Shiitake
Shiitake is a versatile and reflective Neutral from Sherwin-Williams. Our real-world data shows it is a primary choice when homeowners need to provide a clean, timeless feel that works across various lighting conditions. Below, you'll find 32 examples of this shade in actual homes along with suggested color relationships.
Hex
#C8BCAB
LRV
51.21
Shiitake's Color Strip
Shiitake is the first shade on this 7-color strip, the lightest in this coordinated family. Color strip 248 groups these shades together so you can see how each reads next to its neighbors.
Shiitake in Real Rooms
Shiitake has a medium-high LRV of 51.21 — present enough to register on the wall without making a room feel heavy. 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, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, home office, house, front door, dining room, misc and kitchen cabinets.
7 Living Room Photos
For open-concept living rooms, Shiitake is a powerful tool for definition. It has enough presence to signal where the living area begins without creating a harsh visual break from the rest of the house. It defines the "zone" of relaxation through color psychology and sophisticated depth.
Shiitake SW 9173 living room
@mybudgetrecipes
1 Bedroom Photo
The bedroom is where Shiitake 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 painted in Sherwin-Williams Shiitake
@mybudgetrecipes
2 Kitchen Photos
Shiitake in a kitchen reads differently from how it might anywhere else — the hard surfaces, task lighting, and constant activity give it more to work against, and it holds up beautifully. It doesn't compete with the colors of food or the texture of countertops; instead, it frames them with a professional finish.
Sherwin Williams Shiitake kitchen cabinets
@mybudgetrecipes
Sherwin Williams Shiitake kitchen interior
@mydailymehhomeedition
2 Bathroom Photos
Small bathrooms amplify whatever color is on the wall, which makes the choice more consequential than it first appears. Shiitake has enough depth to register without closing the room in, and it plays well with white subway tile or warm wood accents.
Beige bathroom in Shiitake by Sherwin Williams
@mybudgetrecipes
Sw Shiitake Bathroom
@fourbrotherspaintingco
1 Home Office Photo
In a workspace, Shiitake helps to reduce "visual noise," allowing your mind to focus on the task at hand. It provides a steady, non-distracting horizon line that is particularly helpful for those in creative or high-concentration fields.
SW 9173 home office inspiration
@mybudgetrecipes
1 House Photo
In suburban environments, Shiitake provides a sophisticated point of difference. It stands out from the sea of beige and grey without being "that house" that's too loud. It's the subtle, high-end choice that improves the curb appeal of the entire block.
Shiitake house color review
@mybudgetrecipes
2 Front Door Photos
Shiitake on a front door looks particularly stunning when framed by greenery or seasonal wreaths. The color provides a deep, matte background that makes the organic textures of a boxwood wreath or autumn garland really pop.
Beige front door with Shiitake SW 9173
@mybudgetrecipes
Shiitake Door
@the_robinsons_of_round_mtn
1 Dining Room Photo
Shiitake encourages conversation. Its calm, grounded presence creates a sense of safety and comfort that allows guests to relax and stay at the table longer, which is the ultimate goal of any well-designed dining area.
Sherwin Williams Shiitake dining room color review
@comeonindesigns
7 Misc Photos
In walk-in closets or pantries, Shiitake provides a dark, sophisticated backdrop that makes your belongings look organized and curated. It turns a storage space into a boutique-like experience every time you open the door.
Sherwin Williams Shiitake modern hallway color
@capstone_built
8 Kitchen Cabinets Photos
On traditional shaker-style cabinets, Shiitake brings out the clean lines and shadow gaps of the woodwork. It's a color that highlights quality craftsmanship, making it an ideal choice for a high-end renovation or a custom kitchen build.
Sherwin Williams Shiitake kitchen cabinets makeover
@the_robinsons_of_round_mtn
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