Upward

Overview

Sherwin-Williams Upward (SW 6239) is a soft, airy blue with a relaxed, contemporary feel. Its light blue-gray appearance creates a sense of openness without feeling cold or overly coastal. With its approximate hex value of #BFC9D0, Upward reads as a light color that can brighten a room while still providing more personality than a traditional white or neutral.

Upward is especially effective in homes that favor natural materials, clean lines, and calming color palettes. It works beautifully with warm wood, brushed brass, woven textures, natural stone, and soft white finishes. Depending on the lighting and surrounding colors, it can appear more blue or more muted gray, giving it useful versatility throughout the home.

Undertones

Upward has cool blue undertones softened by a noticeable gray influence. That gray component keeps the color from appearing overly bright or saturated, while its blue base gives the room a fresh, peaceful quality. In north-facing rooms or spaces with limited natural light, Upward may look slightly cooler and grayer. In rooms with abundant southern or western light, it can appear lighter, airier, and more distinctly blue.

Always test a sample on multiple walls before making a final decision. Nearby flooring, countertops, furniture, and trim can significantly affect how this subtle color is perceived.

Best Rooms

Upward is a natural choice for bedrooms, bathrooms, nurseries, and home offices where a restful atmosphere is desirable. It also performs well in living rooms and open-concept spaces, particularly when paired with warm flooring or natural wood furnishings.

In a bedroom, Upward promotes a quiet, restful mood without becoming too pastel. In a bathroom, it pairs well with white tile and polished or satin metal fixtures for a clean, spa-like finish. It can also bring a gentle sense of color to hallways, laundry rooms, and entryways.

Cabinets

Upward can be an appealing cabinet color when you want something softer and more distinctive than white. It is particularly well suited to bathroom vanities, kitchen islands, laundry rooms, and built-ins. Against white walls, Upward cabinetry creates subtle contrast; against warm neutral walls, it provides a cool, refined accent.

For kitchen cabinets, consider balancing Upward with countertops that include warm white, cream, gray, or natural stone tones. Because cabinet color is viewed at eye level and across a large surface, professional preparation is essential. Proper cleaning, sanding, priming, and a durable cabinet-grade finish will help ensure a smooth, lasting result.

Exterior Use

Upward can work beautifully on exteriors, especially in traditional, coastal, cottage, and modern farmhouse styles. As an exterior body color, it offers a light blue-gray appearance that feels welcoming and understated. It looks especially attractive with crisp white trim, darker shutters, natural wood accents, or charcoal roofing.

Exterior lighting can make Upward appear brighter and more colorful than it does indoors. Before committing, test it on several sides of the home and observe it in morning, afternoon, and evening light.

Trim Pairings

For a crisp, classic look, pair Upward with Sherwin-Williams Pure White or Extra White trim. Pure White creates a softer transition, while Extra White provides sharper contrast. Warm whites such as Alabaster can also work well when the home includes creamier finishes, warm flooring, or natural wood.

Coordinating Colors

Upward coordinates easily with soft whites, muted grays, warm greiges, and deeper blue-gray accents. Sherwin-Williams colors such as Pure White, Agreeable Gray, Accessible Beige, and Stardew can help create a balanced palette. For contrast, consider a charcoal gray, deep navy, or natural wood tone in doors, furniture, or accent details. Sample all coordinating colors together to confirm that their undertones work in your specific lighting.

Call to Action

Ready to see what Upward can do for your home? STRIPES PAINTING CO. can help with color guidance, detailed preparation, and a professional finish. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate.