Sherwin Williams Upward: Color Review and Design Guide

Upward (SW 6239) is a light, cool blue-gray from Sherwin-Williams and was the brand's 2024 Color of the Year. Sherwin-Williams calls it "a tranquil and uplifting blue-gray." Its soft, muted tone makes it easy to use without overwhelming a room.

It works well in bedrooms, kitchens, offices and living areas, and can be used on exteriors in an exterior-rated paint. Its mix of coolness and softness makes it a flexible choice for a fresh, calm look.

Key Takeaways

• Upward is a soft, versatile blue with gray undertones
• Sherwin-Williams' 2024 Color of the Year
• It works well in interiors and, in an exterior paint, outdoors
• It pairs easily with a range of coordinating colors

What Makes Sherwin Williams Upward Stand Out?

1. Gentle and Refined Blue Shades

Sherwin Williams Upward SW 6239 is a soft blue that feels calm and approachable. Unlike brighter, more saturated blues, it has a muted quality that is easy on the eyes and avoids looking playful or juvenile.

Its gray influence, which Sherwin-Williams describes as "a hint of silver lining," adds depth. That balance lets it work in both casual and formal rooms, especially spaces meant for relaxation.

Feature	Effect in a Room
Light blue base	Creates a calm backdrop
Gray undertone	Prevents the color from looking too bright
Soft finish	Adds comfort and approachability

2. Flexible Use Across Styles

Upward adapts well to different design approaches. In coastal interiors, it pairs naturally with white trim, sandy neutrals, and weathered wood, giving off a breezy and relaxed look. In more modern or farmhouse-inspired spaces, it supports bolder accents like black fixtures or rustic beams without clashing.

It can serve as a main wall color or work in smaller doses, such as on cabinetry, furniture or an accent wall. Sherwin-Williams shows it used "as an accent or all over" in coastal and Nordic-style rooms.

Examples of where Upward SW 6239 works well:

• Coastal living rooms with light wood and woven textures
• Farmhouse kitchens with black hardware and natural beams
• Minimalist lofts with metal finishes and concrete flooring

3. Cool Undertones That Balance Warm Materials

Upward is a cool color. Sherwin-Williams presents it as a cool, icy blue that counterbalances warm palettes, and it suggests keeping that "crisp edge" rather than trying to warm it up.

Like any paint color, it shifts with the light. Warm morning or evening light softens it, while cool daylight makes it look more blue-gray. It pairs well with wood tones, marble and metal finishes, which add warmth around it.

Key qualities of Upward SW 6239:

• Shifts with natural light
• Cool color that pairs with warm finishes
• Muted enough to stay calm, not bright

Where Can You Use Sherwin Williams Upward?

1. Ideal for Bedrooms and Bathrooms

This shade works well in personal spaces where comfort matters most. In bedrooms, it creates a calm and airy setting that feels restful at any time of day. Bathrooms benefit from its soft tone, especially when paired with white tile, chrome, or brushed nickel finishes.

A simple pairing example:

Element	Works Well With Upward
Flooring	Light wood or white tile
Fixtures	Chrome, nickel, or matte black
Accents	White linens, pale gray towels

Its gentle tone suits rooms meant for rest.

2. Suitable for Living Spaces and Shared Rooms

Upward adapts well to larger areas where people gather. In open layouts, it gives walls a balanced look that feels both welcoming and spacious. The color blends smoothly between connected rooms, avoiding sharp contrasts.

It also acts as a neutral backdrop for artwork, bookshelves, and furniture. This makes it useful for those who want their decor to stand out without the wall color competing for attention.

Consider these pairings:

• Artwork frames: black, oak, or white
• Furniture fabrics: beige, navy, or soft gray
• Lighting: warm white bulbs to soften the tone

3. Great Choice for Exteriors and Entryways

On the outside of a home, this color is subtle but distinctive. It complements white trim, gray siding or natural stone. A front door in this shade adds a welcoming touch without looking too bold.

Strong sunlight makes light colors look paler outdoors, so test a large swatch on the house before committing. Many homeowners also paint a sample board and check it at different times of day.

Exterior Element	Works With Upward
Trim	White or cream
Siding	Gray, taupe, or stone
Door Hardware	Black or brass

Coordinating Colors with Sherwin Williams Upward

1. Pairing with Subtle Neutrals

Upward works especially well with soft neutrals that balance its airy tone. Pure White (SW 7005) creates a crisp contrast, giving spaces a clean and polished look. This pairing highlights Upward’s light quality while keeping the room bright.

Another option is Agreeable Gray (SW 7029), a warm greige. It adds a grounded layer without making the palette feel heavy, and its warmth balances Upward's cool tone. Sherwin-Williams also pairs Upward with Snowbound (SW 7004) in its Color of the Year photos.

Neutral Shade	Effect with Upward
Pure White	Fresh, bright, clean contrast
Agreeable Gray	Soft grounding, adds warmth

2. Adding Strong Contrast

For those who want more impact, darker shades bring striking contrast to Upward. Naval (SW 6244), Sherwin-Williams' 2020 Color of the Year, introduces depth and richness, especially on built-ins or accent furniture. The combination feels natural yet bold, similar to the meeting of sky and sea.

Tricorn Black (SW 6258) provides a sleek, modern edge. It works well on trim, window frames, or hardware, where small details stand out against Upward walls. The sharp lines of black against soft blue-gray create a balanced and contemporary style.

• Use Naval for cabinets or shelving.
• Apply Tricorn Black on fixtures or framing.
• Let Upward cover main walls for contrast.

3. Blending with Gentle Tones

Soft colors close in tone to Upward create a smooth, calming flow. Sea Salt (SW 6204) introduces a light coastal feel with a hint of green. Rainwashed (SW 6211) adds a more noticeable green undertone, keeping the palette fresh and organic.

Using these shades together with Upward allows each room to connect while still offering variation. The result feels cohesive without being repetitive.

Soft Shade	Mood Created
Sea Salt	Coastal, airy, relaxed
Rainwashed	Fresh, natural, organic

Comparisons with Related Shades

1. What Makes Upward Different from Other Blues

Upward stands apart from many familiar blues because it balances clarity with softness. While Misty (SW 6232) often feels closer to a gray tone with only a light touch of blue, Upward shows a stronger blue presence without losing refinement.

Placed side by side, Upward looks more clearly blue. Benjamin Moore describes Horizon (OC-53) as a pale gray with subtle blue undertones and lists it in its Off White Collection, so it reads much lighter. Choose Upward when you want visible color, and Horizon when you want a near-neutral.

A quick comparison can help highlight the differences:

Color Name	Tone Description	Effect in a Room
Upward (SW 6239)	Cool, muted blue-gray	Calm, adaptable
Misty (SW 6232)	Gray with a light blue tint	Calm, understated
Horizon (OC-53)	Very light, soft gray	Airy, near-neutral

Upward sits in the middle: more color than a gray, but softer than a true blue.

2. Picking the Best Blue for Your Room

Lighting plays the biggest role when choosing between these shades. North-facing rooms get cool, indirect light that makes blues look grayer and cooler. South-facing rooms get warmer light that softens Upward and makes it look brighter.

For rooms with little daylight, testing samples on the wall is helpful. Observing the color in morning, afternoon, and evening light shows how much it changes.

Room function also matters:

• Relaxing spaces (bedrooms, reading areas) often benefit from Upward’s calm yet lively tone.
• Formal spaces (dining rooms, offices) may suit Horizon better if you want a quieter, near-neutral look.
• Balanced spaces (living rooms, multipurpose areas) often work well with Upward since it bridges gray and blue effectively.

Upward can look soft and airy in bright daylight and deeper in lower light. That range lets one color work for several moods in the same space.

Closing Thoughts

The shade Upward (SW 6239) by Sherwin Williams presents a calm mix of blue and gray that works well in many settings. Its gentle tone makes it suitable for both small and large spaces, offering a look that feels steady without being dull. Many find it appealing because it blends easily with different design styles.

This color pairs well with a wide range of options:

• Neutrals for a clean and simple style
• Bold accents to create contrast
• Natural textures like wood or stone for warmth

Such flexibility allows it to serve as either a main wall color or a supporting backdrop. It can brighten living areas, add softness to bedrooms, or bring a fresh look to exterior walls.

Its balance of color and calm explains why Sherwin-Williams chose it as a Color of the Year, and why it remains a practical choice for stylish, comfortable rooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Shade Too Blue for Use Across an Entire Home?

This color works well as a whole-house option because it feels soft and balanced. It has enough depth to add interest, but does not overwhelm when used in many rooms. Different lighting in each space can make it look slightly varied, which helps avoid a flat or repetitive look.

Tip:

• Use it in both open layouts and private rooms to create a consistent flow.
• Pair with neutral trim for a clean, unified style.

Will This Color Make a Small Room Appear Darker?

Upward is a light color, so it reflects a good share of light and rarely makes a small room feel heavy. In a dim, north-facing room it will look grayer, so add lamps or ceiling lights and test a sample first.

Lighting Suggestions:

• Natural light: Keeps the tone fresh and airy.
• Warm bulbs: Adds coziness without losing brightness.
• Cool bulbs: Maintains a crisp and modern feel.

Does This Shade Match Well with Warm Wood Finishes?

This color blends smoothly with warm woods like oak, walnut or maple. The contrast between the cool paint with the warmth of the wood feels natural and grounded.

Examples of Pairings:

Wood Type	Effect with Color
Light Oak	Soft and relaxed
Dark Walnut	Rich and striking
Maple	Warm yet balanced

Can This Color Be Used on Exterior Surfaces?

Yes, if you order it in an exterior-grade paint. On siding it adds curb appeal without feeling too bold. Direct sunlight makes it look lighter, so test a large swatch outside first.

Exterior Uses:

• Works nicely with white trim for contrast.
• Complements stone or brick details.
• Suitable for both contemporary and traditional homes.

How Does This Shade Compare with Other Gray-Blue Options?

Compared to other gray-blues, Upward shows more blue while staying muted. It is still a cool color, so pair it with warm woods or neutrals if you want a cozier feel. It was Sherwin-Williams' 2024 Color of the Year.

Comparison Table:

Color Name	Tone	Key Difference
Misty	Grayer	Less blue, more understated
Horizon	Near-neutral gray	Much lighter
Upward	Cool blue-gray	Balanced and adaptable

Sources

• Trending Upward: Our 2024 Color of the Year, Sherwin-Williams
• Horizon OC-53, Benjamin Moore
• Color of the Year Archive, Sherwin-Williams