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 a more muted and beiges, 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.

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.

Photo via Tim Hanson Photography

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 Canvas Tan?

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

E-Design by Kylie M, Photography by JR Photography

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.

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.

Is Canvas Tan a popular warm neutral paint colour?

You bet! Canvas Tan is a great way to get WARMTH without the stronger yellow of some creams or the more golden-approach of beige. It’s also a great colour for home staging.

What type of paint colours look good with Canvas Tan?

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

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