale, this warm, soft paint color is a great option to consider!
If you are weighing your options, grab a peel & stick sample or paint a large cardboard and move it around the space at different times of the day. This will give you the chance to see how it transforms with the changing light on different walls!
As always feel free to reach out with any questions and I’d love to see photos if you end up trying Natural Linen in your own home!
Tina
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