Alexandrite SW 0060 by Sherwin Williams

Imagine walking into your living room after a long day, greeted by a hue that feels like a soft embrace from nature. That’s the magic of Alexandrite by Sherwin Williams. This captivating green shade is not just any color; it’s a serene escape that brings a sense of calm and sophistication into your home. With its earthy and muted qualities, Alexandrite (#598C74) embodies tranquility, inviting you to unwind and recharge in your space.

Let’s dive deeper into why Alexandrite might just be the perfect choice for your next home project.

First off, the undertones of Alexandrite are crucial in understanding its character. It leans towards green, giving it a refreshing yet grounded vibe. This muted green is versatile enough to fit into various decor styles, whether you’re drawn to the rustic charm of a modern farmhouse, the relaxed vibe of coastal aesthetics, or the sleek lines of mid-century modern design. Alexandrite holds its own, creating a harmonious backdrop that allows your furnishings and decor to shine.

When you’re applying this paint, you’ll notice how beginner-friendly it is. It glides on smoothly, whether you’re using a brush or a roller. Alexandrite’s excellent coverage means you might only need one or two coats, making your painting project quicker and more enjoyable. Plus, it’s highly washable, so you won’t have to stress about little fingerprints or scuffs ruining your lovely walls.

The finish options—matte, eggshell, and satin—give you the flexibility to customize based on the specific needs of your space. If you’re tackling a high-traffic area like a hallway or a family room, the satin finish is an excellent choice. It offers a balance of durability and elegance, making it easy to clean while showcasing the depth of the color beautifully.

Now, let’s talk about light. The light reflectance value (LRV) of Alexandrite is 20%, placing it in the medium dark category. This means it reflects very little light, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. It’s essential to consider how light interacts with this color in your specific space. In bright natural light, Alexandrite can appear more vibrant, almost like a refreshing drink on a hot day. But as the sun sets, it transforms into a softer, more soothing hue. This dynamic quality makes it perfect for open-concept living areas or cozy bedrooms, where you want to create distinct areas that still feel cohesive.

For those of you wondering whether Alexandrite can work in smaller rooms, the answer is a resounding yes! Its calming green tones can create an inviting atmosphere without overwhelming the space. Pairing it with lighter furnishings or accents can help maintain a sense of brightness and openness, making even the tiniest of rooms feel welcoming.

Another important consideration is how Alexandrite pairs with other colors. The complementary shades, such as SW 6826 and SW 9076, can help you create a well-balanced palette. Whether you want to add warmth or contrast, Alexandrite plays nicely with both. Think of pairing it with white trim for a crisp finish, or even brass fixtures for a touch of elegance.

When you’re testing this color in your home, consider the existing colors in your furniture, flooring, and decor. Alexandrite’s green undertone may shift slightly based on what it’s surrounded by. It’s always wise to test it on a small area of the wall and observe how it looks at different times of the day.

As for maintenance, Alexandrite is designed to stand the test of time. Its low VOC level means it’s safer for your indoor environment, while its washability ensures that your walls can handle the everyday wear and tear of family life. You’ll find it easy to touch up any imperfections, keeping your walls looking fresh and vibrant.

Let’s not overlook the mood this color sets in a room. Alexandrite evokes feelings of calm and restfulness, making it especially suited for spaces where relaxation is key, like bedrooms or home offices. Imagine curling up with a good book in a bedroom painted this soothing hue, or hosting dinner parties in a dining room that feels both sophisticated and inviting.

If you’re drawn to nature, Alexandrite resonates with that connection. It’s as if you’re bringing a piece of the outdoors inside, creating a serene environment that promotes peace and tranquility. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to create a sanctuary in their home.

For those looking for equivalent options, Alexandrite has a few friends in the paint world. Benjamin Moore’s Sage Green and Sherwin-Williams’ Sea Salt are similar shades that capture that same earthy essence. However, Alexandrite stands out with its unique depth and adaptability, making it a fantastic choice for those wanting to make a statement while still maintaining a serene environment.

In conclusion, if you’re searching for a paint color that embodies calmness, sophistication, and versatility, Alexandrite should be at the top of your list. It adapts beautifully to different lighting, decor styles, and room functions. With its excellent coverage, beginner-friendly application, and easy maintenance, it’s perfect for both seasoned DIYers and those just starting their home improvement journey.

So, as you embark on your next project, consider how Alexandrite can transform your space into a haven of tranquility and style. You’ll be amazed at how one color can redefine the atmosphere of your home, making it a place you truly love to live in.

Real Room Photo of Alexandrite SW 0060

Undertones of  Alexandrite ?

The undertones of Alexandrite are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Green. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #598C74

RGB code: 89, 140, 116

Is  Alexandrite Cool or Warm?

This paint leans more towards the cool side of the spectrum due to its blue and gray undertones. However, it’s balanced enough to harmonize with warmer colors, making it suitable for a variety of design preferences. Whether you’re looking for a serene backdrop or a fresh accent, Alexandrite fits the bill.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Alexandrite

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of Alexandrite

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Alexandrite is 20%, which places it in the Medium Dark category. This means it reflects very little light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Alexandrite

When it comes to choosing a paint color for your home, Alexandrite stands out as a versatile and appealing choice. This shade’s green undertones evoke a sense of calm and connection to nature, making it ideal for spaces where relaxation is key. It pairs beautifully with both warm and cool decor styles, allowing you to create an inviting atmosphere whether you lean towards rustic charm or sleek modernity. The finish options available—matte, eggshell, and satin—allow for customization based on your desired aesthetic and functional needs. Whether you need a sophisticated look for your living room or a tranquil vibe for your bedroom, Alexandrite can adapt perfectly.

One of the standout features of Alexandrite is its ability to change subtly with the light throughout the day. In bright light, it appears a bit fresher and more vibrant, while in dimmer settings, it takes on a more subdued, calming tone. This dynamic quality makes it a fantastic choice for open-concept areas, where different zones can feel distinct yet cohesive. Overall, Alexandrite’s unique character and adaptability make it a top contender for any home improvement project.

Pros & Cons of  SW 0060 Alexandrite

Colors that go with Sherwin Williams Alexandrite

FAQ on SW 0060 Alexandrite

Can I use Alexandrite in a small room?

Absolutely! Alexandrite can work beautifully in small rooms. Its calming green tones can create an inviting atmosphere without overwhelming the space. To enhance the effect, consider pairing it with lighter furnishings or accents to maintain brightness and openness.

What finish should I choose for high-traffic areas?

For high-traffic areas, I recommend the satin finish of Alexandrite. Satin provides a nice balance of durability and elegance, making it easier to clean while offering a soft sheen that enhances the color’s depth. This finish holds up well against scuffs and stains, making it perfect for busy spaces.

Comparisons Alexandrite with other colors

Official Page of Sherwin Williams Alexandrite SW 0060