When selecting a warm, inviting neutral paint color, two great options to consider are Sherwin Williams Canvas Tan 7531 and Sherwin Williams Natural Linen SW 9109. At first look, these two beige paint colors can seem quite similar. But upon closer inspection, there are noticeable differences that impact the overall aesthetic.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll compare Canvas Tan vs Natural Linen to help you determine which is the best warm neutral for your space. We’ll examine undertones, LRV, real-world photos, and top room applications. By the end, you’ll understand how these beige paint colors differ and which Sherwin Williams neutral is the right choice.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Canvas Tan and Natural Linen
Before diving into all the details, here is a brief overview of how Canvas Tan and Natural Linen differ:
- Undertones: Canvas Tan is a yellow beige, Natural Linen is a greige beige
- LRV: Canvas Tan has a higher LRV of 64, Natural Linen is darker at 66 LRV
- Use: Canvas Tan works well whole-home, Natural Linen best accenting
- Rooms: Canvas Tan excels in sunny spaces, Natural Linen shines in cozy rooms
Now let’s explore Canvas Tan vs Natural Linen more closely!
Sherwin Williams Canvas Tan 7531
Canvas Tan 7531 is a gorgeous warm beige paint color with a yellow, golden tone. Its cheery vibe makes it uplifting and inviting.
Here are some key details about Canvas Tan:
- LRV: 64
- Undertones: Yellow beige
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Entryways, kitchens, baths, bedrooms
- Pairs Well With: Whites, blues, greens
Canvas Tan is a light-medium beige with distinct golden yellow undertones. Its richness provides cozy warmth while still feeling bright and sunny.
With an LRV of 64, Canvas Tan reflects a decent amount of light. This prevents it from seeming dark or dreary. The yellow undertone keeps it feeling cheerful and upbeat.
Some pleasing color combinations with Canvas Tan include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Sherwin Williams Rainwashed
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
While suitable anywhere, Canvas Tan excels as an inviting neutral backdrop for entryways, kitchens, bathrooms, and sunny bedrooms. Its warmth pairs nicely with cool blues and greens.
Sherwin Williams Natural Linen SW 9109
Natural Linen SW 9109 is a beautiful medium-tone greige paint color. Its adaptable neutrality allows it to suit any style home.
Here are some key details about Natural Linen:
- LRV: 66
- Undertones: Greige beige
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Living rooms, dining rooms, offices, bedrooms
- Pairs Well With: Grays, blues, greens
Natural Linen is a mid-tone beige with subtle gray-beige “greige” undertones. It’s warmer than a true gray but cooler than a strong beige. This provides an adaptable, inviting neutral shade.
With an LRV of 66, Natural Linen reflects a moderate amount of light. Enough to avoid seeming dark, but low enough to provide cozy contrast. The greige undertone gives it a relaxed, soothing vibe.
Some great colors to pair with Natural Linen include:
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Sherwin Williams Rainwashed
- Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
- Sherwin Williams Silverplate
While suitable anywhere, Natural Linen excels as a versatile neutral backdrop for living spaces, offices, dining rooms and cozy bedrooms. It works with both cool and warm color schemes.
Comparing Canvas Tan vs Natural Linen
Now that we’ve examined Canvas Tan and Natural Linen separately, let’s directly compare the two popular Sherwin Williams paint colors:
Light Reflectance
Canvas Tan has a noticeably higher LRV of 64 compared to the 66 LRV of Natural Linen. This means rooms painted Canvas Tan will feel brighter and more illuminated. But Natural Linen offers more visual contrast.
Undertones
Here is the main distinction. Canvas Tan is a golden yellow beige while Natural Linen is a greige with subtle gray-beige tones.
Canvas Tan’s yellowness gives it a warm, cheery vibe. Natural Linen’s greige undertone provides a more relaxed, adaptable feel.
Use
The brightness of Canvas Tan makes it extremely versatile for whole-home use. Natural Linen’s more subtle tone suits it best for accent walls and cozy spaces.
Paint Finishes
Both Canvas Tan and Natural Linen come in any sheen from flat to high-gloss. They allow for beautiful warm or greige paint finishes.
Canvas Tan vs Natural Linen Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of their major differences:
| Paint Color | Canvas Tan 7531 | Natural Linen SW 9109 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 64 | 66 |
| Undertones | Yellow beige | Greige beige |
| Use | Whole-home color | Accents and trims |
| Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
Real Rooms Painted in Canvas Tan and Natural Linen
To better visualize the difference between Canvas Tan and Natural Linen, below are real world rooms painted in the two colors:
Canvas Tan 7531
Natural Linen SW 9109
While the two paint colors are quite similar, Canvas Tan clearly has more golden-yellow undertones while Natural Linen leans greige. But both provide warm, welcoming backdrops.
Should You Choose Canvas Tan or Natural Linen?
So which Sherwin Williams paint color is the better choice for your space – bright Canvas Tan or subtle Natural Linen? Here are some tips for deciding:
Consider Canvas Tan 7531 if you want:
- A light golden beige with lots of warmth
- A cheery, upbeat color suitable for whole-home use
- Inviting brightness perfect for sunny rooms
- A cozy backdrop that still feels light and airy
Consider Natural Linen SW 9109 if you want:
- A greige beige with adaptable subtle sophistication
- More contrast for accent walls and trims
- A relaxed, soothing feel in living spaces and bedrooms
- A versatile neutral that pairs with any color scheme
If still uncertain, get samples of both paint colors and paint large swatches on your walls. View them at different times of day before deciding on the best warm neutral.
For most homes, one beige neutral will likely better complement your design goals and style. Keep reading for ideal room applications.
Best Room Applications
Here are some rooms that tend to suit Canvas Tan vs Natural Linen best:
Canvas Tan 7531 Works Well In:
- Sunny Kitchens
- Bright Bathrooms
- Cheerful Bedrooms
- Open Floor Plans
- South-Facing Rooms
Natural Linen SW 9109 Works Well In:
- Cozy Living Rooms
- Relaxed Bedrooms
- Traditional Dining Rooms
- North-Facing Spaces
- Offices and Studies
Both can work well throughout any home. But the above applications maximize the strengths of each paint color.
Design Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Canvas Tan and Natural Linen create warm, welcoming backdrops. Paired with other colors and materials, they make beautiful spaces:
Canvas Tan Color Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White trims
- Sherwin Williams Naval accent wall
- Light oak wood floors
- Brushed nickel fixtures
Natural Linen Color Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray walls
- Sherwin Williams Rockwood Dark Green accent
- Medium stained wood furniture
- Black iron lighting
Canvas Tan vs Natural Linen – Which is Best For You?
When choosing between Canvas Tan and Natural Linen, consider your goals, home style, and color preferences:
Consider Canvas Tan 7531 if you want:
- A cheery light golden beige suitable for whole-home use
- Warmth and brightness perfect for sunny spaces
- To feel uplifted and energized
- A cozy backdrop that still feels light and airy
Consider Natural Linen SW 9109 if you want:
- A greige beige with adaptable subtle sophistication
- More contrast for accent walls and trims
- A relaxed, soothing neutral for bedrooms and living rooms
- A versatile color that pairs with any scheme
While the differences are minor, one beige likely better fits your needs and style vision. Get samples before deciding between Canvas Tan and Natural Linen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to choose between Canvas Tan vs Natural Linen? Here are some common questions answered:
Does Canvas Tan work well in dining rooms?
Definitely! The cheery brightness of Canvas Tan looks beautiful and inviting in dining spaces. Pairs nicely with white trim, a navy accent wall, and oak dining set.
What colors go well with Natural Linen walls?
Natural Linen pairs nicely with light blues, grays, tans, sage greens, and antiqued metals. Crisp white trim and a midnight blue accent wall help add contrast and depth.
Which beige paint color is lighter?
Canvas Tan 7531 has a significantly higher LRV of 64 compared to the 66 LRV of Natural Linen SW 9109. So Canvas Tan will feel brighter and reflect more light.
Can you use Natural Linen in a bathroom?
Yes, Natural Linen can work beautifully in bathrooms, especially for a spa-like feel. Pair with white subway tile, natural stone accents, and black metal mirrors.
Is Canvas Tan suitable for trims and doors?
Absolutely! The warm brightness of Canvas Tan makes it the perfectcolor for trims, doors, and accent walls to add an energizing pop. Especially nice with white walls.
Conclusion
When comparing Sherwin Williams’ Canvas Tan vs Natural Linen paint colors, it comes down to your goals:
- Canvas Tan 7531 is a cheery, golden beige perfect for whole-home use.
- Natural Linen SW 9109 is a greige beige ideal for cozy accents and spaces.
While the differences are minor, the undertones help one likely better suit your needs and style. Consider your goals before deciding between Canvas Tan and Natural Linen. Get color samples to ensure you select the perfect warm neutral beige!
