Looking for the perfect neutral paint color for your home? Let's talk about Sherwin Williams White Sesame and see if it might be a good fit for you.
There are so many creamy, warm neutrals out there, and I know how overwhelming that can feel. These shades are popular for a reason though. They make a home feel welcoming and comfortable, while still giving you that clean, neutral backdrop that works with almost any decor style.
The tricky part is undertones. Warm neutrals can lean beige, gray, or even slightly orange. Those small differences really matter once the color is on your walls.
So let's break down one popular warm neutral and see how it behaves in real homes. This is everything you need to know about Sherwin Williams White Sesame.
White Sesame, Sherwin Williams, SW 9586
White Sesame is a warm neutral. It's a touch darker than an off-white, in fact it's almost taupe. It's still light and bright enough to create an inviting in your home.
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of White Sesame
Color Family
White Sesame is in the neutral family.
Light Reflectance Value
71
Light Reflectance Value tells you how much light a paint color reflects. The scale runs from 0, which is pure black, to 100, which is pure white.
With an LRV of 71, White Sesame is a light to mid-toned paint color.
It's dark enough to avoid being washed out in bright (south-facing) spaces, yet it's light enough to be used in darker (north-facing) rooms without appearing too dark.
RGB Colors
R: 227 G: 219 B: 205
RGB values show how much red, green, and blue make up the color. This mix helps explain why White Sesame feels warm and balanced instead of stark.
Hex Code
#E3DBCD
Undertones
White Sesame has beige and subtle gray undertones, which give it a really balanced look. I've also noticed a slight warm orange note that shows up in certain lighting.
In south-facing rooms with lots of natural light, White Sesame will appear warmer, lighter, and creamier.
In north-facing rooms that lack natural light, it reads a bit more neutral and slightly deeper. Even then, it never feels too dark or gloomy.
That's why it's a good idea to swatch these colors in your space before you make you final purchase.
Click here to get removable peel & stick paint samples to easily swatch with!
Best Uses
White Sesame is light, warm, and easy to live with. I also like that it hides everyday scuffs better than a true white.
Here are some of my favorite places to use White Sesame:
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Interior doors
- Cabinets
- Furniture
White Sesame also makes a great whole house paint color, or a color for your home's exterior.
Similar Colors
- Sherwin Williams Pacer White
- Benjamin Moore Iconic Column
- Behr Oyster
- Sherwin Williams Neutral Ground
- Benjamin Moore Sonnet
- Behr Predictable
- Sherwin Williams White Duck
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of White Sesame
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Coordinating Colors
Because White Sesame is light and warm, it pairs easily with many other colors. I like it with classic neutrals like beiges, grays, browns, and even black for contrast.
It also looks great with slate blues, muted greens, rust tones, soft pinks, and deeper reds if you want more personality.
Neutral gray-blues:
Mid-toned beiges:
- Studio Beige
- Balanced Beige
- Renwick Beige
- Loggia
- Diverse Beige
Slate / stone warm grays:
- Settlement
- Carriage Stone
- Anonymous
- Solitary Slate
- Foothills
Trim Colors
White Sesame looks best with crisp, bright white trim. The contrast helps keep the walls looking clean and intentional instead of muddy.
My favorite bright whites to pair with it are:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Sherwin Williams Extra White
- Behr Ultra Pure White
White Sesame Paint Color Palette
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Click here to get a peel and stick sample of White Sesame
FAQs
Here are some common frequently asked questions about White Sesame.
What undertones does Sherwin Williams White Sesame have?
White Sesame has beige undertones with a soft touch of gray. That helps keep it feeling balanced instead of muddy. I also notice a hint of warm orange sneaking through, especially in certain lighting.
What's the difference: SW Natural Choice vs White Sesame?
Both are warm neutrals; however, Natural Choice, with an LRV of 73, is slightly lighter than White Sesame, which has an LRV of 71.
Natural Choice is considered a warm off-white, and White Sesame is considered a warm neutral.
Natural Choice leans more yellow / muted, and White Sesame leans more orange / saturated.
When I'm stuck between two colors, I always use color swatch stickers and move them around the room before deciding.
What trim color for Sherwin Williams White Sesame?
Sherwin Williams White Sesame pairs well with bright whites for trim, giving a nice contrast between the warm walls and the crisp trim.
Try BM Simply White, SW Extra White, or Behr Ultra Pure White.
What's the difference: SW White Sesame vs Alabaster?
While White Sesame and Alabaster are both warm neutrals veering toward off-white, there are some key differences between the two.
White Sesame is noticeably darker, with an LRV of 71, compared to Alabaster, which has an LRV of 83.
Generally, anything with an LRV from 72-82 is considered off-white, with anything higher than 82 being true white. This means White Sesame is just darker than off-white and Alabaster is a very light off-white, almost white.
White Sesame leans more orange / saturated, and Alabaster is more yellow / muted.
What colors are similar to Sherwin Williams White Sesame?
There are many gorgeous options out there for a warm neutral.
If you're looking for other paint colors similar to Sherwin Williams White Sesame, try Pacer White, Neutral Ground, White Duck, Iconic Column, Sonnet, Behr Oyster, or Behr Predictable.
Your favorite will depend on your personal decor style and the lighting in your space. Swatch a few and see which fits your style best!
Is Sherwin Williams White Sesame warm or cool?
Sherwin Williams White Sesame is a warm neutral paint color, just a touch darker than an off-white.
What's the difference: SW White Sesame vs Greek Villa?
White Sesame is noticeably darker, with an LRV of 71, compared to Greek Villa, which has an LRV of 84.
Generally, anything with an LRV from 72-82 is considered off-white, with anything higher than 82 being true white. This means White Sesame is just darker than off-white and Greek Villa is just lighter than off-white.
White Sesame is more orange / muted, and Greek Villa is more yellow / saturated.
Swatching both colors will help you see the difference and decide which one suits your style best.
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!
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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.
