Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki: Complete Color Review

If you're looking for a great mid-tone tan paint color, Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki might just be the perfect fit for you.

Universal Khaki is a classic, natural-looking tan that feels warm, calm, and grounded. I like it because it adds color without feeling heavy or too bold.

I'm not surprised it was named the 2026 Color of the Year because tans and khakis are really making a comeback.

Sherwin Williams describes it as tailored and timeless, which I think sums it up nicely. It has just the right amount of depth to make a room feel cozy and well put together.

It sits perfectly between warm and neutral, so you can use it in almost any part of your home. You can pair it with other neutrals for a soft, natural vibe, or add bolder colors if you prefer more contrast.

So let’s take a closer look at this beautiful color and discuss how you can use it in your space.

Universal Khaki, Sherwin Williams, SW 6150

Universal Khaki is a classic, mid-tone tan. It adds a comfortable and sophisticated warmth to a room. This color reflects subtle strength and simplicity, and is a great way to bring khaki into your home.

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Universal Khaki

Color Family

Universal Khaki is in the neutral family.

Light Reflectance Value

40

Universal Khaki has an LRV of 40, which tells you how much light the color reflects. The scale goes from 0 for pure black to 100 for pure white.

With an LRV of 40, Universal Khaki is a mid-toned paint color. It looks lighter and softer in sunny, south-facing rooms and a little moodier in darker spaces. It has just enough depth to feel warm without overwhelming the room.

RGB Colors

R: 184 G: 169 B: 146

These numbers simply show how much red, green, and blue are mixed together to create the color. It’s a helpful way to understand why this shade leans warm and earthy.

Hex Code

#B8A992

Undertones

Universal Khaki has a soft yellow undertone with a tiny hint of green. That little touch of green helps keep it from feeling too warm or too golden, which is why it often looks more balanced than other khaki shades.

In bright, sunny rooms, especially south-facing spaces, you’ll see Universal Khaki look a bit warmer and lighter. It feels really cozy in that kind of light.

In darker rooms, like north-facing spaces, it settles into a more neutral look. It appears slightly cooler and a bit deeper, which can make the room feel calm and grounded.

Best Uses

Universal Khaki can be used in so many ways.

To cozy up a space, try it on the walls of your bedroom, living room, or den.

Looking to create a stunning focal point? Universal Khaki on your fireplace can really make it pop.

I also like to use mid-tone colors like Universal Khaki for any of the following:

• Built-ins
• Kitchen cabinets
• Interior or exterior doors
• Home exterior
• Shutters
• Accent wall
• Furniture

Similar Colors

• Sherwin Williams Portico
• Benjamin Moore Rocky Beach
• Behr Safari Chic
• Sherwin Williams Khaki Shade
• Benjamin Moore Wicker Basket
• Behr Open Canyon
• Sherwin Williams Sleepy Owlet

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Universal Khaki

Coordinating Colors

Universal Khaki is one of those easy neutrals that plays nicely with so many other shades. Since it leans warm, it naturally pairs well with soft whites, off-whites, creams, yellows, reds, browns, and even black if you want a little contrast.

It also looks beautiful with earthy, toned-down colors like muted blues, gentle grays, and soft sage greens. Those pairings give you that relaxed, natural feel that’s really popular right now.

You can keep things calm with other neutrals or mix in deeper, bolder colors if you want more drama. Universal Khaki is flexible enough to work with both.

Muted warm tones:

• Cream and Sugar
• Stucco
• Lemon Chiffon
• Henna Shade
• Dark Auburn

Cool earth-tones:

• Garden Gate
• Tarragon
• Mount Etna
• Watery
• Tidewater

Cool blue-grays:

• Mediterranean
• Stargazer
• Labradorite
• Refuge
• Riverway

Trim Colors

Given its warmth, Universal Khaki pairs well with soft, warm whites for trim.

Soft white trim colors:

• Sherwin Williams Alabaster
• Benjamin Moore White Dove
• Behr Cameo White

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Universal Khaki

FAQS

Here are some common frequently asked questions about Universal Khaki.

What is Sherwin Williams' 2026 Color of the Year?

Sherwin Williams has chosen Universal Khaki as its 2026 Color of the Year. This classic mid-tone tan feels warm, grounded, and surprisingly versatile.

It has a slight yellow undertone that adds to its cozy, natural feel. I think it looks both sophisticated and easy to live with, especially if you prefer a warm and welcoming home.

What color is Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki?

Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki is a timeless mid-tone tan that creates a soft and comfortable look. It can change a bit based on the lighting in your room.

In bright spaces, it appears lighter and warmer, while in darker rooms, it feels more muted and moody. That subtle little shift is part of what makes it so flexible.

What is the difference between Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige and Universal Khaki?

Accessible Beige is noticeably lighter, with an LRV of 58. Universal Khaki has a deeper tone with an LRV of 40, so it feels richer and more grounded.

Accessible Beige leans neutral due to its gray undertone, while Universal Khaki has a hint of yellow that makes it warmer. Both are great choices depending on the look you want.

Even though Accessible Beige is very popular and Universal Khaki is a Color of the Year, neither one is automatically perfect. It really depends on your lighting and decor, which is why testing both is the easiest way to find what works.

What are the undertones of Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki?

Universal Khaki has a slight yellow undertone with a touch of green. The green is very subtle but helps keep the color from feeling too warm or too golden.

You’ll notice it looks warmer in bright light and more neutral and deeper in darker spaces. The lighting in your home can have a big impact, so testing the colors is always helpful.

What is the difference between Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki and Natural Tan?

Universal Khaki is much darker, with an LRV of 40, while Natural Tan is lighter at 65. They can look quite different on the wall.

Universal Khaki is warmer due to its yellow undertone. Natural Tan stays more neutral thanks to its soft green-gray undertones.

Your lighting and decor style will play a big part in which one feels right. You should test them side by side to see which one fits your home best.

What is the difference between Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki and Urban Jungle?

These two are right next to each other on the same paint strip, but they have clear differences. Universal Khaki is lighter at LRV 40, while Urban Jungle is deeper at 31.

Universal Khaki has more yellow with a hint of green. Urban Jungle has a stronger mossy undertone and feels more muted overall. They both have that earthy look, just in different strengths.

If you're choosing between them, try painting a sample of each. Seeing them in your actual lighting will make the choice easier.

Is Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki a good whole house color?

Universal Khaki works beautifully in many rooms, but it might be too deep to use as a whole house color in most homes. It can feel heavy in darker hallways or spaces with limited natural light.

If you like the vibe but want something lighter, consider Relaxed Khaki. It is similar but has a higher LRV, helping it stay fresh throughout an entire home.

A quick test will let you see which one fits your space better.

What color trim goes with Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki?

Since Universal Khaki is warm, it pairs best with soft, warm whites for trim. I personally love Sherwin Williams Alabaster, Benjamin Moore White Dove, or Behr Cameo White.

These shades provide a clean look without being too stark.

What colors go with Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki?

Universal Khaki works well with many colors. It looks great with warm whites, creams, yellows, browns, and black for stronger contrast.

It also pairs nicely with earthy cool tones like grays, muted blues, and soft greens.

Sherwin Williams suggests colors like:

• White Snow
• Cream and Sugar
• Lemon Chiffon
• Henna Shade Dark Auburn
• Limestone
• Garden Gate
• Tarragon
• Watery

These are great starting points if you want to create a full palette. Testing these colors together will help you see how they interact in your home.

Is tan paint back in style?

Yes, absolutely. Warm neutrals like tans, beiges, and khakis are very popular again. They feel welcoming and timeless, fitting with modern, traditional, and everything in between.

I love how easy they are to decorate with. You can pair them with wood, metals, color, or simple neutrals. If you’ve been curious about trying one, grab a few samples and test them in your space.

What is the difference between Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki and Natural Linen?

Universal Khaki is deeper and warmer, with an LRV of 40. Natural Linen is much lighter at 66 and has more of a greige undertone, which makes it feel softer and more neutral.

Universal Khaki has that warm yellow tone that gives it richness. Natural Linen feels lighter and more airy. Both are great choices, but they create very different moods.

Thanks for reading!