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Looking for a deep, greenish-blue paint color? Then you’re in the right place! Sherwin Williams Rainstorm (SW6230) is a gorgeous color that I would consider as an accent color, cabinetry, or even as an exterior paint color.
If you’re considering using Rainstorm in your own home, let me share everything I know about it. We’ll cover undertones, LRV, coordinating colors, and everything in-between.
Ready? Me, too! Let’s dive in.
What is the LRV of Rainstorm?
Sherwin Williams Rainstorm has a LRV of 6, making it a VERY dark color indeed. You’ll definitely want to use this one in a well-lit room.
Never heard of LRV? It stands for Light Reflectance Value, and it measures the percentage of light a paint color reflects.
LRV runs on a scale from 0% – 100%, 50% being the mid-value paint color. The higher the LRV is, the more light that color will reflect back into the room.
Keep in mind, though: LRV is simply a guideline. It can certainly help you predict how light or dark any given color will make the room feel; however, it’s not a set standard.
Pro Designer Tip: Most companies print the LRV on the back of their paint chips, in case you ever want to know the LRV of any particular color.
What Color is Sherwin Williams Rainstorm?
You might be wondering: Is Rainstorm blue or green? According to Sherwin Williams, Rainstorm is “a serene, dark blue.” It noticeably has some green in it, though, which gives off a warmer teal-ish vibe.
Is Rainstorm a Warm or Cool Paint Color?
Sherwin Williams Rainstorm is generally classified as a cool paint color. However, it leans a little warmer than a more traditional blue due to its greenish undertone.
What are the Undertones of Rainstorm?
My initial impression of Rainstorm is that of a teal paint color, and this is because the green undertone really pops out to me. But this deep greenish-blue hue does have a slate gray undertone, as well.
This really helps to mute the paint color, making it a “cool and confident neutral” – in the words of Sherwin Williams.
Sherwin Williams Rainstorm Vs. Seaworthy
In a side-by-side comparison, Rainstorm and Seaworthy appear to be very similar paint colors. However, Rainstorm is darker and more vibrant, while Seaworthy is more muted with its grayer undertone.
When it comes to deciding which is the better choice for your home, it really comes down to your lighting (and your personal preference, of course). Be sure to try a sample of both Rainstorm and Seaworthy to determine which better fits your needs.
Sherwin Williams Rainstorm Coordinating Colors
Wondering what Sherwin Williams colors coordinate with Rainstorm? Check out the below list for some ideas.
- SW7015 Repose Gray
- SW6027 Cordovan
- SW9173 Shiitake
- SW6223 Still Water
- SW6228 Refuge
- SW6222 Riverway
- SW6237 Dark Night
- SW6122 Camelback
- SW6227 Meditative
You can use coordinating colors on areas like adjacent walls, trim, and painted furniture.
Sherwin Williams Rainstorm Exterior
Can you use Sherwin Williams Rainstorm on the exterior of your home? Absolutely! Rainstorm would make a bold statement, helping it to stand out, especially when paired with white trim paint.
Sherwin Williams Rainstorm Cabinets
SW Rainstorm would also make a bold statement on the kitchen cabinets! In fact, I’m seriously considering painting my kitchen cabinets in Rainstorm (or something similar).
Because it’s so intense, be sure to carefully coordinate the rest of your kitchen colors; you’ll want to mainly stick with neutrals like white and gray so you don’t have everything fighting for your attention.
Best Trim Color to Use With Rainstorm
I would suggest going with a white for your trim color – maybe Pure White or Alabaster. Pure White is cooler and more crisp, while Alabaster has a warm, creamy undertone.
Order a sample of Pure White
Order a sample of Alabaster
Benjamin Moore Equivalent
If you’re wondering which Benjamin Moore paint colors are similar to Sherwin Williams Rainstorm, here are a couple for consideration:
2057-10 River Blue (order a sample)
2055-10 Teal (order a sample)
How to Sample SW Rainstorm in Your Home
Before you officially decide on Rainstorm, you’ll want to test it out in your home.
When it comes to testing paint colors, you have a couple different options. Either grab a sample pot from your favorite paint retailer, along with some foam brushes/rollers, OR order some peel-and-stick samples.
Once you have your samples, try out each color to see how they look and make your decision from there.
Quick note on peel-and-stick swatches:
Samplize makes color-correct 12″x12″ samples using real paint from Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, PPG, and Farrow&Ball. They’re inexpensive AND they arrive at your doorstep in 1-3 days.
Use code FIRSTFIVE for a discount on your first Samplize order!
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve covered everything I know about SW6230 Rainstorm by Sherwin Williams, how are you feeling about choosing it for your own home? Is it the right greenish-blue for you, or are you leaning in another direction now that you know more about it?
Read More:
10 Productivity-Boosting Sherwin Williams Paint Colors