I frequently refer to these light neutrals. Several people have requested an explanation of the differences between them, particularly between cream and beige. I’m happy to oblige.
- White: Optical white is a blindingly bright white. A pair of white jeans is usually optical white.
- Off-white: This is a dirty white like the colour of bone. It’s as if optical white was mixed with a spot of grey. It’s a cold colour and tends to look good on people who can wear light grey close to the face.
- Cream: The colour of pearls, ivory and liquid whipping cream. This tone is warmer and richer than white and off-white. It contains a hint of yellow and looks good on people who wear warm colours well.
- Beige: Tan, khaki, taupe, nude and stone are all versions of beige. They are not cream or off-white. They are light browns. You’ll find chinos in this colour. Deepening a shade of beige results in camel and caramel coloured hues which are richer and generally more flattering.
Beige is hard to wear close to the face unless you’re dark-skinned and even then it’s best when matched with a contrasting colour (like black or a bright). Beige comes to life when the fabric is iridescent or mixed with metallic lurex thread. This gives the colour depth and interest and that’s often the best solution to wearing beige close to the face. As a bottom, beige is boring. It can look conservative and I do not often encourage this look unless it is required.
Cumulus Cloud, Benjamin Moore. When she selects beige colors, Jennifer Jones of Niche. Khaki definition, dull yellowish brown. See how well you can differentiate between the uses of 'was' vs. 'were' in this quiz. Beige, drab, brownish.
The “whites” (white, off-white and cream) are better choices for tops and bottoms. They offer both a modern classic and contemporary edge that’s forever fresh and versatile. These shades pop whereas beige does not. It’s a question of choosing “your white”. Some people look better in cream, while others look better in bone or white. Experiment and try a form of white instead of beige. You’ll be surprised.
Top: Off-white pea-coat, a cream blouse and dress.
Bottom: White jeans, beige and taupe pants.
My whites are white and cream on top and at the bottom (but not together). I look dreadful in off-white and beige and steer clear of them close to the face. Beige pants are not my style so I don’t wear those either.
Are you a fan of earthy tones? Maybe you like more taupes, beiges, and browns?
If so, don’t hold back from considering Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki for your next dream home project.
It is a perfect mid-toned warm paint color that is neither too dark nor too light.
With a slightly creamier texture – this warm paint color defines the true beige amalgamated in the form of a taupe.
This color has a subtle look to it and doesn’t really prove to be very energetic or bright! Hence, if you have a similar taste – why not try this?
The traditional dining space above reflects the utmost beauty of SW Universal Khaki.
Symbolic of khaki fabric – this paint color reflects a similar hue, which is quite sophisticated and yet calm.
Even though it has deep brown undertones, but if you observe it in natural daylight – you are quite likely to detect shades of warm reds underneath.
Yes, this color is a chameleon – it reflects its different sides in different rooms and different natural conditions.
But don’t worry – I will help you unveil them all!
Just sit back and relax! I promise, in no time – you’ll be able to use this color like an expert interior decorator.
Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki SW 6150 Details and Specifications
If you are planning to choose this paint color, you first need to understand the how, where, and when about it!
And all of this can be easily determined if you are aware of the underlying basics and color theories.
Yes, color psychology is important as well which helps you know the mood the color will create in your room.
Let’s begin with one of the most important terminologies that you must acquaint yourself with – light reflectance values or LRVs!
This value helps in determining how light or dark the paint color is – and depending on that information, we can analyze the rooms in which the color needs to be used.
So, the LRV of Universal Khaki is 40 – and that means it is a mid-toned paint color that can be either used in a small as well as a large room.
Beige Vs Khaki Color
(The lesser the value – the darker the paint color)!
Similarly, other associated terms are RGB and HEX Values.
Red = 184
Green = 169
Blue = 146
HEX Value = #b8a992
Now that we have discussed the scientific facts – let’s jump on to some of the practical aspects and applications of this beautiful and timeless paint color.
How Does this Color Feel in a Space?
SW Universal Khaki acts as a perfect base paint in this home entryway
Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki feels subtle and settled down in a space.
It is not very bright and energetic – instead, it is bound to exhibit a warm look through a bold character.
You are bound to feel homey and cozy if you plan to use this paint color in your homes.
So, I would highly recommend using this paint color in homes that are situated in colder and northern regions since it is warm and would always impart a feeling of warmth.
If you plan to use it in warmer areas, you are bound to feel uncomfortable unless you balance out the looks with cooler paint colors.
Since this paint color is soft and subtle, you should expect to feel calm and tranquilized as soon as you come back home.
How Does Light Affect the Color?
Have a look at how artificial and natural light plays with this paint color
Light has a major effect on Universal Khaki. In the case of excessive light – this color tends to look lighter like SW Wool Skein.
In the absence of natural light, this paint color appears to be darker like deep brown and taupe.
I would highly recommend using this paint color in north-facing bedrooms to give a slight warm texture to the space.
Moreover, you can also consider using warm whites and cool whites artificial lighting to balance the saturation of the room.
What are the Best Coordinating Color?
Creating an eye-catchy and balanced color palette is primary. You can best make use of this paint color if you choose the best opposites to pair it with.
There are two main color schemes that you could use – contrasting or monochromatic.
Depending on the interior design style and the overall running theme of your space – you could choose from either.
Nevertheless, the best opposites for this paint color are browns, warm grays, and off-whites.
Here I am going to enlist a few paints that you can pair it with (in the case of a contrasting scheme)!
- SW 7036 Accessible Beige
- SW 6144 Dapper Tan
- SW 7051 Analytical Gray
For a monochromatic theme, you could consider the following paint colors:
- SW 6148 Wool Skein
- SW 6149 Relaxed Khaki
- SW 9117 Urban Jungle
In the case of trims, moldings, and door and window frames – consider SW Pure White as it will truly protrude the paint color.
Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki Vs Similar Colors
It is very easy to find alternatives for SW Universal Khaki unless you are looking for a specific similar beige tone with similar undertones. However, the two most similar paint colors are SW 7548 Portico and SW 7533 Khaki Shade.
For even accurate results, I would recommend buying real-time swatches and samples that will help determine the actual differences between the two.
Khaki Vs Beige Color
You could also place these on a white sheet of paper to determine the true hue of all the paint colors.
Universal Khaki Vs Portico
With an LRV of 42, this paint color is comparatively lighter than Universal Khaki. It is quite likely for you to detect deep red undertones in this paint color in the afternoon sunlight.
SW Portico is a more bold paint color that makes your space feel settled down and warm.
Universal Khaki Vs Khaki Shade
With an LRV of 44, this paint color is the lightest of them all. Similar to the above two, you are quite likely to find pink/red undertones beneath this paint color.
Khaki Shade makes a great alternative to Universal khaki since it is a timeless and sophisticated shade that will never fade away – even years later.
Where to Use Universal Khaki?
Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki can be used absolutely anywhere in your home and especially the common areas. It pairs especially well with wooden elements and textures.
For interior design styles like traditional, transitional, French country, bohemian, and contemporary – it is definitely a good to go solution.
The timelessness of this color is a great reason behind the flexibility of it. Whether it is your living or family room or for the matter of fact a bedroom, kitchen, or hallways – universal khaki makes a great solution in these homes!
Let’s discuss the individualistic uses of the paint color in your home.
Universal Khaki in Living Rooms
This traditional home in Minneapolis perfectly reflects the seamless use of this beige paint color.
There are many traditional and transitional styled homes that incorporate this paint color. So, if you are one of them – make sure to pair it against walnut browns and deep wooden textures.
Moreover, you can incorporate hardwood floors and wrought iron railings on the staircases as well.
For the furniture – make sure to keep it light in a beige fabric!
Using in Kitchens
This beautiful, traditional cape cod kitchen reflects SW Universal Khaki on the walls
You can incorporate this paint color in the kitchens whether on the backdrop wall or the cabinets.
Along with this, I would recommend using round wooden pull handles to further add a detail to your kitchen space.
Make sure to use white granite countertop along with chrome fixtures to make your kitchen look spotless.
Universal Khaki in Bedrooms
Bedrooms deserve a calm and soothing backdrop. Well, universal khaki is a great way to incorporate piousness in the bedrooms.
On top of that, you can incorporate stark whites through bed frames and nightstands and decorative accents.
Using on Exteriors
“UK” makes home exteriors look refined and timeless as you can see in the above photo.
Using this color on exterior walls will further make the paint color look light and bright. Whether you are using the shiplaps or the mud or concrete – this paint color is absolutely delightful on the exteriors.
For a more tropical appearance – many southern states tend to incorporate this paint color on the exteriors of their homes.
So, do you feel confident about using Universal Khaki in your home? Well, do let me know your experiences in the comments below!