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Mushroom paint colors are the secret to creating cozy, elevated spaces without committing to beige or gray. I first discovered these warm, earthy hues when choosing a cabinet color that wouldn’t clash with my friend’s granite countertops—and I’ve been hooked ever since.

These earthy hues are the perfect middle ground: cozy but elevated, neutral but far from boring. In this post, I’m sharing my favorite mushroom paint colors from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore — including how they behave in real rooms, what they pair best with, and which ones I’ve personally used (and loved).

Benjamin Moore Stone Hearth doors

1. Sherwin Williams Mushroom (SW 9587)

This is the paint color that put mushroom tones on the map. Sherwin Williams Mushroom has an LRV of 57 and sits right in that perfect middle ground — not too light, not too dark. I tested this in a family room with both north- and south-facing windows, and it played beautifully with the shifting natural light.

A house with it's exterior painted in Sherwin Williams Mushroom

It reads like a soft, cozy taupe in the evening and has a fresh, warm-gray quality during the day. If you want a true mushroom that works on walls, cabinets, or exteriors, this is a top contender.

Use it for: kitchen islands, mudrooms, or a cozy bedroom accent wall

2. Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036)

Accessible Beige has been a fan favorite for years — and for good reason. It has an LRV of 58 and is technically more beige than gray, but it still carries that subtle mushroomy softness. I used this in a friend’s sunroom where we needed a warm tone that wouldn’t clash with creamy trim, and it worked beautifully.

It does shift depending on the light — it can lean warm in low-light rooms, but still feels grounded and fresh in bright spaces.

Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige painted on kitchen cabinets.

Pairs beautifully with: creamy whites (like Alabaster), warm brass, and soft blues

RELATED: Read my full SW Accessible Beige paint color review.

3. Sherwin Williams Loggia (SW 7506)

Loggia is one of those colors that always surprises people — in the best way. With an LRV of 48, it has a bit more depth, and leans just earthy enough to feel grounded without feeling dark. It’s one of the best choices for homes with warmer wood tones or dated granite countertops — it pulls everything together without overwhelming.

I tested it on a wall shared between the kitchen and living room, and it was the glue that brought everything together. A great “main color” if you want that soft, organic, elevated feel throughout your home.

A living room with walls painted in sherwin williams loggia

Try it in: main living areas, entryways, or even exterior siding

4. Sherwin Williams Shiitake (SW 9173)

Shiitake is one of those colors that’s easy to underestimate until you see it on the wall. It has an LRV of 51, placing it squarely in that mid-tone sweet spot. When I tested it in a friend’s den with lower natural light, it instantly warmed up the space without going muddy.

bathroom wainscoting painted with sherwin williams shiitake
SW Shiitake wainscoting

It reads as a cozy mushroom beige that feels layered and interesting. In brighter rooms, it can take on a more taupe-gray look.

Try it in: family rooms, home offices, or cozy basement spaces
Pairs well with: wood tones, soft whites, and sage greens

5. Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige (SW 7037)

Despite the name, Balanced Beige reads more like a true mushroom greige — not too warm, not too cool. With an LRV of 46, it’s slightly deeper than Shiitake and makes for a beautiful backdrop in traditional or transitional homes.

living room painted with sherwin williams balanced beige

I tested it on a stairway wall where the light shifts all day, and it never looked too flat or too bold. It pairs beautifully with crisp white trim and works great with soft blues or muted greens.

Use it for: hallways, bedrooms, and classic millwork
Tip: Also looks stunning as a cabinet color paired with brass hardware

RELATED: My favorite paint colors for kitchen cabinets.

6. Sherwin Williams Keystone Gray (SW 7504)

Keystone Gray is the mushroom paint color for you if you lean toward a slightly moodier look. With an LRV of 29, it’s much darker than most on this list — a great choice for contrast walls, cabinets, or even exteriors.

kitchen island painted in sherwin williams keystone gray

It has more of a cool gray undertone compared to Balanced Beige or Loggia, which gives it a more tailored, polished look. I love this for a kitchen island with white perimeter cabinets to ground the space.

Great for: kitchen cabinetry, bathroom vanities, or exterior doors

RELATED: How to Easily Find Undertones in Paint Colors.

7. Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe (CC-460)

Smokey Taupe is a soft taupe with warm mushroom undertones. With an LRV of 54.5, it sits comfortably in the mid-tone range and works beautifully in both natural and artificial light. It has just enough depth to add character without making a space feel dark or heavy.

entryway painted in benjamin moore smokey taupe

This shade leans slightly warm but never orange, making it a great choice for cozy bedrooms, sophisticated dining rooms, or main living areas with plenty of light. It pairs well with soft blush, matte black, and creamy whites for a modern, elevated palette.

Best for: bedrooms, formal living rooms, or transitional spaces
Pairs with: natural linen, wood accents, black or brass fixtures

8. Benjamin Moore Stone Hearth (CC-490)

Stone Hearth is a medium mushroom paint color with an LRV of 48.5 and subtle green undertones that add depth and a slightly earthy edge. It strikes a beautiful balance between warm and neutral, making it versatile for a variety of applications.

This color is especially striking on interior doors, cabinetry, or built-ins where you want something neutral that still feels intentional. It holds its own in rooms with lots of natural light, but also adds warmth to dimmer spaces without going muddy.

bathroom cabinets painted with benjamin moore stone hearth

Best for: cabinetry, interior doors, accent walls, contrast trim
Pairs with: crisp whites, brass hardware, warm wood tones

9. Benjamin Moore Pashmina (AF-100)

Pashmina is a warm, taupe-y greige with mushroom undertones and an LRV of 44.2. It’s a deeper neutral that works well in both traditional and modern homes and is especially useful when you need a paint color that can bridge the gap between cool and warm finishes.

living room walls painted with benjamin moore pashmina

Its soft, earthy tone makes it a great backdrop for rooms with warmer wood flooring, stone elements, or cream-colored trim. Pashmina works best in rooms with moderate to bright natural light, where its complexity and warmth can really shine.

It’s particularly popular in older homes with lots of warmer wood tones and speckled granite, but it’s equally beautiful in modern spaces.

Ideal for: living rooms, offices, dining rooms
Works with: creamy whites, muted greens, soft blues, and even deeper charcoals.

Mushroom Paint Color Comparison

Paint ColorBrandLRVUndertoneBest For
MushroomSherwin Williams57Warm greigeCabinets, walls, exteriors
Accessible BeigeSherwin Williams58Beige with slight grayLiving rooms, bedrooms, hallways
LoggiaSherwin Williams48Warm mushroom-taupeOpen floor plans, exteriors
ShiitakeSherwin Williams51Soft mushroom beigeFamily rooms, cozy spaces
Balanced BeigeSherwin Williams46Balanced greigeTraditional homes, trim & millwork
Keystone GraySherwin Williams29Cool taupe-grayCabinets, bathrooms, contrast walls
Smokey TaupeBenjamin Moore54.5Taupe with mushroom warmthAccent walls, exteriors
Stone HearthBenjamin Moore48.5Mushroom with green undertonesInterior doors, cabinetry
PashminaBenjamin Moore44.2Greige-taupeOlder homes, modern updates

What’s the Difference Between Mushroom Paint Colors, Greige and Taupe?

Mushroom, greige, and taupe paint colors are all neutral shades, but they have distinct differences:

  1. Mushroom Paint Colors: These are warm, earthy colors that resemble the natural tones of mushrooms. They typically combine elements of beige and grey but lean more towards beige, often with subtle brown, green or taupe undertones. Mushroom colors are known for their organic, natural feel, bringing a sense of calm and warmth to spaces.
  2. Greige Paint Colors: Greige paint colors are a blend of grey and beige. This color can lean more towards grey or more towards beige depending on the specific shade. Greige is known for its versatility and ability to fit into a wide range of decor styles, offering a balance between warm and cool tones.
  3. Taupe Paint Colors: Taupe is a mix of brown and grey. It’s generally darker than both mushroom and greige colors. Taupe can vary significantly in terms of how warm (brown) or cool (grey) it looks. Taupe tends to lean more into a pink/purple undertone. It’s a sophisticated color often used for a chic, neutral look.

None of these terms is an umbrella term for the others; each represents a specific blend of colors within the neutral palette. While they share similarities and can sometimes overlap in certain shades, they are distinct in their base tones and the atmospheres they create in a room. Mushroom colors are more earthy, greige is a balanced neutral, and taupe brings a deeper, often more elegant feel.


JENNA’S TIPS

  • Use one of these mushroom paint colors as a cabinet color. It adds the perfect amount of warmth to a room with white walls.
  • Contrasting trim is a popular design choice right now, and these mushroom paint colors are the perfect choice.
  • Don’t forget to sample colors in your home. Every room has different lighting that will impact how a color looks. What looks good in my home may look totally different in yours.

Do Mushroom Paint Colors Work in Every Room Exposure?

Mushroom paint colors, with their mix of gray and brown tones, can be quite versatile but their appearance can change significantly depending on the lighting conditions and room exposure:

  1. North-Facing Rooms: In rooms facing north, light tends to be cooler and bluer. This can make mushroom colors appear more muted and cooler, emphasizing more of the gray undertones. They may lose some of their warmth in these settings but can still create a cozy feel.
  2. South-Facing Rooms: South-facing rooms receive a lot of warm, natural light throughout the day. This light can bring out the warmth and richness in mushroom colors, making them feel cozier and more vibrant. They work exceptionally well in south-facing rooms, enhancing their earthy qualities.
  3. East-Facing Rooms: East-facing rooms get bright light in the morning and softer light as the day progresses. Mushroom colors can look quite warm and inviting in the morning light, but might appear softer and more subdued in the afternoon.
  4. West-Facing Rooms: In west-facing rooms, the light is cooler in the morning and becomes warmer and more intense by evening. Mushroom colors may appear more neutral or cooler during the day, but will warm up beautifully in the evening light.

RELATED: The Best Sherwin Williams Paint Colors for North Facing Rooms.

Coordinating Colors for a Whole Home Palette Using Mushroom Paint

Mushroom paint colors are incredibly flexible—but pairing them with the right coordinating shades takes your design to the next level. Below is one of my favorite whole-home palettes built around Sherwin Williams Loggia

mushroom whole house color palette
  1. Main Color – Sherwin-Williams Loggia (SW 7506): As your primary color, Loggia’s warm and neutral tone is perfect for main living areas, including the living room, dining room, and entryway.
  2. Neutral Base – Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008): A warm, soft white that works beautifully for trim, ceilings, and even as a main color in some spaces. It pairs seamlessly with Loggia, creating a light and airy feel.
  3. Secondary Neutral – Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray (SW 7029): A lighter greige (gray + beige) that complements Loggia. Ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms, it provides a subtle contrast while maintaining the warm, neutral theme. You can read my full Agreeable Gray paint color review to learn more.
  4. Soft Blue – Benjamin Moore Gentle Gray (1626): This calming blue with gray undertones can be a great choice for bedrooms or bathrooms, offering a soft, refreshing pop of color that complements the earthy tones of Loggia.
  5. Darker Contrast – Sherwin-Williams Naval (SW 6244): This deep navy blue can be used for a dramatic accent in spaces like the dining room, home office, or even on a kitchen island, creating a sophisticated look.
  6. Accent Color – Sherwin-Williams Serious Gray (SW-6256): This rich, deep color can be used for accent walls, doors, or cabinets. It provides a striking contrast to Loggia and bridges the gap between warm and cool tones.
  7. Soft Pink – Sherwin-Williams Intimate White (SW-6322): This calming pink with peachy undertones can be a great choice for nurseries, bedrooms and bathrooms, offering a soft, refreshing pop of color that complements the earthy tones of Loggia.
  8. Dark Accent – Sherwin Williams Iron Ore (SW-7069): This soft black color can be used for accent walls, doors, or cabinets. It provides a striking contrast to Loggia while maintaining warmth and softness. Learn more about it in my Iron Ore paint color review.

This palette combines warm neutrals, soft tones, and deeper accents to create a harmonious flow throughout your home.

The key to success is balancing these colors in a way that each space feels connected to the next, while also allowing each room to have its own personality.

Are mushroom paint colors trendy or a classic color that’s here to stay?

Mushroom paint colors are both trendy and timeless. They’ve become more popular recently, fitting well with modern styles that like natural, warm neutrals. This popularity makes them seem trendy.

Yet, their mix of brown and gray is versatile and warm, making them a sophisticated alternative to standard neutrals. This versatility means they work with many different interior styles and have a classic quality.

While trends in interior design can change, mushroom colors are adaptable and elegant, likely to remain popular for a long time. So, they’re not just a passing trend but a color choice that can endure as styles evolve.

Don’t Forget…

Don’t forget – no matter what you’ve read or photos you’ve seen online, it’s really important to sample paint colors in your home before committing!

Samplize provides real paint samples that are easy to move around your home, and cheaper than buying a gazillion paint pots! It’s the only way I buy paint samples.

Frequently Asked Questions

What undertones do mushroom paint colors have?

Mushroom paint colors usually combine beige, gray, and brown—sometimes with a hint of green or taupe. These undertones give mushroom shades their earthy, organic feel and make them more versatile than true beige or gray.

Are mushroom paint colors warm or cool?

Most mushroom paint colors are warm neutrals, but some can lean slightly cool in certain lighting. The mix of beige and gray helps them adapt to a range of exposures and finishes, making them feel cozy but elevated.

How do mushroom colors compare to greige or taupe?

Greige is more neutral (a mix of gray and beige).
Taupe leans deeper, often with pink/purple undertones.
Mushroom is softer and more earthy—sitting in between.

For a full breakdown, scroll up to the comparison section.

What rooms are best for mushroom paint colors?

Mushroom tones work well in:
– Living rooms
– Kitchens
– Bedrooms
– Bathrooms
– Even on cabinetry and trim

They’re especially great in homes with warmer wood tones, granite countertops, or earthy finishes that might clash with cooler grays.

What white trim color goes with mushroom paint?

Try a soft, warm white like Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) or Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17). These won’t look too stark and will pair beautifully with mushroom color’s subtle warmth.

Final Thoughts

When choosing the best mushroom paint color for your home, consider the overall look you’re going for, how much natural light the room gets, and the finishes you plan to pair it with. These earthy neutrals offer that perfect in-between—less sterile than gray, less yellow than beige, and way more forgiving when paired with warmer wood tones or dated granite countertops.

Whether you’re painting kitchen cabinets, updating your living room walls, or testing a contrasting trim color, mushroom paint colors are a safe, stylish, and timeless choice.

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6 Comments

  1. 1. Sherwin Williams Mushroom – what color is used for the front door?

  2. Would love a graphic of ALL the mushroom colors, like the one you did for the Loggia whole house graphic.

  3. Kim Erdman says:

    I would love to know what shade is used in the first picture with the kitchen cabinets!

    Thanks!

      1. Beautiful post. To my great surprise… I’ve painted Accessible Beige for my cabinets before seeing that beautiful kitchen, thank goodness or I might have had to change the colour 😉 Wondering if you have the source to the pic? I would love to know where I can find the hardware and which finish/colour? I’m finding all the different sheens so difficult to choose.

  4. Cathie Price says:

    Can you tell me the exact colors used on the first house of this article. Is the main color mushroom? How about the trim? I love it!