Storm Cloud (SW 6249)
A medium-dark blue-gray. Moody and atmospheric.
About Sherwin Williams Storm Cloud
Storm Cloud (SW 6249) is a blue from Sherwin Williams's collection with an LRV of 16 and moody blue-gray undertones. A medium-dark blue-gray. Moody and atmospheric.
At an LRV of just 16, Storm Cloud is a dark, dramatic color that absorbs most of the light that hits it. This makes it perfect for creating bold, moody statements on accent walls, front doors, shutters, and exterior trim. It commands attention and creates a striking contrast with white or light-colored trim. Use it where you want real visual impact. In full room applications, generous lighting and light-colored furnishings prevent the space from feeling oppressive.
Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
Storm Cloud has an LRV of 16, placing it in the dark range on the 0-to-100 scale. LRV measures the percentage of visible light a color reflects. A pure black has an LRV of 0 and a pure white has an LRV of 100. Understanding a color's LRV helps you predict how it will feel in your space: higher LRV means brighter and more spacious, lower LRV means cozier and more intimate.
Undertone Analysis
Storm Cloud has moody blue-gray undertones. Undertones are the subtle background colors that become visible in different lighting conditions. Even colors that look "neutral" in the store will reveal their undertones once they are on your walls and interacting with natural light, artificial light, and the colors around them.
A medium-dark blue-gray. Moody and atmospheric. Neutral undertones give you the most flexibility in decorating. This color should coordinate well with both warm elements (wood, brass, cream) and cool elements (chrome, marble, blue-gray), making it a versatile foundation for any design direction.
Lighting Behavior
In bright light, distinctly blue. In dim rooms, a sophisticated dark gray-blue.
Every paint color looks different depending on the light source in your room. South-facing rooms get warm, direct sunlight that brings out yellow and warm undertones. North-facing rooms get cool, indirect light that emphasizes blue and gray undertones. East-facing rooms are bright and warm in the morning, cooler in the afternoon. West-facing rooms are the opposite: cool morning, warm afternoon. Incandescent and warm LED bulbs push colors warmer, while cool-white LEDs and fluorescent tubes push colors cooler. To avoid surprises, always test Storm Cloud with a physical sample on your actual wall, and observe it at different times of day before committing.
Best Rooms for Storm Cloud
Sherwin Williams recommends Storm Cloud for: accent wall, bedroom, office, powder room, exterior.
On an accent wall, Storm Cloud creates a focal point that draws the eye and adds visual depth to the room. Pair it with a lighter color on the remaining walls for the best contrast.
Closest Matches in Other Brands
Find the closest equivalent to Sherwin Williams Storm Cloud from other paint brands. Matches are calculated using Delta E (CIE2000), the industry standard for measuring perceptual color difference.
Benjamin Moore Matches
Newburyport Blue is darker. Storm Cloud is lighter and bluer.
View all Benjamin Moore matches →Behr Matches
Midnight Blue is darker and more purple.
View all Behr matches →Coordinating Colors
These colors pair beautifully with Storm Cloud for a cohesive palette. Use them for trim, accents, adjacent rooms, or furniture to create a well-designed space.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are still researching the best Sherwin Williams match for this color. Check back soon for updated match data.
Storm Cloud has moody blue-gray undertones. A medium-dark blue-gray. Moody and atmospheric. Undertones become most visible when the color is on a large surface like a wall, and they shift depending on the light source in your room. Always test with a physical sample in your specific space to see how the undertones interact with your lighting, flooring, and furnishings.
Storm Cloud (SW 6249) has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 16, which puts it in the dark range. LRV measures the percentage of light a color reflects on a scale from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white). At 16, this is a darker color that creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Pair it with bright white trim for the best contrast.
Storm Cloud leans neutral, with moody blue-gray undertones that do not strongly push warm or cool. This makes it one of the more versatile colors in its family, pairing well with both warm and cool accent colors and finishes. In bright light, distinctly blue. In dim rooms, a sophisticated dark gray-blue.
Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.