Sherwin Williams Malabar (Palette, Coordinating & Inspirations)

Sometimes, you want a paint color that adds warmth to your home or workspace. Or even one with stability that will not wash out in large rooms and bright light. Fortunately, Sherwin Williams Malabar fulfills both of these conditions and more.

The paint color also has a lovely homely look and can be quite versatile in both interior and exterior spaces. I have covered everything you need to know about it in this Sherwin Williams Malabar Paint Color Review.

Read on to have all your questions answered, down to the tiny details.

What Color is Sherwin Williams Malabar (SW 9110)?

Sherwin Williams Malabar is a beige paint color with some interesting properties. Despite its composition and appearance, the warm paint product belongs to the Yellow Paint Color group on the manufacturer’s website.

Also, Sherwin Williams Malabar looks like a diluted shade of brown but is actually a beige with gray components. Thanks to the gray, it can also pass for a neutral in certain settings and decor.

This paint color is the second member on its color strip and the second-lightest after Sherwin Williams Natural Linen.

Manufacturer	Sherwin Williams
Paint Color	Malabar
LRV	53
RGB	R: 207 G: 190 B: 169
Hex Value	#cfbea9
Color Collections	2018 Sincerity, Living Well.

RGB of Sherwin Williams Malabar (SW 9110)

Sherwin Williams Malabar has a hexadecimal value of #cfbea9 and an RGB value of R: 207 G: 190 B: 169.

Furthermore, Encycolorpedia states the RGB percentages as follows:

Red: 81.18%    Green: 74.51%    Blue: 66.27%.

It has a saturation of 28% and a lightness of 74%.

LRV of Sherwin Williams Malabar (SW 9110)

Sherwin Williams Malabar has an LRV of 53, which puts it in the medium range on the scale.

LRV is an abbreviation that stands for Light Reflective Value. Since it represents how strongly a paint color reflects light, LRV remains a vital property of any paint color.

The value runs on a scale of 0 – 100, with 0 indicating true black, which doesn’t reflect light, and 100 indicating true white, which reflects the most light. As such, the lower you go on the LRV scale, the darker the paint colors, and the higher you go, the lighter.

Is Sherwin Williams Malabar a Warm or Cool Color?

Sherwin Williams Malabar is a warm paint color. The main reason why it reads warm is its beige component. Although one would expect it to lean into a little coolness in certain lighting, Sherwin Williams Malabar maintains it warm in every space.

Its gray component does little to dampen the warmth, making it an ideal choice if you want a paint color that can turn up the ‘heat.’

What Are The Undertones?

Although Sherwin Williams Malabar is originally a beige paint color, adding gray to the mix yields greige (Beige and Gray). As such, one would expect the paint color to exhibit both beige and gray undertones.

However, Sherwin Williams Malabar also has yellow undertones that reinforce its warmth. Don’t worry, you will notice the beige more, regardless of the lighting in the room.

The paint color can display its gray undertones, but you will not see it as often as the others.

Sherwin Williams Malabar Color Strip

The following paint colors belong to the same color strip as Sherwin Williams Malabar. As such, they have the same parent formula but differing properties.

Attributes like LRV, saturation, and lightness vary from color to color; you will also observe a difference in appearance.

Sherwin Williams Natural Linen (SW 9109)

With the highest LRV in the color strip, Sherwin Williams Natural Linen appears the lightest. The beige paint color has orange undertones and pairs nicely with creamy off-whites like SW Alabaster.

It has a saturation of 30% and a lightness of 82% and can work well in both interior and exterior spaces.

RGB value is R: 223, G: 211, and B: 195.

Sherwin Williams Antler Velvet (SW 9111)

Sherwin Williams Antler Velvet is a medium shade of beige with an LRV of 43. The warm paint color has mild orange undertones, and even though it falls under the Yellow Paint Color group, it appears brownish in dark spaces.

It has a saturation of 25%, a lightness of 67%, and an RGB value of R: 192, G: 173, and B: 150.

Sherwin Williams Song Thrush (SW 9112)

Sherwin Williams Song Thrush appears more brown than beige and belongs to the Yellow Paint Color category. The warm paint color has an LRV of 33, making it dark, even though it isn’t the darkest on the color strip.

Unlike other darker colors in this section, Sherwin Williams Song Thrush can work well in large, open spaces.

It has a saturation of 23%, a lightness of 59%, and an RGB value of R: 175, G: 152, and B: 127.

Sherwin Williams Mudslide (SW 9113)

Sherwin Williams Mudslide is a dark shade of brown with orange undertones that don’t appear readily. The warm paint color has an LRV of 25 and, as such, does not do well in dark or dimly-lit spaces like a basement.

As its name implies, Sherwin Williams Mudslide takes the color of mud, making it add an earthy vibe to rooms.

It has a saturation of 23%, a lightness of 52%, and an RGB value of R: 160, G: 133, and B: 104.

Sherwin Williams Fallen Leaves (SW 9114)

With an LRV of 19, Sherwin Williams Fallen Leaves takes second place for the darkest paint color on the strip. You should avoid using this dark shade of brown in dimly-lit rooms and spaces in your home.

However, pairing SW Fallen Leaves with warm lighter paint colors can work wonders, especially in bedrooms and living rooms.

It has a saturation of 23%, a lightness of 45%, and an RGB value of R: 143, G: 118, and B: 89.

Sherwin Williams Cowboy Boots (SW 9115)

Sherwin Williams Cowboy Boots is the darkest paint color on the strip with an LRV of just 9. The dark shade of brown will perform poorly in rooms with little access to light.

However, an excellent idea is to use it on cabinets and doors or even as a trim for certain paint colors.

It has a saturation of 30%, a lightness of 32%, and an RGB value of R: 105, G: 82, and B: 57.

Sherwin Williams Malabar Color Palette

Sherwin Williams Malabar Coordinating Colors

You can’t use only one paint color to beautify the entirety of your home, you need to add other colors. This is why you need coordinating and complementary colors, and you can check out the available ones in this section.

Sherwin Williams Malabar features three coordinating colors on the manufacturer’s website. However, I will include some honorable mentions to increase your options.

Sherwin Williams Sandy Ridge

Sherwin Williams Sandy Ridge looks brown with beige undertones. With an LRV of 28, the warm paint color is better suited for well-lit rooms and spaces. The difference in brightness allows it to contrast with Sherwin Williams Malabar for a good pairing.

It has a natural look that suits an earthy decor.

Sherwin Williams Carley’s Rose

Sherwin Williams Carley’s Rose is a beautiful paint color that belongs to the Red Paint Color group. It has an LRV of 22 and can sometimes reveal a slight pink undertone.

Reds generally read warm, and Sherwin Williams Carley’s Rose is no exception, maintaining its warmth regardless of the lighting.

Sherwin Williams Divine White

Sherwin Williams Divine White is a warm beige, off-white paint color with an LRV of 72. Although it can work as a trim color, its mild orange undertone limits its versatility. The paint color has a creamy look that can make you think of Sherwin Williams Alabaster.

However, Sherwin Williams Divine White maintains its own unique appearance upon closer observation. The paint color can wash out in bright light but only moderately.

Honorable Mentions

Sherwin Williams High Tea

Even though it belongs to the Yellow Paint Color group, Sherwin Williams High Tea appears dark green with beige undertones. It has an LRV of 17, which is enough to contrast with Sherwin Williams Malabar.

Avoid using this paint color in dimly-lit spaces, as it doesn’t do well in such areas.

Sherwin Williams French Roast

A paint color with an LRV of just 4, one can easily expect Sherwin Williams French Roast to be significantly dark. The warm red paint color has brown undertones, which constantly give it a two-toned appearance.

Although it looks lovely, Sherwin Williams French Roast performs better in well-lit spaces.

Sherwin Williams Contented

With an LRV of 52, Sherwin Williams Contented sits comfortably in the medium reflective range. It is a cool green paint color with gray undertones and does well in both light and dark spaces. This flexibility increases the number of places you can choose to use it and the colors to pair it with.

Sherwin Williams Quinoa

Sherwin Williams Quinoa is an orange paint color with mild yellow and gray undertones. It reads warm and has an LRV of 49, making it medium-toned. Despite its light appearance, SW Quinoa will not wash out in abundant light, making it stable enough for relevant decor.

Sherwin Williams Malabar Complementary Colors

These paint colors can complement Sherwin Williams Malabar.

Sherwin Williams Riverway

Sherwin Williams Riverway is a blue paint color with gray green undertones. Even though it has an LRV of 16, its undertones make it appear lighter than a paint color with that value. However, this doesn’t change the fact that it performs better in well-lit areas.

SW Riverway belongs to the Blue Paint Color category and reads cool in any space or room.

Sherwin Williams Cowboy Boots

Naturally, I expect Sherwin Williams Cowboy Boots to make it to this list. The reason is that the dark paint color has a low LRV with enough difference to contrast with Sherwin Williams Malabar.

As I mentioned earlier, you will get the most value out of SW Cowboy Boots when you use it on furniture.

Sherwin Williams Rain

Sherwin Williams Rain is in the same color strip as SW Riverway and is a light blue paint color. It reads cool and has gray undertones. With an LRV of 49, it will not wash out in bright light and can work well in both interior and exterior spaces.

Sherwin Williams Song Thrush

Sherwin Williams Song Thrush is a medium to dark-toned beige paint color with an LRV of 33. It reads warm because the Gray undertones do little to dampen the warmth of the beige.

This paint color belongs to the same strip as Sherwin Williams Malabar and also complements it.

What Trim Colors Go With Sherwin Williams Malabar?

Trim colors provide a way to set the final tone of your space or room. Although some homeowners simply use the same color all through, it can reduce the overall vibe of the area.

We say Variety is the spice of life, and trim colors can add enough variety to spice up your decor.

Generally, white trims remain the most popular because they add the best finish. However, dark trims can work wonders in the right settings and with relevant paint colors.

The following white paint colors do well as trims for Sherwin Williams Malabar.

Sherwin Williams Divine White

This paint color originally belongs to the coordinating colors section, but I wondered why we can’t flex it as a trim?

It has an LRV of 72 and belongs to the White and Pastel Paint Colors category. Sherwin Williams Divine White is a warm creamy off-white with an orange undertone.

Using this paint color as a trim will give your space a creamy finish.

Sherwin Williams Alabaster

Sherwin Williams Alabaster is arguably the brightest and creamiest off-white paint color you will find from the manufacturer. It has an LRV of 82 and a neutral base that prevents it from going all the way into yellow.

SW Alabaster will also give a creamy finish if you use it as a trim for Sherwin Williams Malabar.

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White is a very bright white paint color with no discernable undertone. This unique property makes it suitable for ceilings, walls and as a trim for any paint color.

It can also fit into any decor you have in mind. Therefore, it’s only proper that I include it in this section.

Also, Sherwin Williams High Reflective White will add a crispy finish if you use it as a trim.

Sherwin Williams Malabar Color Comparisons

Nomadic Desert vs. Malabar

Sherwin Williams Nomadic Desert is a medium shade of beige with orange undertones and an LRV of 46. The paint color belongs to the Orange Paint Color category and reads warm because of its beige component.

Compared to Sherwin Williams Malabar, SW Nomadic Desert is significantly darker. Both paint colors also differ in undertones and versatility. SW Malabar has more options for use because of the gray that gives it a measure of neutral.

Sherwin Williams Color	LRV	RGB	Hex Value
Malabar	53	R: 207 G: 190 B: 169	#cfbea9
Nomadic Desert	46	R: 199 G: 177 B: 152	#c7b198

Macadamia vs. Malabar

Sherwin Williams Macadamia is a medium to dark beige paint color with an LRV of 49. As expected, it reads warm and works particularly well for farmhouse and traditional decor. You can use SW Macadamia in both interior and exterior spaces.

Checking it against Sherwin Williams Malabar reveals that it is slightly darker in appearance because of the slight difference in LRV. Also, both paint colors belong to the Yellow Paint Color group.

Sherwin Williams Color	LRV	RGB	Hex Value
Malabar	53	R: 207 G: 190 B: 169	#cfbea9
Macadamia	49	R: 204 G: 183 B: 155	#ccb79b

Natural Linen vs. Malabar

Sherwin Williams Natural Linen belongs to the same strip as Sherwin Williams Malabar. However, the beige paint color has orange undertones as opposed to the gray and yellow of SW Malabar.

Also, SW Natural Linen has a higher LRV of 66, making it significantly lighter. Don’t worry, it will not readily wash out in bright light despite its lower stability. Both paint colors read warm regardless of lighting.

Sherwin Williams Color	LRV	RGB	Hex Value
Malabar	53	R: 207 G: 190 B: 169	#cfbea9
Natural Linen	66	R: 223 G: 211 B: 195	#dfd3c3

Bleeker Beige vs. Malabar

You can see Benjamin Moore Bleeker Beige as the equivalent of Sherwin Williams Malabar. Both colors have a similar appearance at first glance and share the same undertones. However, the slight difference in LRV makes BM Bleeker Beige a little darker.

Also, you will most likely spot the yellow undertone in SW Malabar than in BM Bleeker Beige.

Paint Color	LRV	RGB	Hex Value
Sherwin Williams Malabar	53	R: 207 G: 190 B: 169	#cfbea9
Benjamin Moore Bleeker Beige	51.66	R: 206 G: 193 B: 169	#cec1a9

Mudslide vs. Malabar

Sherwin Williams Mudslide has a variation of Sherwin Williams Malabar’s formula and a lower LRV. The dark shade of brown reads warm and doesn’t do well in dimly-lit rooms and spaces, like a basement.

With an LRV of 25, you’ve got enough contrast to pair both paint colors together for splendid results. As one would expect, Sherwin Williams Mudslide will not wash out, and it adds an earthy/muddy vibe.

Sherwin Williams Color	LRV	RGB	Hex Value
Malabar	53	R: 207 G: 190 B: 169	#cfbea9
Mudslide	25	R: 160 G: 133 B: 104	#a08568

Kilim Beige vs. Malabar

Sherwin Williams Kilim Beige is a beige-inspired neutral with orange and pink undertones. The warm paint color has an LRV of 57, making it slightly lighter than Sherwin Williams Malabar. Also, it has more popularity among homeowners than SW Malabar.

Regardless of its undertones, Sherwin Williams Kilim Beige can function as an excellent neutral in the right setting.

Remember to sample the paint color first if you choose to use it. This way, you can avoid unnecessary surprises.

Sherwin Williams Color	LRV	RGB	Hex Value
Malabar	53	R: 207 G: 190 B: 169	#cfbea9
Kilim Beige	57	R: 215 G: 197 B: 174	#d7c5ae

Malabar Benjamin Moore Version

Benjamin Moore has no paint product called Malabar, but they have a similar color to the Sherwin Williams product.

Not only does it look similar to SW Malabar, but Benjamin Moore Bleeker Beige also has similar undertones.

Benjamin Moore Bleeker Beige

This paint color is a light to medium-toned tan with yellow and gray undertones. It has an LRV of 51.66, and the manufacturer describes it as a medium buff hue with pleasing gray undertones.

Benjamin Moore Bleeker Beige reads warm because of its yellow undertone, and just like Sherwin Williams Malabar, it will not wash out in bright light.

How Does Light Affect It?

The interaction between light and Sherwin Williams Malabar revolves mainly around its undertones and LRV.

As a paint color with a medium light reflective value, Sherwin Williams Malabar will not wash out in bright light. Also, you can use the warm beige tan in rooms with limited access to illumination.

When it comes to its undertones, you are more likely to see its gray undertones in North-facing rooms. The reason is that light entering these areas will mostly remain cool, reducing the paint Color’s warmth a little.

South-facing rooms will bring out the yellow undertones because of warmer lights. Since yellow is a warm color, the paint color will express more of its warmth in these areas.

It is crucial that you keep this information in mind so that light changes won’t disrupt your decor.

Best Rooms to Paint Sherwin Williams Malabar

Sherwin Williams Malabar Bedroom

Sherwin Williams Ivoire Living Room

Sherwin Williams Ivoire Kitchen

Sherwin Williams Ivoire Bathroom

Final Thoughts

Sherwin Williams Malabar is a lovely paint color that offers relaxing and soothing warmth to any space. Provided that you pair it with the right colors and trims, you will love the results.

It has enough versatility to be of use in multiple rooms and in exterior spaces.

Also, don’t forget to sample the paint color first because finalising your decision.