Sherwin Williams Canvas Tan: LRV, Undertones and a Little More
Just when we thought the whole world was going gray, we’re starting to see some warmth on the horizon. I mean, we’re not quite at the BEIGE end of things yet, but we’re certainly tiptoeing the boundaries, and I know that Canvas Tan will be one of the frontrunners when warm colours finally take over!
What type of paint colour is Canvas Tan?
Canvas Tan is a tan paint colour (I’m not just good looks you know). A lot of people call beige and tan by the same name, and you CAN, but I find it easier to separate them, with most tans being more muted and beiges being more golden in their approach (generally speaking).
I also find it easier to ignore colour NAMES when figuring out what they are, as I’ve seen some GORGEOUS tan paint colours with ‘beige’ in their name (ie: Grant Beige for example). I’ve also seen some beautiful beiges with ‘tan’ in their name (ie: Softer Tan).
Long story short, when it comes to beige and tan, I judge them ONLY on how they LOOK (same with husbands – wink wink, thank God Tim’s so darned cute!).
E-Design by Kylie M, Photo via Tim Hanson Photography
Is Canvas Tan a warm or cool paint colour?
Canvas Tan is a WARM paint colour with an almost creamy backdrop to it. If you have a north-facing room or eastern afternoon light, Canvas Tan could add a nice balance to your space. If you have a south-facing room or warm afternoon western sunshine, Canvas Tan could look beautiful without going OVERLY golden/yellow.
Read more: North, East, South, West – Which Paint Colour is the Best?
What’s the LRV of Canvas Tan?
Canvas Tan has an LRV of 64, which makes it a light depth paint colour (learn more HERE). It’s also in a GREAT place within the light range, not so high that it washes-out in bright light, but not so low that it gets overly heavy or muddy looking.
Before, this central fireplace was looking heavy and dated…
But after, Canvas Tan was a great colour to brighten and update the ENTIRE open-concept space…
Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.
What are the undertones of Canvas Tan? Will it look green, yellow or pink?
Canvas Tan DOES have a slightly more creamy backdrop compared to some other popular tan and beige paint colours. So, whereas some tans will lean a wink gray, pink or even green, Canvas Tan is more likely to stay muted and neutral, while still having warmth. I’ve never had it go pink on me and the only time I’ve seen green is when it’s picked up a reflection from the exterior (grass).
What’s the best way to sample paint colours?
Like with every paint colour, I highly recommend using SAMPLIZE. Samplize is a peel & stick paint sample that you can easily move around your room for over HALF THE COST of traditional sample pots – and they deliver right to your front door!
If I’m painting my walls Canvas Tan, what’s the best white paint colour for my trim?
When it comes to choosing the best white paint colour from trims, doors, cabinets or ceiling WITH Canvas Tan, it can depend on the other finishes in your space, but I lean the most into…
- Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Sherwin Williams Alabaster can be quite soft and pretty
Read more: SHOULD I Paint My Wood Cabinets White? A QUESTIONNAIRE
Read more: The 4 Best White Paint Colours from Sherwin Williams
Is Canvas Tan a good colour for the exterior of my home?
I won’t say that Canvas Tan isn’t GOOD, it just isn’t popular right now. Many people lean more into gray, greige or white for their exteriors, rather than the warmer tan or beige end of things.
A soft, warm white like Sherwin Williams Alabaster is MASSIVELY popular right now
When it comes to exteriors that DO look good in warmer colours, a lot of them have stone or brick that prefer beige paint colours over the potentially slightly more cream undertone of Canvas Tan. Canvas Tan can work well if you have the right roof colour and NO stone or brick to worry about.
Read more: 5 Tips to Choosing an Exterior Paint Colour
What Benjamin Moore paint colours are the same as or similar to Canvas Tan?
You won’t find an exact match for ANY colour between brands – you WILL see shifts in undertones, temperature and depths. However, there are some with similar intentions, but different approaches…
- Benjamin Moore White Sand
And if you’re thinking of colour matching between brands (ie: getting BM to make an SW paint colour), you might want to read THIS first.
What type of paint colours look good with it?
Canvas Tan has a few limitations, as do most colours, but there’s a WHOLE WORLD of colours that it loves!
- Canvas Tan loves some gray paint colours that are the same depth as it OR darker, especially ones with a blue undertone. It isn’t AS happy with a gray paint colour that’s lighter than it (so LRV higher than 64)
- It also looks great with some greige paint colours with a green undertone
- Canvas Tan loves some soft cream paint colours
- Canvas Tan loves feature walls in navy blue, earthy greens and charcoal
Not sure if Canvas Tan is right for you? Want a bit warmer or cooler? I’ve got more!
SHERWIN WILLIAMS ACCESSIBLE BEIGE
Read more: Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige
BENJAMIN MOORE BALLET WHITE
Read more: Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Ballet White
Chat soon,
Not sure which paint colour is best for YOUR home?
Check out my Online Paint Colour Consulting – I’d love to help!
KYLIE M INTERIORS E-DESIGN AND ONLINE VIRTUAL PAINT COLOUR EXPERT, SPECIALIZING IN BENJAMIN MOORE AND SHERWIN WILLIAMS PAINT COLORS DIY DECORATING AND DESIGN ADVICE BLOGGER
Hi Kylie
I could use some consulting help
I have low light rooms. One that is very large with both north and south facing windows
I think I’d like a neutral. I have extensive trim and cupboards/bookcases and fireplace painted in sherwin Williams extra white
Do any colors come to mind to help make my space beautiful? Thank you foe your help!
LorrAine
Hi Lorraine, I’d love to help you – please check out my packages on my website at: https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/ – hoping to hear from you!
I have canvas tan and neutral ground on my open first floor. I am drawn toward warm neutrals and could never quite get on board with gray. I have some accent walls of blue and canvas tan pairs beautifully. I’m happy to hear that there may be a resurgence of warmer neutrals. I always love your posts. Thanks Kylie!