If you’re in need of a calm, muted blue green paint color for your home, Sherwin Williams Calico might just be the one for you.
I’ve always loved blue because it feels so familiar and comforting. It reminds me of the ocean, a favorite shirt, or that easy kind of quiet you get on a slow afternoon.
Calico by Sherwin Williams captures that same feeling, but with a soft green touch that makes it even more peaceful.
This shade works beautifully in so many spaces. Use it in a bedroom for a soothing retreat or in a living room if you want a gentle, breezy vibe without going too bold.
If you're curious why so many people love Calico and how you can make it work in your home, let’s take a closer look.
Calico, Sherwin Williams, SW 0017
Calico is a soft, muted blue-green that really gives a space a serene, earthy vibe.
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Calico
Color Family
Calico is in the blue family.
Light Reflectance Value
34
Light Reflectance Value tells you how much light a paint color reflects. The scale goes from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white).
With an LRV of 34, Calico falls into the medium-deep range. It has enough depth to feel rich, but it won’t make your room feel dark. In bright spaces, it holds its color nicely instead of washing out.
RGB Colors
R: 140 G: 164 B: 156
RGB shows how much red, green, and blue make up the paint color. Each value runs from 0 to 255, and together they create the final shade you see.
Hex Code
#8CA49C
Undertones
Calico is a blue paint color with green and slight beige undertones.
In south-facing spaces with lots of sunlight, Calico will lean warmer, lighter, and its green undertones will give it a blue-green appearance.
In north-facing spaces that don't have as much natural light, Calico will look cooler, darker, and more blue.
This is why it's very important to swatch colors on your wall to make sure they look good – day and night – in your actual space before committing.
Click here to get removable peel & stick paint samples to easily swatch with!
Best Uses
I love how versatile Calico is! You can use it in big spaces or small accents, and it always adds warmth and depth.
Here are some of my favorite places to use Calico:
- Living room: Makes the space feel inviting and cozy.
- Bedroom: Perfect if you want a restful, relaxing feel.
- Kitchen: Adds warmth without overwhelming the space.
- Small powder room: Try it on the ceiling, too!
- Built-ins: A subtle way to add character.
- Accent wall or fireplace: Bold, but not too loud.
- Furniture: Works beautifully on a dresser, bookshelf, or coffee table.
- Interior doors: A fun way to bring in color without committing to a whole room.
- Front door or shutters: Adds charm with a hint of warmth.
- Home exterior: A soft, gorgeous color.
Similar Colors
- Sherwin Williams Marine
- Benjamin Moore Del Mar Blue
- Behr Green Meets Blue
- Sherwin Williams Halcyon Green
- Benjamin Moore Azores
- Behr Mermaid Net
- Sherwin Williams Drizzle
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Calico
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Coordinating Colors
As a soft, muted color, Calico pairs well with many other earth-toned colors, including blues and greens, as well as warm neutrals such as soft whites, off-whites, creams, tans, beiges, browns, and blacks.
It also pairs well pinks and yellows.
Dark blues:
- Seaworthy
- Rainstorm
- Moscow Midnight
- Gale Force
- Loyal Blue
Warm off-whites:
- Antique White
- Navajo White
- Muslin
- Classical White
- Polar Bear
Mid to dark browns:
- Fallen Leaves
- Cowboy Boots
- Shaker Peg
- Thatch Brown
- Umber
Trim Colors
With its earthy blue-green appearance, Calico looks great paired with soft whites for trim.
Calico Paint Color Palette
Want to use this paint color in your home? Instantly upgrade your home's aesthetic with our exclusive paint color palette. Unlock the perfect trim color and six stunning accent colors, a combination of neutrals and bold hues for an instantly harmonious space!
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Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Calico
FAQs
Here are some common frequently asked questions about Calico.
Is Sherwin Williams Calico warm or cool?
Sherwin Williams Calico is a cool, muted blue green. It feels soft and calming, almost like a peaceful coastal color.
I love how it adds color without taking over a room. It is a great choice when you want something gentle and earthy.
What color is Sherwin Williams Calico?
Calico is a blue paint color with green and a touch of beige mixed in. In bright, sunny rooms, it looks more blue green. In darker spaces, it leans more blue.
It shifts just enough to keep things interesting, which is why I always suggest testing it in your own lighting before deciding.
What is the difference between Sherwin Williams Calico and Benjamin Moore Del Mar Blue?
These two colors look very close, especially if you like soft blue greens. Both have a muted, peaceful feel.
Calico is a little darker with an LRV of 34, while Benjamin Moore Del Mar Blue sits at 37. That tiny difference can matter, depending on how much light your room gets.
Since they are so close, it really helps to swatch them side by side and see which one feels better to you.
What colors go with Sherwin Williams Calico?
Calico is easy to pair because it sits in that soft, earthy zone. It works well with warm neutrals, other blues, or deeper greens.
If you want ideas, try testing it next to Seaworthy for a deep blue contrast, Antique White for softness, Fallen Leaves for a warm brown, or Alabaster for a clean white trim. Seeing them together makes the choice much easier.
Is Sherwin Williams Calico a good exterior color?
Yes, Calico can look beautiful outside. It gives a home a calm, coastal feel without being too bright or bold.
Just remember that sunlight will make it look more blue green, while a shaded lot will make it look more blue. If painting your whole exterior feels too big, it also works nicely on a front door or shutters.
Swatching outside is very important since natural light changes everything.
What is the difference between Sherwin Williams Calico and Marine?
Calico leans more blue, while Marine leans more green and a bit more neutral. Marine is slightly lighter with an LRV of 36, while Calico sits at 34.
Calico has a little more color, and Marine feels more muted. Both are beautiful, so it really comes down to the mood you want.
If you are stuck choosing, I always recommend swatching both in your space. The right one will stand out once you see them in your lighting.
Before you go...
So, you've found the perfect paint color, but here's the thing - there's another big decision you have to make: picking the right paint sheen. Seriously, the level of glossiness can totally change how your color looks on the walls and how long the paint lasts!
Check out our complete guide to understanding paint sheens.
Still unsure which paint color is right for your space?
Choosing paint doesn’t have to be stressful! My free Paint Color Planning Quick Start Guide walks you through the exact steps to confidently choose the perfect color — without the overwhelm, second-guessing, or endless swatch testing.
👉 Click here to download the free guide!
DIYing Your Paint Job? Start Here.
Choosing a paint color is only half the equation — the tools you use matter just as much. I’ve rounded up the painting supplies we rely on for clean lines, smooth finishes, and less frustration overall.
My Paint Color Formula course walks you through the painless process of expertly testing paint swatches to ensure you have the perfect color for your home.
The best way to sample paint? Samplize!
Get peel-and-stick removable and reusable paint samples here!
Thanks for reading!
Meg Hemmelgarn is a freelance writer and home decor + DIY blogger who loves to talk about paint colors. She and her husband are currently renovating their third fixer upper. You can see their projects on her blog, Green With Decor.
