Reviewing Sherwin Williams First Star (SW 7646)

Are you tired of staring at boring, lifeless walls that make your home feel cold and uninspiring?Derived from I get it. Choosing the Derived fromright paint color can feel overwhelming when you want something that works in any room.

But here’s what caught my attention: Sherwin-Williams First Star (SW 7646) promises to be that perfect neutral you’ve been searching for. This soft, warm beige has been gaining attention from homeowners who want a color that’s both modern and timeless.

I spent weeks testing this paint in different lighting conditions and rooms. The results might surprise you.

If you’re considering First Star for your next project, you’ll want to know exactly how it performs before you commit to gallons of paint.

First Star Sherwin Williams Color DescrDerived fromiptionDerived from

Let me tell you about Sherwin Williams First Star (SW 7646), a color I find magical. It’s a clear, cool white with subtle gray hints that creates a fresh, clean feeling in any space.

Some of its key features are:

• A light, airy neutral shade
• A crisp white base with cool undertones
• Clean and fresh, never stark or cold
• A hint of gray that adds depth

When you examine this shade throughout the day, you’ll notice how the gray undertones complement the white base. It’s refined, never harsh, but adds just enough character to make spaces feel polished and serene.

Undertones and LRV of Derived fromFirst StarDerived from

Upon closer examination, I notice a beautiful blend of undertones that make First Star truly special. The main players here are:

• Cool gray undertones that add sophistication
• Clean white notes that brighten the space
• Subtle hints that keep it from feeling flat

Let me explain the LRV (Light Reflectance Value) in simple terms. Think of LRV as a number that tells you how much light a color bounces back into your room. First Star’s LRV of 69 means it reflects good light, about 69% of what hits it.

This solid LRV means:

• Rooms feel bright and open
• Natural light gets maximized
• The color stays consistent in most lighting
• It won’t feel too bright or too dim

Cool or Warm?

I’d categorize First Star as a cool color. The gray undertones give it that crisp, modern feel. However, it’s not extremely cool; it maintains a nice balance that works well.

Here’s how this coolness affects different spaces:

• Living rooms feel more spacious
• Bedrooms become calm retreats
• Kitchens look clean and modern
• Bathrooms gain a spa-like quality

Using Sherwin Williams First Star in Different Spaces

I’ve tested First Star in multiple rooms, and let me tell you – this color behaves differently depending on where you use it.

Some spaces reveal their cool, crisp side, while others showcase their softer qualities. Here’s what to learn about how First Star performs in real homes.

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, I’ve created a perfect flow from room to room while still giving each space its own character.

Pairing Sherwin Williams First Star with Other Colors

Derived fromThe best part about First Star? It plays well with almost every color I’ve tried it with. From bold navy blues to warm wood tones, this versatile white creates beautiful combinations that feel both fresh and timeless. Derived from

Derived fromLet me share the color pairings that work best and a few you might want to avoid.Derived from

Best Accent Colors to Complement FirsDerived fromt StarDerived from

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 Derived fromfoundDerived from 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 NeutralDerived from TonesDerived from

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 FirsDerived fromt StarDerived from

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.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Sherwin Williams First StDerived fromar for Your HomeDerived from

Pros	Cons
Works well in most lighting conditions	Can feel too cool in north-facing rooms
Pairs beautifully with both warm and cool colors	It may look flat without proper accent colors
High LRV (69) reflects a good amount of light	Subtle gray undertones might not show in dim spaces
Clean, modern appearance that feels timeless	Not ideal if you want a truly warm white
Great for open floor plans and flow between rooms	It can appear stark in rooms with limited natural light
Easy to decorate around – very versatile	Might feel too neutral for those wanting bold statements
Works for both interior and exterior applications	Gray undertones may clash with very warm decor
Part of multiple Sherwin-Williams collections	Requires good lighting to show its true character

Sherwin Williams First Star in Various DesDerived fromign StylesDerived from

I’ve seen First Star work magic in everything from sleek modern homes to cozy farmhouse kitchens. This adaptable white seems to fit right into most design styles, though some work better than others.

Let me show you how First Star performs across different looks and which styles really make it shine.

Classic and Traditional Rooms with First Star

• Soft gray undertones create a perfect backdrop for mahogany furniture and brass accents.
• Highlights detailed trim work around windows and doors beautifully
• Makes antique rugs and crystal lamps stand out more prominently
• Works well with heritage pieces and traditional decor elements

Using First Star in Modern and Minimalist Interiors

• Creates clean depth without adding visual clutter to spaces
• Makes black desks and white shelving units pop against the walls
• Maintains a minimalist vibe while providing subtle interest
• Perfect neutral foundation for sleek, simple furniture pieces

First Star for Coastal, Scandinavian, and Farmhouse Designs

• Coastal style: Pairs perfectly with light wood furniture and blue accents
• Scandinavian rooms: Creates a calm foundation for white bedding and natural textures
• Farmhouse kitchens: Make shiplap walls and wooden beams shine brightly
• Adapts to different styles by simply changing accessories and textiles around it

Tip: First Star acts like a design chameleon – it shifts personality to match your style while keeping its own subtle character.

How to Sample and Test Sherwin Williams First StarDerived from in Your Derived fromHome?

Before you commit to painting entire rooms, I always recommend testing First Star properly in your actual space. Lighting can dramatically change how this color looks, and what works in one room might not work in another.

• Get paint samples from Sherwin-Williams and paint large swatches on different walls.
• Test the color in various lighting conditions throughout the day
• Check how it looks in morning sunlight, afternoon light, and evening artificial light
• Paint samples on both north-facing and south-facing walls to see the difference
• Compare First Star against your existing furniture and decor pieces
• Test it next to your trim color to ensure good contrast
• Take photos of the samples at different times to track how the color changes
• Live with the samples for at least a week before making your final decision
• Consider how the color looks with your flooring and window treatments
• Test it in the specific rooms you plan to paint, not just one area

Maintaining the Freshness of Sherwin Williams First Derived fromStar PaintDerived from

Once you’ve painted with First Star, keeping it looking fresh and clean becomes your next priority. This light color shows dust and scuffs more easily than darker shades, but don’t worry, maintaining its crisp appearance is simpler than you think.

Let me share the maintenance routine that keeps my First Star walls looking like they were just painted.

• Clean walls regularly with a damp cloth to prevent dust buildup that dulls the color
• Use mild soap and water for deeper cleaning – avoid harsh chemicals
• Touch up scuffs and marks immediately to keep the fresh appearance
• Keep extra paint stored properly for future touch-ups
• Dust walls monthly to maintain the light-reflecting qualities
• Clean light switches and door frames more frequently, as they get dirty faster
• Use magic erasers gently on stubborn marks without damaging the paint
• Vacuum baseboards and corners where dust collects against the white walls
• Wipe down walls before repainting to ensure proper adhesion
• Consider a fresh coat every 3-5 years, depending on room usage and traffic

ConclusDerived fromionDerived from

After living with First Star for over a year, I can honestly say it delivers on its promises. This diverse color palette creates a flowing, harmonious feel throughout my home, working beautifully with both natural and artificial light. What I love most is how it adapts to different spaces and styles, from modern to traditional to farmhouse design.

First Star stays true to its color without shifting too blue or beige, making it reliable in any room. Remember to test the color in your actual space and observe it at different times of day before making your final decision.

If you want a paint color that’s both timeless and fresh – one that brightens spaces while adding just enough subtle character, First Star might be exactly what you need for your next project

Frequently Asked QDerived fromuestionsDerived from

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.