Denim
With a focus on genuinely dark tones, Denim (6523) is a standout Purple in our database. It was selected for this featured gallery for its ability to anchor a room without demanding the spotlight. See it applied across 20 real world scenarios and find professional pairing data below.
Hex
#506B84
LRV
13.81
Denim's Color Strip
Denim is the sixth shade on this 7-color strip, sitting between Sporty Blue and Commodore. The strip spans from Hinting Blue at the lightest end to Commodore at the deepest. Strip 185 makes it easy to compare shades side by side and find the right depth for your space.
Denim in Real Rooms
Denim has a low LRV of 13.81 — it absorbs light and reads as a genuinely dark, enveloping color. It's cool-toned and , so it will lean blue or gray under cool north-facing light and soften in warmer evening light. Grouped in the Purple family, the photos below show it applied in a living room, kitchen cabinets, front door, house and misc.
6 Living Room Photos
When applied to living room walls, Denim creates a sense of "visual quiet." It eliminates the erratic shadows found in busier spaces, instead providing a steady, rhythmic tone that ties together disparate furniture styles. It's the common thread that makes a room full of heirlooms and modern pieces feel like a cohesive collection.
Living Room
@rogerandchris
2 Kitchen Cabinets Photos
For an island-only application, Denim provides a stunning focal point. It anchors the center of the room, creating a "furniture piece" feel that contrasts beautifully with lighter perimeter cabinets and draws people toward the heart of the kitchen.
Sherwin Williams Denim kitchen cabinets interior
@santanapaintingco
Denim Kitchen Cabinets
@dkustu
1 Front Door Photo
The front door is a great place to experiment with higher sheen levels. Denim in a high-gloss finish creates a mirror-like surface that looks incredibly expensive and traditional, echoing the grand entryways of London or New York.
SW 6523 front door color review
@mariannejeffrey
5 House Photos
The way Denim interacts with exterior lighting—like sconces or path lights—is dramatic. At night, the house takes on a protective, fortress-like quality that feels incredibly secure and welcoming to those returning home.
SW 6523 house exterior color review
@glspainters
SW Denim house exterior color
@glspainters
SW Denim exterior color
@glspainters
Sherwin Williams Denim Exterior
@blue_house_love
Sw Denim Exterior
@hillside.interiordesign
6 Misc Photos
Note how Denim is used as a "ceiling color" in some of these rooms. This "fifth wall" application is a bold designer move that can make a room feel infinitely more cozy and architecturally unique.
Sherwin Williams Denim dining room accent wall
@anthony.mosley.realtor
