When searching for the perfect neutral paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Balanced Beige SW 7037 and Tony Taupe SW 7038 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, subtle neutrals?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Balanced Beige vs Tony Taupe in-depth to help you determine the ideal neutral paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Balanced Beige and Tony Taupe
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Balanced Beige and Tony Taupe:
- Undertones – Balanced Beige is a warm beige, Tony Taupe is a cool taupe
- Light Reflectance – Balanced Beige has an LRV of 46, Tony Taupe has an LRV of 37
- Use – Balanced Beige suits traditional styles, Tony Taupe fits modern decor
- Rooms – Balanced Beige excels in bedrooms, Tony Taupe shines in dining rooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Balanced Beige and Tony Taupe more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige SW 7037
With its warm beige appearance, Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige SW 7037 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for accentuating traditional decor. This versatile neutral works in both formal and casual spaces.
Here are some details about Balanced Beige:
- LRV: 46
- Undertones: Warm beige
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Wood tones, blacks, jewel tones
Balanced Beige is a soft, inviting shade with faint tan undertones. In certain lights it can read as a weathered clay. The welcoming neutral has natural appeal.
The 46 light reflectance value prevents the shade from feeling too dark while still remaining cozy. Balanced Beige strikes a comfortable balance suitable for most rooms.
This versatile neutral complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Balanced Beige color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood finishes
- Brass hardware accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Balanced Beige truly excels in these spaces:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Libraries
Balanced Beige’s warmth helps create a welcoming, traditional feel perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to allow bold colors to stand out.
Sherwin Williams Tony Taupe SW 7038
With its subtle cool taupe appearance, Sherwin Williams Tony Taupe SW 7038 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.
Here are some details about Tony Taupe:
- LRV: 37
- Undertones: Cool taupe
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Dining rooms, living rooms, offices, bathrooms
- Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black and white, wood tones
Tony Taupe is a hushed blue-gray taupe with no overt undertones. In all lighting it maintains its understated neutral appearance.
The 37 light reflectance value provides ideal balance without being too dark or stark. Tony Taupe gives an open, breathable feel.
This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular Tony Taupe color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Chrome hardware accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Tony Taupe truly excels in these sleek, modern spaces:
- Dining Rooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Bathrooms
- Hallways
Tony Taupe’s sophistication helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating contemporary styles.
Comparing Balanced Beige vs Tony Taupe
Now that we’ve examined Balanced Beige and Tony Taupe independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Balanced Beige and Tony Taupe have different LRVs of 46 and 37 respectively. Balanced Beige will appear brighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Balanced Beige is a warm beige, while Tony Taupe is a cool taupe.
Use & Rooms
Balanced Beige’s warmth is perfect for cozy bedrooms. Tony Taupe’s cool sophistication excels in dining rooms.
Availability
Both Balanced Beige and Tony Taupe come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
Balanced Beige vs Tony Taupe Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Balanced Beige SW 7037 | Tony Taupe SW 7038 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 46 | 37 |
| Undertones | Warm beige | Cool taupe |
| Use | Traditional styles | Contemporary styles |
| Rooms | Bedrooms, living rooms | Dining rooms, living rooms |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Traditional | Modern |
Real-Life Photos: Balanced Beige vs Tony Taupe
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Balanced Beige and Tony Taupe:
Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige
Sherwin Williams Tony Taupe
While they can overlap, Balanced Beige generally appears warmer and lighter than the cool taupe tone of Tony Taupe. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Balanced Beige or Tony Taupe?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Balanced Beige or Tony Taupe for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Balanced Beige SW 7037 if you want:
- A warm, beige-influenced neutral
- A cozy yet sophisticated color for bedrooms
- A versatile color that works with traditional decor
- A soft, welcoming backdrop
Choose Tony Taupe SW 7038 if you want:
- A cool, sophisticated taupe
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- A relaxed feel for dining and living rooms
- To allow accent colors to pop
Get samples of both Balanced Beige and Tony Taupe. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the undertones read in your environment.
You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful subtle neutral tones that suit varied styles.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Balanced Beige and Tony Taupe paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Libraries
Sherwin Williams Tony Taupe
- Dining Rooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Bathrooms
- Hallways
While both neutrals work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Balanced Beige and Tony Taupe create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
Balanced Beige SW 7037 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood finishes
- Brass hardware accents
Tony Taupe SW 7038 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Chrome hardware accents
Balanced Beige vs Tony Taupe – Which is Better?
So which neutral paint color is better for your home – Balanced Beige or Tony Taupe?
Consider Balanced Beige SW 7037 if you want:
- A warm, beige-influenced neutral
- A cozy yet sophisticated color for bedrooms
- A versatile color that works with traditional decor
- A soft, welcoming backdrop
Consider Tony Taupe SW 7038 if you want:
- A cool, sophisticated taupe
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- A relaxed feel for dining and living rooms
- To allow accent colors to pop
While Balanced Beige offers warm subtlety, Tony Taupe provides modern sophistication.
Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful Sherwin Williams neutral you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between Balanced Beige and Tony Taupe?
The main differences are their undertones and light reflectance. Balanced Beige is a warmer, lighter beige while Tony Taupe is a cooler, darker taupe.
What colors pair well with Balanced Beige?
Balanced Beige looks beautiful with deeper blues, sage greens, cream whites, black accents, and wood tones. Avoid very cool grays.
Can you use Tony Taupe in a dining room?
Yes, Tony Taupe’s subtle sophisticated tone would work wonderfully in a dining room paired with bold accent colors and modern furniture.
Is Balanced Beige suitable for southern exposure?
Yes, Balanced Beige’s LRV of 46 provides enough light for a south facing room without appearing washed out or too bright.
Does Tony Taupe come in matte finish?
Yes, Tony Taupe is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to high gloss semi-gloss.
