Sherwin Williams Canvas Tan 7531: Paint Color Review

Sherwin Williams Canvas Tan: a soft warm muted neutral paint color

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 colors finally take over!

What type of paint color is Canvas Tan? 

Canvas Tan is a tan paint color (I’m not just good looks, you know). Many people call beige and tan by the same name, and you CAN, but I find it easier to separate them. Most shades of tan are a bit more muted (less rich and golden) and tend to favour a yellow undertone, whereas beiges tend to favour an orange undertone.

I also find it easier to ignore color NAMES when figuring out what they are, as I’ve seen some GORGEOUS tan paint colors with ‘beige’ in their name (i.e. Grant Beige, for example). I’ve also seen some beautiful beiges with ‘tan’ in their name (i.e. 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 color?

Canvas Tan is a WARM paint color with a kind of ‘khaki pants’ look. 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.

North, East, South, West – Which Paint Color is the Best?

What’s the LRV of Canvas Tan?

Canvas Tan has an LRV of 64, which makes it a light-depth paint color (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 looked heavy and dated…

But after, Canvas Tan was a great color 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? 

Canvas Tan DOES have a slightly more creamy backdrop than other popular tan and beige paint colors. 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; however, the ODD time I’ve seen it pick up a weeee wink o’ green (fractional at best).

What’s the best way to sample paint colors?

Like with every paint color, 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!

LEARN ALL ABOUT SAMPLIZE HERE

If I’m painting my walls Canvas Tan, what’s the best white paint color for my trim?

When choosing the best white paint color 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

However, for those who prefer a soft approach, a warm color like Shell White can look quite pretty. Remember that if you want to change your wall color in the future, Shell White could be a bit limiting…

SHOULD I Paint My Wood Cabinets White? A QUESTIONNAIRE

The 4 Best White Paint Colors from Sherwin Williams

Is Canvas Tan a popular exterior paint color?

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 colors, a lot of them have stone or brick that prefer beige paint colors over the potentially slightly more cream undertone of Canvas Tan. Canvas Tan can work well if you have the right roof color and NO stone or brick to worry about.

5 Tips for Choosing an Exterior Paint Color

What paint colors are similar to Canvas Tan?

You won’t find an exact match for ANY color between brands – you WILL see shifts in undertones, temperature and depths. However, there are some with similar intentions but different approaches…

• Sherwin Williams Natural Tan
• Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan

And if you’re thinking of color matching between brands, you might want to read THIS first.

What type of paint colors go with Canvas Tan?

• Canvas Tan loves some gray paint colors that are the same depth as it OR darker, especially ones with a blue undertone. It isn’t AS happy with a gray paint color that’s lighter than it (so LRV higher than 64)
• Check out greige paint colors with a green undertone
• Canvas Tan loves some soft cream paint colors
• 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!

READ MORE

Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige

The 16 Best Paint Colors to Go With Cream Cabinets & Trim

Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Natural Tan

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Ballet White

Chat soon,

Not sure which paint color is best for YOUR home?

Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting – I’d love to help!

WRITTEN IN 2020, UPDATED FOR PHOTOS & CONTENT IN 2022