Sherwin-Williams Malted Milk (SW 6057): A Complete Paint Color Review
Choosing the right paint color can change your space, but with limitless options, it’s tough to decide.
Malted Milk by Sherwin-Williams is a warm, versatile neutral that’s become a favorite among homeowners and designers alike.
This blog covers everything you need to know about Malted Milk, from its undertones and characteristics to practical tips and color comparisons, helping you decide if it’s the perfect fit for your walls.
What Color is Malted Milk by Sherwin-Williams?
Malted Milk by Sherwin-Williams (SW 6057) is a warm, creamy beige with soft brown undertones. It sits right in the middle ground between tan and beige, creating a cozy, neutral backdrop that feels inviting without being too bold.
The color has a warm, milky quality to it, hence the name. Think of the pale caramel color of malted milk candy or a latte with extra cream.
It’s not stark white, not quite brown, but a comfortable in-between that leans slightly warm.
In different lighting conditions, Malted Milk shifts subtly. In natural daylight, it appears lighter and more beige.
In artificial light or dimmer spaces, the brown undertones become more noticeable, giving it a richer, cozier feel.
Technical Details
Understanding the technical specifications of Malted Milk helps you make informed decisions about using this color in your space.
Here’s a breakdown of the key details:
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Color Name | Malted Milk |
| Color Code | SW 6057 |
| Brand | Sherwin-Williams |
| Color Family | Beige/Tan |
| LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | 62 |
| Hex Value | #DECABD |
| RGB | 222 / 202 / 189 |
These specifications make Malted Milk a versatile choice that works well in various lighting conditions and pairs easily with other colors in your home.
Overall Characteristics of Sherwin-Williams Malted Milk
Malted Milk stands out as a well-balanced neutral that brings both warmth and versatility to your home. Understanding its key characteristics helps you decide if it’s the right fit for your space.
- Warm and Inviting Tone: Malted Milk brings warmth and comfort to any space with its creamy, neutral nature that makes rooms feel instantly welcoming and lived-in.
- Soft, Muted Beige: The color reads as a soft beige that never feels cold or sterile, thanks to its warm brown undertones that add personality and depth.
- Balanced Light Reflectance: With an LRV of 62, it strikes a perfect balance, light enough to brighten a space but substantial enough to give rooms depth without overwhelming them.
- Versatile Neutral: Malted Milk works as a flexible backdrop that pairs beautifully with warm colors like soft golds and terracottas, as well as cooler tones like blues and grays.
- Prevents Flatness: The warm undertones keep the color from looking flat or boring on walls, giving it dimension and visual interest in any lighting condition.
Interior and Exterior Use of Malted Milk
Malted Milk works beautifully both inside and outside your home, adapting to different spaces with ease.
Here’s how this versatile neutral performs in various applications.
Interior Use
It adapts beautifully to different interior spaces, bringing warmth and versatility throughout your home.
1. Living Rooms and Bedrooms
Malted Milk creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes living rooms and bedrooms feel cozy without being dark.
It works especially well behind sofas and beds, giving you a flexible backdrop that pairs with both neutral and colorful decor as your style changes.
2. Kitchens and Dining Areas
This creamy beige brings warmth to gathering spaces and works with both light and dark cabinetry, perfect for open-concept layouts.
It softens the look of stainless steel appliances and complements granite or quartz countertops.
In dining rooms, it creates an intimate feel for evening meals while staying bright enough for daytime.
3. Bathrooms
In bathrooms, Malted Milk adds a spa-like quality that works well with white fixtures. The warm undertones make small bathrooms feel cozy without being cramped.
It pairs nicely with chrome, brass, or brushed nickel fixtures and looks great with white subway tiles or natural stone.
4. Hallways and Entryways
The color shines in hallways and entryways with good natural light, looking soft and airy while making a welcoming first impression.
It helps narrow hallways feel more spacious and creates a great backdrop for family photos or artwork.
Lighting Considerations
- Malted Milk works best in rooms with moderate to good lighting.
- Dimly lit spaces will bring out the brown undertones more, making the color feel cozier but darker.
- North-facing rooms tend to show cooler tones.
- South-facing spaces highlight the warm beige quality.
Exterior Use
Malted Milk brings a beautiful look to home exteriors, working well as a main house color or trim accent.
The warm undertones prevent it from looking washed out in bright sunlight, maintaining its creamy appearance throughout the day.
This color pairs naturally with brick, stone, and wood elements, complementing both traditional and modern architectural styles.
It holds up well through different weather conditions and doesn’t show dirt as quickly as lighter neutrals, making it practical for high-traffic areas.
As a trim color, it offers a softer alternative to stark white while still providing enough contrast against darker siding or brick to define your home’s features clearly.
Comparison: Malted Milk vs Similar Sherwin-Williams Shades
Malted Milk shares similarities with other popular Sherwin-Williams neutrals, but each has distinct characteristics.
Here’s how it compares to help you choose the right shade for your project.
| Color Name | SW Code | LRV | Undertones | Key Differences from Malted Milk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malted Milk | SW 6057 | 62 | Warm brown | Base comparison – true beige with brown warmth |
| Accessible Beige | SW 7036 | 58 | Gray-beige | Slightly warmer with more gray influence, less pure beige |
| Kilim Beige | SW 6106 | 57 | Yellow-brown | Lighter, brighter, and bolder with stronger yellow warmth |
| Nomadic Desert | SW 6107 | 46 | Peachy-pink brown | Very similar but has subtle peachy-pink undertones |
| Balanced Beige | SW 7037 | 46 | Gray-beige | Cooler and more contemporary with less warmth |
| Loggia | SW 7506 | 48 | Taupe-brown | Darker with more gray-brown, reads as deeper taupe |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Malted Milk if you want a true warm beige without gray or pink influence.
- Opt for Accessible Beige or Balanced Beige if you prefer cooler, more contemporary neutrals.
- Pick Kilim Beige when you need brighter, bolder warmth.
- Select Nomadic Desert if you like malted milk but don’t mind a hint of peachy undertones.
- Go with Loggia when you want more depth and a darker taupe feel.
Designer Tips for SW Malted Milk
Getting the most out of Malted Milk requires thoughtful planning and smart pairing choices. Here are expert tips to help you use this versatile neutral effectively in your space.
- Test Before Committing: Sample on your walls at different times of day. Brown undertones show more in dim lighting.
- Pair with Warm Whites: Use Alabaster or Pure White for trim. Avoid cool whites that make Malted Milk look dingy.
- Layer with Texture: Add linen, jute, woven baskets, and natural wood to create depth against this neutral backdrop.
- Use Warm Lighting: Install warm bulbs (2700K-3000K). Cool daylight bulbs wash out the warmth.
- Match Your Flooring: Works best with medium to dark wood floors. May read darker with very light flooring.
Common Misconceptions About Malted Milk
1. “Malted milk is just a beige color.”
Malted Milk is not a true beige. It’s a reddish neutral with soft pink and brown undertones, which gives it more warmth and depth than standard beige shades.
2. “It always looks pink.”
Malted Milk does not consistently read pink. In bright or warm light, it often appears creamy and neutral, while in cooler or low-light spaces, the subtle red undertones can become more noticeable.
3. “It works the same in every room.”
Lighting, room orientation, and surrounding finishes greatly affect how Malted Milk appears. North-facing rooms and cool décor can make it look rosier than expected.
4. “You don’t need to sample it.”
Because of its nuanced undertones, Malted Milk should always be tested in the actual space. Skipping samples is the most common reason homeowners are surprised by the final result.
Conclusion
Malted Milk by Sherwin-Williams proves that the right neutral makes all the difference. This warm, creamy beige brings comfort and versatility to any space without feeling bland or boring.
With its balanced LRV of 62 and warm brown undertones, Malted Milk creates inviting atmospheres that work beautifully in both interiors and exteriors.
It pairs effortlessly with various colors, textures, and design styles, making it a reliable choice for any room.
Ready to change your space? Grab a sample, test it on your walls at different times of day, and see how this versatile neutral can create the cozy, welcoming home you’ve been dreaming of.
