Reviewing Sherwin Williams Stardew (SW 9138)

Looking for the perfect blue-gray paint?

Stardew by Sherwin Williams merges the peace of a cloudy morning with the softness of morning mist.

This shade has gained notice among homeowners and designers for a good reason—it shifts beautifully throughout the day while keeping spaces tranquil.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

How Stardew changes in different lighting conditions
Which rooms it works best in
The best trim colors and decor pairings

I’ve researched hundreds of rooms featuring this color and talked with professional painters who use it regularly.

You’ll get clear, tested advice on making Stardew work in your space.

By the end of this article, you’ll know if this versatile blue-gray is right for your home and exactly how to use it effectively.

What Is Sherwin Williams Stardew’s Color Profile?

Stardew (SW 9138) sits in the family of blue-grays but with its own personality.

When you first look at it, you’ll notice a gentle blue that feels soft and welcoming.

Think of early morning fog over a lake – that’s the mood it creates. The magic of this shade comes from its perfect mix.

While blue dominates, gray tones keep things down to earth. This balance means it won’t overwhelm your space or feel too cold.

I’ve seen Stardew work wonders in:

Living rooms where it creates a peaceful backdrop
Bedrooms as a sleep-friendly shade
Home offices that need focus without feeling dull
Bathrooms where it adds a spa-like feel

What makes this color special is how it changes throughout the day.

In bright light, the blue notes shine through.

When clouds roll in, the gray aspects become more clear. Yet, it never loses its gentle nature.

How Light Influences the Look of Sherwin Williams Stardew

Natural Light Changes Everything

By midday, it settles into a balanced blue-gray.

When evening comes, the gray tones become more clear.

Each shift feels natural, like watching clouds move across the sky.

Artificial Lighting Matters Too

Different bulbs bring out different sides of this paint:

Warm white bulbs: Make the gray notes stronger
Cool white bulbs: Brings out more blue tones
LED daylight bulbs: Shows the most true-to-color look

Room Direction Tips

North-facing rooms receive cooler light. Stardew will look grayer here, perfect for spaces that require extra calm.

South-Facing Rooms: Bright, warm light all day makes the color look lighter and brings out its blue side.
East-Facing Rooms: Morning light shows bright blue tones, and afternoon brings out softer grays.
West-Facing Rooms: The afternoon sun warms up the color, while mornings show its cooler side.

My Best Advice is to test the paint in your room.

Put sample squares on different walls and check them over a few days.

This will allow you to see exactly how the color will look in your space.

Understanding the LRV of Sherwin Williams Stardew

What’s LRV?

Light Reflectance Value (LRV) tells you how much light a paint color bounces back into the room.

The scale runs from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white).

It is like a light meter for paint.

Stardew’s LRV is 33. This number tells us something useful.

At 33, Stardew is in the middle range.

This means that:

Soaks up some light to keep its rich color
Reflects enough light to stay visible
It won’t make your room feel dark

What This Means for Your Space

I’ve seen how this middle-range LRV works in real rooms.

It creates a sweet spot—not too bright, not too dark—and will make your furniture and decor stand out nicely against it.

Small Rooms: The moderate LRV helps keep the walls from feeling too close.

Large Rooms: The color stays true even across big wall spaces.

Real-World Performance

In bright rooms, Stardew won’t wash out.

In darker spaces, it won’t turn muddy. This steady behavior makes it work well in:

Living areas
Bedrooms
Hallways
Home offices

Think of Stardew’s LRV as its built-in dimmer switch. It manages light to keep spaces feeling open yet cozy.

The Beautiful Undertones of Sherwin Williams Stardew

The Main Players

While blue and gray lead the show, Stardew has some hidden notes that make it interesting.

I’ve studied this color in many homes, and there’s always more to see when you look closely.

Green Whispers

In certain lights, you might catch a soft green hint.

It’s gentle – like morning mist over grass.

This touch of green helps the color feel more natural and less stark than pure blue-grays.

Warm Base Notes

Deep in Stardew’s mix, there’s a bit of warmth:

Tiny hints of taupe keep it from feeling icy
Slight purple traces add richness
These warm notes balance the cooler tones

Why These Matter

Without these subtle touches, Stardew could feel cold or flat.

Instead, you get a color that:

Feels alive and changes with the light
Works well with both warm and cool decor
Creates a welcoming mood

My Real-World Findings

I’ve noticed that these undertones appear differently in various spaces.

North-facing rooms bring out the warmer hints, while south-facing rooms let the green notes shine through more often.

Remember: These undertones are subtle.

They won’t jump out at you, but they make the color feel more natural and pleasant to live with day after day.

Ideal Spaces to Use Sherwin Williams Stardew in Your Home

Living Rooms

Your living room can become a peaceful gathering spot with Stardew.

I’ve seen how this color creates a perfect background for:

Family movie nights
Quiet reading corners
Social gatherings without feeling too formal

Bedrooms

In bedrooms, Stardew really shines. The soft blue-gray tones help create a restful mood.

It works equally well in:

Main bedrooms
Guest rooms
Kids’ rooms where you want a calm feel

Kitchen Choices

Think beyond white kitchens. Stardew can make your kitchen feel fresh and clean.

It pairs well with:

White cabinets
Gray stone counters
Wood accents and floors

Bathroom Benefits

Want a spa feel? Stardew makes bathrooms feel clean and peaceful.

The color works with:

White tiles
Chrome fixtures
Natural stone elements

Home Office Potential

I’ve noticed how Stardew helps create focus in home offices.

It’s bright enough to keep you alert but soft enough to reduce stress.

Halls and Stairways

These connecting spaces look pulled together with Stardew.

The color stays consistent as light changes throughout these areas.

Design Style Flexibility This color fits many styles:

Modern homes with clean lines
Traditional spaces with detailed trim
Farmhouse designs with natural elements
Coastal themes where it mimics sea and sky

Remember: The key is picking rooms where you want to feel both focused and at ease.

Sherwin Williams Stardew Compared to Other Blue-Gray Paints

Paint Color	Main Traits	LRV	Best For	Compared to Stardew
Stardew SW 9138	Balanced blue-gray with soft green hints	33	All-around use stays true in most lights	Our baseline
Sea Salt SW 6204	Lighter, more green-tinted	63	Bright, airy spaces	Much lighter, more coastal feel
Oyster Bay SW 6206	Green-gray with blue hints	44	Natural, organic spaces	Greener, less blue depth
Morning Fog SW 6255	True gray with a slight blue	42	Modern, clean spaces	More gray, less character
North Star SW 6246	Crisp blue-gray	57	Fresh, bright rooms	Much lighter, more blue
Uncertain Gray SW 6234	Warm gray with blue hints	38	Cozy, traditional spaces	Warmer, less blue

Quick Reference Guide

Want lighter? Pick Sea Salt
Want warmer? Choose Uncertain Gray
Want fresher? Go with North Star
Want natural? Try Oyster Bay

Best Color Pairings for Sherwin Williams Stardew

1. Perfect White Trim Options

I’ve tested many whites with Stardew, and these work best:

Pure White SW 7005 – Clean and bright
Greek Villa SW 7551 – Soft and warm
Alabaster SW 7008 – Gentle and natural

2. Natural Wood Tones

Wood brings warmth to Stardew’s cool tones. Try:

Light oak floors
Medium walnut furniture
Rich mahogany accents

3. Calming Neutral Partners

These shades create smooth transitions:

Agreeable Gray SW 7029 – For connected spaces
Repose Gray SW 7015 – For a cooler feel
Accessible Beige SW 7036 – For added warmth

4. Bold Accent Colors

Want to add some punch? These colors make Stardew pop:

Navy blue for depth
Forest green for nature links
Warm copper tones for sparkle

5. Metal Finishes

The right metal brings extra style:

Brushed nickel – Clean and modern
Bronze – Warm and classic
Chrome – Bright and fresh

6. Textiles and Fabrics

Layer these colors in your room:

Cream linens
Soft gray velvet
Natural beige cotton
White textured throws

Remember: Keep your main pieces neutral.

Add bolder colors to change items like pillows, art, or vases easily.

Conclusion

After working with Stardew in many homes, I can say this blue-gray stands out for good reasons.

It brings a peaceful feel to any room while staying fresh year after year.

The balanced mix of blue and gray, with subtle green hints, makes it suitable for both bright and dim spaces.

Whether you’re painting a bedroom, living room, or kitchen, Stardew offers something special—a true color that creates a gentle backdrop for your life.

Have you used Stardew in your home?

I’d love to see how you’ve made it work in your space.

Share your photos in the comments below, or ask any questions you have about using this versatile shade.

Ready to try it?

Remember to test your sample in different lights before making the final choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sherwin Williams Stardew Good For North-Facing Rooms?

Yes. Despite lower natural light, Stardew maintains its character in north-facing rooms.

While it appears more gray, it still creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Does Sherwin Williams Stardew Look Blue Or Gray On Walls?

It shows both colors, but the balance shifts throughout the day with changing light.

In bright spaces, it leans more blue; in shaded areas, it leans more gray.

Can I Use Sherwin Williams Stardew On Kitchen Cabinets?

Yes, Stardew works well on kitchen cabinets.

It pairs nicely with marble or quartz countertops and creates a fresh, clean look without being too stark.