Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme has become one of the most sought-after green paint colors in recent years, and for good reason. This nuanced shade strikes the perfect balance between warmth and coolness, making it remarkably adaptable to various lighting conditions and interior design schemes. Unlike trend-driven colors that quickly feel dated, Dried Thyme possesses that rare quality of feeling both contemporary and timeless.
Understanding Dried Thyme's Color Characteristics
Dried Thyme (SW 6177) belongs to Sherwin-Williams' Greens collection and features a complex blend of pigments that create its distinctive appearance. The color's magic lies in its chameleon-like quality—it shifts subtly depending on lighting and surrounding elements. In north-facing rooms with cooler light, it reveals more of its gray undertones, while southern exposure brings out its warmer, earthier qualities.
The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 49 places Dried Thyme in the mid-tone range, meaning it absorbs and reflects light fairly evenly. This makes it an excellent choice for spaces where you want color presence without overwhelming darkness. For context, pure white has an LRV of 100, while true black measures 0. The moderate LRV ensures Dried Thyme works well in most room sizes without making spaces feel cramped.
How Lighting Affects Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme
Understanding how natural and artificial lighting impacts this green paint color is crucial for successful implementation. Many homeowners make the mistake of selecting paint colors without considering their space's unique lighting conditions.
In north-facing rooms with cool, bluish light throughout the day, Dried Thyme appears more muted and sophisticated, leaning toward its gray undertones. This creates a serene, almost monochromatic effect that works beautifully in bedrooms and studies. South-facing rooms transform the color, revealing its earthy warmth and making it feel more like a traditional sage green.
Artificial lighting also dramatically affects the appearance. Incandescent bulbs with their warm glow (2700K-3000K) enhance the color's earthy qualities, while cooler LED lighting (4000K+) emphasizes its gray undertones. For the most accurate representation, view your paint samples under the same lighting you'll use in the finished space.
Best Rooms for Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme
Dried Thyme's versatility makes it suitable for nearly any room in the home, but certain spaces particularly benefit from its calming properties:
- Kitchens: Creates a fresh, organic feel that complements both white cabinetry and wood finishes. Works especially well in farmhouse and transitional kitchen designs.
- Living Rooms: Provides a sophisticated backdrop that makes artwork and furnishings stand out. Particularly effective in rooms with abundant natural light.
- Bedrooms: The calming nature of this green hue promotes relaxation and restful sleep, making it ideal for primary bedrooms and guest rooms.
- Bathrooms: Creates a spa-like atmosphere, especially when paired with natural materials like stone and wood.
- Home Offices: The color's balance of warmth and coolness enhances focus without being stimulating.
Avoid using Dried Thyme in very small, windowless spaces where its mid-tone nature might feel too heavy. In these cases, consider using it as an accent wall rather than covering all surfaces.
| Room Type | Recommended Finish | Best Pairings | Design Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Satin | White cabinets, brass hardware | Use on lower cabinets with white uppers for balance |
| Living Room | Matte | Warm wood tones, cream textiles | Pair with textured fabrics for visual interest |
| Bedroom | Eggshell | Natural linen, walnut furniture | Consider painting ceiling same color for cocooning effect |
| Bathroom | Semi-gloss | Marble, chrome fixtures | Use on vanity for pop of color |
Coordinating Colors with Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme
One of Dried Thyme's greatest strengths is its ability to harmonize with a wide range of complementary colors. When creating a color scheme around this versatile green, consider these pairings:
- Neutrals: Agreeable Gray (SW 7029), Repose Gray (SW 7015), and Pure White (SW 7005) create sophisticated backdrops that let Dried Thyme shine.
- Whites: Snowbound (SW 7004), High Reflective White (SW 7757), and Extra White (SW 7006) provide crisp contrast without feeling sterile.
- Earthy Tones: Urbane Bronze (SW 7048), Burchtone (SW 7023), and Mink (SW 7045) deepen the organic feel of a Dried Thyme palette.
- Accent Colors: For pops of color, consider Toasty Gray (SW 6090), Rosemary (SW 6187), or even a deep navy like Naval (SW 6244).
When selecting coordinating colors, always test samples in your actual space. The interaction between Dried Thyme and other colors changes dramatically based on lighting conditions and the proportions in which they're used.
Comparing Dried Thyme to Similar Green Paint Colors
With so many green paint options available, understanding how Dried Thyme differs from similar shades is essential for making an informed decision:
| Color Name | Brand | LRV | Key Differences from Dried Thyme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dried Thyme | Sherwin-Williams | 49 | Our reference point: balanced green with gray undertones |
| Green Onyx | Sherwin-Williams | 29 | Darker, more saturated with stronger gray undertones |
| Evergreen Fog | Sherwin-Williams | 57 | Lighter, more gray-green with higher LRV |
| Revere Pewter | Benjamin Moore | 55.5 | More gray than green, popular alternative |
| Clary Sage | Benjamin Moore | 58 | Lighter, more yellow-based green |
Dried Thyme sits perfectly between lighter sage greens and deeper forest tones. It's less gray than Sherwin-Williams' popular Agreeable Gray but greener than Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter. This middle-ground positioning makes it exceptionally versatile for homeowners seeking a green that won't feel too trendy or too traditional.
Practical Application Tips for Dried Thyme
When incorporating Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme into your home, consider these professional painting tips:
- Sample Properly: Paint large swatches (at least 2'x2') on multiple walls to see how the color interacts with different lighting throughout the day.
- Consider Finish: For walls, eggshell or matte finishes work best. Satin works well for trim and cabinets. Semi-gloss is ideal for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms.
- Test with Furnishings: View your samples alongside existing furniture, flooring, and textiles to ensure harmony.
- Accent Walls: In rooms where you want to test the color commitment, use Dried Thyme on a single accent wall paired with a complementary neutral.
- Sheen Consistency: Maintain consistent sheen levels across all painted surfaces in a room for a professional finish.
Remember that paint colors always appear darker in large quantities than they do on small swatches. What looks perfect on a sample card might feel too intense when covering entire walls. This is why proper sampling in your actual space is non-negotiable.
Design Styles That Complement Dried Thyme
Dried Thyme's versatility extends across multiple design aesthetics:
- Modern Farmhouse: Pair with shiplap walls, open shelving, and natural wood accents for a fresh take on this popular style.
- Transitional: Works beautifully with clean lines and a mix of traditional and contemporary furnishings.
- Coastal: Creates a sophisticated alternative to typical blues, especially when paired with natural textures and light wood tones.
- Scandinavian: Use as a wall color with plenty of white space and natural materials for a calming, nature-inspired interior.
- Traditional: Elevates classic design with its sophisticated green hue that feels both fresh and timeless.
The key to successfully incorporating Dried Thyme into any design style is balancing the green with appropriate textures and complementary elements. In minimalist spaces, let the color itself be the focal point. In more layered designs, use it as a grounding element that ties other colors and textures together.
Common Questions About Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme
Is Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme more green or gray?
Dried Thyme (SW 6177) is primarily a green paint color with subtle gray undertones. It's not a true gray-green but rather a sophisticated green that appears more gray in cooler lighting conditions. The balance leans toward green, making it distinctly different from true gray paints like Repose Gray. In southern exposure with warm light, its green qualities become more pronounced, while northern light emphasizes the gray undertones.
What is the LRV of Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme?
Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 49. This mid-tone value means it reflects about 49% of light, making it versatile for most room sizes and lighting conditions. The moderate LRV provides substantial color presence without overwhelming a space, working particularly well in rooms of average size with standard ceiling heights. This LRV places it between lighter sage greens and deeper forest tones in Sherwin-Williams' color portfolio.
Does Dried Thyme work well in north-facing rooms?
Yes, Dried Thyme performs exceptionally well in north-facing rooms. The cool, bluish light from northern exposure enhances the color's gray undertones, creating a sophisticated, calming atmosphere. In these spaces, Dried Thyme appears more muted and elegant rather than overly green. To prevent the space from feeling too cool, balance the color with warm wood tones, brass or gold accents, and layered lighting with warmer temperature bulbs (2700K-3000K). The color's moderate LRV of 49 ensures it won't make north-facing rooms feel dark or cave-like.
What white goes best with Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme?
The best whites to pair with Dried Thyme are those with warm undertones that complement rather than compete with the green. Sherwin-Williams Snowbound (SW 7004), Pure White (SW 7005), and Alabaster (SW 7008) create beautiful contrasts. For a crisper look, consider High Reflective White (SW 7757), but be aware it has a cooler undertone that may emphasize Dried Thyme's gray qualities. When selecting white trim, always test both colors together in your space, as the interaction between Dried Thyme and white changes dramatically based on lighting conditions.
How does Dried Thyme compare to Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog?
Dried Thyme (SW 6177) and Evergreen Fog (SW 9541) are both popular Sherwin-Williams green paint colors, but they have distinct differences. Dried Thyme has an LRV of 49 and appears as a balanced green with subtle gray undertones, while Evergreen Fog has a higher LRV of 57 and reads as more of a gray-green. Evergreen Fog appears lighter and more neutral, making it suitable for smaller spaces, while Dried Thyme offers more pronounced green qualities that work well in medium to large rooms. Dried Thyme feels warmer and more traditional, while Evergreen Fog has a more contemporary, minimalist appeal.
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