Sherwin Williams Distance Paint Color Review
Choosing the right blue gray paint color can feel like picking a needle from a haystack - there are so many options, and when you finally choose one, it can look completely different on your walls than it did on that tiny paint chip! (My free guide, How To Choose The Right Paint Color Every Time will teach you how to read those tiny paint chips like a pro! Click here to get it!)
But don't worry; I'm here to help you feel confident, calm, and even a little excited about picking a color that works beautifully in your home.
Today, we're diving into one of my favorite shades for making a sophisticated yet warm statement: Sherwin Williams Distance (SW 6243). By the end of this post, you’ll know everything about this gorgeous shade, from its undertones to the types of rooms and homes it shines in. Ready? Let's paint the picture!
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What Color Is Sherwin Williams Distance?
If you’re looking for a paint that's a bold color choice without the overwhelm, Sherwin Williams Distance blue could be your new best friend. It has a "moody coastal" vibe, making it perfect for those who want to add a hint of drama but keep things feeling relaxed and inviting. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to create a space that feels like a gentle hug - comfortable, timeless, and just a little bit luxurious.
Undertones of Sherwin-Williams Distance
First things first: undertones. They’re the sneaky little pigments that can make or break a paint color, as they determine how it will actually look on your wall. Sherwin Williams Distance is a rich blue with gray undertones, which means it has a slightly cool, stormy vibe. It’s not a bright, in-your-face blue - it’s grounded and sophisticated, like the calm before a storm.
What’s the LRV of Sherwin Williams Distance?
LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, is a fancy term for how much light a color reflects. (If you want a deeper dive, head to Light Reflective Value In Paint – What Does It Mean?)
SW Distance has an LRV of 15, which means it’s a pretty dark color that absorbs more light than it reflects. On a scale from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white), anything below 50 will add depth and coziness to a room.
So, if you're after a paint that’s going to make a bold statement without overpowering the room, Distance is ideal. It’s deep enough to add drama but balanced by its subtlety and sophistication, thanks to those gray undertones.
How Sherwin Williams Distance looks in different lighting situations
Natural Light: In a room with plenty of natural light, Distance SW appears softer, with more of its blue tones coming to the surface. Think of it like a peaceful, misty morning blue - soft but present.
Artificial Light (Warm): Under warm, yellow-toned lighting, the gray undertones in Distance really come forward, making it feel cozy and snug. If you have incandescent or warm LED bulbs, the blue tone will feel a bit more muted, creating a relaxing environment.
Artificial Light (Cool): In rooms with cool or daylight-toned bulbs, Distance will show its cooler, stormier side. You’ll see the blue-gray tone in its full glory here, which can look incredibly chic in modern spaces.
If you’re unsure how it will look in your lighting, grab a Sherwin Williams Distance sample and test it on a few different walls to see how it shifts throughout the day. It’s worth the little bit of extra time to make sure you’re falling in love with it in every lighting condition.
Looking to test paint colors but don't want to paint? Samplize offers peel and stick paint samples from all major paint brands delivered to your door so you can put them up on the wall with no mess.
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Sherwin Williams Distance Vs Other Blue Gray Paint Colors
Knowing the subtle differences between shades like Distance by Sherwin Williams and its close color cousins can make all the difference. In this section, we'll break down how Distance compares to other popular blue gray paint colors, helping you find the ideal hue to bring out the personality and mood you want in any space.
Sherwin Williams Distance vs Smoky Blue
Moody Sherwin Williams Distance (LRV 15) with its cool undertones, is ideal for crafting cozy, dramatic vibes in bedrooms or offices. Meanwhile, Smoky Blue 7604 offers a touch more gray for a softer, more neutral look - perfect for inviting, relaxed spaces like living rooms.
Sherwin Williams Distance vs Waterloo
Sherwin Williams Distance has a distinct blue-gray vibe that adds a bright backdrop to interior rooms. On the other hand, SW Waterloo, with its slightly darker LRV of 13, has warmer blue-green undertones, giving it a rich, inviting feel that brings bold, cozy charm to living rooms or entryways.
Sherwin Williams Distance vs Slate Tile
SW Slate Tile 7624, also has a similar LRV to Distance but much more darker gray undertones, and feels more subdued and neutral, perfect for adding a soothing depth to cabinets or accent walls. SW Distance (LRV 15) brings a heavier dose of vibrant blue, making it a more distinct color choice in your space.
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How Is Sherwin Williams Distance Paint Color Best Used?
Curious how Distance transforms in different spaces? In this section, we’ll explore how this moody, sophisticated blue-gray brings depth and charm to any room - from cozy bedrooms to dramatic accent walls - so you can see just how this shade might work in your own home.
Sherwin-Williams Distance exterior
With its moody elegance, Sherwin-Williams Distance works beautifully in a range of styles but is especially suited for coastal, modern contemporary, and traditional. Distance is perfect for rich woods and classic decor elements like red brick, dormers and shingle siding.
Use it on a front door or as your primary color; either way brings instant depth and character to your exterior. In the classic home below, SW High Reflective White pairs with SW Distance to add striking contrast and a pop of curb appeal.
Distance Sherwin Williams accent wall
If you’re not ready to go all-in with this moody blue-gray, try Distance on a single wall in a space like an entryway or dining room for a touch of character. I've even used it in my own home.
When we designed this built in, I wanted to add some color to the family room and make the white shelves pop. Distance Sherwin Williams added the perfect touch.
For even more impact on your space, try geometric patterns with Distance and say good bye to plain boring walls!
SW Distance bedroom
If you’re after a cozy, cocoon-like retreat, the cool tones of Distance is perfect for a bedroom. Paired with soft, neutral bedding and warm-toned wood, this color will turn your bedroom into a serene oasis.
Sherwin Williams Distance bathroom
Distance feels right at home in a bathroom, where it can add a sense of tranquility and help you settle into “relax mode.” Here Distance creates a moody backdrop that beautifully highlights a white bathroom vanity.
SW Distance cabinets
Liven up your kitchen with a bold dose of moody blue on the cabinets. With light countertops and metallic accents, SW Distance creates a modern, refined look that feels both stylish and inviting.
Coordinating Colors And Color Palette Ideas For Sherwin Williams Distance
Ready to build a whole house color palette around Distance? Here are some ideas:
- Pairing with Neutrals: Colors like Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) or Pure White (SW 7005) create a soft, balanced look that allows Distance to stand out without overwhelming the space.
- Complementing with Contrasts: Add a bold, contrasting color like a warm brass accent, or use rich browns or even muted gold tones. These add warmth and a bit of glam.
- Monochromatic Looks: For a monochromatic palette, go with lighter blues and grays like Sherwin Williams North Star (SW 6246) for a tranquil, layered look.
- Earthy Accents: Bring in earthy greens, like Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog (SW 9130), for a color scheme inspired by nature. It’s an unexpected combo that really sings.
Remember, selecting a paint color doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little insight and some sample testing, you’ll be able to create a look that’s cohesive, stylish, and very much you. Sherwin Williams Distance isn’t just a color; it’s a mood, a style, and, dare I say, a statement.
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