What Is Sherwin Williams Upward?
Sherwin Williams Upward (SW 6239) is a gentle, airy shade of blue with a calm and contemporary feel. It has a soothing quality that evokes open skies and clear horizons, making it an ideal choice for creating serene spaces. Unlike bolder blues, Upward strikes the perfect balance between color and neutrality—enough presence to be interesting but soft enough to serve as a backdrop for other design elements.
This hue is part of Sherwin Williams’ extensive collection of timeless shades and has been featured as a color of the year for its ability to uplift interiors while remaining incredibly versatile.
The Emotional Impact of Upward
Color psychology plays a significant role in why Sherwin Williams Upward resonates with so many people. Blue shades are known to promote calmness, relaxation, and mental clarity. Upward embodies these qualities without feeling cold or distant. Its subtle warmth makes it welcoming while still retaining the clean, crisp traits of blue.
This emotional balance makes it perfect for spaces where you want to unwind—like bedrooms, bathrooms, or living rooms—but also energizes workspaces with a sense of quiet focus. It’s a color that gently lifts the mood without overwhelming the senses.
Understanding the Undertones of Sherwin Williams Upward
What makes Upward unique is its subtle undertone structure. It leans toward a true blue but has very faint gray undertones, which give it that sophisticated softness. These undertones prevent it from feeling overly bright or childish, which can sometimes happen with lighter blues.
Depending on lighting, Upward may shift slightly in appearance. In natural daylight, it appears as a fresh, clear sky blue. Under warm artificial light, its gray base comes forward slightly, giving it a cozy touch. This chameleon-like behavior allows it to adapt beautifully across different rooms and times of day.
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) and Why It Matters
Sherwin Williams Upward has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 57, which places it in the mid-light range. LRV indicates how much light a color reflects: the higher the number, the more reflective and bright it will appear.
An LRV of 57 means Upward reflects a decent amount of light, helping spaces feel open and airy without washing out. It’s bright enough to energize a room but soft enough to be comfortable on the eyes, which is ideal for both small and large spaces.
Where to Use Sherwin Williams Upward in Your Home
One of the biggest advantages of Upward is its versatility. It fits seamlessly into various rooms and styles.
- Bedrooms: Its calming nature makes it perfect for a restful atmosphere, encouraging better sleep and relaxation.
- Living Rooms: Creates a serene, welcoming vibe that pairs well with both traditional and modern furniture.
- Bathrooms: Evokes a spa-like feel with a clean, refreshing energy.
- Kitchens: Adds a hint of color while maintaining a crisp and clean appearance alongside white cabinets or natural wood.
- Home Offices: Inspires focus and tranquility without the harshness of stronger hues.
Because it’s not overly bold, you can comfortably use it on all four walls or as an accent color without overwhelming the space.
Pairing Sherwin Williams Upward with Coordinating Colors
Choosing complementary shades can help you highlight Upward’s beauty. Its subtle gray undertones make it easy to coordinate with a range of colors.
- Whites and Creams: Crisp whites make Upward feel fresh and airy, while warm creams add a soft, cozy balance.
- Warm Neutrals: Beiges, tans, and light taupes ground the color, preventing it from feeling too cool.
- Deep Blues and Navy: Using darker blues as accents creates depth and adds visual interest while staying within the same color family.
- Natural Wood Tones: Warm wood furniture or flooring brings contrast and organic warmth, making Upward pop without clashing.
- Soft Grays: Pairing with light gray tones creates a cohesive, monochromatic palette for a clean and modern look.
These combinations work well in furniture, textiles, trim, or even decorative accents, making it easy to design around Upward.
Finishes and Textures That Enhance Upward
The finish you choose can subtly influence how Upward appears.
- Matte or Eggshell Finishes: Soften the appearance, ideal for bedrooms or living spaces where you want a more relaxed vibe.
- Satin or Semi-Gloss Finishes: Reflect more light and make colors appear slightly brighter, which is great for kitchens, bathrooms, or trim.
- Textured Elements: Natural fabrics, woven rugs, and warm metallics like brass or gold can add depth and prevent the room from feeling too flat.
Mixing textures with Upward creates a layered and visually appealing environment without detracting from its calm personality.
Styling Tips to Maximize the Impact of Upward
Because Upward is subtle, you can enhance it with thoughtful styling. Keep these tips in mind:
- Layer with Neutrals: Use whites, off-whites, and soft grays in furniture and textiles to keep the space cohesive.
- Add Warm Accents: Introduce warmth with brass fixtures, wooden furniture, or tan leather pieces to balance its cool undertone.
- Use Nature-Inspired Decor: Plants, woven baskets, and linen fabrics complement the airy, organic mood of the color.
- Incorporate Pattern: Subtle geometric or floral patterns in curtains or pillows can add visual interest while keeping the vibe soft.
These details ensure the color enhances your design rather than fading into the background.
How Sherwin Williams Upward Compares to Similar Colors
If you’re considering Upward, you might also look at similar shades to understand its uniqueness. Compared to other light blues, Upward feels slightly warmer and less icy than something like Sherwin Williams Icelandic. It’s also softer and less saturated than Windy Blue, which gives it broader versatility.
These subtle differences make Upward easier to live with long-term, as it doesn’t overwhelm or tire the eyes—a key reason it’s favored by designers and homeowners alike.
Why Sherwin Williams Upward Is a Timeless Choice
Trendy colors often come and go, but Upward offers lasting appeal thanks to its adaptability. It works across a wide range of design styles—coastal, modern, traditional, Scandinavian, farmhouse—and fits well with both contemporary and classic decor.
Because it’s rooted in nature-inspired tones, it rarely looks dated. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or doing a full home makeover, Upward provides a clean yet cozy base that can evolve with your style over time.
Maintenance and Longevity of Upward Walls
Light blue shades like Upward are surprisingly easy to maintain. Its soft tone tends to hide dust and smudges better than pure white while still reflecting light. Using a high-quality, washable paint finish ensures that the color stays crisp with regular cleaning.
Routine dusting and occasional wiping with a damp cloth keep it looking new. Because of its subtle undertones, even minor wear or small imperfections are less noticeable than on darker or bolder walls.
Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Space with Sherwin Williams Upward
Sherwin Williams Upward offers a rare combination of serenity, sophistication, and versatility. Its airy blue tone refreshes spaces while creating an inviting and peaceful mood. With its subtle gray undertones, balanced LRV, and broad styling potential, it’s a color that enhances any room without overpowering it.
Whether you use it throughout your home or as an accent, Upward can transform your environment into a calming retreat. It’s a timeless, tranquil hue that elevates your space—proving that sometimes, the softest colors make the strongest impact.
