Learn all about Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036) in this paint color review.
While white walls and color palettes may be all the rage on Instagram and Pinterest, all-white color schemes are not for everyone! That’s where Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige comes in.
Accessible Beige, much like the always-popular SW Agreeable Gray, is one of the most trending paint colors on Pinterest today, and one of Sherwin-Williams Top 50 Colors. It is an excellent choice for a whole-home house color or just about any room because it is more muted than many beige colors but warmer than most gray paint colors.
It’s a lovely warm and friendly color that keeps a room feeling light and bright without looking too cold or stark. Today’s color review features photographs from my friend’s home – and she has done a fantastic job putting it together with SW Accessible Beige as a primary paint color.
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What is the LRV of SW Accessible Beige?
SW Accessible Beige (Sample) has an LRV of 58, which is darker than I typically prefer (especially for paint colors used throughout many spaces of a home). I’ve actually avoided Accessible Beige in the past for this reason. I was so impressed by how pretty it was in my friend Stephanie’s home, that it has already become a new favorite in our practice.
This home has moderate light. The living room has expansive West-facing windows and gets flooded with light in the afternoons, while the garden-level basement has big windows but is shaded by a deck that blocks some light. Throughout all of these spaces, Accessible Beige still looks great.
What are the SW Accessible Beige undertones?
Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige has warm green undertones. Accessible Beige is actually a gray paint color with green undertones, but I often see taupes that flash beneath the colors and give it extra warmth.
In certain lighting, such as in my friend’s loft (pictured below) at sunset, it can flash purple, but I think that’s just the warm light at sunset in a West-facing room.
Is Accessible Beige warm or cool?
Accessible Beige is a warm paint color, thanks to its green undertones. It is more muted and cooler than many other common beige paint colors, but still warmer than a typical gray paint.
Is Accessible Beige darker than Agreeable Gray?
Accessible Beige and Agreeable Gray (review post) are two of the most popular Sherwin-Williams paint colors on the market today. They are both fantastic neutrals that work well in many spaces and with different kinds of lighting.
They are very similar colors but Accessible Beige is slightly darker compared to Agreeable Gray. While both colors have green undertones, Accessible Beige is slightly warmer.
What is the easiest way to sample Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige?
You should always sample and test your paint colors, but it’s especially important with a paint like SW Accessible Beige that can look so different from room to room depending on the time of day or the amount of natural light.
The easiest way to sample Accessible Beige (and any paint color for that matter) is via SAMPLIZE. Their peel-and-stick paint samples are easy to use and true to color.
In the old days, this meant we painted a large poster board with sample pots and a huge mess.
- Samples pre-painted with 2 coats of real paint from the manufacturer.
- Large 9” x 14” samples to see the color better in the lighting.
- Delivered overnight
- Colors are accurate
- Less expensive than painting a large poster board with sample pots
- No mess, and no toxic paint to dispose of
When should I use Accessible Beige?
Can I use SW Accessible Beige as an Interior Trim Color?
I would not recommend using Accessible Beige trim, unless you’re going for a contrasting trim look with white walls. Otherwise, Accessible Beige is just too dark to be used as a trim paint in most interior spaces.
It can, however, be used as an exterior trim color. Outside in the bright sunlight, Accessible Beige will look much lighter than indoors – like a cream color. We have also used it as an exterior body color, where it can look more creamy than neutral depending on how much sun exposure there is.
Can I try an SW Accessible Beige kitchen?
Accessible Beige is a beautiful kitchen color for walls. It’s a great option if you want a classic (Article), light kitchen but don’t want to use white or gray walls.
This Accessible Beige kitchen is a great example of pairing traditional white cabinets with a warm wall color for a kitchen that is bright but also warm and inviting. The cabinets in this kitchen are SW Pure White (Sample), a warm white with subtle yellow undertones that keep it from looking too stark.
Accessible Beige is also a great choice for an open-concept kitchen and living area. It’s light enough to use throughout an entire living space and a neutral color that works well with many types of furniture, decor and other hard finishes.
In this home, continuing the Accessible Beige walls from the kitchen into the living room and sunroom help the main level feel cohesive.
Is Accessible Beige a good basement paint color?
An Accessible Beige basement is a fabulous choice for many homes. When choosing basement paint colors (post) (Article), it’s important to consider natural and artificial light sources. While it can be tempting to paint a basement in the lightest color possible to brighten up the room, many light paint colors (especially whites) can look dingy without enough natural light.
SW Accessible Beige is light enough to keep a basement space looking bright with enough pigment to bring warmth and color to a room.
In this walk-out basement living room, the natural light keeps Accessible Beige looking warm and bright.
But even in the darker parts of the basement, this color holds up even in the shadows.
Is an Accessible Beige bedroom a good idea?
An Accessible Beige bedroom is a beautiful thing. This warm neutral paint color is dark enough to create a cozy, calming bedroom (Article) space without overpowering the room or making it feel too dark.
And because the color changes so much depending on the natural light, you can paint two bedrooms with Accessible Beige walls and they’ll each have their own unique look.
In Stephanie’s basement bedroom (pictured below), for example, there is less natural light and the color looks a bit more muted, although still warm.
In the primary bedroom on the second level, however, large windows with moderate natural light keep the color looking warmer, and more vibrant. I love the way the soft blue-green bedding contrasts with this neutral.
Should I try an Accessible Beige bathroom?
Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige is a great color for a bathroom, especially because many bathrooms don’t have a lot of natural light.
Accessible Beige has enough pigment and warmth from its green undertones that it still looks warm and lovely even in a bathroom without windows, like the bathroom pictured below.
Is SW Accessible Beige a good whole house color?
Absolutely! Accessible Beige is the primary paint color used throughout this home and it looks really beautiful in so many different spaces. It works so well because it changes in different light – it looks like a different paint color every time you look at it!
When flooded with light, it looks almost white (such as in the bright entryway pictured below). But in the corners, it can look like a warm gray. Our plan is to paint the interior front door SW Iron Ore (color review) to tie in with the black accents in the entry and the dining room next door.
When building a whole-house color palette (article), I love colors like this one that change with every type of light and still end up looking pretty. It’s a great choice for an open-concept living area because it keeps the space tied together without looking too monochromatic.
Can an SW Accessible Beige Exterior Work?
Yes! Accessible Beige is a fantastic option for exterior color palettes. It can be used as an exterior body or trim color.
As a body color, Accessible Beige is a great choice if you want a light color palette but are worried that a true white will be too stark (as they often are outdoors). My clients used Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige exterior (Article) paint to transform their Texas stucco home (pictured below), creating a low-contrast color palette with SW Tony Taupe trim and SW Urbane Bronze (Article) accents.
Accessible Beige can also be used as an exterior “white” trim (Article) color. Because colors look 4-5x lighter in the sun than they do indoors, Accessible Beige looks like a dark white outside. It’s a good option for exterior trim for darker color palettes especially.
My client’s home (pictured below) pairs Sherwin-Williams Grays Harbor siding with SW Accessible Beige trim.
Which Colors Look Best with Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige?
Does Accessible Beige go with white?
Accessible Beige works really nicely with many white paint colors, but choose your white paint carefully.
One interesting observation I made about Accessible Beige in my friend’s home is that even though the ceilings and trim were a very crisp Extra White (color review), they looked creamy. This is because the Accessible Beige reflected off those white surfaces.
I’ve seen this happen before with darker beige walls, but not with lighter beige colors. It’s also not an effect I see with gray paint as often unless the walls are very dark gray.
If you are using white trim and ceiling paint – or even using Accessible Beige as an accent wall in an otherwise white room – be sure to avoid whites that are already very creamy or they may end up looking too yellow.
Does SW Accessible Beige go with black?
Accessible Beige looks gorgeous with black accents. In this home, there were many spaces that paired Accessible Beige walls with black furniture and hard finishes.
I especially love Accessible Beige with the black accents in the dining room in this home, from the frame on the wall to the lighting fixture.
Does Accessible Beige go with green?
Accessible Beige looks really nice with other warm colors, especially greens and other paints with green undertones. The dining room ceiling, pictured below, is a great example of a muted green paired with Accessible Beige.
The muted green is dark enough that Accessible Beige isn’t reflecting and making it overly creamy. And the warm tones of the green ceiling wallpaper add a subdued pop of color to this otherwise neutral room.
What are the Best Trim and Ceiling Colors For SW Accessible Beige?
Because Accessible Beige can reflect off white surfaces, I recommend choosing crisper whites for ceiling and trim paint. This will ensure that your trim and ceiling don’t end up looking yellow.
Sherwin-Williams Extra White (Sample) (the most popular trim color in the U.S.), High Reflective White (Sample) and Pure White (Sample) are all good options for Accessible Beige trim.
The Best SW Accessible Beige Alternatives
SW Accessible Beige vs BM Revere Pewter
Accessible Beige is just a bit lighter than Revere Pewter (Sample), which has an LRV of 55. The colors have similar green undertones, but Accessible Beige is warmer than Revere Pewter and looks much more beige than gray.
SW Accessible Beige vs SW Agreeable Gray
Both colors have warm green undertones, but SW Accessible Beige is warmer. Agreeable Gray (Sample) is also a bit lighter than Accessible Beige, with an LRV of 60. Still, if Accessible Beige looks good in a room, Agreeable Gray will look good too.
SW Accessible Beige vs. BM Edgecomb Gray
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (Sample) is another good alternative for Accessible Beige. Edgecomb Gray is lighter, cleaner and cooler than Accessible Beige, with an LRV of 63, but both colors have warm green undertones and would work well in similar settings.
SW Accessible Beige vs. SW Balanced Beige
While their names may be similar, Accessible Beige and Balanced Beige are very different. Balanced Beige (Sample) has an LRV of 46, making it much darker than Accessible Beige. Balanced Beige is warm, but its grayed-out taupe undertones keep it looking a bit cooler on the wall.
SW Accessible Beige vs. BM Natural Linen
Natural Linen (Sample) has an LRV of 60, making it just barely lighter than Accessible Beige. Natural Linen has orange undertones, so it is a bit warmer and more like a traditional beige than the more muted Accessible Beige.
Which Benjamin Moore or Behr Paint Color is most like Accessible Beige?
The simple answer is…. there isn’t one. Accessible Beige is one of a kind, and I haven’t been able to find an equivalent. Don’t even consider paint matching this color to another brand… I’ve never seen it be successful. Contrary to Urban Myth, paint manufacturers DON’T share formulas (i.e. trade secrets) with each other. Even if they did, they wouldn’t turn out the same. They all have different bases with different undertones.
If you want a lighter version of Accessible Beige, pick a lighter color, don’t ask for 25% lower or something like that. Those are all art projects and science experiments. One of my favorite lighter versions of Accessible Beige is Sherwin-Williams White Duck.
Key Learning Points
Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige is a warm, neutral paint color that can work well in just about any space in the home. It’s a very versatile color, thanks to its shifting hue in different lighting.
- SW Accessible is a gray paint color with warm, green undertones and flashes of taupe. It pairs well with other warm colors and hard finishes.
- Accessible Beige can reflect on white trim and ceiling paint, so be sure to choose a crisp white paint for those accents, such as SW Extra White, Pure White or High Reflective White.
- SW Accessible Beige makes a beautiful whole-house paint color. It works just as well in bright, open living spaces as it does in basements or bathrooms.
- If you want to use Accessible Beige, just get the Sherwin-Williams version. Don’t paint match.
Remember: NEVER, EVER use paint matches from a different brand than the one specified. Results are poor and there are no standards for the sheens. Even though your painter may truly believe it can be done, don’t do it. See results from paint matching here.
No matter what, always test your paint colors. It’s a standard best practice. Whenever I test my paint colors, they are perfect, and when I don’t test they turn out wrong. Learn how to test your paint colors here.
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About the Author
Hi, I’m Michelle Marceny, founder, owner, and Principal Color Designer at The Color Concierge. I believe a fresh coat of paint can completely transform a space. The Color Concierge was born out of my drive to help clients fall back in love with their homes. My clients trust me to help them find the perfect paint color for their home – whether it’s a whole-house paint color scheme or ideas for a single room.
Since The Color Concierge was founded in 2017, we have completed over 3000 color consultations, both online and in-person. I am a Certified Color Expert with 7 years of experience creating interior and exterior color palettes throughout North America.
We love your comments! Please note that the blog is meant as general advice, and it is not possible to give out specific answers to your paint questions. If you want more specific advice, our Online Color Consultations will help you pick your paint colours. Thank you for your understanding.
23 Responses
How would Accessible Beige work on the exterior of aa home? What would be good window and trim colors to use on the exterior?
Hi Beth,
It all depends on the lighting. If you are in a Southern state such as Alabama, Texas or California, and your house is in the sunshine, it will look like a warm and creamy color. If the home is in the shade, you’ll see more of the tones and it could look more beige. If you live in Washington state where it is cloudy and your home is in the forest, it will look more beige.
Bottom line, you need to test your paint colors to see how they respond to the light where the house is.
For white trim color, AB is light enough that I’d recommend Greek Villa. The contrast would be nice. If its not enough of a contrast, try Pure White, but I don’t recommend Extra White, it would be too startk.
Thanks for the comment! I laughed out loud, because I literally live in the woods in Washington state and am considering Accessible Beige for my kitchen cabinets (I’m going for a more taupe look!)
Our decorator paired SW Agreeable Beige with BM Dove Wing for trim. The kitchen cabinets will be Dove Wing as well as the living room built ins. We also used the Dove Wing for the exterior soffit, where it appears MUCH brighter, unless it is shadowed, then it appears closer to the actual color. Inside the house, when the walls were primed, the Dove Wing had a, I can’t describe it….I took my SW wall sample and the two colors look like they were specifically made to complement the other. And the Dove Wing has a beautiful super light tinted taupey pearlish appearance., I guess due to being semi-gloss. Thank Goodness I listened to her and did not insist on a bright white trim. It would have been two colors fighting with each other. You should look at the two colors together, AB and DW. We used AB in the LR/K/DR/Guest/Foyer and Main Hallway. It is beautiful across all spaces and in all levels of lighting. We have a full wall of floor to ceiling windows in the LR, which receive no direct light due to a 23ft covered back patio. The front of the house- foyer and DR do get more light and AB perks up in the DR and absolutely welcomes in the foyer. In our home, because of the level of finish carpentry, coffered ceiling, triple crown, millwork on arches, the AB feels very elegant and calming. Who knew? Certainly not me! If you ever build or renovate in Lafayette, LA look up Brei Jenkins. Genius.
Hello Michelle,
Your Color Conciege website is so helpful! Question: Can SW Accessible Beige and SW Malibar coexist? I like Malibar in an ensuite bathroom with some random tile trim that I’m stuck with, but would prefer AB for my “whole house” color. Any thoughts on an AB bedroom next to a Malibar bath?
I would like to use Accessible Beige to paint my kitchen cabinets…what would you suggest for the walls? A muted green color? Can u give me some suggestions as to what green?
Many thanx,
Im thinking of doing this too with my greek villa walls and highly reflective white trim… Insights?
Your post has made us decide to go with accessible beige for our whole house. Can you tell us the manufacturer and name of the LVP/wood flooring in this home?
Thanks!
I totally agree with this article on accessible beige. I tried to steer clear of beiges. I sample painted multiple options of greiges. Accessible beige beat out Agreeable gray & Edgecomb gray & modern gray simply because it brought the neutral warmth I was looking for, that doesn’t fall into the typical yellow beige I feared. So happy to have found the winner in Accessible Beige.
I totally agree with this article on accessible beige. I tried to steer clear of beiges. I sample painted multiple options of greiges. Accessible beige beat out Agreeable gray & Edgecomb gray & modern gray simply because it brought the neutral warmth I was looking for, that doesn’t fall into the typical yellow beige I feared. So happy to have found the winner in Accessible Beige.
Thank you for all the great information. I think accessible beige will be our whole house color. I always wondered if buying a behr paint really would change the color. I will definitely use sherwin williams. Great read.
I feel better knowing there are other woman with simular conquering. So the only thing is I’m nit doing all the walls with AB. Looking for a green shade in-between garden greens and Vale Mist. Still looking. I’m going alittle daring with a splash of pink. A soft appearance. Less than strawberry hue. Thanks I’m so glad I kept looking I will always use SW paints over Valspar anyway I’ve wasted alot of money alot of money! Not to mention time on Valspar. No more. No thank you. !!!
I am thinking of using accessible beige and white trim for the exterior of my house.
What are your thoughts on a dark gray garage and front door?
Our interior walls will be Shoji White, would Accessible Beige be a good accent wall color? East facing wall, with large doors.
Hi Nicole,
Accessible Beige is too similar in LRV and color to be a good accent color for Shoji. Even with an approx. 15 pt LRV difference, I think they are too close to each other.
Michelle
I would like use accessible beige for my exterior home color and pure white for trim. The only concern is that we have a pinkish red brick (more pink than red) on our house that has a white/light beige coloring throughout areas on the brick. We live in Colorado and get lots of sun. Our house faces East. I’m concerned about the green undertone showing through and wonder what you think. Thanks for your help.
I plan to use SW Pure White on my guest bathroom walls and paint the double vanity with SW Accessible Beige. For the floors, Carrara marble look and around the tub surround…..black framed mirrors with antique brass lights/ knob hardware. I think the rug in your dining room photo is gorgeous. Could you please share the name/manufacturer of that rug? Should I use SW Extra White for the trim?
Thanks again and I’m definitely following your website from now on.
Maria
Hi Maria,
Thank you so much! I think that the rug was a Savafieh rug. In terms of the bathroom, its hard for me to say without seeing photos of the finishes.
Michelle
My kitchen walls are accessible beige (-40%). Trim and ceilings are white. My cabinets are being painted and I’m clueless what color to use. I was not wanting to use white on my cabinets, but I feel that I’m stuck with that at this point unless I change my wall color and use the accessible on my cabinets. Thoughts?
It’s very difficult for me to say without seeing photos. Please consider a cabinet color consultation.
Thanks,
Michelle
What color did you paint your cabinets
I LOVE the plaid comforter on your basement bedroom bed. Could you share where you bought that? I’m painting a guest bedroom in accessible beige and that comforter would look beautiful! Thank you!
I’m struggling after painting my entire house with accessible beige. Sometimes I see gray and sometimes little beige. My kitchen counters are dark (black and brown). I now ran into the problem of the paint not matching my cabinets. Definitely need to paint my cabinets with a color to match my counter tops.