Smoky Azurite SW 9148 by Sherwin Williams

Imagine stepping into a space that immediately makes you feel at ease, like a soft, welcoming hug. That’s exactly what Smoky Azurite from Sherwin Williams can offer. This captivating blue-gray hue evokes a sense of tranquil elegance that’s hard to resist. If you’re contemplating a fresh paint project, this color might just be the transformative element you’ve been searching for.

Smoky Azurite, with the color code SW 9148, is an intriguing blend of blue and gray. Its subtle undertones allow it to create a serene atmosphere, ideal for spaces where relaxation is paramount. Whether you’re looking to refresh a living room, cozy up a bedroom, or inspire productivity in a home office, Smoky Azurite has a versatile charm that can fit seamlessly into any decor style. It’s equally at home in modern, coastal, Scandinavian, industrial, or transitional aesthetics.

Let’s dive deeper into what makes Smoky Azurite such an exciting choice. The color’s ability to shift with the light is a fascinating aspect. During the day, it reveals more of its blue undertones, bringing a sense of brightness and airiness to your space. As evening approaches, it deepens, showcasing its gray characteristics and creating a warm, cozy environment. This dynamic interaction with light means your room can take on different moods throughout the day, adding an element of surprise and making it feel alive.

When considering Smoky Azurite, it’s important to remember its Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 10%. This low LRV means that it doesn’t reflect much light, making it a darker color that absorbs more light. Consequently, it creates an intimate atmosphere, perfect for evenings of relaxation. However, in dimly lit areas, it may appear darker than expected, which can give off a cozy vibe. If you’re looking to use it in a space with limited natural light, consider pairing it with brighter accents or strategic lighting to maintain a vibrant feel.

Now, let’s talk application. Smoky Azurite is incredibly user-friendly, making it suitable even for beginner DIY enthusiasts. It’s roller-ready and offers a smooth application, ensuring that you won’t be battling with streaks or uneven coverage. Generally, you’ll find that one to two coats provide excellent coverage, allowing you to transform your space efficiently. Plus, it’s highly washable, so maintaining that fresh look is a breeze.

The finish you choose can also greatly influence the mood of your space. A matte finish offers a soft, understated elegance, perfect for creating a calming retreat. If you prefer a bit of sheen, satin can add a touch of sophistication while still keeping the ambiance relaxed. Just be aware that glossy finishes can show fingerprints, so if you’re leaning towards that option, opt for a careful selection of trim colors to balance the overall look.

Speaking of trims, pairing Smoky Azurite with the right colors is crucial. It works beautifully alongside whites like White Dove or Pure White, which can create a crisp contrast that enhances the color’s depth. If you want to add a bit of warmth, consider using warm-toned trims, but be cautious; the wrong pairing can muddy Smoky Azurite’s elegant appearance.

One of the most appealing aspects of this color is its versatility. Smoky Azurite can work wonders in various rooms. In a living room, it creates an inviting space for gatherings or quiet evenings. In a bedroom, it fosters a calm and restful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day. A dining room painted in this color can create a cozy yet stylish backdrop for family meals, while a home office in Smoky Azurite can inspire creativity and focus.

As you consider this color for smaller rooms, you might wonder if it’s suitable for tight spaces. Absolutely! Smoky Azurite can create an illusion of depth and space, especially when paired with lighter trim. Just keep in mind the natural light; in bright spaces, it can feel airy, while in dim areas, it might lean darker. A thoughtful approach to lighting and accent colors can help you maintain that open feel, even in compact rooms.

While Smoky Azurite has a lot to offer, it’s not without its considerations. In low light, it tends to emphasize its gray undertones, which can make it feel cozier but also darker. Ensuring your space has adequate lighting or incorporating reflective elements can help maintain a balanced atmosphere.

Also, be mindful of potential fingerprints on high-gloss finishes. If you have young children or pets, you might want to consider eggshell or satin finishes for their washability and ease of maintenance.

When it comes to complementary shades, Smoky Azurite pairs wonderfully with a variety of colors from Sherwin Williams. Consider accents in shades like SW 0062 or SW 6038 for a vibrant contrast or shades like SW 7077 and SW 7635 to maintain a soft, cohesive palette. Additionally, its equivalent colors, such as Steel Blue and Slate Blue, can serve as alternatives or accents if you want to explore variations of this serene hue.

As a designer who truly appreciates the power of color, I can’t recommend Smoky Azurite enough. It’s a trending choice for 2025, beloved by designers and homeowners alike for its calming qualities and elegant versatility. Whether you’re looking to create a serene retreat or a stylish backdrop for your daily life, Smoky Azurite can help you achieve that perfect balance.

So, if you’re ready to create a space that feels like a tranquil escape, consider Smoky Azurite. With its captivating blend of blue and gray, you’ll be able to transform your home into a chic oasis that invites relaxation and comfort, all while showcasing your personal style. A few swatches, a bit of planning, and you’ll be well on your way to reimagining your space with this stunning color.

Real Room Photo of Smoky Azurite SW 9148

Undertones of  Smoky Azurite ?

The undertones of Smoky Azurite 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: #708D9E

RGB code: 112, 141, 158

Is  Smoky Azurite Cool or Warm?

Smoky Azurite leans towards the cool side of the spectrum, making it an ideal choice for spaces where you want to evoke calmness and serenity. However, its gray undertones provide balance, ensuring it doesn’t feel too cold or stark. This makes it a great option for creating a cozy yet refreshing atmosphere.

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 Smoky Azurite

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 Smoky Azurite

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Smoky Azurite is 10%, 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  Smoky Azurite

When it comes to Smoky Azurite, the first thing you’ll notice is its ability to transform a room into a tranquil oasis. This paint color has a unique ability to shift with the light, appearing more gray during the day and revealing its blue undertones as evening falls. It’s versatile enough to fit various decor styles, from coastal chic to industrial modern. The finish you choose—be it matte for a soft look or satin for a bit of sheen—can influence the mood dramatically. The application is smooth, and with good coverage, you’ll find that one to two coats usually do the trick, saving you time and effort. Overall, Smoky Azurite is a fantastic choice for those looking to create a calming yet stylish atmosphere in their home.

Pros & Cons of  SW 9148 Smoky Azurite

Colors that go with Sherwin Williams Smoky Azurite

FAQ on SW 9148 Smoky Azurite

How does Smoky Azurite perform in low light?

In low light conditions, Smoky Azurite tends to deepen in tone, showcasing its gray undertones more prominently. While it may not provide the same brightness as during the day, this characteristic adds a cozy and intimate feel to spaces. If you’re looking to use it in dimly lit areas, consider pairing it with brighter accents or lighting to maintain a vibrant atmosphere.

Is Smoky Azurite suitable for small rooms?

Absolutely! Smoky Azurite can work beautifully in small rooms. Its calming blue-gray hue can create an illusion of depth and space, making the room feel more open. Just be mindful of the lighting; in well-lit areas, it can feel airy, while in dim spaces, it may appear darker. Pairing it with lighter trim can also help to keep the space feeling bright.

Comparisons Smoky Azurite with other colors

Official Page of Sherwin Williams Smoky Azurite SW 9148