Moscow Midnight SW 9142 by Sherwin Williams

Imagine stepping into a room that feels like a warm embrace, where the stress of the day melts away and calm replaces chaos. This is the magic that the right paint color can bring to your living space, and one shade that embodies this feeling is Sherwin Williams’ Moscow Midnight. It’s a deep, sophisticated teal-blue that transforms an ordinary area into an extraordinary retreat.

Moscow Midnight (SW 9142) is more than just a color; it’s a statement. Its rich depth is reminiscent of a twilight sky—dark, serene, and full of potential. The undertones lean toward blue, which adds a refreshing yet grounded atmosphere to any room. Whether you’re working on a cozy bedroom, a chic home office, or an inviting dining room, this color can provide that perfect backdrop.

Let’s dive deeper into why Moscow Midnight might just be the right choice for your next home project. One of the standout features of this color is its versatility across various decor styles. Whether your aesthetic leans toward modern, industrial, contemporary, or minimalist vibes, Moscow Midnight adapts beautifully. It pairs well with a variety of furnishings, making it a designer favorite.

When applied, Moscow Midnight exhibits a stunning depth that evolves with the light throughout the day. This dynamic quality can create a cozy atmosphere in dim lighting, perfect for winding down at the end of the day, while still feeling vibrant and engaging during daylight hours. Imagine how beautiful it would look as the sun sets, casting a warm glow over those deep hues.

For practical application, Moscow Midnight is a dream. It has an excellent coverage capability, often requiring only one to two coats for complete opacity. That means less time spent painting and more time enjoying your newly transformed space. It’s also beginner-friendly, so whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting your journey, you’ll find Moscow Midnight easy to work with. Think smooth application, quick drying time, and low odor—all essentials for a successful painting project.

Now, let’s talk about finishes. Moscow Midnight is available in matte, eggshell, and satin. If you’re looking for a softer, more understated look, a matte finish can provide that rich depth you desire. On the other hand, if your project is in a high-traffic area or you’re after a bit more durability, a satin finish might be more suitable, offering a beautiful sheen that enhances the color without overpowering it.

Consider how you want to use Moscow Midnight in your home. It works wonderfully as an accent wall, providing a striking focal point that draws the eye without overwhelming the entire room. Alternatively, using it on all walls can create a cozy cocoon-like effect, especially in spaces like bedrooms or home offices where comfort is key. For living rooms and dining areas, pair it with lighter accents and decor elements to keep the atmosphere open and inviting.

Lighting plays a crucial role in how Moscow Midnight will appear in your space. With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of just 4%, this deep color absorbs rather than reflects light, creating a cozy vibe. This means it’s essential to consider your room’s natural and artificial lighting before diving in. In spaces with ample natural light, the color can shine vibrantly, while in dimly lit areas, it can transform into a serene retreat.

When you’re testing Moscow Midnight, take the time to observe how it interacts with your existing furniture and decor. The undertones, while predominantly blue, can reveal different facets depending on surrounding colors. For instance, it can harmonize beautifully with warm brass fixtures or stark white trim—think White Dove or Pure White for a crisp contrast.

While there are many pros to this gorgeous shade, it’s worth noting a few potential drawbacks. In smaller spaces, such as a bathroom or a cozy reading nook, Moscow Midnight could darken the area if not paired thoughtfully with lighter accents and sufficient lighting. Always consider how you can balance this rich color to maintain a welcoming feel.

So, what are the complementary shades that can bring your vision to life? Moscow Midnight looks stunning next to colors like SW 6280, SW 0062, and SW 6038, allowing for a layered, sophisticated palette. Imagine adding these colors in your accents—perhaps through pillows, art, or textiles—to create a cohesive look that is both chic and inviting.

If you’re fearing the maintenance of a dark color, rest easy. Moscow Midnight is not just beautiful; it’s also functional. It’s designed to be wipeable, washable, and scrubbable, making it practical for busy households. Plus, its low VOC formulation ensures you’re creating a healthier environment at home.

In summary, Moscow Midnight is a deeply inviting color that can elevate your space to new heights. It’s perfect for anyone looking to make a bold statement while maintaining warmth and sophistication. Whether you use it to paint a serene retreat or to add depth to a modern living room, this color will not disappoint.

Take the plunge, grab a sample, and let Moscow Midnight bring your vision to life. Trust me, once you see how it transforms your space, you’ll wonder why you didn’t choose it sooner.

Real Room Photo of Moscow Midnight SW 9142

Undertones of  Moscow Midnight ?

The undertones of Moscow Midnight are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Blue. 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: #204652

RGB code: 32, 70, 82

Is  Moscow Midnight Cool or Warm?

This color is predominantly cool, making it ideal for those who prefer a refreshing yet grounded atmosphere. It pairs beautifully with warm accents to create a harmonious look.

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 Moscow Midnight

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 Moscow Midnight

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Moscow Midnight is 4%, which places it in the Dark colors category. This means it does not reflect 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  Moscow Midnight

Moscow Midnight stands out as a deeply inviting color that can transform your space from ordinary to extraordinary. When applied, it exhibits a stunning depth that changes with the light, making it a dynamic choice for various rooms. The paint flows smoothly and provides excellent coverage, often requiring only one to two coats for complete opacity. Its matte or satin finish options can cater to different tastes, allowing you to create a cozy nook or a chic atmosphere depending on your choice. This color complements neutral furnishings beautifully, helping to create a balanced look in any room. Overall, Moscow Midnight is perfect for those looking to make a statement while still retaining a sense of warmth and sophistication.

Pros & Cons of  SW 9142 Moscow Midnight

Colors that go with Sherwin Williams Moscow Midnight

FAQ on SW 9142 Moscow Midnight

Can I use Moscow Midnight in small spaces?

Absolutely! While it’s a deep color, Moscow Midnight can work well in small spaces if used thoughtfully. Pair it with lighter accents and adequate lighting to keep the room feeling open and inviting. It can create a cozy atmosphere without overwhelming the space, especially in a bathroom or a cozy reading corner.

What type of finish should I choose for my walls?

For walls, an eggshell or matte finish is often recommended as it offers a beautiful look while being easy to clean. If you’re looking for a bit more durability, especially in high-traffic areas, consider a satin finish. This will give you a slight sheen while still providing the depth and richness of color that Moscow Midnight offers.

Comparisons Moscow Midnight with other colors

Official Page of Sherwin Williams Moscow Midnight SW 9142