Frosted Fern
Often used for its versatile qualities, Frosted Fern remains a staple for Sherwin-Williams designers. It is widely considered one of the best colors in its class to add character and warmth to any space. We've gathered 5 real-home scenarios to help you visualize this color alongside our expert data.
Hex
#A7A796
LRV
38.03
Frosted Fern in Real Rooms
Frosted Fern has a medium-high LRV of 38.03 — present enough to register on the wall without making a room feel heavy. It's neutral in temperature, making it adaptable across different lighting conditions and room orientations. Grouped in the Neutral family, the photos below show it applied in a bedroom, living room and misc.
1 Bedroom Photo
The bedroom is where Frosted Fern really earns its place as a sanctuary. Away from direct sunlight, the color settles into a rich, cocooning tone that actively promotes rest and psychological slowing. Pair it with crisp white bedding and warm-toned wood nightstands to keep the overall palette from feeling too heavy or closed-in.
Bedroom accent wall in Frosted Fern creates a serene, restful backdrop.
@laddercopainting
3 Living Room Photos
Frosted Fern works harder than it looks in a living room environment. Whether the space gets direct southern sun or stays north-facing and dim, the color finds its specific register — neither receding into the background nor demanding the spotlight. It acts as a sophisticated backdrop that makes every piece of furniture or art placed in front of it look immediately more considered and curated.
Shiplap paneling painted Frosted Fern adds texture and calm to the living room.
@being.libby
Wall paneling in Frosted Fern gives this living room soft, natural appeal.
@being.libby
Living room walls glow in soft Frosted Fern for a serene retreat.
@zoe_harrison1965
1 Misc Photo
These photos show Frosted Fern in spaces that don't fit neatly into a single category: transitional spaces, accent applications, and rooms where the color becomes a fine detail rather than a broad backdrop.
Shiplap paneling painted in Frosted Fern creates architectural depth and interest.
@being.libby
Coordinating Colors
Frost Bite reflects far more light (LRV 88 vs 38), opening up a space where Frosted Fern encloses it.
Threaded Loom reflects far more light (LRV 54 vs 38), opening up a space where Frosted Fern encloses it.
At LRV 38 vs 8, Frosted Fern is decisively the brighter choice.
Similar Colors
With LRVs of 41 and 38, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 41 and 38, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 41 vs 38), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 38 vs 38), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 38 vs 37), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 41 and 38, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 38 vs 37), so neither reads brighter in a room.
A 5-point LRV gap (43 vs 38) makes Cascade Green the marginally brighter of the two.
A 3-point LRV gap (41 vs 38) makes Svelte Sage the marginally brighter of the two.
A 3-point LRV gap (41 vs 38) makes Gateway Gray the marginally brighter of the two.
Complementary Colors
Frosted Fern reflects far more light (LRV 38 vs 20), opening up a space where Soulful Blue encloses it.
Frosted Fern reads slightly lighter (LRV 38 vs 28), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Frosted Fern reflects far more light (LRV 38 vs 12), opening up a space where Purple Passage encloses it.
At LRV 38 vs 4, Frosted Fern is decisively the brighter choice.
With LRVs of 38 and 35, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Frosted Fern reflects far more light (LRV 38 vs 13), opening up a space where Mesmerize encloses it.
Lady's Slipper reflects far more light (LRV 76 vs 38), opening up a space where Frosted Fern encloses it.
Lighter Colors
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 38 vs 35), so neither reads brighter in a room.
A 9-point LRV gap (47 vs 38) makes Gray Clouds the marginally brighter of the two.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 38 vs 38), so neither reads brighter in a room.
At LRV 60 vs 38, Front Porch is decisively the brighter choice.
Darker Colors
A 9-point LRV gap (38 vs 29) makes Frosted Fern the marginally brighter of the two.
At LRV 38 vs 19, Frosted Fern is decisively the brighter choice.
A 7-point LRV gap (38 vs 31) makes Frosted Fern the marginally brighter of the two.
At LRV 38 vs 23, Frosted Fern is decisively the brighter choice.
A 7-point LRV gap (38 vs 31) makes Frosted Fern the marginally brighter of the two.