If you’ve been hunting for that perfect cool light gray paint color—something that feels modern, airy, and just neutral enough—Sherwin Williams First Star might be the one.
Choosing paint can be overwhelming. Between the dozens of undertones, lighting variations, and finish options, it’s easy to feel paralyzed by choice. Sometimes, you simply want your room to feel clean, crisp, and balanced—not too warm, not too cold, just perfectly neutral.
That’s exactly where First Star shines. It’s subtle yet sophisticated, a light gray that complements nearly every design style—from minimalist modern to cozy farmhouse.
In this complete guide, let’s dive deep into Sherwin Williams First Star SW 7646, explore its undertones, LRV, coordinating colors, and see how it performs in real rooms.
🌤️ Overview of Sherwin Williams First Star
- Paint Name: First Star
- Paint Code: SW 7646
- Color Family: Cool Light Gray
- Light Reflectance Value (LRV): 69
- Hex Code: #DAD9D4
- RGB: 218 / 217 / 212
Sherwin Williams describes First Star as “white with a hint of gray,” but in reality, it reads as a very pale, cool gray rather than a true white. Its versatility makes it an excellent backdrop color, especially in rooms where you want to keep things bright but still grounded.
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Buy Now on AmazonWith an LRV of 69, First Star reflects a good amount of light—keeping your room feeling open and airy—without looking stark or washed out. It sits comfortably between white and light gray, making it perfect for homeowners who want a touch of contrast against pure white trim or cabinetry.
🎨 Understanding First Star’s Undertones
First Star is part of the cool gray family, with subtle blue undertones that create a refreshing, modern feel.
- In bright natural light, it tends to look soft and almost white.
- In low light or north-facing rooms, those blue-gray undertones become more noticeable, giving the space a cooler, moodier vibe.
It’s not an icy or sterile blue, though. The undertones are delicate—just enough to prevent the color from feeling flat or dull.
Pro tip: Always test your paint with peel-and-stick samples before committing. Colors like First Star can shift drastically depending on light direction and time of day.
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Buy Now on Amazon💡 Light Reflectance Value (LRV) and How It Affects Your Space
The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is a number between 0 (pure black) and 100 (pure white) that measures how much light a color reflects.
With its LRV of 69, First Star is considered a light gray rather than an off-white. It reflects plenty of light, making small or dim rooms feel more open, yet it has enough depth to create gentle contrast with bright white trims and ceilings.
In bright rooms, it may appear closer to white. In darker rooms, it leans noticeably gray. That chameleon-like quality makes it a dependable neutral that adapts to different environments.
🏠 Best Uses for Sherwin Williams First Star
Because of its balanced undertone and brightness, First Star works beautifully in almost every room of the house:
Whole House Color
If you want a consistent, calming flow from room to room, First Star makes an excellent whole-house paint color. Its cool neutrality complements nearly all furnishings and wood tones.
Living Rooms & Bedrooms
In living areas, it feels soft and sophisticated—perfect for layering with cool-toned accents like navy, slate, or black. In bedrooms, the cool blue-gray undertones help create a serene, restful atmosphere.
Bathrooms & Kitchens
In bathrooms and kitchens, where lighting tends to be bright and crisp, First Star feels fresh and clean—an ideal match for chrome fixtures or marble countertops.
Cabinets & Trim
First Star can also work as a cabinet color. Against white walls, it reads gray and modern; against darker walls, it softens into a misty off-white.
🎯 Coordinating & Complementary Colors
The beauty of First Star is its versatility. It pairs well with both neutral grays and cool blues, depending on the vibe you want to create.
Mid-Tone Grays
- Sherwin Williams Tinsmith
- Ellie Gray
- Network Gray
- Gris
Dark Grays
- Earl Gray
- Steely Gray
- Deep Forest Brown
- Black Bean
Blues (for accents)
Because of its blue undertone, First Star pairs beautifully with oceanic or slate blues.
Try:
- Breezy
- Smoky Azurite
- Riverway
- Indigo Batik
- Solitude
🧱 Trim and Ceiling Pairings
When it comes to trim and ceilings, you have two main directions:
- Low-Contrast Look:
Use First Star on both the walls and trim—just switch the finish (e.g., eggshell on walls, semi-gloss on trim). This creates a soft, seamless effect, perfect for minimalist interiors. - High-Contrast Look:
Pair First Star with a crisp, bright white trim for a clean, classic look. Great white options include:- Sherwin Williams Extra White
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Behr Ultra Pure White
🎨 Similar Colors You Might Love
If you’re comparing shades, here are a few colors that deliver a similar soft, cool gray vibe:
- Sherwin Williams Big Chill
- Sherwin Williams Crushed Ice
- Benjamin Moore Shoreline
- Behr Silver Tradition
- Farrow & Ball Dimpse
- Valspar Mr. Kitty
Each of these has subtle variations—some slightly warmer, others bluer—but they’re all within the same tranquil color spectrum as First Star.
⚖️ First Star vs. Agreeable Gray
Two of Sherwin Williams’ most popular neutrals are First Star and Agreeable Gray, but they’re quite different in tone and mood.
| Feature | First Star | Agreeable Gray |
|---|---|---|
| Undertone | Cool (blue) | Warm (beige-pink) |
| Depth | Lighter | Slightly darker |
| Feel | Modern, crisp | Cozy, welcoming |
If your style leans modern, airy, or coastal, choose First Star.
If you prefer warmth and softness, go with Agreeable Gray.
🖼️ Real-World Tips & Final Thoughts
- Lighting is key: Always swatch before painting entire rooms. North-facing rooms bring out more gray-blue tones, while south-facing rooms make it feel warmer and brighter.
- Contrast is beautiful: Pair with darker grays, navy blues, or even black hardware for a modern edge.
- Texture matters: Layering soft furnishings—like light linen curtains, textured rugs, and wood accents—keeps the cool gray from feeling too stark.
🪶 Final Verdict: Is Sherwin Williams First Star Right for You?
Sherwin Williams First Star (SW 7646) is a brilliant choice for homeowners who want a neutral yet sophisticated light gray that adapts to different spaces and lighting conditions.
It’s bright but not sterile, cool but not icy, and effortlessly pairs with countless design palettes. Whether you’re updating a single room or painting your whole house, First Star is a timeless, elegant color that enhances your home’s natural light and architecture.
🎨 Pro Tip:
Before committing to gallons of paint, always order peel-and-stick samples of First Star. Seeing it on your walls—day and night—will help you confirm whether its undertones work with your flooring, trim, and light.
