- SW Crushed Ice: LRV and Light Reflectance
- Understanding Crushed Ice: Warm or Cool?
- Understanding SW Crushed Ice’s Undertones
- Coordinating Colors for SW Crushed Ice
- Best Uses for Sherwin-Williams Crushed Ice
- Why Choose Sherwin-Williams Crushed Ice?
- Similar Colors to Consider
- Purchase Options for Sherwin-Williams Crushed Ice
- Why SW Crushed Ice is Worth Considering
Sherwin-Williams Crushed Ice (SW 7647) stands out as one of the most underrated paint colors in the gray family.
This warm gray with flexible undertones offers the perfect balance for homeowners seeking a versatile color that works beautifully across different lighting conditions and design styles.
Unlike obviously warm or cool grays, SW Crushed Ice occupies a unique “stormy” territory that makes it incredibly adaptable to various spaces and situations.
With its ability to appear neutral in northern light while revealing warmth in southern exposure, this paint color has become a favorite among interior designers.
When you are painting a single accent wall or an entire home, SW Crushed Ice delivers consistent results that homeowners love for years to come.
SW Crushed Ice: LRV and Light Reflectance
Crushed Ice has an LRV of 62, placing it firmly in the light-medium range for neutral paint colors. This balanced depth makes it versatile enough for most rooms while providing enough substance to avoid looking washed out.
This LRV level means Crushed Ice performs well in rooms with moderate to good natural light, maintaining its character without appearing too dark or heavy.
However, in darker spaces with limited natural light, you may want to consider lighter alternatives to prevent the color from appearing muddy.
The 62 LRV also helps Crushed Ice withstand strong sunlight better than lighter grays, making it an excellent choice for south-facing rooms where lighter colors might fade completely.
Understanding Crushed Ice: Warm or Cool?
Crushed Ice is fundamentally a warm gray paint color, but it’s not traditionally warm in the obvious sense.
This creates what paint experts call a “stormy” gray, a color that has warmth but isn’t overt about it. This subtle characteristic is what makes Crushed Ice so versatile and appealing.
In cool northern light, Crushed Ice can lean into its cool base and cooler undertones, appearing more neutral or even slightly cool.
However, in the southern sun or afternoon western light, the color softens and reveals its warm nature, creating a more inviting atmosphere.
This chameleon-like quality makes it perfect for homes with varying light exposure throughout the day.
Understanding SW Crushed Ice’s Undertones
Crushed Ice lightly favors a green undertone, but this is where its flexibility shines. Depending on your interior lighting and surrounding elements, it can easily flash slightly blue or violet.
This adaptability is what makes it such a valuable color choice – it’s less committed to specific undertones compared to other gray paint colors, making it more forgiving in various design scenarios.
These flexible undertones are particularly beneficial when working with popular countertop materials, cabinetry, and fixtures that might have competing undertones.
Where more committed grays might clash, Crushed Ice finds a way to harmonize.
Coordinating Colors for SW Crushed Ice
SW Crushed Ice’s versatile nature makes it an excellent foundation for a wide range of color schemes. Its balanced undertones allow it to pair beautifully with both warm and cool accent colors.
1. Warm Color Pairings
Crushed Ice’s subtle warmth makes it an ideal foundation for creating cozy, inviting spaces when paired with warmer tones.
These combinations work particularly well in living areas, bedrooms, and dining spaces where comfort is paramount.
Cream and Off-White Accents – Sherwin-Williams Creamy (SW 7012) or Pure White (SW 7005) create polished, refined combinations that highlight Crushed Ice’s subtle warmth.
Soft Beiges and Taupes – Colors like Accessible Beige (SW 7036) or Perfect Greige (SW 6073) work harmoniously as accent walls or trim colors.
Warm Wood Tones – Natural oak, walnut, and cherry wood finishes complement Crushed Ice’s undertones beautifully.
2. Cool Color Pairings
For a more contemporary, spa-like atmosphere, Crushed Ice pairs beautifully with cooler tones that emphasize its versatile undertones.
These combinations work exceptionally well in bathrooms, home offices, and modern kitchens.
Navy and Deep Blues – Rich blues, such as Naval (SW 6244) or Distance (SW 6243), create a striking contrast while maintaining a smooth appearance.
Sage and Soft Greens – Colors like Clary Sage (SW 6178) or Sea Salt (SW 6204) feature green undertones, reminiscent of Crushed Ice.
Crisp Whites – Pure white trim and accents, such as Extra White (SW 7006), provide clean contrast and help define architectural details.
3. Bold Accent Options
When you want to add personality and visual interest, these bolder accent colors can change Crushed Ice from subtle to striking. Use these colors strategically in artwork, textiles, or statement furniture pieces.
Rich Burgundy and Wine – Deep reds add warmth and drama when used sparingly as accent colors.
Charcoal and Black – Dark accents in fixtures, hardware, and accessories create modern contrast.
Soft Blush and Coral – Subtle pink tones can warm up the space while maintaining refined appeal.
Best Uses for Sherwin-Williams Crushed Ice
SW Crushed Ice’s versatile nature makes it suitable for virtually any room in your home. Its balanced LRV and flexible undertones allow it to work beautifully in spaces with different lighting conditions and design requirements.
1. Living Rooms and Family Rooms
Crushed Ice creates an inviting yet refined atmosphere in living spaces.
Its stormy nature means it adapts beautifully to changing light throughout the day, appearing more neutral in morning light and warming up as the day progresses.
2. Kitchens and Dining Areas
In kitchens, Crushed Ice works exceptionally well with today’s popular white quartz and marble-look countertops because it can accommodate a wide range of undertones.
Unlike more committed grays that might clash with specific stone patterns, Crushed Ice’s flexible undertones make it a safe yet refined choice for kitchen applications.
3. Bathrooms
The versatile nature of Crushed Ice makes it excellent for bathrooms, where lighting can vary dramatically from natural light to artificial illumination.
Its ability to appear slightly different under various lighting conditions adds visual interest while maintaining a cohesive feel.
4. Bedrooms
Crushed Ice’s warm gray base creates a calming environment perfect for rest. Its subtle undertones prevent it from feeling cold or clinical, while its refined appearance improves the overall look of the space.
Why Choose Sherwin-Williams Crushed Ice?
There are several compelling reasons to choose Crushed Ice for your next painting project.
Its warm gray base creates a welcoming atmosphere while the flexible undertones prevent it from feeling cold or clinical.
- Versatility with Different Décor Styles – Crushed Ice’s “stormy” nature and flexible undertones make it remarkably versatile across design styles.
- Adaptability to Different Lighting Conditions – Grays can look dramatically different in various lighting conditions. Crushed Ice gracefully adapts to changing conditions.
- Lasting Appeal – Crushed Ice represents a refined choice that transcends fleeting fads. Its subtle complexity and adaptability ensure it will remain stylish for years to come.
- Compatibility with Popular Design Elements – Crushed Ice works beautifully with today’s popular white quartz and marble-look countertops, accommodating their various undertones.
Similar Colors to Consider
If you are drawn to Crushed Ice but want to examine similar options, consider sampling these alternatives:
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter – A similar warm gray with slightly different undertones
- Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige– Has more depth than Crushed Ice
- Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray – Another versatile warm gray option
Remember, no color match will be perfect across different brands, and you can expect shifts in undertones, temperature, and depth when comparing alternatives.
Purchase Options for Sherwin-Williams Crushed Ice
SW Crushed Ice is available through multiple purchasing channels to suit your shopping preferences and needs.
1. Online: Ordering from the Sherwin-Williams website
The Sherwin-Williams website provides convenient online ordering, offering detailed color information, finish options, and quantity calculations. You can access professional color tools and even schedule delivery or pickup.
2. In-Store: Local Sherwin-Williams Locations
Visiting a local Sherwin-Williams store provides the advantage of seeing actual color samples and getting personalized advice from paint professionals.
Store associates can help you select the right finish for your specific application and provide expert guidance on preparation and application techniques.
3. Home Improvement Retailers: Availability at Other Stores
While some home improvement retailers may carry select Sherwin-Williams products, for the full range of finishes and the most accurate color matching, visit Sherwin-Williams.
Purchasing directly from Sherwin-Williams ensures you get precisely what you’re looking for with proper support and product guarantees.
Why SW Crushed Ice is Worth Considering
Sherwin-Williams Crushed Ice represents a refined choice for homeowners seeking a versatile, adaptable gray that works beautifully across different lighting conditions and design styles.
Its unique “stormy” character – warm but not so – makes it perfect for creating polished, welcoming spaces that feel both lasting and contemporary.
The color’s flexible undertones and mid-range LRV make it particularly valuable in today’s design landscape, where it can accommodate popular materials and finishes without clashing.
When you are planning a complete home makeover or simply refreshing a single room, Crushed Ice offers the perfect balance of refinement and practicality.
Have you used Crushed Ice in your projects? Share your photos, tips, and favorite room pairings in the comments below!