Sherwin Williams Storm Cloud (SW 6249): A Paint Review
Choosing a gray paint sounds easy until you realize how many moody, dark-toned grays are out there. I’ve been there too, trying to decide which one feels bold but not cold, dramatic but still livable.
That’s why I put this guide together: to help you decide if Sherwin-Williams Storm Cloud is the right gray for your space.
I’ll walk you through how it looks in real homes, how it compares to other popular dark grays, and what colors it pairs best with. You’ll also get tips on sampling, buying, and how it shifts in different light.
Getting to Know Sherwin-Williams Storm Cloud
Storm Cloud (SW 6249) by Sherwin-Williams is a deep, moody gray with strong blue undertones. It’s part of the Sherwin-WilliamsBlue Paint Colors collection, and it brings a dramatic, grounded feel to any room.
Basic Color Profile
HEX code: #7A848D
LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 23
Color family: Dark gray with strong blue influence
Storm Cloud leans into the saturated side of gray. It’s bold without being black, colorful without being bright. That balance is what makes it so versatile in both modern and classic homes.
Undertones Explained
Storm Cloud has noticeable blue undertones that show up more clearly in certain lighting.
- In cool, natural daylight, the blue undertone comes through more prominently.
- Under warm, artificial light, it can feel more charcoal or even slightly purple-gray.
Because of this color shift, it’s essential to test Storm Cloud in your own lighting before you commit to a full room.
Storm Cloud in Real Spaces
Storm Cloud behaves differently in each room depending on lighting, decor, and flooring. Here’s how it usually looks in various spaces so you can decide where it fits in your home.
How It Looks in Different Rooms
Kitchens
Storm Cloud adds depth and drama in kitchens. It’s perfect for lower cabinets or full walls when paired with white counters and brass or chrome hardware. Just be aware—it will absorb light, so it works best in well-lit kitchens.
Bathrooms
This gray makes bathrooms feel bold and spa-like. It looks amazing with white tile, black fixtures, or marble. If your bathroom is small or windowless, it may feel too dark unless balanced with bright trim and mirrors.
Living Rooms
Storm Cloud sets a calm, modern tone in living rooms. It works especially well with high ceilings or large windows. Add contrast with white trim or lighter furniture to keep the space from feeling too heavy.
Bedrooms
If you want a cozy, moody bedroom, Storm Cloud delivers. It pairs beautifully with layered bedding, soft lighting, and wood or gold accents. Just be mindful of small rooms; it can shrink the space visually if you’re not careful.
Overall, Storm Cloud works best in spaces where you want atmosphere, contrast, or drama, without going full black.
How Lighting Affects It
Storm Cloud shifts a lot depending on your room’s orientation and lighting setup.
- North-facing rooms: Expect cooler blue-gray tones with a slightly steely feel.
- South-facing rooms: Light softens the color, making it appear more balanced and slightly warmer.
- East-facing rooms: Morning light enhances its cooler edge; can feel brisk and crisp.
- West-facing rooms: Late sun may pull out muted purple or navy hues.
Always test the color on different walls and at different times of day to see how it shifts. With a lower LRV like 23, Storm Cloud absorbs a lot of light, so its look will vary dramatically by room.
Storm Cloud vs. Other Sherwin-Williams Grays
Sherwin-Williams has plenty of moody gray options, and it’s easy to get stuck choosing between them. Here’s how Storm Cloud compares to other top contenders.
Storm Cloud vs. Web Gray
Web Gray (SW 7075, #616669) is a darker, more neutral gray with less blue than Storm Cloud.
- Web Gray is more charcoal-like and works great as a black alternative.
- Storm Cloud feels more blue and modern in most spaces.
Pick Web Gray if you want a true dark gray. Go with Storm Cloud if you like cooler, deeper tones with a hint of personality.
Storm Cloud vs. Grizzle Gray
Grizzle Gray (SW 7068, #636562) is another rich, saturated gray, but it leans green.
- Grizzle Gray has a green undertone that reads more earthy.
- Storm Cloud has a clear blue base that feels cleaner and cooler.
Choose Grizzle Gray for rustic spaces. Choose Storm Cloud for modern contrast.
Storm Cloud vs. Peppercorn
Peppercorn (SW 7674, #585858) is one of Sherwin-Williams’ darkest gray paint colors.
- Peppercorn is closer to true black, with subtle warmth.
- Storm Cloud is lighter and more colorful by comparison.
If you want drama but don’t want to go that dark, Storm Cloud is a great middle ground.
Storm Cloud vs. Slate Tile
Slate Tile (SW 7624, #606E74) is a close cousin.
- Slate Tile is just slightly lighter and more balanced.
- Storm Cloud leans darker and bluer.
These two are often tested side by side; Slate Tile feels just a bit safer, Storm Cloud feels a bit bolder.
Undertone and LRV Comparison Table
| Paint Color | Undertones | LRV | Warm or Cool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storm Cloud | Blue | 23 | Cool |
| Web Gray | Neutral gray | 13 | Cool |
| Grizzle Gray | Green-gray | 13 | Cool |
| Peppercorn | Warm charcoal | 10 | Neutral-Warm |
| Slate Tile | Blue-gray | 15 | Cool |
Test them all in your space; they’re popular for a reason, but they don’t behave the same on your walls.
Best Color Pairings for Storm Cloud
Storm Cloud stands out when paired with the right trims, accents, and finishes. Whether you want contrast or cohesion, here’s what works well.
Trim and Ceiling Suggestions
- Pure White (SW 7005, #EDECE6): Crisp and clean. Offers a strong contrast without looking sterile.
- Alabaster (SW 7008, #EDEAE0): A warmer white that softens Storm Cloud’s cooler tone.
- High Reflective White (SW 7757, #F7F7F1): Brightest white for modern, high-contrast designs.
Use a flat or matte finish for ceilings and a semi-gloss or satin finish for trim to help define lines without glare.
Accent Wall and Furniture Colors
For a layered, moody vibe: Pair Storm Cloud with soft white, navy, dusty mauve, forest green, or light wood tones.
For a high-contrast modern look: Try brass, matte black, rich walnut, or emerald green. Warm leathers and creamy beiges help balance the cool gray.
Use neutral furniture for balance, such as light gray, tan, beige, or linen, and add texture with pillows, throws, or metal hardware.
Hardware and Flooring Compatibility
Storm Cloud plays well with both warm and cool materials:
- Brass hardware: Adds warmth and softens the blue tone.
- Polished chrome: Enhances the cool, modern edge.
- Matte black: Sharp contrast that feels sleek and grounded.
Flooring pairs well in two directions:
- Light wood or bleached oak: Opens the room up and keeps things airy.
- Medium-to-dark walnut: Adds depth and richness to balance the bold wall color.
Avoid overly orange-toned woods; they clash with the cool undertone.
Paint Finish Recommendations
Your finish changes how Storm Cloud feels in the room:
Matte: Softens Storm Cloud’s bold tone; great for bedrooms or quiet spaces, but less durable for high-traffic areas.
Eggshell: Adds subtle depth with a light sheen; ideal for living or dining rooms with moderate wear and tear.
Satin: Offers durability and easy cleaning; enhances the blue undertone, making it great for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
Semi-Gloss: Best for trim and doors; provides sleek contrast and high durability, but too shiny for full walls in most rooms.
Gloss: Ultra-reflective and bold; use sparingly on furniture or accents where you want major shine and high visual impact.
If you’re unsure, paint a sample square in each finish to see how light reflects at different times of day.
Sampling and Buying Options
Where to Get Peel-and-Stick Samples
- Samplize: Offers real paint samples with an adhesive backing; mess-free, removable, and accurate.
- Sherwin-Williams stores: Usually stock small sample jars and paint cards.
- Local hardware stores: May carry Storm Cloud samples or can place special orders.
Stick them to the walls in the morning and evening light before making your final decision.
Where to Buy the Paint
- Sherwin-Williams.com: Order online or check in-store availability.
- Sherwin-Williams retail locations: Stock most finishes and can custom-mix gallons.
- Third-party suppliers: Some hardware chains can color-match Storm Cloud if needed.
Check for promotions. Sherwin-Williams often runs 30–40% off sales every few months.
Paint Equivalents in Other Brands
If you’re looking for similar colors in other brands, here are some close matches:
Benjamin Moore: Try Steel Wool (2121-20) or Witching Hour (2120-30) for similar deep blue-grays.
Behr: Check out Cracked Pepper (PPU18-01) or Graphic Charcoal (N500-6).
Valspar: Look at Dutch Licorice (4008-4C) or Silver Fox (4008-3C).
Always sample side by side. Small differences in undertone or gloss level can make a big impact.
Conclusion
If you’ve made it this far, you now know exactly what to expect from Sherwin-Williams Storm Cloud.
You’ve seen how it shifts in lighting, how it compares to other bold grays, and what finishes and colors it works with.
Next step? Sample it on your own wall. That’s the best way to see if it feels bold in a good way, or just too dark for your space.
Still narrowing things down? Check out my other paint breakdowns for more side-by-side comparisons and tips.
