What the 2019 Color of the Year Was and Why It Mattered
Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2019 was Ultra White, a bright, warm white chosen to convey clarity, simplicity, and timeless optimism. In design and brand language, the selection signaled a turn toward light, reflective palettes that create calm, spacious interiors. Unlike pure whites, Ultra White was formulated with a subtle warmth to avoid a clinical look, making it versatile across trim, cabinetry, and entire rooms. This overview explains the shade’s undertones, how it differs from pure whites, and practical ways to use it in both residential and commercial contexts.
Verified Details: Ultra White at a Glance
Below is a concise reference that captures the key attributes of Sherwin-Williams Ultra White from 2019, including appearance, family classification, and typical use cases. These details are consistent across brand guidelines and color databases for enduring application.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Color Name | Ultra White | Brand Specification |
| HEX | #F7F7F7 | Brand sRGB Standard |
| Light Reflectance Value (LRV) | 91.5 | SW Paint Lab |
| Pigment Family | Acrylic Alkyd | Product Data Sheet |
| Finish | Alkyd-based in multiple sheens | SW Product Line |
| Purpose | Trimming, cabinetry, accent walls, clean background | Design Guidance |
Design Context and Meaning
Ultra White was selected as Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year to express a sense of clarity and renewal. In interior architecture, white backgrounds make spaces feel larger and more flexible, allowing furnishings and light to shape the room’s character. The warm undertone in Ultra White softens the brightness, preventing the starkness often associated with pure whites. For brands, a refined white can communicate precision, cleanliness, and reliability while remaining adaptable to a wide range of palettes.
Practical Ways to Use Ultra White in Design
Because of its high LRV and warm tone, Ultra White works well in a variety of settings, from small studios to grand halls. When planning a scheme, consider context, lighting, and the mood you want to create. Below are targeted approaches for residential and commercial applications.
Residential Applications
- Trim and doors: Provides a crisp, classic outline without overwhelming a room.
- Cabinetry: Offers a neutral backdrop for both light and dark countertops and decor.
- Accent walls: Use on a single wall to add depth while keeping an airy feel.
- Full room backgrounds: Best in rooms with good natural light to highlight texture and architecture.
Commercial and Brand Uses
- Healthcare and wellness: Clean, calming surfaces that support a sense of order.
- Retail and hospitality: Bright, inviting entry points and focal walls that enhance merchandise.
- Workspaces: A neutral, bright canvas for collaborative areas and private offices alike.
- Brand environments: Reinforces clarity, quality, and a modern aesthetic when paired with purposeful accent colors.
How Ultra White Compares to Other Whites
Not all whites are equal. Undertone, LRV, and sheen affect how a white looks on walls and how it interacts with light and adjacent colors. The table below compares Ultra White to commonly referenced whites to clarify when it’s the strongest choice.
| White Shade | LRV | Undertone | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra White (SW 2019) | 91.5 | Warm | Bright, clean interiors with a soft glow |
| Alabaster (SW 7008) | 90 | Warm | Traditional homes, trim and walls in low-light rooms |
| Extra White (SW 7006) | 92.5 | Neutral to cool | Modern spaces, high-contrast trim, studio light |
| Chantilly Lace (SW 6667) | 81 | Warm with gray | Cozy bedrooms, historic millwork |
Pairing Colors with Ultra White
Ultra White is intentionally versatile, so it pairs effectively with both neutral and bold hues. Use it to create contrast, highlight textures, or ground colorful statements.
- Soft neutrals: Grays, taupes, and beiges create subtle, sophisticated layering.
- Deep accents: Navy, charcoal, and dark olive add weight and focus without shrinking a space.
- Natural materials: Wood, stone, and matte metals complement its warmth and brightness.
- Vibrant pops: Mustard yellow, rust, or teal work as intentional focal points against a white field.
Application Tips for Lasting Results
Applying Ultra White with care ensures clean coverage, true color, and long-term performance. Follow these best practices to achieve professional-looking results.
- Test at home: View sample swatches in the intended light at different times of day.
- Check sheen match: Use higher sheens on trim and lower sheens on walls for depth.
- Plan coats: Expect two coats for uniform opacity, especially over darker surfaces.
- Consider lighting: Warm LEDs emphasize the undertone; cooler LEDs increase contrast.
- Use quality tools: Better brushes and rollers reduce lap marks and improve finish.
Brand and Design Takeaways
Sherwin-Williams Ultra White, as the 2019 Color of the Year, remains a durable, high-performing option for designers and brands seeking clarity and warmth. Its high LRV and restrained warmth make it suitable for evolving palettes, from minimal interiors to clean commercial environments. By understanding its undertones, context, and pairing options, you can use Ultra White to support long-term aesthetic and brand goals.