Sherwin Williams Limestone: Complete Color Review

In search of a deep gray paint color that feels rich but still neutral? Let's talk about Sherwin Williams Limestone and whether it could work in your home.

Deep, dark neutrals are a great option if you're seeking a neutral, blank slate but want a little drama.

Deep shades like this add mood, but they don't scream for attention. If you want cozy and elegant at the same time, this is the kind of color I'd look at first.

Paint colors that combine grays and browns, such as Sherwin Williams Limestone, are a great choice if you're looking for a dark, versatile neutral. Let's get into the details on this one!

Limestone, Sherwin Williams, SW 9599

Limestone is a deep gray with strong brown undertones. It gives this neutral paint color a grounding, dramatic feel.

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Limestone

Color Family

Limestone is in the neutral family.

Light Reflectance Value

13

Light Reflectance Value tells you how much light a paint color reflects on a scale of 0 to 100. Zero is pure black. One hundred is pure white.

With an LRV of 13, Limestone is a very dark gray. It will look pretty dark in rooms without much lighting and brighter in rooms with brighter lighting.

RGB Colors

R: 106 G: 101 B: 92

RGB simply shows the mix of red, green, and blue that creates the color. Each number runs from 0 to 255. This helps explain why Limestone feels warm. There's enough red in the mix to keep it from looking cold or flat.

Hex Code

#6A655C

Undertones

Limestone is a dark gray with a strong brown undertone. Sometimes there is even a subtle hint of bronze or red.

In south-facing rooms with plenty of natural light, Limestone will look warmer and more brown.

In north-facing rooms that lack natural light, it often reads more neutral gray.

Best Uses

I like using deep, moody colors like Limestone to add a bit of depth and coziness to a space. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

• Walls of a room you want to feel cozier such as a bedroom, living room, or den (you can even paint the trim and moldings for a more sophisticated feel)
• Creating a focal point, such as a fireplace
• Built-ins
• Kitchen cabinets
• Interior or exterior doors
• Shutters
• Accent wall
• Furniture

Similar Colors

If you like Limestone but want to compare a few options, here are some similar shades:

• Sherwin Williams Porpoise
• Benjamin Moore Deep Creek
• Behr Chinchilla
• Sherwin Williams Braintree
• Benjamin Moore Bear Creek
• Behr Burnished Pewter
• Sherwin Williams Storm Warning

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Limestone

Coordinating Colors

Because Limestone is a dark neutral, it plays well with so many shades.

If you like a warm look, try warm neutrals like tans, grays, greiges, and browns. It also goes well with cool neutrals, such as crisp whites and grays.

Want more color? I've seen it look beautiful with deep blues, rich greens, muted yellows, and even dusty pinks or reds. The brown undertone helps tie everything together.

Limestone is part of the 2026 color palette as one of nine colors that work well with Universal Khaki, the 2026 Color of the Year.

The other coordinating colors are White Snow, Cream and Sugar, Lemon Chiffon, Henna Shade, Dark Auburn, Limestone, Garden Gate, and Watery.

Mid-tone tans:

• Universal Khaki
• Portico
• Khaki Shade
• Sleepy Owlet
• Outerbanks

Light to medium grays:

• Skipping Rocks
• Guild Gray
• Lattice
• Silverpointe
• On The Rocks

Mid-toned blue-greens:

• Watery
• Waterscape
• Hazel
• Aquaverde
• Tidewater

Trim Colors

For trim, I would go with a bright, crisp white. The contrast makes Limestone feel intentional and polished. It keeps the room from feeling too heavy and gives your eye a clean break.

Bright white trim colors:

• Benjamin Moore Simply White
• Sherwin Williams Extra White
• Behr Ultra Pure White

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Limestone

FAQs

Here are some common frequently asked questions about Limestone.

Is Sherwin Williams Limestone warm or cool?

Sherwin Williams Limestone is a warm, dark gray. It has brown undertones that give it a cozy, grounded feel instead of a cold charcoal look.

What color paint is SW Limestone?

Limestone is a deep gray with strong brown undertones.

In bright rooms, it looks warmer and you'll notice more of that brown coming through. In darker spaces, it can read more neutral and slightly grayer.

Does SW Limestone go with Universal Khaki?

Yes, it does. Sherwin Williams Limestone pairs beautifully with Universal Khaki.

Limestone is in the 2026 color palette as one of nine coordinating colors designed to work with the Sherwin Williams 2026 Color of the Year, Universal Khaki.

The deep neutral next to that warm tan feels balanced and timeless. I always suggest swatching them as a pair so you can really see how well they work together.

What undertones does SW Limestone have?

Sherwin Williams Limestone is a dark gray with strong brown undertones.

It can also have a subtle hint of bronze or red undertone as well.

What's the difference: SW Limestone vs Porpoise?

Both Limestone and Porpoise have an LRV of 13, meaning neither is lighter or darker than the other. Both are dark!

Limestone leans more yellow / more gray, and Porpoise leans more brown / more orange.

Limestone is also a bit more muted / softer, whereas Porpoise is more saturated.

When I'm torn between two dark colors like this, I swatch them side by side and live with them for a few days. Seeing them in your own light makes the decision much easier.

What's the difference: SW Limestone vs Storm Warning?

With an LRV of 13, Limestone is very slightly darker than Storm Warning, which has an LRV of 14. Both are dark grays, and the difference in color depth can be hard to spot.

Storm Warning is more yellow / muted and Limestone is more orange / saturated.

Thanks for reading!