Habitat SW 9608 by Sherwin Williams

Imagine walking into a room that instantly envelops you in warmth and comfort, a space that feels both sophisticated and inviting. That’s the magic of Habitat by Sherwin Williams. This captivating color, identified by code SW 9608, is a beautiful blend of warm greys and earthy taupes, creating a serene atmosphere that resonates with a multitude of styles and settings.

Habitat is not just any beige; it’s a nuanced hue that’s both grounding and versatile. With a hex code of #897D6D and an RGB value of 137, 125, 109, it strikes a perfect balance between grey and brown, making it adaptable to various decor styles, from Modern Farmhouse to Scandinavian and even Rustic. Its warm undertones—leaning toward red—impart a richness that can elevate your space, making it feel both cozy and elegant.

One of the standout features of Habitat is its ability to transform in different lighting conditions. With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 30%, it reflects very little light, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere. This means that in natural light, Habitat appears softer and more welcoming, while in the evening, it deepens to evoke a sense of richness that can make any gathering feel special. When choosing a paint color, understanding how it interacts with your home’s lighting is crucial, and Habitat delivers on that front beautifully.

Applying Habitat is a breeze, thanks to its beginner-friendly formula. Whether you’re rolling or brushing, it goes on smoothly, providing good coverage in just one or two coats. The finish options—eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss—offer versatility for different areas of your home. For instance, an eggshell finish provides a soft sheen that gently reflects light, while satin gives a more elegant touch, perfect for living rooms or dining spaces. It’s also washable and scrubbable, making it easy to maintain and ideal for busy households.

When you’re considering which rooms to paint with Habitat, think of the living room, bedroom, kitchen, dining room, or even a home office. Its warm, earthy nature lends itself beautifully to social spaces, creating an inviting environment where friends and family can gather. Habitat also pairs wonderfully with whites and creams, providing a classic look that keeps the room feeling fresh and bright. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider contrasting it with deeper colors like navy or charcoal to add a sophisticated edge.

One of the pros of using Habitat is its versatility across various decor styles. Whether your home leans toward the rustic charm of farmhouse aesthetics or the sleek lines of contemporary design, this color can adapt to create a cohesive feel. However, keep in mind that it may appear darker in low light, so it’s essential to test the color in your specific space before committing. Observing how it interacts with your existing furnishings, flooring, and decor can help ensure it harmonizes beautifully.

The undertones of Habitat are another critical aspect to consider. The subtle red undertone adds warmth, making it feel inviting and grounded. It’s worth mentioning that this can affect how Habitat appears alongside other colors. Earthy tones like muted greens or warm browns can enhance its natural feel, while cooler colors may clash. Testing complementary shades, such as SW 7625 or SW 9139, can help you find the right balance.

Habitat’s appeal extends to its practical applications as well. For those living in high humidity areas like bathrooms, rest assured that it can withstand the occasional splash, especially in satin or semi-gloss finishes. Proper ventilation will help maintain the paint’s integrity over time, making it suitable for multiple spaces. Plus, its low VOC levels mean it’s a healthier choice for your home environment, reducing the impact on indoor air quality.

If you’re considering Habitat for a rental or preparing your home for sale, this color is a designer favorite for a reason. Its warm, inviting vibe can appeal to a broad audience, making it a smart choice to uplift your space without overwhelming it. The cozy, grounding mood it creates can help potential buyers envision themselves living there, enhancing the overall appeal of your home.

As you embark on your painting journey, think about how Habitat can elevate your space. Imagine a cozy living room with white trim paired with Habitat on the walls, allowing the warmth of the color to draw attention to your carefully chosen decor elements. Picture a dining room that feels intimate and welcoming, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Complementing Habitat with brass fixtures can further enhance its warm undertones, adding a touch of elegance to your space. Furthermore, Habitat works beautifully with warm trim colors, creating a seamless flow throughout your home.

In summary, if you’re seeking a paint color that brings warmth, sophistication, and adaptability, Habitat by Sherwin Williams is a fantastic choice. Its unique ability to adjust to different lighting, coupled with its warm and earthy tones, makes it suitable for a variety of applications. Whether you’re updating a single space or transforming your entire home, Habitat’s charm will ensure your interiors feel inviting, stylish, and uniquely yours. So grab a sample, test it in your space, and see how this beautiful hue can transform your home into a sanctuary of warmth and elegance.

Real Room Photo of Habitat SW 9608

Undertones of  Habitat ?

The undertones of Habitat 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: #897D6D

RGB code: 137, 125, 109

Is  Habitat Cool or Warm?

Habitat is considered a warm paint color. This characteristic plays a huge role in the overall feel of a room. Warm colors, like this one, tend to create a cozy, inviting, and energetic atmosphere, making them great for social spaces like living rooms and dining rooms. In contrast, cool colors often evoke a sense of calm and serenity, which is why they are popular in bedrooms and bathrooms. The warmth of Habitat means it will pair beautifully with corresponding decor elements.

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 Habitat

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 Habitat

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Habitat is 30%, 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  Habitat

Habitat (#897D6D) stands out for its unique ability to adapt to different lighting conditions, making it a superb choice for various rooms in your home. Whether in natural light or artificial illumination, this color exudes warmth and depth without overwhelming the senses. It strikes an ideal balance between grey and brown, giving it a versatile character that pairs beautifully with both light and dark furnishings.

When applied, Habitat offers a smooth finish that enhances the texture of your walls, emphasizing the craftsmanship of your home. The eggshell option provides a subtle sheen that reflects light gently, while the satin finish adds a touch of elegance. It’s particularly effective in open spaces, as it helps to create a cohesive flow without feeling too stark or monotonous. Overall, if you’re looking for a color that adds warmth and sophistication, Habitat is an excellent choice.

Pros & Cons of  SW 9608 Habitat

Colors that go with Sherwin Williams Habitat

FAQ on SW 9608 Habitat

Can Habitat be used in high humidity areas like bathrooms?

Yes, Habitat can be used in high humidity areas like bathrooms, especially if you choose the satin or semi-gloss finish. These finishes are more resistant to moisture and can withstand the occasional splash, making them suitable for such environments. Just ensure proper ventilation to maintain the paint’s integrity over time.

What colors work best with Habitat?

Habitat pairs wonderfully with whites and creams for a classic look, while deeper colors like navy or charcoal add a sophisticated contrast. Earthy tones, such as muted greens or warm browns, can enhance its natural feel, making it a perfect fit for a variety of decor styles.

Comparisons Habitat with other colors

Official Page of Sherwin Williams Habitat SW 9608