Read all about Sherwin Williams Retreat, plus see 20+ real homes that use it!
Sherwin Williams Retreat (SW 6207) is a cool-leaning mid-toned green paint color that can shift dramatically in how it appears.
There are times when judging a paint color by its name can be misleading and get you into trouble. Then there are other times when the paint’s name leads you in exactly the right direction.
Sometimes you just need a place where you can go and, well, retreat, from the hectic hustle and bustle we call life. It may not be obvious that this peaceful shade is a calming green from its name, but it provides the perfect escape to do exactly what the name promises!
In this comprehensive series, I’m covering many beautiful paint shades in more depth to give you all the important deets you need to make a sound choice in a new paint color you’ll love. My goal is to remove some of the frustration from picking new paint colors by helping you eliminate shades that won’t work with your home or decor. Fewer colors to choose from = an easier decision!
If you want to bring the outdoors in and create a relaxing focal point to retreat from the world, check out Sherwin Williams Retreat.
What color is Retreat?
SW Retreat is surprisingly green! In fact, it’s a mid-toned green that has deep gray undertones. It’s a gorgeous muted color that will do a bit of shifting depending on the light exposure.
Since it’s a darker-toned green, expect a bold, rich shade that is reminiscent of the leaves in an evergreen forest. It “screams” (in the calmest way possible) serenity, practicality, and style.
If you want a bold pop of color that will add a soothing vibe to your home, check this color out.
I’m not gonna lie – choosing the PERFECT paint color isn’t as easy as seeing what you like online and simply adding it to your space. There’s an entire science behind it! Grab a FREE copy of my new guide to avoid the paint color picking mistakes people make! Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
FAQs about Sherwin Williams Retreat
What other colors are similar to Retreat?
Trying to color match between paint color brands is an almost guaranteed recipe for disaster due to differences in the color blending process.
However, if you really want a Benjamin Moore equivalent, I think the closest match is probably Benjamin Moore Asphalt. It leans a little more to the gray side of the spectrum, but it will behave similarly in a room.
Is Sherwin Williams’s Retreat warm or cool?
Retreat is a cool-toned sage green. Although it will shift quite a bit between the green tones and gray tones, it will never read bright green. And since it’s a mid-dark green, it acts as a neutral color.
Where should I use Sherwin Williams Retreat?
I guess that depends on how brave you are. I say go for it and use it in any nook or cranny in your home to add a much-needed tranquilizing ambiance.
SW Retreat will look gorgeous in nearly every area of the house, including:
• Hallways
• Entryway
• Laundry room
• Nursery
• Kid’s room
• Home office
• Playroom
• Kitchen
• Cabinets
• Exteriors
• Bedrooms
• Bathrooms
• Living room
Use this neutral shade in modern, traditional, coastal, transitional, minimalist, contemporary, and farmhouse-style homes.
And to move you quickly from paint zero to hero, I have a great, free resource for you. Grab a copy of 5 Massive Paint Mistakes to Avoid…because when all else fails, as long as you stay away from these 5 cardinal painting sins, you’re probably doing A-OK!
Sherwin Williams Retreat Undertones
Retreat has some deep gray undertones. Seriously, there’s nothing subtle about this hue! It’s stunning and one of my personal favs, but will it work in your home?
If you’re wondering the same thing, check out this tool that I highly recommend. It will be the secret weapon that prevents you from choosing a paint color that you end up completely regretting once it covers your walls. Use paint swatches (I love Samplize peel-and-stick samples) to demonstrate EXACTLY how any paint will look in YOUR home.
These samples are a cinch to move and reposition and won’t mess up your drywall. In fact, they’re SO useful that they help eliminate frustration AND prevent wasting money (I always love a good win-win!).
If undertones make your head hurt, you’re not alone! Grab your free copy of 5 Biggest Paint Choice Mistakes Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
How Different Types of Lighting Affect Sherwin Williams’s Retreat
Natural light exposure shifts throughout the day as the sun moves from the eastern horizon to the western one. Since lighting heavily influences the appearance of paint, shifting natural light will cause ANY paint’s appearance to change throughout the day, too.
In fact, natural lighting can (and does) change so much that I say all the time (on repeat) not to expect ANY paint color to look the same at two different times of the day or in different areas of the house.
Retreat has some serious chameleon qualities thanks to its deep gray undertones.
Here’s how you can expect Retreat to look based on different types of natural lighting.
- North-facing light – cool northern exposure will draw out those strong gray undertones and make this shade read bold but muted.
- South-facing light – warm yellow southern exposure will cause this shade to look lighter and brighter as the gray undertones step back a little.
- East-facing light – eastern light is warm and yellow in the morning and shadowy later in the day. Retreat will appear brighter in the morning and shift toward its gray side in the afternoon.
- West-facing light – with cooler light in the morning and very warm-toned light later in the day, you’ll notice the opposite scenario. Retreat will start the day looking gray and muted before shifting toward a lighter green.
Great Coordinating Colors for Retreat
Retreat is dark enough that it acts as a neutral paint shade, so you can pair it with many different colors to give your home a gorgeous look that stands out.
If you need a few color ideas that play well with Sherwin Williams Retreat, check out:
- Alabaster
- Passive
- Origami White
- Spare White
- Sea Salt
- Comfort Gray
- Pewter Green
- Balanced Beige
- Sealskin
- Acacia Haze
- Rainwashed
- Bitter Chocolate
- Special Gray
- Snowbound
- Doeskin
- Mink
LRV of Sherwin Williams Retreat (SW 6207)
LRV stands for “light reflectance value.” Why do we need to know this? It’s a reliably objective way to determine how bright or deep a paint color may look on your walls.
LRV ranges from 0 – 100. A color with an LRV of 0 is pure black. On the opposite end of the spectrum, an LRV of 100 is the brightest white you can imagine.
The LRV of Sherwin Williams Retreat = 21
This LRV value puts SW Retreat in the dark range. It’s rich enough not to wash out in bright lighting but could be a little too strong in rooms with low levels of light.
LRV…what? Don’t worry, I’ve got you! Grab a FREE copy of my new guide to avoid the paint color picking mistakes people make! Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
Retreat Compared to Other Colors
Let’s compare and contrast this shade with a few other similar colors to highlight the unique qualities of each one. Ok, let’s go!
Sherwin Williams Retreat vs. Evergreen Fog
We’re kicking it off by comparing Retreat to Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog (SW 9130). This shade has an LRV of 30, which is noticeably brighter than Retreat.
Also, when you compare these two colors side by side, you’ll notice that Evergreen Fog has brown undertones, which Retreat noticeably lacks.
Sherwin Williams Retreat vs. Succulent
Sherwin Williams Succulent (SW 9650) comes in darker with an LRV value of 14, but they share a similar dusky quality. If you want something even bolder than Retreat, check out Succulent.
Sherwin Williams Retreat vs. Rosemary
Sherwin Williams Rosemary (SW 6187) has an LRV of 14. Not only is it darker than Retreat, but it lacks the deep gray undertones in favor of warmer brown undertones. If you want a color that’s more tranquil and neutral, go with Retreat.
More Colors to Consider
If you’re on the fence about Sherwin Williams Retreat, don’t worry because I’ve got you covered! Checking out these other similar and popular moody paint colors might help you put Retreat on the shortlist or eliminate it altogether!
- Urbane Bronze (Sherwin Williams) – dark and moody charcoal gray.
- Iron Ore (Sherwin Williams) – a dark, stormy gray.
- Chelsea Gray (Benjamin Moore) – a sophisticated gray shade.
- Mindful Gray (Sherwin Williams) – a lightened-up, unassuming gray shade.
- Peppercorn (Sherwin Williams) – a true, deep, dark gray.
- Wrought Iron (Benjamin Moore) – a dark, muted black with gray and brown undertones.
- Pewter Green (Sherwin Williams) – a soft, dark, muted but moody green paint.
Feeling lost? I gotcha, boo! Grab a FREE copy of my new guide to avoid the paint color picking mistakes people make! Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
21 Real Life Homes Using Sherwin Williams Retreat
Ok, if your head is spinning from all that information, you can relax because the technical data portion is over.
It’s time to get to the fun part: SEEING how Retreat shifts and shimmies in real life. Here are 18 real-life homes and spaces for you to see using this shade!
Sheen note: Picking the right color is only winning the battle, not the war. Remember to pick the right paint finish, or sheen, also! Read up on what you need to know about picking the perfect paint sheen.
Bedrooms Painted Retreat Green
In general for bedrooms, and low-traffic areas, flat paint is fine. If you like something with a bit of shine (and more ease of cleaning) opt for eggshell or satin.
1. Boho Chic in a Baby’s Bedroom
Want a hip color for your nursery that’s calming, grounded, and centered? Retreat is hard to beat! @home.and.ro wisely added the geometric accent wall for visual interest. And the other walls are a clean white (SW Pure White to be exact).
2. Perfectly Sage in Eclectic Bedroom
Ave Styles shows off just how much Retreat will lighten up in a bright room. I love that sagey color!
3. Refreshingly Modern Green
Ugly Duckling House made great use of Retreat’s neutral tendencies to use it as a backdrop for art. Love!
4. Adventurous Color Choice
A little more green in the light and a little grayer in the shade – @stacy_ditch15 shows off those chameleon qualities in this bedroom.
SW Retreat Living Spaces
Need help choosing a finish? Family rooms with more foot traffic (and sticky fingers, too) do better using a paint with a bit more shine…consider eggshell at a minimum to improve cleanability.
If you have a formal living room that sees less action, a flat paint will be just fine for those interior walls.
5. Bold and Boho
BANDD Design turned a large, bright space into a serene retreat with the simple choice of using the right paint color. Isn’t it amazing how Retreat can impact the ambiance?
6. Significant Gray Undertones
@balancelifessentially created a respite from the hustle and bustle of the world with this inviting retreat!
7. Light Enough for Poorly Lit Space
Most people don’t think to use bold colors in dark rooms, but A Life Unfolding uses it expertly here. Feel free to go bold; just don’t overwhelm the space.
Kitchens Using Retreat by Sherwin Williams
For kitchens, eggshell or satin are popular finish choices for walls. For cabinets consider semi-gloss or high gloss for the most durable finish (and a gorgeous glow).
8. Warm and Cozy Cabinet Color
Give me some Retreat cabinets (can you hear “Give me more cowbell” in your head, too?). Cabinets by Macfarland shares a stunning, timeless farmhouse kitchen, thanks to this shade.
9. Perfect for a Kitchen Accent Wall
@breinerfarmandgardens used Retreat to create a boldly neutral accent wall.
Do you see the gray undertones peeking through?
10. From Muted to Bright in Differing Light
Warm artificial lighting will pull the green out of these kitchen cabinets from Faust House, while the cabinets that are in the shadows or have natural light exposure appear more sage-like.
11. Incredible Kitchen Island Color
Ahhhh…how’s this for inviting? The kitchen is the heart of the home, and this island color has my heart…how about yours?
The perimeter cabinets in this kitchen from @IrieHomes are painted the ever-popular SW Alabaster. What a great pairing.
Retreat Painted Dining Rooms
12. Organic Dark Sage Green Accent Wall
Saturation is key to making this color look so earthy and rich.
It makes for a beautiful dining room accent wall in this space designed by Stephanie Jacobs of SBS Designs, the board and batten wall treatment helping to pull some dimension and visual impact through to make it even more impactful.
13. Earthy and Excellent
If you want to bring the outdoors in, there’s no better way than to pair Retreat with warm wood tones like Lisa DeBoever did here.
She gives this dining space a modern but grounded feel with the geometric accent wall painted with our favorite green shade du jour.
Bathrooms in Retreat by SW
Don’t forget the finish! For bathrooms the perfect sheen is either an eggshell or satin. Why? We’ll tell you in this post about paint sheen.
14. Beautiful Sage Green Vanity
Hello, gray undertones! I’m a sucker for sage green, so this vanity from View from my Heels is catching my eye, big time.
15. Love the Black, White, and Green Color Scheme
Use Retreat to add a timeless sophistication and eye-catching serenity to a room like this bathroom from @brookeaguiardesign.
Retreat looks fabulous on the board and batten, and really pops next to the white paint above (BM Chantilly Lace) and the white tile seen in this space.
SW Retreat also looks lovely with the black accents (faucets, shower bar, knobs, mirror and floor tile) throughout the room.
16. Beautiful Bathroom Vanity
Not sure about using such a saturated shade for a large-scale paint color? Then go smaller (but still impactful) like Kelly of Hartley Home did in this bathroom remodel.
Retreat makes for a great cabinet color, and the cooler gray on the vertical shiplap accent above works great to pull in those shades from the marble tile.
Sherwin Williams Retreat SW 6207 in Other Places and Spaces
17. Ties Together Traditional and Modern
When was the last time you painted your ceilings the same color as your walls? House Homemade makes bold use out of an already bold color – and her monochromatic color palette really pays off.
18. From Boring to Bold
Maybe it’s time to shake off the “vanilla” in your life and try something bold like @vintage.in.bloom did in this hallway.
19. Perfectly Placed in Entryway
Retreat appears muted and gorgeous when paired with this creamy white. Angela Marie Made made an inspired choice to use this shade!
20. Works so Well for Home Exteriors
I love this exterior sample from Everything Home (via Houzz)! I can’t imagine a better color choice for this home than Sherwin Williams Retreat.
21. Classic Colonial Color
Doesn’t Retreat look like a perfect historical color on this beautiful colonial-style home? Inspired Style Home helped this homeowner choose a lovely exterior color palette which includes SW Alabaster trim, and SW Mount Etna as the front door color.
22. Leaning into Color in the Laundry Room
Bambi of @number 131 has so many pretty nooks and crannies in her historic home, including this one in the laundry room.
She painted the farmhouse sink cabinet with SW Retreat…and I can’t think of a better paint color to use in a laundry room. If the job in the room doesn’t call to you, maybe the paint color will!
The white paint on the walls here is Glidden High Endurance white – straight out of the can, no tint.
Now that you’ve had a chance to study Sherwin Williams Retreat and see it in real-life examples, are you ready to grab a Samplize paint sample and consider it more closely? I hope you find yourself a new fan of this gorgeous shade!
Pin this paint color for later! And if you use this paint shade, leave a comment on the pin! That helps others decide if they want to try this color, too!
Ready to show those boring, beige walls who’s the boss at home? Grab my free guide to help you sidestep the mistakes that almost everyone makes when it comes to picking paint! You’ll be on your way to perfect paint promptly…pinky swear.
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