On the hunt for the perfect slate green paint color? Let me introduce you to Sherwin Williams Oyster Bay and see if it’s the right fit for your home.
Paint colors that veer into green-gray-blue territory without clearly being one color are super popular right now!
They’re versatile – leaning neutral with a subtle touch of color. They aren’t too stark but can still provide a nice backdrop for a room’s decor.
Calming, soothing, peaceful – all the words that come to mind when I think about these paint colors.
That’s why I’m choosing one, Sherwin Williams Oyster Bay, to do a thorough paint color review.
This beautiful shade strikes a balance between being neutral and adding a bit of character to any space.
If you love Sea Salt by Sherwin WIlliams, you may just love this color as well!
Oyster Bay, Sherwin Williams, SW 6206
Oyster Bay is a green paint color with slate-blue undertones that almost makes it feel neutral.
I love how it’s just two shades darker on the color strip than the popular Sea Salt. If you’ve ever wanted a richer version of Sea Salt, Oyster Bay might be just what you’re looking for.
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Oyster Bay
Color Family
Oyster Bay belongs to the green family.
Light Reflectance Value
44
The LRV tells you how much light a color reflects. On a scale from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white), Oyster Bay sits at 44.
Oyster Bay is a mid-tone green, meaning it won’t wash out in bright light, but it’s not too dark either.
RGB Colors
R: 174 G: 179 B: 169
RGB shows how much of each color—red, green, and blue—is in a paint color. Each color is measured on a scale from 0 to 255.
This specific mix of red, green, and blue creates the shade of Oyster Bay.
Hex Code
#AEB3A9
Undertones
Oyster Bay has slate blue undertones that give it a crisp and fresh look. There’s also a touch of gray in the mix, which helps keep it from looking too bold or overly green.
In rooms with lots of natural light, especially those south-facing rooms, you’ll notice Oyster Bay leaning warmer and showing more of its green side.
On the other hand, in north-facing rooms or spaces with less natural light, the color tends to shift cooler, bringing out more of its slate blue and gray tones.
It’s always a good idea to swatch the color in your space before committing, as lighting can change the way Oyster Bay appears on your walls.
Best uses
Oyster Bay may be bolder than a true neutral, but it still works as a whole house paint color.
Green is a great option to help a room feel calm and relaxing. If you have a space where you like to unwind, Oyster Bay could be the perfect color!
Here are some of the best uses for Oyster Bay:
- Cozy bedrooms
- Inviting bathrooms
- Productive home offices
- Chic kitchen or bathroom cabinetry
- Stylish furniture pieces
- Eye-catching doors
And don’t forget, it also makes a fantastic exterior paint to give your home a fresh, modern look.
Similar Colors
- Benjamin Moore Sea Haze
- Behr Verdigris
- Sherwin Williams Magnetic Gray
- Sherwin Williams Silvermist
- Benjamin Moore Pearl
- Sherwin Williams Forever Green
- Behr Keystone Gray
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Oyster Bay
Coordinating Colors
Oyster Bay pairs beautifully with both cool and warm tones.
It works well with shades of green, blue, violet, gray, beige, soft white, and brown.
Medium tan-looking neutrals:
- Praire Grass
- Stone Lion
- Perfect Khaki
- Avenue Tan
- Woolen Mittens
Warm whites:
- Greek Villa
- Alabaster
- Ivory Lace
- Westhighland White
- Cotton
Whites with green undertones:
- Reserved White
- Spare White
- Fleur de Sel
- Moderne White
- Nuance
Trim Colors
For trim, soft or creamy whites complement Oyster Bay perfectly. #
They add a subtle contrast that enhances the color without overpowering it, for a clean and polished look.
- Sherwin Williams Alabaster
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Behr Cameo White
Oyster Bay 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!
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Oyster Bay
FAQS
Here are some common frequently asked questions about Oyster Bay.
Is SW Oyster Bay good for cabinets?
Sherwin Williams Oyster Bay is an excellent choice for cabinets! It’s nearly neutral but adds just enough subtle color to make your cabinets stand out.
Keep in mind, in rooms with lots of natural light, especially those facing south, you’ll notice the green in Oyster Bay becoming more prominent.
In north-facing rooms, it may lean more gray or neutral.
Be sure to swatch it first in your space to see how the light affects the color on your cabinets.
What is the Benjamin Moore equivalent to Oyster Bay?
There isn’t an exact match, but Benjamin Moore Sea Haze is very similar to Sherwin Williams Oyster Bay.
Sea Haze is slightly lighter, with an LRV of 45 compared to Oyster Bay’s 44.
Sea Haze is a gray with soft green undertones, while Oyster Bay is a green with slate blue and gray undertones. This makes Sea Haze a touch more gray, and Oyster Bay a bit more green.
If you’re torn between these two, I suggest swatching both in your space before deciding.
What color trim goes with Oyster Bay?
Soft, creamy whites or off-whites are perfect for trimming with Oyster Bay. They add a nice contrast without stealing the spotlight.
Some great options are Sherwin Williams Alabaster, Benjamin Moore White Dove, and Behr Cameo White.
Again, I’d recommend swatching the colors together to see how they play off each other in your room’s lighting.
What is the difference between SW Acacia Haze and Oyster Bay?
Acacia Haze is noticeably darker, with an LRV of 32, compared to Oyster Bay’s LRV of 44.
Both are green paint colors with slate blue and gray undertones, but Acacia Haze has a bit more blue in it. Oyster Bay, on the other hand, leans more neutral.
To get the best sense of how these colors will look in your space, I’d suggest swatching both on your walls.
What is the difference between SW Oyster Bay and Evergreen Fog?
Evergreen Fog is darker than Oyster Bay, with an LRV of 30 compared to 44.
Both colors combine green, gray, and blue, but Evergreen Fog is greener and warmer, while Oyster Bay is more neutral and cooler.
Always remember to test the colors in your space, as lighting can greatly influence how these shades appear.
Is SW Oyster Bay green or blue?
Sherwin Williams Oyster Bay is primarily a green paint color with slate blue and gray undertones.
In rooms with lots of natural light, especially those facing south, it will lean more green.
In north-facing rooms or spaces without much natural light, you’ll see more of the slate blue and gray.
It’s always best to swatch the color in your space to see how it looks in your unique lighting.
What are the undertones of Oyster Bay?
Oyster Bay has slate blue undertones, with a hint of gray that keeps it from being too bold or overly green.
Depending on your room’s lighting, it can shift slightly warmer or cooler, so it’s a good idea to test it out first.
What color is similar to Oyster Bay?
There are no exact matches, but here are a few colors that are similar to Sherwin Williams Oyster Bay:
- Benjamin Moore Sea Haze
- Behr Verdigris
- Sherwin Williams Magnetic Gray
- Sherwin Williams Silvermist
- Benjamin Moore Pearl
- Sherwin Williams Forever Green
- Behr Keystone Gray
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 not sure what paint color to choose?
My Paint Color Formula ebook 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.