Looking for the perfect light blue paint color for your home? I’ve got you covered with Sherwin Williams North Star. Let’s see if it’s the right choice for you!
Light blues are amazing. They can transform your space into something airy and serene.
Blues are also super versatile. You can go dark and moody or keep it light and fresh. Endless options!
I love how calming and relaxing blues can feel. Plus, they add a lovely pop of color without being too bold.
Did you know that blues are one of the most popular paint colors? It's easy to see why!
Blues blend seamlessly with a variety of decor styles. Whether you’re into modern, traditional, or something in between, blue works beautifully.
So I've chosen one of the most popular blue shades, North Star by Sherwin Williams, to do a deep dive. Keep reading to learn more about how this fabulous shade of blue will fit your home!
North Star, Sherwin Williams, SW 6246
Sherwin Williams North Star is a light, airy blue with slate gray undertones. This peaceful, serene color can lean more blue or more gray, depending on the lighting.
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of North Star
Color Family
North Star is in the blue family.
Light Reflectance Value
62
The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) tells us how much light a color reflects. It’s on a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 being pure black and 100 being pure white.
North Star has an LRV of 62, making it a light blue that feels airy but still has enough saturation to stand out.
RGB Colors
R: 202 G: 208 B: 210
RGB values show the mix of red, green, and blue in a color. Each color is on a scale of 0 to 255. These values combine to create North Star's unique shade.
Hex Code
#CAD0D2
Undertones
North Star has strong slate-gray undertones.
North Star is a bit of a chameleon color in that it can switch between looking quite blue and quite gray.
In south-facing rooms with lots of natural light, North Star often leans lighter and a bit bluer or blue-gray.
In north-facing rooms that lack natural light, North Star often leans darker and grayer.
That’s why it’s super important to swatch colors on your wall. You want 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 like to use a blue color such as North Star for:
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Home exterior
- Interior doors
- Cabinets
- Furniture
Similar Colors
- Benjamin Moore Early Frost
- Behr Absolute Zero
- Sherwin Williams Misty
- Benjamin Moore Silver Lining
- Benjamin Moore Sweet Innocence
- Sherwin Williams Mild Blue
- Sherwin Williams Gray Screen
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of North Star
Coordinating Colors
North Star pairs beautifully with other neutrals, such as blue-gray, gray, soft white, cream, and tan. It also looks great with navy or blush pink.
Medium to dark blue-grays:
- Cadet
- Foggy Day
- Storm Cloud
- Granite Peak
- Let it Rain
Soft whites:
- Alabaster
- Cotton
- Greek Villa
- Ivory Lace
- Shell White
Dark blues / navys:
- In the Navy
- Naval
- Anchors Aweigh
- Charcoal Blue
- Salty Dog
Trim Colors
North Star pairs well with soft white trim colors, creating a clean and crisp contrast.
You can also consider using off-white or light gray trim for a softer, more blended look.
- Sherwin Williams Alabaster
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Behr Cameo White
North Star 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!
Get your perfect paint color palette by clicking here!
FAQs
Here are some common frequently asked questions about North Star.
Are SW North Star and BM North Star the same color?
No, they’re not. SW North Star is an airy blue with slate gray undertones, while BM North Star is a neutral with a yellow undertone.
Is SW North Star blue or gray?
SW North Star is a light, airy blue with a slate gray undertone. Depending on your room's lighting, it can lean blue, blue-gray, or even gray.
Is SW North Star cool or warm?
SW North Star is a cool blue paint color with slate gray undertones.
Does SW North Star look good in a bathroom?
Yes, SW North Star is a fantastic choice for a bathroom. It gives off a cool, serene, and calming vibe, perfect for creating a spa-like feel!
Just keep in mind that if your bathroom has little to no natural light, North Star will likely appear more gray.
If your bathroom has lots of natural light, North Star will look lighter and a bit bluer.
Remember, swatching colors in your space before committing is always a good idea!
What's the difference: SW North Star vs Misty?
SW North Star and Misty are similar cool blue paint colors, both with slate gray undertones.
However, North Star leans a bit bluer, while Misty leans a bit grayer. Even though both are cool, North Star feels slightly warmer than Misty.
Misty is a touch lighter with an LRV of 64, compared to North Star's LRV of 62.
I always recommend swatching colors in your space before deciding. It really helps to see them in your lighting!
What's the difference: SW North Star vs Upward?
SW North Star and Upward are both blue paint colors with gray undertones. But they do have their differences.
North Star is grayer and lighter with an LRV of 62, while Upward is bluer and darker with an LRV of 57.
Make sure to swatch colors in your space before making your final decision. It’s the best way to see how they’ll truly look in your home!
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!
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.
