Looking for the perfect slate blue paint color for your home? Let’s talk about Sherwin Williams Stardew and if it might be right for your home!
There’s just something about blue. It’s calming, easy on the eyes, and always feels fresh. But when you lean into slate blue or blue-gray? That’s when it gets really good.
I’ve found these muted blues are perfect when you want a little color without going bold. They’re soft, soothing, and kind of walk that line between neutral and colorful.
If you’re stuck between choosing a beige or a bolder shade, slate blue is a great in-between.
Let's talk about Stardew today, a gorgeous shade of slate blue.

Stardew, Sherwin Williams, SW 9138
Stardew is a soft slate blue with a sophisticated feel. It’s got a laid-back energy that makes a space feel instantly calmer.
One of the reasons I keep recommending it is how it balances warm and cool tone, so it doesn’t lean icy or overly gray.
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Stardew
Color Family
Stardew is in the blue family.
Light Reflectance Value
43
Light Reflective Value is the measurement of how much light a color bounces around. This is on a scale of 0 to 100 with 0 being pure black and 100 being pure white.
With an LRV of 43, Stardew is a mid-toned paint color, striking a nice balance between light and dark.
RGB Colors
R: 166 G: 178 B: 181
RGB describes the amount of each color - red, green, and blue - present in a color. This is on a scale of 0 to 255 for each color. This is basically the color mix to make the color!
Hex Code
#A6B2B5

Undertones
Stardew has slate gray undertones and a very subtle green undertone. It balances warm and cool undertones very well.
- In south-facing rooms with natural light, Stardew tends to read warmer and more blue, and you might notice that green undertone peeking through.
- In north-facing rooms or darker spaces, it leans cooler, and you’ll see more of the blue-gray side come forward.
It's very important to swatch colors on your wall 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
Stardew Gray is a versatile gem! It works beautifully as both a neutral base and an accent color.
Imagine it on an accent wall, paired with white walls – stunning!
It’s also perfect for:
- Cozy bedrooms
- Inviting bathrooms
- Chic kitchen or bathroom cabinetry
- Stylish furniture pieces
- Eye-catching doors
Similar Colors
If you like Stardew but want to explore other options, here are a few to check out:
- Sherwin Williams Breezy
- Benjamin Moore Nimbus Gray
- Behr Porch Ceiling
- Sherwin Williams Dockside Blue
- Benjamin Moore Santorini Blue
- Behr Bay View
- Sherwin Williams Morning Fog
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Stardew
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Coordinating Colors
Stardew is a versatile color that balances warm and cool pretty well, which means its pairs well with many colors!
I love to pair Stardew with gentle reds, crisp whites, warm light neutrals (beiges, tans, off-whites), and blue or green pastels.
Gentle reds:
- Coral Clay
- Coral Rose
- Coral Island
- Coral Dust
- Resounding Rose
Warm, light neutrals:
- Patience
- Maison Blanche
- Natural Linen
- Canvas Tan
- Only Natural
Blue pastels:
- Mountain Air
- Topsail
- Snowdrop
- Sky High
- Rainsong
Trim Colors
Stardew looks great paired with bright, crisp whites for trim.
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Sherwin Williams Extra White
- Behr Ultra Pure White
Stardew color palette
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Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Stardew
FAQS
Here are some common frequently asked questions about Stardew.
What are the undertones of Stardew Sherwin Williams?
Stardew is a slate blue with soft gray undertones and just a hint of green.
It sits right in the middle, warm and cool at the same time, which gives it a calm, balanced look in most spaces.
What's the difference: SW Upward vs Stardew?
Both are beautiful blues, but they feel a little different.
Stardew leans slate blue with subtle gray and green undertones.
Upward, on the other hand, is more of a denim blue with gray undertones and no green.
It also reads noticeably lighter and brighter, thanks to its higher LRV of 57 (Stardew is 43).
If you’re unsure, swatch both side by side. Stardew is more muted, while Upward is a touch more vibrant.
What color trim goes with SW Stardew?
As a slate blue, SW Stardew pairs well with crisp, bright whites for trim. This provides nice contrast! Try SW Extra White, BM Simply White or Behr Ultra Pure White.
Is SW Stardew blue or gray?
It’s definitely more blue than gray, but the gray undertones help tone it down.
In sunny rooms, Stardew looks a little warmer and more blue. In low-light rooms, like those facing north, it shifts cooler and can lean toward blue-gray.
What color is lighter than Sherwin Williams Stardew?
If you love Stardew but want something a bit softer or brighter, try Niebla Azul or Lullaby.
Both have that same gentle slate blue vibe but with a higher LRV, so they’ll reflect more light and feel lighter on your walls.
What is the LRV of Stardew paint?
Stardew has a Light Reflectance Value of 43, which puts it in the mid-tone category. That means it strikes a nice balance, not too dark, not too light.
Just right if you want a little depth without making your space feel heavy.
What's the difference: SW Stardew vs Jubilee?
These two are very similar, but there are a few key differences.
Stardew is a slate blue with soft gray and green undertones. Jubilee is more of a slate gray-blue, so it leans a bit more neutral and slightly cooler.
Jubilee is also a touch lighter, with an LRV of 45 compared to Stardew’s 43. Both are lovely, but if you want a little more color, Stardew is the way to go.
What color is Stardew by Sherwin Williams?
Stardew is a slate blue with gray undertones. It balances warm and cool tones.
What's the difference: SW Stardew vs Silvermist?
Both are soft, muted blues, but they lean in different directions.
Stardew is a slate blue with gray and a bit of green. Silvermist is cooler overall, with stronger green and slate gray undertones.
If you’re looking for something a little more blue and cozy, go with Stardew.
If you want more of a soft, misty green-blue, Silvermist is worth a look. Stardew is also a bit darker (LRV 43 vs. Silvermist’s 47).
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?
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👉 Click here to download the free guide!

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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.