Sherwin Williams First Star: Paint Color Review -

A whisper-light gray with a beautiful approach

While gray is no longer trendy, many still use it as a neutral, calming, soothing backdrop for their homes. And not just their walls—there are those still painting gray kitchen cabinets, accent walls, and doors.

But finding that perfect gray with the right undertone and depth can be tricky. Or it USED to be tricky – lucky for you, you have a cute little Ginger tucked in your back pocket whose OBSESSED with paint colors! This is why today, we’re looking at one of my favorite light gray paint colors – First Star…

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BEFORE WE GET STARTED…

To show you RELATEABLE & REAL homes, I ONLY use photos from my Online Color Consulting clients, friends, and followers.

WHAT TYPE OF GRAY IS FIRST STAR?

Like its big cousin, Big Chill, First Star comes across as a cool paint color, but it has a more stormy outlook than true cool, icy grays. Sure, it will LOOK cool, but many cold grays flash a lot of undertones – not First Star. Being that bit stormier and muted, it tucks its undertones inside its mittens.

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WHAT’S FIRST STAR’S LRV?

When it comes to depth (LRV), First Star sits at 69 (ahem). This means it’s on the higher, lighter end of the ‘light range’ – winking discreetly at the off-white world. This also means First Star will undoubtedly wash out if you have an overly bright room. However, the sun moves across the sky, and before you know it, that beautiful shade of gray is back in action, so don’t judge it too harshly in this light.

If First Star were a TOUCH cooler (meaning its undertones could pop a bit more), I might even recommend it for a dark room. However, you have to watch that these colors don’t look drab in rooms without enough light. Wait, I have an idea…improve your interior lighting and decor and a whole world of color will open up!

Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint-lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.

The Best Paint NUMBER for Your Home – 62

The Best LIGHT Paint Colors for a DARK room

WHAT UNDERTONES DOES FIRST STAR HAVE?

First off, First Star has passive undertones. So when I mention them, don’t think they’ll be all bells a blazin’ – this baddy is subtle. First Star has blue undertones. Now, blue undertones can be blue-purple or blue-green. While I wouldn’t expect any shocking green, of the two, First Star’s blue is inclined blue-green over over purple.

Thank you to my Online Color Consulting clients, readers, and friends for sending in your photos – you make my colorful little world go round!

The Ultimate Guide to Paint Colors & Undertones

Paint sampling just got a whole lot easier (and more fun!)

Here’s your PEEL & STICK of First Star!

WHAT WHITE TRIM COLOR GOES WITH FIRST STAR?

Being a lighter shade of gray, First Star can be a bit fussy about which whites it likes the most.

Sherwin Williams White Snow
Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Sherwin Williams Pure White is about as soft and warm as I’d go

6 Questions to Ask Before You Paint Your Cabinets White

3 Steps to Picking the Best White Paint Color

IS FIRST STAR A GOOD COLOR FOR THE EXTERIOR OF A HOME?

Generally speaking, no. While it might work on your home, most homeowners want a gray that shows up a bit more. With SO much natural light, First Star can wash out considerably and end up looking a touch dingy. I’d suggest starting your gray search with a color like Sherwin Williams Big Chill and compare similar shades.

5 Tips for Choosing an Exterior Paint Color

Does Your Exposure REALLY MATTER When Choosing EXTERIOR Paint Colors?

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO FIRST STAR?

It’s important to sample and compare similar colors before slapping paint on your walls. Here are a few I stand by…

Sherwin Williams Crushed Ice offers a slightly warmer, organic look, while still parking you in the gray world.
Sherwin Williams Big Chill has a similar muted undertone, but a bit more depth and contrast with white trim or cabinets.
Benjamin Moore Horizon is a great comparable, with a bit more of a clean, blue undertone.

Sherwin Williams Big Chill Paint Color Review

WHICH PAINT COLORS GO WITH FIRST STAR?

It’s not always about which paint colors go with a color; it’s also about which colors to avoid…

First Star doesn’t love colors that are warmer AND darker than it. If you partner it with a warmer shade, it should be lighter than First Star.
First Star looooves a wide range of medium to dark blue-gray paint colors.
I would steer clear of overt greens. While you can choose a blue-green or teal, if you tip the scales too far, First Star won’t be happy.
First Star loves other muted soft neutrals that are maybe even a bit lighter than it. Colors like Eider White and Pearly White are beautiful.

READ MORE

The Top 10 Warm Gray Paint Colors

The Best WHOLE HOME Gray, Greige & Taupe Paint Colors

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl Paint Color Review

Sherwin Williams On the Rocks Paint Color Review

NEED HELP?

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