If you’re dreaming of a calm, cozy, and effortlessly stylish home — think soft sea breezes, sun-washed wood, and the timeless elegance of coastal design — then Sherwin-Williams Shiitake SW 9173 just might be the perfect paint color to bring that vision to life.
This warm, versatile neutral is more than just a trend; it’s a modern classic. Whether you’re updating your kitchen cabinets, refreshing your exterior, or curating a soothing bedroom palette, Shiitake delivers that lived-in luxury without feeling too beige, too gray, or too bold.
Let’s dive into the full color review of Shiitake SW 9173, including its undertones, best uses, coordinating colors, and how it stacks up against Sherwin-Williams favorites like Accessible Beige.
What Color is Sherwin-Williams Shiitake?
Shiitake SW 9173 is a soft, warm greige (gray + beige) paint color that leans slightly more beige than gray, with earthy undertones that give it a natural, calming presence. It has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 51, making it a mid-tone neutral that works beautifully in both bright and dim rooms.
At a glance, it feels warm and grounded—like a cozy mushroom-toned cashmere sweater. (And yes, the name “Shiitake” is inspired by the mushroom!)
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Buy Now on AmazonSherwin-Williams Shiitake Undertones
Understanding a paint color’s undertones is key to avoiding surprises once it’s on your walls.
✅ Primary Undertone: Warm Beige
Shiitake has a distinctly warm beige base, which makes it cozy and inviting without feeling yellow.
✅ Secondary Undertones: Taupe with a Hint of Gray
In certain lighting, you’ll notice soft grayish or taupe undertones that give it a subtle sophistication.
✅ Hidden Green Undertone?
Some reviewers and designers note an occasional greenish undertone that peeks through in cool, north-facing light. It’s not overt — but worth sampling first.
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Buy Now on AmazonLighting Tips:
- South-facing rooms: Shiitake will look warmer, more beige.
- North-facing rooms: It may lean slightly cooler, even picking up hints of taupe or green.
- Artificial light: Soft white LEDs enhance its cozy warmth; bright white LEDs may emphasize its gray tones.
Where to Use Sherwin-Williams Shiitake
One of Shiitake’s biggest strengths? Its versatility.
🛋️ Living Rooms
Use Shiitake on your living room walls for a cozy, neutral backdrop that works with any style — from modern farmhouse to coastal chic.
🛏️ Bedrooms
Shiitake’s warmth creates a serene, spa-like retreat in bedrooms, especially when paired with soft whites, woven textures, and calming accent colors like sea glass green or muted blush.
🍽️ Kitchens
Pair Shiitake walls with white cabinets, black hardware, and butcher block counters for a crisp, welcoming kitchen.
Sherwin-Williams Shiitake Cabinets
If you’re tired of stark white or trendy dark cabinets, Shiitake is the perfect middle ground. It offers:
- A warm, earthy feel
- A soft contrast against white walls
- Excellent pairing with brass, matte black, or nickel hardware
- Compatibility with natural wood floors, quartz countertops, or tile backsplashes
It’s especially popular in transitional and modern farmhouse kitchens.
Pro Tip: Use a satin or semi-gloss finish for durability and easy cleaning.
Sherwin-Williams Shiitake Exterior Review
Shiitake isn’t just for interiors — it’s a stunning exterior paint choice, especially if you want a natural, earthy home that stands out without shouting.
Best exterior uses:
- Siding paired with white trim
- Garage doors and front doors for subtle contrast
- Paired with darker shutters or stonework
Popular Exterior Pairings:
- Trim: Alabaster SW 7008 or Extra White SW 7006
- Accent: Urbane Bronze SW 7048 or Iron Ore SW 7069
Because of its neutral undertone, Shiitake reflects the light beautifully outdoors, changing slightly throughout the day for added depth and interest.
Sherwin-Williams Shiitake Coordinating Colors
Pairing is everything when it comes to creating a cohesive palette. Fortunately, Shiitake plays well with a wide range of colors.
🌊 Coastal Pairings:
- Sea Salt SW 6204: Soft greenish-blue for a breezy beachy vibe
- Rainwashed SW 6211: Cool and tranquil green-blue
- Calico White SW 0017: Classic creamy trim color
- Drift of Mist SW 9166: A barely-there gray for tone-on-tone calm
☕ Earthy and Organic Pairings:
- Urbane Bronze SW 7048: Deep contrast for dramatic spaces
- Balanced Beige SW 7037: Slightly deeper taupe for layering
- Greek Villa SW 7551: Clean, warm white that adds lightness
Sherwin-Williams Shiitake vs Accessible Beige
If you’re torn between Shiitake and Accessible Beige (SW 7036) — you’re not alone. These two are frequently compared, but they have key differences.
| Feature | Shiitake SW 9173 | Accessible Beige SW 7036 |
|---|---|---|
| Undertone | Warmer, with slight taupe/green | True beige with slight gray |
| LRV | 51 (slightly darker) | 58 (brighter and more reflective) |
| Vibe | Earthy, organic, grounded | Softer, more traditional |
| Best For | Modern, coastal, nature-inspired homes | Transitional, classic spaces |
| Works With | Deeper accents, wood tones, natural elements | Pastels, lighter trim, warm whites |
Verdict:
- Go for Shiitake if you want something a little moodier, earthier, or more grounded.
- Choose Accessible Beige if you need a safer, brighter beige that leans more neutral.
What People Are Saying: Sherwin-Williams Shiitake Reviews
Shiitake may not be as talked-about as some of the more mainstream greiges, but those who use it often become loyal fans. Here’s what homeowners and designers are saying:
“It’s the perfect not-too-light, not-too-dark color for my living room. I paired it with navy and wood, and it looks stunning.”
“I tested five greiges before finding Shiitake. None of them had the warmth I wanted without turning yellow — Shiitake was just right.”
“Used it on my exterior siding with white trim and it turned out better than I imagined. It shifts beautifully in the light.”
Tips for Using Shiitake Like a Pro
✔️ Sample It First
Use peel-and-stick samples or try it on poster board to see how it looks throughout the day.
✔️ Use Warm Lighting
To enhance its cozy vibe, avoid overly cool LED bulbs. Go for warm white or soft white.
✔️ Avoid Too Many Cool Tones
It can clash with icy blues or sterile whites. Instead, use soft creams, warm whites, and earthy accents.
✔️ Great with Natural Materials
Wood, rattan, jute, and clay all look amazing with Shiitake.
When Not to Use Shiitake
While versatile, Shiitake may not be the best choice if:
- Your space lacks natural light and you want something bright (try Accessible Beige or Shoji White)
- You prefer ultra-cool or crisp contemporary grays (try Agreeable Gray)
- You’re working with cool-toned tile or marble that may conflict with Shiitake’s warmth
Final Thoughts: Is Sherwin-Williams Shiitake Right for You?
If you want a calming, earthy, coastal-ready color that feels sophisticated without being stuffy — Shiitake SW 9173 is an outstanding choice. It bridges the gap between beige and gray beautifully and works across a range of styles from boho to traditional.
Whether you’re painting walls, cabinets, or even the exterior, it brings warmth, balance, and timeless charm. And when paired with the right accents? It sings.
❤️ Ready to Try Shiitake?
Test it out in your space, and don’t forget to:
- Pair it with natural elements like wood and rattan
- Add soft blues or sea-inspired accents
- Use the right lighting to let it glow
Have you used Shiitake in your home? Share your experience in the comments below — or tag us in your room reveal!
📌 Pin this for later if you’re planning your next paint project!
