Sherwin-Williams • 9168

Elephant Ear

Name: Sherwin-Williams Elephant Ear 9168
Brand: Sherwin-Williams

We've categorized Elephant Ear as a versatile Neutral because of its unique LRV profile. We have documented it across our network because it can perfect for adding character to any space so effectively. Explore our collection of 14 room photos to see how it looks alongside coordinating accent choices.

Hex

#988F85

LRV

28.09

Light Reflectance Value

28.09

medium

Temperaturewarm

SaturationMidtone

Collection

Minimalist

Elephant Ear's Color Strip

Elephant Ear is the fourth shade on this 7-color strip, sitting between Functional Gray and Backdrop. The strip spans from Alpaca at the lightest end to Well-Bred Brown at the deepest. Strip 241 puts these related shades in sequence, making it simple to find the tone that suits your room.

C1Alpaca C2Requisite Gray C3Functional Gray C4Elephant Ear

C5Backdrop C6Griffin C7Well-Bred Brown

Elephant Ear in Real Rooms

Elephant Ear has a medium LRV of 28.09 — it adds real depth and will read noticeably darker as natural light fades. It's warm-toned and , picking up richness from natural light and sitting comfortably alongside wood tones and warm neutrals. Grouped in the Neutral family, the photos below show it applied in a living room, kitchen cabinets, house, misc, kitchen, front door and bathroom.

1 Living Room Photo

In a living room, Elephant Ear acts as a bridge between the indoors and the view outside. It carries the organic weight of the natural world into the home, allowing the greenery from windows to pop while keeping the interior feeling protected and private. Pair it with oversized plants and ceramic vessels for a full organic-modern aesthetic.

Living room walls wrap in sophisticated, cool-toned Elephant Ear.

@dawndtottyinteriordesigns

3 Kitchen Cabinets Photos

Elephant Ear cabinets paired with a matching backsplash create a "monolith" look that is incredibly popular in contemporary design. It's a bold, seamless approach that makes the kitchen feel integrated into the home's overall architecture.

Cabinet doors transform with moody, elegant Elephant Ear finish.

@shonasshabbytochic

Kitchen cabinetry receives a refined upgrade in Elephant Ear.

@krafted_renovations

Island and perimeter cabinets shine in deep Elephant Ear.

@distinctiveinteriordesigns

4 House Photos

The way Elephant Ear 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.

House exterior gains dramatic presence with Elephant Ear siding.

@macfarland_painting

Exterior facade benefits from the sophisticated tone of Elephant Ear.

@macfarland_painting

Exterior walls embrace rich, grounded Elephant Ear color.

@audj_scal

Home exterior projects confidence in dark Elephant Ear.

@brooksbuildersinc

2 Misc Photos

Note how Elephant Ear 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.

Front entry door makes bold statement in Elephant Ear.

@catsivula

Storage boxes and shelving receive stylish refresh in Elephant Ear.

@dawndtottyinteriordesigns

1 Kitchen Photo

Kitchens are often the nosiest rooms in the house; Elephant Ear provides the visual equivalent of acoustic dampening. Its steady, calm presence helps lower the "volume" of the room, creating a more pleasant environment for cooking and conversation.

Kitchen cabinets and walls coordinate beautifully in Elephant Ear.

@homesweethomeintexas

1 Front Door Photo

A front door painted Elephant Ear makes a confident first impression without shouting. The color's depth draws the eye and signals personality before guests even step inside. Pair with crisp white trim and warm brass hardware to complete the look.

Front door entrance creates dramatic curb appeal in Elephant Ear.

@paintedlinen

2 Bathroom Photos

Bathrooms test color in specific ways — task lighting, tile grout, and chrome or brass fixtures all compete for attention. Elephant Ear holds its own against all of it, and tends to photograph even better than it reads in person.