Sherwin Williams First Star (SW 7646) Review: Your Ultimate Guide to This Versatile Gray-White Paint Color

Are you tired of staring at boring, lifeless walls that make your home feel cold and uninspiring? I understand that feeling completely. Choosing the right paint color can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially when you’re searching for that elusive shade that works seamlessly in any room, reflecting your personal style while enhancing your living space.

But here’s what caught my attention and changed my perspective: Sherwin-Williams First Star (SW 7646) promises to be that perfect, versatile neutral you’ve been searching for. This soft, elegant gray-white has been gaining significant attention from homeowners and interior designers alike who desire a color that is both effortlessly modern and enduringly timeless. Its subtle character promises to brighten and refresh, without ever feeling stark or overwhelming.

To truly understand its potential, I spent weeks meticulously testing this paint in various lighting conditions and across different rooms in my own home. I wanted to see how it truly performed in real-world scenarios, not just on a swatch. The results, I must admit, were more impressive than I anticipated.

If you’re considering First Star for your next painting project, whether it’s a single room refresh or a whole-house transformation, you’ll want to know exactly how it performs, its nuances, and its versatility before you commit to gallons of paint. This comprehensive review will arm you with all the insights you need to make an informed decision and create a home you truly love.

Sherwin Williams First Star (SW 7646) Color Description

Let me tell you about Sherwin Williams First Star (SW 7646), a color I genuinely find captivating. It’s often described as a clear, cool white, but that description doesn’t quite capture its full magic. What makes it special are the subtle yet distinct gray hints interwoven into its white base, creating a fresh, clean, and incredibly serene feeling in any space.

This isn’t a stark, blinding white, nor is it a dull, heavy gray. Instead, First Star strikes a beautiful balance, offering a sophisticated blend that adapts to its surroundings. It’s the kind of color that makes you take a deep breath and feel instantly at ease. Its nuanced nature means it provides just enough character to prevent walls from looking flat, while still maintaining that desirable bright and airy aesthetic.

Some of its key features that make it stand out include:

A light, airy neutral shade that opens up spaces.
A crisp white base infused with delicately cool undertones.
Clean and fresh in appearance, yet it never feels stark, sterile, or overtly cold.
A hint of gray that adds depth and sophistication, preventing it from being just another plain white.

When you observe this shade throughout the day, you’ll notice how beautifully the gray undertones interact with the white base. In the morning light, it might lean slightly cooler and crisper, while in the afternoon, it can soften, revealing a gentle warmth. This dynamic quality is precisely what makes it refined, never harsh, but always adding just enough character to make spaces feel polished, inviting, and truly serene.

Undertones and LRV of First Star

Upon closer examination, I discovered a beautiful blend of undertones that make First Star truly special and contribute significantly to its versatility. The main players here are:

Cool Gray Undertones: These are the dominant undertones that impart a sense of sophistication and modernity. They prevent First Star from leaning yellow or creamy, keeping it firmly in the cool-neutral family.
Clean White Notes: These notes ensure the color maintains its brightness and ability to open up a space, preventing the gray from making it feel heavy or dull.
Subtle Hints of Blue/Violet (sometimes): While primarily gray, under certain lighting conditions, particularly in north-facing rooms, you might catch a very faint, almost imperceptible whisper of blue or violet. This is typical of cool grays and contributes to its crispness without making it overtly blue.

Let me explain the LRV (Light Reflectance Value) in simple terms. Think of LRV as a number on a scale from 0 (absolute black, absorbing all light) to 100 (pure white, reflecting all light) that tells you how much light a color bounces back into your room. First Star’s LRV of 69 means it reflects a significant amount of light—approximately 69% of what hits it. This is a crucial factor in its appeal.

This solid LRV of 69 offers several advantages:

Rooms feel inherently brighter and more open, expanding the perceived size of your space.
Natural light is maximized, making the most of whatever sunlight your room receives.
The color tends to stay consistent and true in most lighting conditions, without dramatic shifts.
It won’t feel too bright or glaringly stark in well-lit rooms, nor too dim or shadowy in rooms with less light. It strikes a comfortable balance.

Cool or Warm?

Without a doubt, I’d categorize First Star as a cool color. The prominent gray undertones give it that crisp, fresh, and modern feel. However, it’s important to note that it’s not an extremely cool color that feels icy or uninviting; instead, it maintains a beautiful balance that works incredibly well in a wide range of settings.

Here’s how this inherent coolness subtly affects different spaces and their ambiance:

In living rooms, it contributes to an expansive and spacious feel, making the room appear larger.
Bedrooms transform into calm, serene, and restorative retreats, perfect for unwinding.
Kitchens look exceptionally clean, hygienic, and thoroughly modern, complementing contemporary appliances and finishes.
Bathrooms gain a spa-like quality, evoking a sense of tranquility and cleanliness.

This balanced coolness allows it to pair effortlessly with both warm wood tones and cooler metallic finishes, making it incredibly adaptable.

Using Sherwin Williams First Star in Different Spaces

I’ve tested First Star in multiple rooms within my home, and let me tell you – this color behaves uniquely depending on where you use it and the light it receives. Its chameleon-like quality is truly one of its greatest strengths. Some spaces reveal its cool, crisp side, while others showcase its softer, more ethereal qualities. Here’s what I learned about how First Star performs in real-world home environments.

First Star in Living Rooms

After I painted my living room with First Star, I noticed something truly transformative – the space immediately felt bigger and more open, yet it retained a comfortable, inviting coziness. In my own living room, which receives abundant morning sun, the walls take on a soft, almost glowing quality early in the day. The light beige tones come forward, creating an exceptionally welcoming atmosphere.

By the afternoon, as the light shifts, the color transitions to a cooler, calming tone. This subtle change helps create a serene environment, perfect for unwinding after a long day. It’s a remarkable shift that keeps the room dynamic and interesting throughout the day without ever feeling stark.

Expert Tip: First Star works brilliantly with both natural and artificial light. I strategically placed floor lamps in the corners, and the walls reflect the light beautifully, enhancing the room’s brightness without any harsh glare. It’s a fantastic choice for open-concept living areas where you want a seamless flow and consistent light reflection.

First Star in Bedrooms

When I extended First Star into my bedroom, I was amazed by how different it looked compared to my living room. The north-facing windows in my bedroom give the color a softer, more muted appearance, which is absolutely perfect for creating a tranquil and restful retreat. The subtle gray becomes more pronounced, fostering a calming ambiance ideal for sleep and relaxation.

I’ve found that my crisp white bedding looks incredibly clean and fresh against these soft walls, while my dark wood furniture, particularly a mahogany dresser, stands out beautifully, providing a rich contrast. The morning light, filtered through the north-facing window, creates such a peaceful atmosphere that I’ve genuinely started enjoying getting up earlier. It’s like waking up in a serene cloud.

Something I learned lately is that the color looks its absolute best when paired with soft, inviting textures. I added linen curtains and plush pillows in muted tones, and they perfectly complement the gentle gray, enhancing the room’s overall feeling of comfort and luxury.

First Star in Kitchens and Dining Areas for Bright Taste

My kitchen renovation taught me just how incredibly versatile First Star truly is. Against my bright white cabinets, it creates just enough subtle contrast to add depth and dimension without ever looking stark or cold. It allows the cabinets to pop while providing a soft, clean backdrop.

I particularly love how it changes throughout the day – during breakfast, it has a bright, energizing quality that makes the kitchen feel vibrant and ready for the day. At dinner time, under warmer artificial lights, it takes on a more intimate and welcoming feel, perfect for gathering with family and friends.

The color holds up remarkably well in high-traffic areas like the kitchen. Even after cooking countless meals (and the occasional splatter!), the walls still look fresh and clean, proving its durability and easy maintenance. I paired it with a light gray subway tile backsplash, and the combination makes my kitchen feel both modern, sophisticated, and incredibly welcoming.

Crucial Tip: In each room, I made sure to test the paint at different times of the day, observing it under various natural and artificial light sources. I found that First Star can look slightly different depending on your specific lighting conditions, the direction your windows face, and the colors of your existing furniture and decor. This meticulous testing helps avoid surprises and ensures you achieve the desired effect.

Through this process, I’ve successfully created a perfect flow from room to room in my home, all while allowing each space to retain its unique character, unified by the elegant presence of First Star.

Pairing Sherwin Williams First Star with Other Colors

The best part about First Star? Its remarkable adaptability. It plays exceptionally well with almost every color I’ve tried it with. From bold navy blues and deep charcoal grays to warm wood tones and delicate pastels, this versatile gray-white creates beautiful combinations that feel both fresh and timeless, making it an ideal foundational color.

Let me share the color pairings that work best to enhance First Star, and a few combinations you might want to approach with caution.

Best Accent Colors to Complement First Star

After living with First Star for several months, I’ve discovered my absolute favorite color combinations through thoughtful trial and error. In my living room, I introduced deep navy blue throw pillows and a coordinating area rug, which look stunning against the soft gray walls, providing a striking yet harmonious contrast.

For artwork, I found that pieces featuring blush pink, sage green, or even deep emerald tones truly shine against First Star, allowing their colors to pop without overwhelming the subtle backdrop. These softer, more natural hues complement its cool undertones beautifully.

My personal favorite pairing has to be the rust-colored accent chairs I brought into the space. They create a beautiful warm contrast that adds richness and depth without overwhelming First Star’s gentle nature. When I have friends over, they often comment on this combination – it just works, creating an inviting and sophisticated ambiance.

Combining First Star with Bold or Neutral Tones

I was initially nervous about mixing stronger, more saturated colors with First Star, but my experiments turned out to be incredibly successful! In my home office, I went bold with a dark teal built-in bookshelf that stands out dramatically, yet elegantly, against the First Star walls. The teal adds a pop of personality and sophistication without making the room feel smaller or chaotic.

For my neutral base, I kept my sofa a light ash gray and added crisp white linen curtains, allowing First Star to seamlessly bridge the gap between these foundational elements. This approach created a sophisticated and layered look.

What I learned the hard way? Too many bold, competing colors can easily overwhelm First Star’s subtle and refined nature. I found success by carefully selecting just one or two strong accent pieces – like the teal bookshelf or a vibrant piece of art – and keeping everything else within a calmer, more neutral palette. My black picture frames, for instance, create clean, modern lines without being overly harsh or distracting.

Textures and Materials That Work Well with First Star

The magic of First Star truly comes alive when you introduce a variety of textures into your space. It acts as an incredible backdrop, allowing different materials to truly shine. In my home, I’ve successfully mixed smooth leather upholstery, chunky knit throws, woven natural fibers, and warm natural wood finishes.

The walls provide a perfect canvas for my brass light fixtures and brushed gold hardware, which seem to glow warmly against the cool gray, adding a touch of elegance. My biggest success has been the addition of a textured jute rug in the living room; it brings incredible warmth, organic elements, and a grounding feel to the entire space, beautifully complementing the paint color.

I’ve also found that velvet pillows in jewel tones or even soft neutrals look incredibly rich and dimensional against First Star – the way light plays off these different materials makes the whole room feel more interesting, layered, and inviting. It’s all about creating visual interest through tactile elements.

Smart Tip: I always keep a collection of paint swatches, fabric samples, and small material cutouts in my phone’s photos or a physical design binder. When I’m shopping for new pieces, whether it’s a sofa, throw blanket, or a new piece of art, I can quickly check how they’ll potentially work with First Star. This simple habit has saved me from making some costly and regrettable design mistakes! While the color is forgiving, I’ve consistently found that natural materials and varied textures create the most harmonious and inviting combinations in my home.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Sherwin Williams First Star for Your Home

Choosing a paint color is a significant decision, and like any option, Sherwin Williams First Star comes with its own set of advantages and considerations. Based on my extensive experience, here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your home.

Pros	Cons
Works exceptionally well in most lighting conditions, adapting beautifully throughout the day.	Can feel slightly too cool or stark in very dimly lit or north-facing rooms if not balanced with warm elements.
Pairs beautifully with both warm and cool colors, offering incredible flexibility in decor.	It may appear somewhat flat or uninspired without proper accent colors, textures, or adequate lighting.
High LRV of 69 means it reflects a significant amount of light, brightening and opening up spaces.	The subtle gray undertones might be less apparent or “read” as a plain white in very dim or artificial-light-only spaces.
Provides a clean, modern appearance that feels incredibly timeless and sophisticated.	Not the ideal choice if you are specifically looking for a truly warm white or a creamy beige.
Great for open floor plans, creating a harmonious flow and continuity between different areas.	Can appear stark or even slightly sterile in rooms with very limited natural light or an abundance of cool-toned decor.
Easy to decorate around – its versatility makes it a fantastic backdrop for any style.	Might feel too neutral or understated for those who prefer bold, dramatic statements or highly saturated wall colors.
Suitable for both interior and exterior applications, maintaining its character across different surfaces.	Its cool gray undertones may subtly clash with decor that leans heavily towards very warm, yellow, or orange undertones if not carefully balanced.
Part of multiple popular Sherwin-Williams collections, indicating its wide appeal and proven performance.	Requires good natural or supplemental artificial lighting to truly showcase its delicate nuances and depth.

Ultimately, First Star is a fantastic choice for those seeking a bright, sophisticated, and adaptable neutral. Its minor drawbacks are generally easily mitigated with thoughtful design choices and proper lighting.

Sherwin Williams First Star in Various Design Styles

I’ve witnessed First Star work its magic in everything from sleek modern homes to cozy farmhouse kitchens. This adaptable gray-white truly seems to effortlessly fit into most design styles, though some environments definitely make it shine brighter than others. Its ability to shift personality while maintaining its core character is remarkable.

Let me show you how First Star performs across different popular looks and which styles truly allow its subtle elegance to take center stage.

Classic and Traditional Rooms with First Star

Its soft gray undertones create a perfect, refined backdrop for rich mahogany furniture, ornate dark wood pieces, and polished brass accents, allowing them to stand out.
Beautifully highlights detailed trim work, crown molding, and intricate architectural elements around windows and doors, making them appear crisp and clean.
Makes antique rugs, vintage artwork, and crystal lamps stand out more prominently, lending a sense of timeless elegance to the space.
Works exceptionally well with heritage pieces, classic upholstery, and traditional decor elements, creating a sense of enduring charm and sophistication.

Using First Star in Modern and Minimalist Interiors

Creates incredible clean depth without adding any visual clutter, which is paramount in minimalist designs.
Makes sleek black desks, minimalist white shelving units, and contemporary metallic accents pop beautifully against the understated walls.
Maintains a quintessential minimalist vibe, providing subtle interest and texture without drawing too much attention.
Acts as a perfect neutral foundation for sleek, simple furniture pieces, allowing their forms and functionality to be the focus.

First Star for Coastal, Scandinavian, and Farmhouse Designs

Coastal Style: Pairs impeccably with light-washed wood furniture (like driftwood or bleached oak), natural fiber rugs (jute, sisal), and accents of deep navy, sky blue, or seafoam green, creating a breezy, fresh, and airy feel reminiscent of the seaside.
Scandinavian Rooms: Creates a calm, inviting foundation for light wood furniture, white bedding, natural textures (wool, linen), and clean lines, embodying the “hygge” aesthetic with its serene and uncluttered appeal.
Farmhouse Kitchens: Makes shiplap walls, reclaimed wooden beams, distressed furniture, and antique fixtures shine brightly, adding a touch of modern farmhouse sophistication while retaining warmth and charm. It provides a fresh contrast to rustic elements.
First Star’s adaptability truly shines here, effortlessly transforming to suit different styles by simply changing the accompanying accessories, textiles, and furniture around it. It’s a true design chameleon.

Tip: Think of First Star as a design chameleon – it subtly shifts its personality to perfectly match your chosen style, all while maintaining its own sophisticated and understated character. This makes it an incredibly safe yet stylish choice for evolving tastes.

How to Sample and Test Sherwin Williams First Star in Your Home?

Before you commit to painting entire rooms, I cannot stress enough the importance of properly testing First Star in your actual space. Lighting conditions, both natural and artificial, can dramatically change how this color appears, and what looks perfect on a small swatch or in one room might look entirely different in another. This step is non-negotiable for a successful paint project.

Obtain Large Samples: Always get paint samples (either peel-and-stick or small paint pots) from Sherwin-Williams. Paint large swatches – at least 2ft x 2ft – on different walls in the rooms you intend to paint. This is far more accurate than a tiny chip.
Observe Throughout the Day: Dedicate time to observe the color in various lighting conditions throughout the day. Pay attention to how it looks in morning sunlight, afternoon indirect light, and evening artificial light.
Consider Window Direction: Paint samples on both north-facing and south-facing walls (if applicable) to see the difference. North-facing light is cooler and can make grays appear bluer, while south-facing light is warmer and can bring out any subtle warmth.
Compare with Existing Elements: Hold your paint samples up against your existing furniture, flooring, window treatments, and any artwork you plan to keep. Ensure they create a harmonious palette.
Test with Trim Color: Always test First Star next to your existing trim color (or your chosen new trim color) to ensure there’s a pleasing contrast and that they complement each other without clashing.
Take Photos: Snap photos of the samples at different times of day and under various lighting conditions. This allows you to objectively compare and track how the color changes.
Live with It: Don’t rush. Live with the painted samples for at least a week before making your final decision. This allows you to see it under all your typical daily conditions.
Evaluate Flow: If painting multiple rooms, consider how the color looks in the transition areas and how it contributes to the overall flow of your home.
Involve Others: Get feedback from family members who will also be living with the color. Different eyes can catch different nuances.

Maintaining the Freshness of Sherwin Williams First Star Paint

Once you’ve successfully painted with First Star, keeping it looking fresh and clean becomes your next priority. Being a light color, it can show dust, smudges, and scuffs more easily than darker shades. However, don’t worry – maintaining its crisp and pristine appearance is simpler than you might think with a consistent routine.

Let me share the maintenance tips and routine that keeps my First Star walls looking like they were just painted, ensuring your investment continues to enhance your home for years to come.

Regular Dusting: Dust your walls monthly, or more frequently in high-traffic areas, with a soft dry cloth, a microfiber duster, or a vacuum cleaner brush attachment. This prevents dust buildup that can dull the color and make the walls appear dingy.
Gentle Spot Cleaning: For minor marks or smudges, clean walls regularly with a damp, soft cloth (microfiber works best) and plain water. Wipe gently.
Mild Soap for Deeper Cleans: For tougher grime, use a very mild soap (like a diluted dish soap solution) mixed with water. Apply with a soft cloth, gently wipe the area, and then immediately wipe again with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue. Always avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or scrub brushes, as these can damage the paint finish.
Prompt Touch-Ups: Address scuffs, nicks, and deeper marks immediately. Keep extra paint stored properly for future touch-ups. A small artist’s brush or a foam roller can work wonders for seamless repairs.
Proper Paint Storage: Ensure you keep leftover paint cans tightly sealed and stored in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures to maintain their viability for touch-ups.
Frequent Cleaning of High-Touch Areas: Light switches, door frames, and baseboards tend to accumulate dirt and fingerprints faster. Clean these areas more frequently to maintain a consistently fresh look.
Magic Erasers (Use with Caution): For stubborn marks that won’t come off with mild soap, a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser can be effective. However, use it very gently and test in an inconspicuous area first, as it can sometimes remove a tiny layer of paint if scrubbed too hard.
Vacuum Baseboards and Corners: Dust and pet hair often collect where walls meet baseboards and in corners. Regular vacuuming in these areas will prevent unsightly lines against your clean white walls.
Prepare for Repainting: Before any future repainting, thoroughly wipe down your walls to ensure proper adhesion of the new coat and a smooth finish.
Consider Recoating Schedule: Depending on room usage and traffic, consider a fresh coat of First Star every 3-5 years to fully refresh the color and protect your walls.

Conclusion

After living with Sherwin Williams First Star (SW 7646) for over a year, I can honestly say it truly delivers on its promises. This incredibly diverse and adaptable color palette has created a flowing, harmonious feel throughout my entire home, working beautifully with both abundant natural light and carefully selected artificial light sources. What I love most is its remarkable ability to adapt seamlessly to different spaces and design styles, proving its versatility whether my aesthetic leans modern, traditional, or even farmhouse.

First Star consistently stays true to its elegant gray-white character, never shifting unexpectedly towards overly blue or beige tones, making it an exceptionally reliable and trustworthy choice for any room. It has the subtle depth to avoid feeling boring, yet it’s neutral enough to serve as the perfect backdrop for virtually any decor.

As with any paint color, my most crucial advice is to remember to thoroughly test the color in your actual space and meticulously observe it at different times of day before making your final decision. This simple step will ensure that you fall in love with First Star just as much as I have.

If you’re searching for a paint color that is both effortlessly timeless and wonderfully fresh – one that brightens your spaces while adding just enough subtle character and sophistication – then Sherwin Williams First Star (SW 7646) might just be the exact shade you need to elevate your next home decorating project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes First Star Different From Other Light Gray Paint Colors?

From my extensive experience, First Star stands out primarily because of its incredibly balanced undertones. In my home, it consistently avoids the common pitfalls of other light grays – it doesn’t turn too blue, purple, or too beige/green, which often happens with many similar shades I’ve tried. Its gray hints are truly neutral and subtle. It maintains its true, crisp gray-white color throughout the day, even under varying natural and artificial lighting conditions, offering a reliability that many other paint colors lack.

How Many Coats of First Star Paint Do I Need?

In my house, I found that two coats were ideal for achieving the best coverage and the truest color representation. On walls that were already a lighter shade, two coats were absolutely perfect, providing a smooth, even, and consistent finish. If I was painting over darker, more saturated colors, I always started with a good quality primer first to ensure complete opacity and prevent the old color from showing through. I firmly believe that cutting corners on coverage simply isn’t worth it – two full coats gave me the professional, flawless finish I truly desired.

Can First Star Work in a Room With Limited Natural Light?

Absolutely, yes! My north-facing home office, for example, receives very little direct natural light, but First Star actually helped to significantly brighten and open up the space. Its high LRV of 69 means it reflects available light exceptionally well. While it may appear slightly cooler in such rooms, I complemented it with strategic artificial lighting (think warmer temperature bulbs and layered lighting fixtures), and the walls now create a bright, welcoming, and productive atmosphere even on the cloudiest days. It truly maximizes whatever light is present.

How Does First Star Look With White Trim?

In my home, First Star pairs absolutely beautifully with white trim, creating a classic and sophisticated look. I have bright white baseboards, crown molding, and door frames (specifically painted in Sherwin Williams Pure White), and the subtle contrast between the crisp white trim and the soft gray-white walls is incredibly clean and fresh. The gray in First Star is light enough to complement the trim perfectly without creating too stark or jarring a difference, ensuring a harmonious and elegant transition.

Will First Star Show Marks and Scuffs Easily?

Based on my year of living with First Star in various parts of my home, its durability and tendency to show marks largely depend on the paint finish you choose. In high-traffic areas like my hallway and kitchen, the eggshell finish has held up exceptionally well to daily wear and tear. Marks and scuffs clean off easily with just a damp cloth and mild soap. However, in my living room, where I opted for a flat finish for a softer look, it does show marks more readily. For areas prone to scuffs and dirt, I highly recommend an eggshell or satin finish, as these have proven to be very forgiving and easy to maintain.