Elephant Ear SW 9168 by Sherwin Williams

Imagine stepping into a room that wraps you in warmth the moment you walk through the door. You feel an instant calmness wash over you, and your eyes are drawn to the subtle elegance of the walls. This is the magical effect of a well-chosen color, and today, I want to introduce you to one that embodies this feeling beautifully: Elephant Ear by Sherwin Williams.

This sophisticated, earthy hue, officially known as SW 9168, is a muted taupe that carries a hint of warmth, making it an inviting choice for any space. Its charming complexity lies in its undertones—leaning towards red—which adds depth to the color. You might wonder how to incorporate a color like this into your home. Whether you’re refreshing a living room, designing a serene bedroom, or setting the tone in a cozy dining space, Elephant Ear can elevate your design effortlessly.

One of the most appealing aspects of Elephant Ear is its adaptability. It’s perfectly suited for various decor styles, whether you lean towards modern, rustic, bohemian, contemporary, or farmhouse aesthetics. Imagine pairing this color with natural wood accents and soft textiles, or juxtaposing it with sleek, contemporary furnishings. It provides an excellent backdrop, allowing your decor to shine without screaming for attention.

When it comes to applying Elephant Ear, you’ll find it beginner-friendly. It rolls on smoothly and covers well with just one to two coats, depending on the surface you’re working with. And if you’re ever in need of touch-ups? You’re in luck! This paint is touch-up friendly, making it easy to maintain a consistent look over time. Plus, it boasts a low VOC level, which means it’s a more environmentally conscious choice, perfect for those who are mindful of indoor air quality.

One thing to keep in mind is the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Elephant Ear, which sits at 20%. This means it reflects very little light, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. It’s important to consider how this will affect your room. In spaces with ample natural light, you’ll notice the soft taupe qualities emerge, giving the room an airier feel. However, in dimly lit areas, you’ll experience a deeper, more enveloping vibe that’s perfect for creating a restful retreat.

Speaking of rooms, Elephant Ear is incredibly versatile. It shines in living rooms and bedrooms, but don’t overlook its potential in a home office or a dining area. It can make a bold statement on an accent wall, while still being gentle enough to use throughout the entire space. If you’re worried about using it in a smaller room, consider painting just one wall or using it in combination with lighter furnishings. It can create an inviting atmosphere, especially when paired with white trim or light-colored decor.

When choosing complementary colors, Elephant Ear is a dream. It pairs beautifully with whites, like Sherwin Williams White Dove, which can create a crisp contrast. You might also consider colors like SW 7625 or SW 9139 for an added pop of color that enhances the warmth of Elephant Ear. It’s all about finding that balance. Just be cautious with color pairings; while it’s adaptable, care is needed to avoid clashes with bolder designs.

The mood that Elephant Ear instills is cozy, inviting, and grounding. It encourages relaxation and comfort, making it particularly effective in spaces where you unwind after a long day. Picture curling up with a good book in a bedroom painted in this hue, or enjoying a leisurely meal with friends in a dining room that envelops you in warmth.

Now, let’s talk about its performance. This paint is not only washable and scrubbable, but it also stands up to everyday wear and tear. Spills and marks are easy to clean, so you don’t have to live in fear of ruining your walls. It’s an excellent choice for homes with kids or pets, where durability is key.

If you’re considering how to incorporate Elephant Ear into your home, think about the overall vibe you want to create. Its warm, earthy tones can be grounding, making it suitable for low-light rooms. It’s a classic favorite that can seamlessly blend into any design scheme, providing a timeless look that won’t go out of style.

In terms of application, whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a complete beginner, Elephant Ear is a paint that provides ease of use. Its smooth application means you won’t have to wrestle with your brush or roller, and the finish options—matte, eggshell, or satin—give you the flexibility to achieve the exact look you’re after.

Always remember to test a small area before committing to a full room. Color can change dramatically based on lighting and surrounding decor. By observing Elephant Ear in your space, you’ll be able to see how it interacts with your flooring, furniture, and natural light throughout the day.

As we wrap up this exploration of Elephant Ear, think about the impact of color in your home. It’s more than just a wall; it’s about how a hue influences the mood, warmth, and character of your space. Elephant Ear stands as a versatile choice that adapts beautifully to its surroundings while maintaining a sense of sophistication and comfort.

So, is this color right for your project? If you’re looking to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that feels grounded yet modern, then Elephant Ear might just be the perfect fit. With its earthy charm and adaptability to various styles, it can transform your space into a personal haven. Embrace the warmth, and let your walls tell a story that invites everyone into a world of comfort and elegance.

Real Room Photo of Elephant Ear SW 9168

Undertones of  Elephant Ear ?

The undertones of Elephant Ear are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Red. 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: #988F85

RGB code: 152, 143, 133

Is  Elephant Ear Cool or Warm?

This paint leans more towards warmth, thanks to its earthy undertones. While it remains neutral enough to complement cooler shades, its cozy essence shines through, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels both relaxing and sophisticated.

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 Elephant Ear

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 Elephant Ear

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Elephant Ear 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  Elephant Ear

When it comes to versatility, Elephant Ear shines brightly. This color adapts beautifully to both bright and dim lighting, making it a great choice for any room. It pairs well with a variety of decor styles, from rustic to modern, offering a perfect backdrop for artwork or furniture. Expect it to enhance your space with a warm and welcoming vibe without overwhelming the senses. It’s particularly effective in larger rooms but can also serve as an elegant accent in smaller spaces, creating depth and sophistication. Whether you’re refreshing your living room or designing a serene bedroom retreat, Elephant Ear can elevate your design effortlessly.

Pros & Cons of  SW 9168 Elephant Ear

Colors that go with Sherwin Williams Elephant Ear

FAQ on SW 9168 Elephant Ear

Can I use Elephant Ear in a small room?

Absolutely! While Elephant Ear can appear darker in small spaces, it can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere when paired with lighter furnishings and decor. Consider using it on an accent wall or in combination with white trim to brighten the overall look. It works beautifully in bedrooms or home offices where a calming environment is desired.

How many coats of Elephant Ear do I need?

For most applications, you’ll find that Elephant Ear covers well with just one to two coats, depending on the surface and color underneath. Always test a small area first, especially if you’re painting over a darker color. The touch-up friendly nature of this paint also makes it easy to maintain a consistent look over time.

Comparisons Elephant Ear with other colors

Official Page of Sherwin Williams Elephant Ear SW 9168