Sherwin Williams Big Chill SW 7648: Paint Color Review

So, you’ve got Sherwin Williams Big Chill SW 7648 among the list of light neutral paint colors for your decor. But you’re unsure of how well it performs. Because it’s not as popular as some other similar colors, you’re undecided about it.

You’re not alone if you’re torn between Big Chill and another color. It’s not hugely popular, and truth be told, there are similar paint colors that may perform better, right? But you can’t know for sure until you’ve tried it. And this guide will show you all there is to know about SW Big Chill. Don’t go anywhere as we explore every aspect of it.

When to Choose Sherwin Williams Big Chill

Like most light neutrals, Big Chill is classic and works pretty well in many spaces. But why should you choose it over similar colors? I can help you with this with a few pointers.

Need a light neutral to pair with dark colors?

Big Chill is pretty light and neutral enough to work well with dark colors. If you are a fan of black or navy blue paint colors, Big Chill has the balance to make them work in any decor by tying them together.

Have blue paint colors in your decor?

This paint color has a slightly blue cast to it. So, while it can pair well with many colors, it looks striking and spectacular with blue, whether as paint or accessories.

Looking for a balanced paint color for a central hue or trim?

Big Chill can work as the central color in a room with other colors like white, gray, and blue completing the look. It can also work as a trim color, especially if you have a dark gray, blue, or black paint color on the walls.

Thinking of redoing your bedroom?

As a light color that perfectly mimics white, Big Chill is ideal for a complete bedroom or bathroom redo. It creates that fresh and calming vibe that all bedrooms and bathrooms should have.

What you can do with this paint color is numerous. The horizon is open before you; all you have to do is get creative. The points above can get you decided how to use Big Chill, but I’ve got more in store to show you. Come along with me as we explore further.

What Color Is Big Chill?

As the name suggests, this paint color has a lot to do with the vibe you get in a room. Its shade makes a room look and feel serene. The thought behind the name of the paint color is to give the user that freshness that may be lacking with similar paint colors.

Every paint color is unique, as you will discover the more you research. There is something that sets one apart from the other. So, while this paint color looks almost the same as others, you will find that it does not produce the same results as any other.

Sherwin Williams Big Chill SW 7648 is a pale gray paint color that brings a necessary coolness and freshness to any decor. Keep your space serene and relaxing with this option, and add other colors for a striking effect.

A Snapshot of the Specifications of Sherwin Williams Big Chill

Let me show those basic characteristics that make Big Chill different from other colors like it. Each paint color has these characteristics, but they all differ in the specific details. These include the undertones and LRV of the paint color.

	Sherwin Williams Big Chill
RGB	208, 206, 201
LRV	62
Undertone	Blue-gray
HEX Code	#D0CEC9

 

The LRV of Sherwin Williams Big Chill

LRV means the light reflectance value of color and indicates, on a scale of 0 to 100, how much light that color reflects. Some colors have an LRV of 0, which means they absorb all light, while others have an LRV of 100, which means they completely reflect light.

Pure blacks have LRVs of 0 and pure whites have an LRV of 100. Since no paint color s completely black or white, none has an RV of 0 or 100. So, the LRV scale for paint colors is between 2.5 and 94.

SW Big Chill has an LRV of 62, above the middle point of 50. This value means the paint color is relatively bright but not enough to act as white. However, for a gray paint color, this value is sufficient to keep it bright and in some cases, it can look like dull white.

The Undertones of Sherwin Williams Big Chill

Picking up the undertones of any color is not a walk in the park. Sometimes, the color may look bland, without any hues. But when exposed to certain lighting conditions, the hues become obvious.

SW Big Chill has blue-gray undertones that make the color appear cool, hence the name. However, the undertones are minimal, so they are not readily obvious. In many cases, Big Chill appears like a true gray paint color, just like in this basement.

But in this next room, you can see a hint of blue in the shadows. The undertones lean slightly violet but not heavily so.

Does Lighting Affect It?

Lighting is a big factor when it comes to paint colors and what they look like when dry. The pictures above are proof that SW Big Chill can change with different lighting conditions. But there’s more in this regard.

Here is Big Chill in muted lighting, looking gray and neutral:

And here is the same paint color in warm yellow lighting:

Now, here it is in bright lighting, looking too bright to be a gray paint color:

Remember how I said it mimics white in some cases? This next picture is of a living room still being decorated. The walls are done in SW Pure White, while the inside of the coffered ceiling is done in SW Big Chill. Can you see how much it looks like the white on the wall because of the lighting?

How Does SW Big Chill Feel in a Room?

Because it’s neutral and balanced, Big Chill can feel different, depending on where you use it. Its blue-gray undertones give it a slightly cool feel, but it can also look warm in certain settings.

Also, the paint color may give a room a crisp and washed-out look if the lighting is excessively bright.

Sherwin Williams Big Chill: Warm or Cool?

SW Big Chill is a cool and light gray paint color. Sherwin Williams places in the white paint color family, but it leans more toward cool gray with blue undertones than white. The good news is that Big Chill is not icy like some other gray colors.

It is cool without feeling crispy or outrightly cold. And when paired with some colors under certain lighting, it may show a slightly warm face. This is why it is fast becoming a favorite neutral paint color for different color schemes.

Sherwin Williams Big Chill Color Strip: Lighter or Darker Exploration

If you’re not satisfied with the exact shade of this paint color, there are other colors to try. I picked and arranged them from light to dark to help you make an easy reference.

• Sherwin Williams Snowbound SW 7004
• Sherwin Williams Toque White SW 7003
• Sherwin Williams Incredible White SW 7028
• Sherwin Williams Eider White SW 7014
• Sherwin Williams First Star SW 7646
• Sherwin Williams Big Chill SW 7648

Sherwin Williams Big Chill Complementary Colors

You may be unaware of it, but every color has a corresponding complementary color. These are colors opposite each other on the color wheel and typically cancel each other when mixed. Consequently, the mixture produces a grayscale color like black or white. Examples of complementary colors include purple and yellow, violet and teal, and red and green.

Because of the peculiar shade of SW Big Chill, it has an almost similar-looking complementary color. It is a light gray-blue color with an RGB code of 201, 203, and 208 respectively. And the closest Sherwin Williams paint color is Gray Screen SW 7071.

Sherwin Williams Big Chill Coordinating Colors

These are colors that perfectly complement each other in a space or color scheme. If you understand color, you will see that they have some similarities in their hues, even if they look different at face value. SW Big Chill has several coordinating colors, but some of the best ones include Tin Lizzie, Blonde, and Extra White.

• Sherwin Williams Tin Lizzie SW 9163: A mid-to-dark gray paint color with enough pigmentation to make Big Chill appear light and airy.
• Sherwin Williams Blonde SW 6128: A medium tan paint color with warm undertones that throws the decor to a different angle when paired with Big Chill, but only in a good way.
• Sherwin Williams Extra White SW 7006: A cool white paint color with high light reflectivity that pairs well as trim or ceiling color with Big Chill.

Sherwin Williams Big Chill Color Palettes

Big Chill is a light and versatile gray paint color. As a result, it is easy to pair it with many other colors. Therefore, creating a color palette for it is not difficult. However, you must bear in mind that it’s mostly a cool color, so a cool color scheme works best unless you want something different.

Coordinating Color Palette

• Pure White SW 7005: A bright white paint color with enough coolness and blue cast to fit in with Big Chill.
• Blonde SW 6128: A saturated paint color that reminds you of ripe wheat and brings versatility to the decor.
• Gray Matters SW 7006: A medium gray paint color that grounds the decor without making everything washed out.

Contrasting Color Palette

• Extra White SW 7006: A crisp white that pairs well with the cool Big Chill to create a seamless and beautiful style.
• Silver Strand SW 7057: A color similar to Big Chill but with more gray in its undertones than the main color. You can use them in place of each other.
• Cityscape SW 7067: A dark gray paint color that brings depth, style, and elegance to any decor, and Big Chill can work as its trim color.

Monochromatic Color Palette

• First Star SW 7646: A cool white paint color that reflects more light than Big Chill but comes from the same color strip as the main color.
• Snowbound SW 7004: One of the most popular white paint colors and works as a trim color for Big Chill in monochromatic decor.
• High Reflective White SW 7757: If you want a white paint color that reflects a lot of light and flows well with Big Chill, this is one of your best options.

Sherwin Williams Big Chill vs Similar Colors

I earlier mentioned that Big Chill has some similarities with other colors. In some cases, it may be difficult to differentiate one from the other unless you are trained for it. So, how does Big Chill perform against these other colors? Let’s find out!

SW Big Chill vs SW Agreeable Gray

Big Chill is the lighter color, with an LRV of 62, and the cooler color of the two. Agreeable Gray has slightly brown undertones and an LRV of 60.

SW Big Chill vs SW Front Porch

Like the previous comparison, Big Chill is lighter than Front Porch. This paint color has an LRV of 60 and slightly green-gray undertones, especially when paired with Big Chill.

SW Big Chill vs SW On the Rocks

Both paint colors have the same LRV of 62. But On the Rocks has slightly red hues and tends to pick up other hues around it. As a result, it is warmer than Big Chill.

Benjamin Moore Paint Color Equivalent to SW Big Chill

Each paint color has unique attributes, so you can’t find an exact equivalent for any of them. However, you may find similar colors that you can use in place of the others.

The best Benjamin Moore equivalent for SW Big Chill is Stonington Gray HC-170. You can also try Moonshine 2140-60 to see how well it works in place of Big Chill.

Where Can You Use Sherwin Williams Big Chill?

As a versatile color, Big Chill can be used in any room. It depends on your choice, color scheme, and existing decor. Let me show you some examples of where you can use Big Chill.

What Color of Cabinets Go with SW Big Chill?

White is the best color to use on cabinets if the walls are done in Big Chill. Alternatively, use black or dark gray for a striking effect.

Sherwin Williams Big Chill on Cabinets

I like that this color can be positively mercurial. That is why it is such a versatile neutral. In this picture, Big Chill on the cabinets looks warm instead of cool.

Sherwin Williams Big Chill in Bathrooms

Bathrooms should have paint colors that help you relax and unwind. Among other colors, Big Chill is ideal for this space, especially when paired with white.

Sherwin Williams Big Chill with Various Colors

Does Big Chill pick up hues from other colors? It depends on how vibrant the colors are and the lighting conditions. But check out this next picture to see how it performs with other colors.

Sherwin Williams Big Chill on Doors

If you want a different neutral paint color for your door and the color scheme is cool, try Big Chill. It’s not a loud color but holds up well when paired with white and other neutrals.

What Trim Color Goes with SW Big Chill Walls?

You can try black or dark gray for a change. Who says the trim has to be a light color? However, play it safe and use white for a clean result.

Sherwin Williams Big Chill on Exterior Trim

This next picture shows the exterior of a house. It’s beautifully done in SW Alabaster on the walls and SW Big Chills on the trim.

Sherwin Williams Big Chill in Bedrooms

Like bathrooms, bedrooms are a haven, and part of their allure is the color scheme. You can keep it cool, fresh, and calming with colors like Big Chill.

Sherwin Williams Big Chill in Living Rooms

Turn your living room into a conversation starter – in a good way – when you use Big Chill as the neutral backdrop. Every other color falls into place in such a situation.

Best Ceiling Color for SW Big Chill Walls

Like trim colors, the best color for the ceiling, when you use Big Chill on the walls, is white. Of course, you can get creative and try other colors. But ensure they are of the same tone as the wall color to avoid clashing tones.

Sherwin Williams Big Chill in Dining Areas

If your house has an open floor plan, using a color like Big Chill gives the impression of more space. But it can also work if the floor plan is not open like in this next picture.

Sherwin Williams Big Chill on Exterior Walls

This paint color looks great on the exterior walls. This is especially true if the trim color and window frames are white. See how this homeowner used a completely different color for the front door.

Conclusion

Picking a good neutral paint color doesn’t have to be difficult. You need only know what you need according to the color scheme or existing decor. Sherwin Williams Big Chill is an excellent pale gray paint color that serves the purpose of a neutral without compromising on color.

With a relatively moderate LRV of 62 and undertones of blue-gray, Big Chill brings serenity and freshness to any space. Use it as a trim color or wall color in your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, nursery, porch, entryway, laundry room, dining area, and other places.

Keep it simple with a playful and cool vibe with this paint color. And I would love to see what you do with your space. Don’t hold back on your creativity. Let me know your thoughts and ask your questions in the comments section.