Sherwin Williams Moderate White 6140: Paint Color Review
The Best Off-White Beige
While beige has had a bad rap for the last 10 years, it’s BACK, baby. And while some crave deeper, darker shades of beige, others (like myself) lean into a softer, gentler approach with colors like Moderate White.
That’s why we’re taking a close and personal look at Moderate White to see if it’s the best beige for you and your home.
99.5% of the photos in my blog are from my Online Color Consulting clients, readers, talented photographers, & friends— because real homes deserve to be celebrated (dirty laundry & all!) While not magazine-perfect, they’re packed with timeless (and some trendy) home update ideas & the best, proven color choices to help you create a home you’ll love.
WHAT TYPE OF COLOR IS MODERATE WHITE?
Due to its placement in the fan deck, many people think that Moderate White is a cream paint color – HECK NO! Cream paint colors sit on a yellow undertone, whereas beige paint colors focus on an orange undertone. This undertone is what makes Moderate White a beige. However, an orange undertone isn’t all that Moderate White has to offer.
North, East, South, West – Which Paint Color is the Best?
WHAT’S MODERATE WHITE’S LRV?
The LRV of Moderate White is 74, making it a soft, off-white color. However, it doesn’t go far into the off-white range as it has a bit more depth than average.
With an LRV of 74, Moderate White will defintely wash out in a bright room, but as will any color with a moderately high LRV – nature of the beast! And while some off-whites can appear a bit dingy or dirty-looking in a darker room, because Moderate White has a bit more chroma (color) to it, it can handle low light a bit better than some more muted warm neutrals.
While I realize this next photo is no screamin’ glory, it’s a great example of how Moderate White can be a GREAT choice with outdated beige tile. Remember, I rely 100% on my E-design client’s photos, so I’m grateful to see these colors in action, even if it’s not perfect…
Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.
WHAT ARE MODERATE WHITE’S UNDERTONES?
Moderate White centers on an orange undertone. But not all oranges are created equal – some can lean towards orange-yellow, while others lean towards orange-pink. Moderate White is great as it’s quite flexible towards both; one of the many reasons why I’m obsessed with it.
If you’re sensitive to orange undertones, Moderate White might make you a wee bit twitchy. However, it’s important to remember that it’s not ALL about you. Regardless of whether it’s mad love or not, Moderate White is often an awesome choice for homes built in the 1990s and early 2000s, as it suits many of the tiles and older granite countertops from these eras.
Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Moderate White
WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO MODERATE WHITE?
When it comes to choosing the best paint color for your home, it’s so important to COMPARE.
Comparison shows shifts in undertones, LRVs, and temperatures.
And just because you’re focusing on one color, doesn’t mean there isn’t one that’s even BETTER (the same can be said about husbands – wink wink).
MODERATE WHITE VS BENJAMIN MOORE MARITIME WHITE
This is my favorite comparison, as Maritime White is a great alternative to Moderate White.
Starting with depth, Maritime White’s LRV of 71.6 makes it a bit darker than Moderate White’s 74, but still within a similar range.
Where you’ll see a more noticeable shift is in ‘commitment to color’. While both beiges are reasonably balanced on their beige butts, Moderate White has more ‘color’ and personality than Maritime White’s more muted approach.
Moderate White with a painted wood vanity
Read more about Moderate White in its FULL color review!
MODERATE WHITE VS SHERWIN WILLIAMS DIVINE WHITE
If you want to stay on brand, Divine White is the perfect warm neutral to compare with Moderate White.
Look at Divine White above the window to see its wink more pink
Divine White’s LRV of 72 makes it slightly lighter than Moderate White’s 74, but it is comparable (apples to apples, for sure). However, if your interior finishes need a slightly pinker undertone, Divine White could be a better choice than Moderate White’s balance.
Learn about Divine White in its FULL paint color review!
WHAT’S THE BEST WHITE TRIM COLOR WITH MODERATE WHITE?
Moderate White is a fussy one. Most warm whites have a yellow undertone, and this yellow can clash with the orange of Moderate White. For this reason, I usually recommend the following:
- Ask the paint store to lighten Moderate White by 50% and 75%. Make sure you still like the undertones/general look, as they can shift. I’ve done this several times with great success!
- To keep things simple, try Sherwin Williams Pure White. Just be sure to avoid creamy whites like Alabaster.
IS MODERATE WHITE A GOOD EXTERIOR PAINT COLOR?
Moderate White can be AMAZING on a home’s exterior. The key is to make sure its approach suits your home’s stonework, brickwork, roof, and window color.
5 Tips for Choosing an Exterior Paint Color
IS MODERATE WHITE GOOD FOR KITCHEN CABINETS?
HECK to the YES! Many kitchen and bathroom finishes don’t suit white cabinets. In this case, colors like Moderate White can be the perfect, light, but not BRIGHT WHITE solution.
Before, this kitchen (below) was dark and heavy. However, replacing the outdated granite countertops, tile backsplash, and tile flooring wasn’t in the cards…
After, this kitchen has a whole new lease on life with Moderate White…
DOES IT GO WITH WOOD FINISHES?
Moderate White can be beautiful with a wide range of wood finishes. While I would be cautious with overly pink or white-washed woods, it’s pretty friendly with most others.
The Best Colors with Golden Oak
DOES MODERATE WHITE SUIT CREAM CABINETS & TRIMS?
If there were a way to type NO even louder, I’d do it. Moderate White doesn’t go with cream cabinets and trims, as it’s too similar in depth, and the undertones will clash.
Instead, I have other colors that are better for you to explore.
WHAT COLORS GO WITH MODERATE WHITE IN A PALETTE?
Oh, Moderate White is so fun to play with, as it goes well with so many colors! Naturally, it depends on what you need these colors for – accent walls, cabinets, doors, or adjoining rooms. However, these should get you started…
- Slightly darker beige paint colors with similar undertones
- Light to medium green paint colors, as well as darker shades of green, are STUNNING
- Greige paint colors, both light to medium and darker greiges, are gorgeous accents to Moderate White.
- A range of navy blue paint colors
- Sage greens can be gorgeous
- Be very careful with grays that are LIGHTER than Moderate White – it rarely works.
READ MORE
The Best Warm Neutrals With NO Yellow Undertones
The Best Warm, Off-White Paint Colors
Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White
Get the best paint color advice!
Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting – I’d love to help!
*Updated content for 2026 with the best paint colors, timeless design, and home update ideas for today’s homeowner.
Hi Kylie,
I’m thinking of a color palette with Balboa Mist (kitchen walls), Cyberspace (kitchen island), Natural Linen (living room), Moderate White (bedroom). The colors would be in adjacent rooms in that order. Based on all of your posts and videos on these colors, I believe they will suit the products and exposures in each room. Just wanting to check with the flow from room to room. Any thoughts?
Thank you, as always!! You are helping me so much!!
I recently renovated my bedroom. My husband doesn’t like any of the cool, gray colors and wanted something warmer. I didn’t want tan. We decided on an off-white. I have a huge statement piece headboard that I wanted to show off.
After painting my walls, I was so upset to see that it looked like a pale, yellow nursery. I somehow stumbled across your site and tried the Moderate White. It looks sooo good! I wish I could share a picture. Now, as I move through the rest of my house to repaint, I check your site to get your opinions and recommendations on all of my considerations. Thank you for your expertise!
I love to hear this, thank you, Starla! I mean, not about the previous pale yellow nursery, but I’m GLAD you found a colour you love with Moderate White 🙂
Hi! I love your insights! I’m considering moderate white in my open plan, east facing kitchen and family room walls with snowbound cabinets (and maybe snowbound trim in the FR). I’m hoping their similar undertones are complimentary and will bring a little warmth, especially to the FR, but still stay fresh and modern. Am I understanding these colors correctly in your opinion?
Thanks for your posts!
Hi Jenny! Nope, Moderate White has toooo much orange in it for the more violet tones in Snowbound – I would stay far, far away from these 2.
Ah, good to know. Thank you!
Would you have another favorite white/off white whose undertones wouldn’t clash?
Hi Kylie,
I’m choosing to paint all my interior walls SW Moderate White at 75%. Do you think BM Chantilly Lace will work for trim and doors? I know you suggest Chantilly lace for Moderate White at 100%. Thanks for your advice.
Hi Lynn! While I haven’t done this combo myself, it should be good!
Hi Kylie, we moved into a home with Moderate White at 50% on the fireplace, all the trim work, and the shutters, so it’s a little tricky to change that color (or more expensive I should say). The walls are all Macadamia and I don’t love it. I would like to go with a warm white. I like Alabaster, would that pair well with the MW at 50%? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Hey Kristi, I definitely wouldn’t partner Alabaster with this. Sometimes the color we HAVE dictates everything – if it were me, I would keep going with Moderate White at 50% lighter or try it 25% lighter for a bit more depth on the walls (or regular strength). If you mix and match whites/off-whites it can get pretty messy!
Thank you so much for your feedback!
Hi Kylie!
Your videos and blog have been so educational for me! My trim is BM simply white and I don’t have energy to change that. Products are definitely warm. Would Moderate White on the walls work with this? Or would something like BM Timid White, Navajo White, or SW Aged White / Pacer White be better?
Hi KYLIE,
I decided to paint my wall Moderate white and I love it. I wanted the trims and doors too but I was thinking it’s too much. I want a white color that goes well with MW, not looking yellowish. Maybe even close to MW but obviously lighter. Any sugestions?
Hey Carmen! Try getting samples of MW made 50% and 75% lighter as those should hit the spot. The undertones will shift a bit, so make sure you still like what you see 🙂
Hi Kylie, I tried 75% of the MW. Looks a little more pinkish than I wanted. What do you think of ivory lace or Greek vila? Thank you for the quick response.
All the trim and cabinets (except kitchen ones) are painted moderate white. My walls/ceilings are basket beige and macadamia (bedrooms). I am wanting to change the wall/ceiling color but leave the trim just because the amount of it. What color could I use? Would I just paint it all moderate white? TYIA
Kylie,
This information on moderate white is excellent! Our entire interior of our home is painted moderate white (open plan) and we love it. We have white oak floors. We are renovating our kitchen and would like to do the cabinets in a warm neutral. What do you recommend? I think we will do some navy blue accents/green/furniture – what colour of cabinets would look best with the moderate white? (not white, something warmer and uplifting – not cool). Thanks for any insights you have!
Shannon
Oooo Shannon, that’s a tough one as your countertops and backsplash matter JUST AS MUCH) if not a bit more than your wall color. Why? Well, of the 3 surfaces, even though you probably don’t want to paint your walls, the wall color is ‘usually’ the most changeable. Plus, the cabinet color is so directly related to its surrounding finishes and if you clash with the backsplash/countertop, it won’t matter how well it works with Moderate White! If you want specific help, so that I can see your finishes, I do have consulting packages! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/hire-kylie/#packages
Shannon,
What did you go with for the cabinets? And what is your trim with the Moderate White? My situation sounds very similar to yours.
Kim
Hello,
I was wondering if you know anything about Ben Moore Plaster of Paris. I live in the desert with multiple north facing windows.
Hi Mary! While it’s a pretty color and a nice depth, I don’t entirely trust it. Being in the Color Stories Collection it has a wide range of tints mixed in, meaning it can pick up a wide range of undertones, making it pretty unpredictable! It could be pretty, but it could also be surprising! For this reason, I usually stay away from the CSP colors :).
Hi Kylie, I went with Moderate W for my walls and I was thinking for some of the half bathrooms to paint a different color that goes with MW. Any suggestions? Not very dark though. Thank you