Reviewing Sherwin Williams First Star (SW 7646)
I recently painted my living room with First Star by Sherwin Williams, and I can’t stop looking at how the color changes throughout the day.
As someone who spent weeks testing different paint samples, I understand the stress of picking the perfect gray.
First Star turned out to be exactly what I wanted – a soft, gentle gray that feels bright without being stark white.
What makes this color special is its balance. In my south-facing room, it looks crisp in the morning and takes on a warmer tone by sunset.
Unlike other light grays I tested, First Star doesn’t lean too blue or too beige. It’s become the perfect backdrop for my furniture and art.
In this guide, I’ll share my real experience with First Star, including how it looks in different lighting, what colors work well with it, and practical tips for using it in your home.
After trying multiple grays, I found that First Star offers something truly special – and I’ll explain exactly why.
Using Sherwin Williams First Star in Different Spaces
First Star in Living Rooms
After I painted my living room with First Star, I noticed something really interesting – the space feels bigger and more open, but still cozy.
In my own living room, which gets morning sun, the walls take on a soft, warm glow early in the day.
By afternoon, the color shifts to a cooler, calming tone that helps me unwind after work.
Tip: First Star works great with both natural and artificial light.
I added some floor lamps in the corners, and the walls reflect the light beautifully without any harsh glare.
First Star in Bedrooms
When I extended First Star into my bedroom, I was amazed by how different it looked compared to my living room.
The north-facing windows give the color a softer, more muted appearance that’s perfect for rest.
I’ve found that my white bedding looks clean and fresh against these walls, while my dark wood furniture stands out nicely.
The morning light creates such a peaceful atmosphere that I’ve actually started enjoying getting up earlier.
Something I learned lately is that the color looks best when paired with soft textures, I added linen curtains and plush pillows that complement the gentle gray perfectly.
First Star in Kitchens and Dining Areas for Bright Taste
My kitchen renovation taught me that First Star is incredibly versatile. Against my white cabinets, it creates just enough contrast to add depth without looking stark.
I love how it changes throughout the day – during breakfast, it has a bright, energizing quality, while at dinner time it takes on a warmer, more intimate feel.
The color holds up really well in high-traffic areas. Even after cooking countless meals (and the occasional splatter), the walls still look fresh.
I paired it with a light gray backsplash, and the combination makes my kitchen feel both modern and welcoming.
Tip: In each room, I made sure to test the paint at different times of the day.
I found that First Star can look slightly different depending on your lighting and the colors of your furniture.
In my home, it’s created a perfect flow from room to room while still giving each space its own character.
Pairing Sherwin Williams First Star with Other Colors
Best Accent Colors to Complement First Star
After living with First Star for several months, I’ve found my favorite color combinations through trial and error. In my living room, I added deep navy blue throw pillows that look stunning against the soft gray walls.
For artwork, I discovered that blush pink and sage green pieces really shine against First Star.
My personal favorite pairing: I brought in some rust-colored accent chairs that create a warm contrast without overwhelming the space. When I have friends over, they often ask about this combination – it just works best.
Combining First Star with Bold or Neutral Tones
I was nervous about mixing stronger colors with First Star, but my experiments turned out great! In my home office, I went bold with a dark teal bookshelf that stands out perfectly against the First Star walls.
For my neutral base, I kept my sofa light gray and added white curtains.
What I learned the hard way? Too many bold colors can compete with First Star’s subtle nature.
I found success by picking one or two strong accent pieces and keeping everything else calm. My black picture frames create clean lines without being too harsh.
Textures and Materials That Work Well with First Star
The magic of First Star really comes alive with different textures. In my space, I mixed smooth leather, chunky knit throws, and natural wood finishes.
The walls provide a perfect backdrop for my brass light fixtures, which seem to glow against the gray. My biggest success is adding a textured jute rug that brings warmth and natural elements to the room.
I also found that velvet pillows look rich and dimensional against First Star – the way light plays off different materials makes the whole room more interesting.
Tip: I keep a collection of paint and fabric swatches in my phone’s photos. When I’m shopping for new pieces, I can quickly check if they’ll work with First Star.
This has saved me from making some costly mistakes! The color is forgiving, but I’ve found that natural materials and varied textures create the most inviting combination in my home.
Benefits of Choosing Sherwin Williams First Star for Your Home
Creating a Bright, Airy Feel in Small or Dark Rooms
I was worried about my narrow hallway feeling cramped, but First Star completely transformed it.
What amazed me? The color made the space feel wider and taller without looking stark white.
In my small home office that barely gets any sunlight, First Star brightened up the whole room. My biggest surprise: The color doesn’t turn dull or muddy even in low light conditions.
I’ve found that it reflects whatever light is available, making even the darkest corners feel more open. When I added mirrors and light-colored curtains, the effect was even better.
Timeless and Versatile, Perfect for Any Room Style
After trying First Star in different rooms with varied furniture styles, I can confirm its adaptability. My mid-century modern living room provides a clean backdrop for my wooden furniture.
When I updated my bedroom with more traditional pieces, the color still worked perfectly.
I discovered that First Star doesn’t compete with any decor style.
I’ve changed my room layouts and decorative pieces several times, and the walls continue to complement everything.
My antique brass lamp looks just as good against it as my modern chrome coffee table.
How First Star Enhances Natural Light and Space Perception?
The way First Star plays with light throughout the day has been fascinating to watch in my home. During morning hours, my east-facing kitchen feels bright and energizing.
By afternoon, the same color takes on a softer quality in my west-facing living room.
My favorite observation: The paint seems to expand the walls rather than define them.
I noticed this most in my dining room – the corners of the room seem to fade gently rather than create harsh lines. After painting, my 8-foot ceilings actually look higher.
A practical insight from living with First Star is that the color changes subtly with the seasons too. In summer, it keeps my rooms feeling cool and fresh.
During winter’s dim light, it maintains brightness without feeling cold or sterile. I’ve found it particularly helpful during our cloudy days, the walls seem to hold onto whatever light is available and spread it around the room.
Sherwin Williams First Star in Various Design Styles
Classic and Traditional Rooms with First-Star
When I first painted my traditional living room with First Star, I was amazed at how well it worked with my heritage pieces.
My grandmother’s mahogany side table looks even more striking now – the soft gray creates the perfect backdrop for its rich wood tones.
I found that First Star brings out the best in my brass picture frames and crystal lamps.
What worked best? The color provides just enough contrast to highlight the detailed trim work around my windows and doors.
My antique Persian rug’s patterns seem more defined against the subtle wall color.
Using First Star in Modern and Minimalist Interiors
After seeing how well First Star worked in my traditional space, I decided to try it in my modern home office. The results were fantastic.
The clean lines of my black desk and white shelving units stand out beautifully.
First Star creates depth without adding visual clutter.
I kept my furniture simple – a sleek desk chair, minimal art pieces, and a geometric rug, and the walls provide just enough interest without overwhelming the minimalist vibe.
The color makes my space feel put together but not cold.
First Star for Coastal, Scandinavian, and Farmhouse Designs
I helped three friends paint their homes with First Star, each with a different style and learned so much. In my beach house rental, First Star pairs perfectly with my light wood furniture and blue accents.
For my Scandinavian-style bedroom, it creates the perfect neutral foundation for my simple white bedding and natural textures.
My most surprising success in my farmhouse kitchen, First Star makes my shiplap walls and wooden beams pop while keeping the space bright and fresh.
Tip: First Star is like a chameleon – it shifts its personality to match your style while maintaining its own subtle character.
I’ve found that changing accessories and textiles is all it takes to make the color work with any design direction.
For example, I switched my living room from coastal to farmhouse style just by changing out pillows and artwork the walls adapted perfectly to both looks.
How to Sample and Test Sherwin Williams First Star in Your Home?
Ordering Sherwin Williams Samples for Accurate Testing
When I started my painting journey, I learned a valuable lesson about sampling First Star. I went to my local Sherwin-Williams store and got both a paper sample and a real paint sample – this made all the difference.
I recommend from my experience to get the actual paint sample, not just the paper swatch. I paid a bit more, but it saved me from making a costly mistake.
The sample size was enough to paint three 2×2 foot squares in different rooms, which gave me a true sense of the color.
Tip: I found out they often have sample sales – I got mine during a 30% off promotion.
Viewing First Star in Different Light Conditions
A game-changing for the first star looks different not just at different times but in different spots in the same room.
I painted sample squares on all four walls of my living room and watched them for three days.
My observation schedule: Early morning (around 7 AM), midday (noon), afternoon (4 PM), and evening with artificial lights.
On my north wall, the color appeared slightly cooler, while the south-facing wall showed warmer undertones. I took photos each time and compared them – it really helped me understand how the color would live in my space.
Using Test Swatches to See How First Star Looks in Your Space
My tested method for sampling First Star: I painted three coats on large white poster boards. Why does this work for me? I could move the boards around to different walls and rooms without making marks everywhere.
I placed them next to my furniture, curtains, and existing decor.
My biggest learning on this was to Paint your sample on a white background – I made the mistake of painting over my old wall color first, and it affected how First Star appeared.
I also found that natural and artificial lighting hit the color differently, so I tested both.
Tip: Don’t rush this process! I almost made a snap decision based on how First Star looked in the morning, but I’m so glad I waited to see it for several days.
I also tested it next to my baseboards, crown molding, and window frames – these elements can really change how the color reads in your space.
When friends ask about choosing First Star, I always tell them to test it in the actual room where it’ll live, not just go by how it looks in the store or online.
Maintaining the Freshness of Sherwin Williams First Star Paint
Easy Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Beauty
Living with First Star for over a year has taught me some valuable maintenance lessons. In my busy household with kids and pets, I’ve developed a simple routine that keeps the walls looking fresh.
What works best for me? I dust the walls monthly with a microfiber duster on an extension pole, this prevents dirt from building up and dulling the color.
When my toddler left crayon marks, I found that a gentle cleaner and soft sponge removed them without damaging the paint.
My best was to act quickly on any marks or spots making them much easier to clean.
I also learned that controlling humidity makes a big difference. In my bathroom, I installed a better fan, and it’s helped prevent any streaking or water marks on the First Star walls.
Tip: I keep a magic eraser in each bathroom and the kitchen for quick touch-ups, but I always test it in an inconspicuous spot first.
Choosing the Right Finish for Durability and Cleanability
After trying First Star in different finishes throughout my home, I can share some practical insights.
In my kitchen: I went with an eggshell finish – it handles cooking splatters well and cleans up easily.
For my living room: The flat finish looks beautiful but shows marks more easily, so I now save that for low-traffic areas like my formal dining room.
In my kids’ rooms: The satin finish has been a lifesaver – it stands up to their creative moments and cleans beautifully.
My most useful tip from real experience was that if you’re painting a high-traffic area, the extra cost of premium paint is worth it.
I used Sherwin Williams’ top-line paint in my hallway, and after countless bumps from moving furniture, the walls still look great.
For cleaning, I’ve found that warm water and a drop of dish soap work perfectly for most spots – no harsh chemicals are needed.
I always keep some paint stored in an airtight container for touch-ups. I label it with the room and date, and I’ve found it’s still good a year later.
When doing touch-ups, I feather the edges of the painted area to blend it with the existing paint, which makes the repair almost invisible.
Conclusion
After living with First Star in my home for over a year and using it in various rooms, I can honestly say it’s a color that delivers on its promises.
From my bright kitchen to my cozy bedroom, First Star has created a flowing, harmonious feel throughout my house.
The color’s ability to work with both natural and artificial light makes it incredibly versatile.
What I love most about First Star is how it adapts to different spaces and styles. Whether you’re drawn to modern, traditional, or farmhouse design, this paint color can work for you.
In my experience, it’s particularly great if you want a light gray that stays true to its color without shifting too blue or beige.
Remember to test the color in your space and observe it at different times of day.
If you’re looking for a paint color that’s both timeless and fresh, that brightens spaces while adding just enough warmth, First Star might be exactly what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes First Star Different From Other Light Gray Paint Colors?
From my experience, First Star stands out because of its balanced undertones. In my home, it doesn’t turn too blue or too beige like other light grays often do.
It maintains its true color throughout the day, which isn’t common with many gray paints I’ve tried. The color stays consistent even under different types of lighting.
How Many Coats of First Star Paint Do I Need?
In my house, I used two coats for the best coverage. On light walls, two coats were perfect. Over darker colors, I needed a good primer first.
I found that cutting corners on coverage wasn’t worth it – two full coats gave me the smooth, even finish I wanted.
Can First Star Work in a Room With Limited Natural Light?
Yes! My north-facing office had very little natural light, but First Star actually helped brighten the space. The color reflects available light really well.
I added some strategic lighting, and the walls create a bright, welcoming atmosphere even on cloudy days.
How Does First Star Look With White Trim?
In my home, First Star pairs beautifully with white trim. I have bright white baseboards and crown molding, and the subtle contrast looks clean and fresh.
The gray is light enough to complement the trim without creating too stark a difference.
Will First Star Show Marks and Scuffs Easily?
Based on my year of living with First Star, its durability depends on the finish you choose. In my hallway, the eggshell finish has held up well to daily traffic.
Marks clean off easily with a damp cloth. The flat finish in my living room shows more marks, but the eggshell and satin finishes have been very forgiving.
