Sherwin Williams Mexican Sand: Complete Color Review

Looking for a warm, cozy paint color? Discover why Sherwin Williams Mexican Sand is the perfect soft taupe for any room in your home.

Lately, I’ve been loving warm, cozy neutrals. Taupes, tans, beiges, soft browns… they’re everywhere, and for good reason.

These shades feel polished and dramatic, but they’re also inviting, like a warm hug when you walk into a room.

I find that taupes like Mexican Sand work beautifully as a statement — think a front door, built-in shelves, or a charming powder room.

But you can easily use it on a bigger scale too. A full living room painted in a soft taupe? So timeless and calming.

I’ve used similar colors in a few of my own projects, and every time, they make the space feel cozy but still grown-up.

There’s a lot you can do with a shade like this.

So, let’s get into it! Here’s everything you need to know about the warm and welcoming vibe of Sherwin Williams Mexican Sand.

Mexican Sand, Sherwin Williams, SW 7519

Mexican Sand is a warm, versatile taupe that’s perfect when you want to cozy up your space without making it feel heavy.

Sherwin Williams even featured Mexican Sand in their 2025 Colormix Forecast. It’s one of the 48 colors they’re calling the "ones to watch.

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Mexican Sand

Color Family

Mexican Sand belongs to the orange color family.

Light Reflectance Value

33

If you’re not familiar, Light Reflectance Value (or LRV) tells you how much light a paint color reflects. It’s measured from 0 to 100, with 0 being absolute black and 100 being pure white.

With an LRV of 33, Mexican Sand falls right in the medium range. It’ll hold its own without making a room feel too dark or too washed out.

RGB Colors

R: 175 G: 151 B: 129

RGB is just a fancy way of describing how much red, green, and blue make up a color, on a scale from 0 to 255.

If you ever mix digital colors or pick shades online, this is super handy to know.

Hex Code

#AF9781

Undertones

Mexican Sand is a taupe color with a soft orange undertone.

In a south-facing room with lots of sunlight, you’ll notice the warm, cozy taupe really comes through.

In a north-facing room with cooler light, it might lean a little more neutral, maybe even a hint of gray at times.

From my own experience, lighting can change everything. That’s why I always, always recommend swatching colors on your walls first.

Check it in the morning, afternoon, and evening. You’ll be amazed how much it shifts.

Click here to grab peel-and-stick samples — they make testing way easier (and no mess)!

Best Uses

Pure Earth is so incredibly versatile!

Want to create a cozy focal point? Use Mexican Sand for an accent wall to add a bit of warmth and depth.

It’s also perfect for:

• Doors
• Shutters
• Built-ins
• Bedrooms
• Bathrooms
• Living rooms

Similar Colors

• Sherwin Williams Song Thrush
• Benjamin Moore Beach House Beige
• Behr Mocha Tan
• Sherwin Williams Dormer Brown
• Benjamin Moore Dark Buff
• Behr Roasted Hazelnut
• Sherwin Williams Craftsman Brown

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Mexican Sand

Coordinating Colors

Mexican Sand pairs wonderfully with warm colors: browns, tans, greiges, grays, soft oranges, golden yellows, and corals.

Mexican Sand also looks great with bright whites with warm undertones.

Mid-toned, soft oranges:

• Subdued Sienna
• Persimmon
• Fame Orange
• Chrysanthemum
• Chivalry Copper

Bright whites with warm undertones:

• Downy
• White Flour
• Marshmallow
• Biscuit
• Pure White

Warm neutrals:

• Grounded
• Sealskin
• Shiitake
• Pure White
• Studio Clay

Trim Colors

If you’re wondering what trim color works best with Mexican Sand, I’ve got some great ideas.

This warm taupe really shines when you pair it with a bright white trim, especially a white that has a little warmth to it, like Sherwin-Williams Pure White.

That soft, clean contrast makes the walls feel cozy but fresh, without anything feeling too stark.

Here are a few bright white trim colors that would look beautiful next to Mexican Sand:

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

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Mexican Sand

FAQs

Here are some common frequently asked questions about Mexican Sand.

What color is Mexican Sand paint?

Sherwin Williams Mexican Sand is a warm taupe with soft orange undertones. It feels cozy, earthy, and just a little bit rich without being heavy.

Is Mexican Sand paint yellow or beige?

Neither, actually! Sherwin Williams Mexican Sand is a warm taupe with orange undertones.

It will appear a bit warmer and more taupe in south-facing rooms, and it may lean cooler (while still being warm) in north-facing rooms that lack natural light.

What color trim goes with Mexican Sand Paint?

Sherwin Williams Mexican Sand paint pairs well with bright whites for trim. One of my go-to choices is Sherwin Williams Pure White — it’s clean but has just enough warmth to match the vibe.

You could also go with a more traditional bright white, such as SW Extra White, BM Simply White, or Behr Ultra Pure White.

Is Sherwin Williams Mexican Sand a warm or cool color?

Mexican Sand is definitely a warm color. It brings a soft, inviting warmth that makes a room feel calm and grounded.

What's the difference: SW Mexican Sand vs Accessible Beige?

First, Accessible Beige is much lighter. It has an LRV of 58, compared to Mexican Sand’s LRV of 33.

Both are neutral and earthy, but their undertones are different.

• Accessible Beige leans beige with gray undertones (more muted).
• Mexican Sand is a taupe with orange undertones (a little deeper and richer).

If you want a whole-house color that feels subtle and airy, Accessible Beige is a great pick.

But if you’re after a color with a bit more presence — perfect for an accent wall, a cozy living room, or a bathroom — Mexican Sand is a gorgeous choice.

Honestly, it’s worth swatching both. Seeing them side-by-side in your own space will make the decision so much easier!

Discover Sherwin Williams Mexican Sand, a warm taupe with cozy undertones. See if this versatile paint color is right for your home.

What is the hex code for Mexican Sand paint?

The hex code for Mexican Sand paint is #AF9781. This is super handy if you’re trying to match it for any digital project.

Thanks for reading!