Clary Sage is one of maybe five paint colors I recommend without hesitation – and I’ve been specifying paint for clients for over a decade.
This color falls between sage green and warm gray, what designers now call a “greige-green.”
It feels fresh without being too loud. In this post, I will walk you through everything about Clary Sage.
What Color is Clary Sage?
Clary Sage is a soft, muted green with gray undertones.
It is between green and gray on the color scale. But it is not too green. Not too gray. Just the right mix of both.
Sherwin-Williams Clary Sages’ code is SW 6178.
Its LRV (Light Reflectance Value) is 30, meaning it absorbs more light than it reflects. So it reads as a medium-depth color on your walls.
Clary Sage looks different throughout the day.
The morning light makes it feel greener, while the evening light brings out its gray side.
SW Clary Sage: Paint Details
I say it, and I mean it. Before choosing any color, check the numbers first.
These details help you understand what you are working with before you buy a single can.
- Color Name: Clary Sage
- Brand: Sherwin-Williams
- Color Code: SW 6178
- Hex Code: #8E9B82
- RGB Value: R: 142, G: 155, B: 130
- LRV: 30
- Color Family: Green
- Color Collection: Nature’s Inspiration
- Undertones: Gray and slight olive
- Finish Options: Flat, Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss
What Undertones Does Clary Sage Have?
Clary Sage carries gray and soft olive undertones that give it a calm, natural feel.
In rooms with warm lighting, the olive side comes out more. And in cooler or north-facing rooms, the gray undertone takes over.
So is it warm or cool? Neither, really.
The gray undertone gives it a cool base. But the olive hint adds warmth to stop it from feeling cold or flat on your walls.
Always test it on your wall first. A small swatch can save you a full repaint.
Sherwin-Williams Clary Sage 4 Color Palette Inspirations
Clary Sage is that color that plays well with others. It pairs beautifully with both warm and cool tones.
Here’s what I pair it with most.
Clary Sage with White and Cream Tones
White and cream are a go-to for Clary Sage.
They let the green breathe without competing with it. Try using Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) or Shoji White (SW 7042) as trim colors.
They add a soft, clean contrast that feels fresh and put-together in any room.
Clary Sage with Warm Neutrals
Warm tans and beiges ground Clary Sage beautifully.
Colors like SW Accessible Beige (SW 7036) or Antique White (SW 6119) work well together in living rooms and bedrooms.
The warmer the surrounding tones, the more the olive in this color comes forward.
Clary Sage with Deep, Bold Colors
For a stronger, moodier look, pair Clary Sage with deeper tones like Navy or Charcoal.
SW Anchors Aweigh (SW 9179) or Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) can work well here.
Use this combo in home offices and dining rooms. It creates a strong, grounded look that feels natural and calm.
Related: A Complete SW Urbane Bronze Review
Clary Sage with Earthy Wood Tones
Wood finishes and Clary Sage are a perfect match.
Go for medium to dark wood tones, like walnut or oak, to balance the coolness of Clary Sage. Try this combo in kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms with wooden furniture or flooring.
Clary Sage Paint Interior Ideas
In my years of work, I have used Clary Sage so much. And every single time, it delivers.
It is one of those colors that feels right in almost any kind of space. The muted green tone adds life to a room without overpowering it.
Living Room
Clary Sage on all four walls creates a calm, grounded feel.
Pair it with cream-colored furniture and warm wood accents for a fresh, comfy look. I love adding brass or gold light fixtures in a Clary Sage living room.
Kitchen Cabinets – everyone’s favourite
Use Clary Sage on the lower cabinets with white uppers. I tell you, try the two-tone cabinet look, it is very popular right now! And you have this color at the bottom.
And pair it with white quartz countertops and brass hardware.
Entryway
Clary Sage makes great first impressions. And for an entryway, it sets a calm, welcoming tone.
I have used it in narrow entryways and larger foyers.
Pair it with a dark console table and some warm-toned wall art, and add a simple mirror with a wood or brass frame.
Clary Sage Paint Exterior Ideas
Most people keep Clary Sage inside. I’ve put it on full exteriors, and clients are always surprised how well it translates.
Outside, natural light does something special to this color.
It brings out its earthy, organic side in a way that indoor lighting cannot match.
I have painted full-house facades with it, and they wish they had done so sooner. Use it as your main body color with crisp white trim for a clean, classic finish.
It looks especially sharp on craftsman and colonial-style homes.
For the front door, go dark, like charcoal or navy, to create a strong, grounded focal point.
Clary Sage vs Soft Sage – what should be your pick?
People see both colors on the swatch, and they look so similar that it creates confusion.
Clary Sage (SW 6178) is deeper and more complex. It carries gray and olive undertones that change throughout the day.
It’s perfect for larger rooms and exterior applications.
Soft Sage (SW 0056)is lighter and simpler.
It has a higher LRV, which means it reflects more light. It feels airier and more subtle on the wall. I usually recommend it for smaller rooms or spaces that already get natural light.
| Feature | Clary Sage (SW 6178) | Soft Sage (SW 0056) |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 30 | 63 |
| Undertones | Gray and olive | Light green and gray |
| Depth | Medium | Light |
| Best For | Large rooms, exteriors | Small rooms, bright spaces |
| Mood | Calm and grounded | Soft and airy |
| Pairs Well With | Deep neutrals, warm wood | White, light neutrals |
If you want a color with more personality, go with Clary Sage. And if you want something softer and lighter, Soft Sage is your pick.
Conclusion
Clary Sage is one of the few colors that actually improve over the time.
So get the sample. Put it on the wall in a 12×12 patch. Look at it on Monday morning and Friday evening. If it still makes sense, it’s your color.
My bet: it looks better every single time.
Drop your experience in the comments below, and I would love to hear how it turned out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Clary Sage so Expensive?
Sherwin-Williams uses high-quality pigments and paint formulas. You are paying for better coverage, durability, and a finish that lasts longer.
2. Is Clary Sage Child and Pet Friendly
The color itself is fine for any room. For kids’ rooms and high-traffic areas, go with satin or semi-gloss. They are much easier to wipe clean.
3. Does Clary Sage Fade Over Time on Exteriors?
Like most medium-depth colors, it can fade slightly after a few years in direct sunlight.
