Sherwin Williams City Loft SW 7631 – A Color Review

Here we go! Diving into the new year with a new paint color! One of my favorite things to do on the blog is discover paint colors with you. We get to really dissect the color, figure out what it’s undertones are, take a look at the color in different lighting situations, and more. Today, we’ve got our sights set on Sherwin Williams City Loft. You may have realized that warmer neutrals are now trending which means the cool grays are cooling off. Of course, if you love gray paint colors then grays are definitely still “in” for you. It’s all about what YOU love after all. However, if you are searching for a neutral that is warmer but equally as soft and inviting then you may like to try Sherwin Williams City Loft. But first, let’s get a close look at SW 7631!

All About Sherwin Williams City Loft SW 7631

Sherwin Williams City Loft is like a really good hug – it’s soft and warm and the it makes you feel welcome. Technically speaking, City Loft is a beige/off-white paint color. Sherwin Williams describes it as, “a warm off-white with beige and red undertones.” We can get into the weeds with the undertones of City Loft in just a minute but first you should know that City Loft is a really great paint color option for areas in your home such as living spaces, kitchen cabinets, and even exteriors! City Loft provides the perfect mix of warmth and softness that allows your space to feel inviting. Lastly, City Loft is a really nice paint color choice if you’ve long loved a neutral wall color but are getting bored of plain white walls. This color gives a hint of color with the beige undertones without the overwhelmingly beige/pink-ish tones.

How Light or Dark is Sherwin Williams City Loft

Let’s explore the value of this paint color, which is how light or dark a color is. As expected, City Loft is a light paint color – it’s off-white after all. When compared to some other creamy beige paint colors City Loft may appear slightly softer with a little higher light reflectance value. It’s value allows for this color to work in a wide variety of spaces from exteriors to interiors. 

What’s the LRV of SW City Loft

The Light Reflectance Value or LRV of City Loft is 70.

I love to look at the LRV of a paint color to help determine if it’s a good selection for my needs. LRV is a useful tool for determining how light or dark a paint color is (100 being the whitest white and 0 being the darkest black). Keep in mind that “light” refers to Light Reflective Value, meaning the amount of light reflected. The more reflective the color, the brighter it will appear. With “light paint colors” you expect their LRVs to be on the higher end. Think 100 being the whitest white ever. City Loft is at 70. It’s clearly not stark white paint color but it is a solid light color. We see some depth and warmth here. In comparison to another popular off-white, Oyster White which has an LRV of 72, City Loft has a slightly more depth of color but not so much that it’s noticeable.

Is Sherwin Williams City Loft a Warm or Cool Paint Color? What About Undertones?

City Loft is a warm paint color that contrasts well with many colors. City Loft’s beige and hint of red undertones give the color it’s warmth. The warm off white paint color is great for creating a soft but inviting color palette. It’s an ideal neutral because it’s warm undertones prevent the color from feeling cold or stark.

Got Any Ideas for Coordinating Colors for City Loft?

Sure, I do! As mentioned, City Loft is a versatile color so it makes a very complementary color. It pairs well with a lot of colors. If you like a more modern feel than some grays and white will go well with City Loft. You can even opt for bolder hues to pair with City Loft like navy, deep greens, or even deep purples. I think you’ll find City Loft a very agreeable paint color to work with.

For trim, I always recommend Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace It is my favorite white and the crips white stands out beautifully against the soft off-white/greige walls.

What Paint Sheen Should I Use?

Not all paint sheens are created equal so I’m glad you asked! Eggshell and satin paint sheens are both good options for City Loft. Although I personally prefer matte finishes, high gloss finishes can also be appropriate, especially if you want to create a luxurious feel. For trim, I recommend using satin or semi-gloss for easier cleaning. I love a tonal feel so you certainly could use City Loft on both the walls and trim. If you do, consider using a flat paint on the walls with a gloss on the trim – this will give a really nice contrast to the space while maintaining the cohesive color scheme.

SW City Loft in Real Spaces

If you like what you see so far, then let’s go on. Below is are some inspirational picture as a guide for what City Loft looks like in real spaces. The photos below will give you a good idea of how different lighting can affect the appearance of City Loft, what it looks like as an exterior paint color as well as how well it does inside. Let’s dive in.

Sherwin Williams City Loft as an Exterior Paint Color

City Loft shines as an exterior paint color. The warm off-white pairs beautifully with contrasting trim like black or even light gray like we see here. The siding of this house is painted City Loft. Generally, you have to be careful when you are picking a white for an exterior paint color because they can appear really stark and washed out. City Loft has just enough color to it that it avoids being washed out in the harsh sun.

It’s also worth noting that City Loft can appear very white as a home’s exterior color. On a cloudy day you may see some gray tones peeking out. With the addition of gray accents – we see that here. City Loft cooling off, just slightly.

City Loft as an Interior Paint Color

If Sherwin William’s City Loft shines on the outside then it glistens indoors. It’s everything you want a neutral paint color to be: soft, inviting, modern with an element of cozy. In this family room, we see how the warmth of City Loft works really well with natural light coming in from the windows on the left. The neutral furnishings and the reclaimed wood mantel all complement City Loft’s warmth beautifully.

How creamy and delicious is City Loft in this bedroom? The bit of natural light mixed with ambient lighting definitely gives a more yellow tint to City Loft but I’m not mad at the creamy tonal side of City Loft we get to see here. Complemented beautifully by the blue and green tones in the space, City Loft is a great choice for a space that calls for serenity and calm.

Cool natural light will bring out more gray/greige tones from City Loft. The warm undertones keep this color from going cold. You’ll see more contrast when paired with white trim.

I think City Loft is a nice all over paint color. It’s super versatile and can be used in a variety of spaces. Check out this gorgeous laundry space with City Loft walls. Adding colorful trim to the space makes City Loft look lighter and brighter.

SW City Loft Painted Cabinets

If you want painted cabinets that aren’t quite white but aren’t quite gray either, you might consider using Sherwin Williams City Loft on them. This paint color is so good for cabinetry. The warm undertones prevent this color from looking washed out or too. It’s really the perfect amount of warmth.

City Loft is pretty darn versatile. It’s not white, it’s not gray and it is simply stunning on cabinets.

Final Thoughts

In the realm of off-white paint colors, Sherwin Williams City Loft stands out as a beautifully versatile warm off-white paint color with just the slightest hint of beige undertones that make it perfect for creating an inviting spaces. Its LRV of 70 makes it a great choice for both interiors and exteriors, and its versatility allows it to be used in various rooms and settings. Whether you’re looking for the perfect color for a modern backdrop or a gorgeous white exterior paint color, City Loft is a great option to consider. So go ahead and give this beautiful paint color a try in your next home project! Let me know what you think! Until next time!