Griffin, by Sherwin Williams, is a dark brown shade that is growing in popularity. It is deep, chic, and sophisticated.
For many, Griffin is a newer paint color. It hasn’t had the attention that other Sherwin Williams dark neutrals have in recent years. But, with the current design trends shifting towards browns, you are likely to see a lot more of shades like Griffin in the coming years.
This is because it goes well with taupe, which is a very popular light neutral right now.
So, take a deep dive into SW Griffin and find out why it is trending right now, where to use it, and what colors go with it.
Sherwin Williams Griffin Explained
Griffin, SW 9611, is a neutral paint color that blends brown with a dose of gray for sophistication, and a purple undertone for interest.
Sherwin Williams describes Griffin as a, “deep brown has an inviting gray undertone that can give a communal space a smoldering warmth.”
The brown masstone and the depth of the Griffin bring about a sense of enveloping warmth when used in a whole room. This warmth is intensified by the subtle purple undertone.
Don’t let the purple undertone scare you too much though. Griffin doesn’t look purple. But, the purple undertone in Griffin helps give us a good idea about what colors to pair with it.
With an LRV of 13, Griffin falls into the dark range of paint colors, but hedges towards the lighter side of it. It is still a very dark paint color, but not so dark that it absorbs all of the light in the room.
For example, here you can see Griffin alongside Urbane Bronze. Urbane Bronze is a popular Sherwin Williams brown color with an LRV of 8. It is evident that even this small difference in LRV makes a big difference in how it looks.
Where Should I Use SW Griffin?
Griffin is a great paint color for accent spaces such as feature walls, fireplaces, railings, or woodwork. Because of its depth, it isn’t a color that you can just throw on a wall. You have to use it with intention. This is why its best in accent spaces.
For the more daring and confident paint pickers though, Griffin can be used as a whole room paint color.
As a whole room color, Griffin will give a very dramatic look.
One possible use for Griffin is the color drenching technique. This is where all the surfaces in the room are painted the same color.
You can also use Griffin on a home exterior, either as a whole home color or as an accent shade on woodwork. With its gray undertone, Griffin would look great alongside stone facades.
SW Griffin works in many different styles of homes, including traditional, farmhouse, and more.
What Colors Coordinate With Sherwin Williams Griffin?
Griffin is a brown, so it goes well with other neutrals such as taupes, beiges with similar undertones, grays with brown undertones, soft pinks, or purples.
Sherwin Williams pairs Griffin with:
- Simple White, an off-white with a hint of gray and purple/pink
- Alpaca, a light gray and beige blend with pink/purple undertones
- Functional Gray, a midtone gray and beige blend with pink/purple undertones
Some other great shades to pair with Griffin are Moonlit Orchid, Requisite Gray, Toque White, and White Heron.
Trim Colors for Sherwin Williams Griffin
Griffin can work alongside several of Sherwin Williams whites, but one of my favorite trim colors to pair with Griffin is Pure White.
Pure White is a great trim color because it works with most any wall shade. It is light and bright but not too stark. It will provide lots of contrast with Griffin.
If you want a trim color that is a bit softer, check out Snowbound. Snowbound has a more creamy look to it and a soft purple undertone, and will work nicely alongside Griffin.
Be warned though, Snowbound is a little less forgiving with the paint colors you pair it with, so if you’re going to want to change your wall color without updating the trim color, Pure White is a much better choice.
Final Thoughts on Griffin
SW Griffin is a great modern brown. It has a purple undertone, so it pairs really nicely with many of the taupes that are so popular right now.
Griffin creates a sophisticated setting for other furnishings and accents without overpowering the room with color.
If you are interested in a brown paint color that has some substance but isn’t too dark, Griffin might strike just the right note for your space.
Have a question? Leave me a comment! Remember to check back for a response – it may take me up to a week or two depending on how busy I am, but I’ll try my best to get back to you!
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