Nothing sets the tone quite like a fresh coat of paint. Whether you're starting anew or giving a well-loved space a refresh, picking out a foundation shade has the ability to make or break the whole design scheme.
And while white is an obvious go-to, it can sometimes feel stark and uninviting. That's why interior designers often rely on the best off-white paints to get a design scheme started. Clean yet nuanced and simple yet warm, an off-white shade is always a solid choice.
Sunbleached, one of Sherwin-Williams' best-selling paints, has proved a designer favorite – and it's trending once again. Part of the brand's 2025 Color Capsule of the Year, it's a modern take on a timeless classic. Perfect for sun-soaked spaces and transitional design schemes, it's versatile and adaptable – no matter your personal style.
'Sherwin-Williams’ Sunbleached is a beautiful, subtle shade that sits right in that sweet spot between warm and cool,' says Jade Joyner, co-founder and principal designer of Georgia- and South Carolina-based Metal + Petal. 'I love it for its softness. It’s airy without being stark, and it plays nicely with both neutrals and richer earth tones.' Here's how interior designers like Jade put the off-white shade to use.
Why is Sherwin-Williams' Sunbleached trending now?
'Sunbleached SW 9585 has emerged as a go-to hue for those easing away from cool grays – offering a sun-warmed softness that pairs effortlessly with existing gray furnishings while adding a touch of inviting warmth,' says Emily Kantz, color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams.
The hue pairs beautifully with many of today's top interior design trends, whether nature-inspired or vintage-forward. It brightens any room it graces without going over the top, bringing both cool and warm undertones to the design scheme.
'Sunbleached is one of those rare neutrals that feels both effortless and elevated,' says Kerrie Kelly, CEO and Creative Director of Kerrie Kelly Studio. 'It has this beautiful warmth and softness that instantly calms a space without feeling flat. It's airy, natural, and sun-kissed – perfect for clients looking to bring a relaxed, California-casual vibe into their home.'
Isfira Jensen, founder and principal designer of New York City-based Jensen & Co., says Sunbleached is one of her favorite shades because of its ability to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. 'This color is very popular because of its versatility,' she says. 'It gives the look of faded linen, an organic color without much saturation, making it applicable to many design styles – from modern to boho.'
Where does Sunbleached work best?
While Sunbleached brings a bit of brightness to even the darkest of spaces, this shade works best when washed in loads of sunlight, says Kerrie. She recommends using Sunbleached as a room's foundational shade, then building tonal layers to create a luxurious, nuanced look.
In this space, pictured above, she used the color to set the tone of a Sacramento rebuild's primary bedroom. 'The home had been tragically lost to a fire on the Fourth of July, so the goal was to bring softness and serenity to a deeply personal space,' says Kerrie. 'The color provided the perfect backdrop for layered neutrals, warm wood furnishings, and textural linens in a way that felt elevated yet approachable.'
Lauren Saab, founder of Texas-based Saab Studios, suggests using Sunbleached in spaces 'where you want the architecture and furnishings to breathe.' She says the shade enhances these features and makes a space feel 'cohesive and considered', rather than stealing the show.
'Sunbleached is especially effective on expansive walls, ceilings, or cabinetry because it diffuses light gently and softens the overall atmosphere,' she says. 'Its muted tone pairs beautifully with tactile materials like limewashed plaster, brushed metal, aged stone, and lightly grained woods, finishes that absorb light and add texture.'
Emily, Sherwin-Williams' color marketing manager, says the shade works well in Scandinavian-style designs, but also looks stunning when used to create a modern take on coastal decor. 'Sunbleached's softened tone mimics sandy shores, making it an ideal color for light-filled breezy spaces with natural textures and ocean-inspired accents,' she says.
What colors work well with Sunbleached?
'Sunbleached often makes its way into early palette studies when I’m mapping out how materials, light, and form will interact,' says Lauren. 'It works quietly in the background, allowing texture, tone, and layout to take the lead.'
The shade's versatility means it pairs well with a wide range of other neutrals, and also lets more complex colors shine. Lauren suggests pairing Sunbleached with Sherwin-Williams' Shiitake for a 'seamless and calming' combination or Anonymous to add 'just enough depth without overpowering the palette.'
Kerrie prefers to use Sunbleached alongside 'soft whites, warm taupes, or sagey greens' to bring a grounded, calming foundation for a space. 'You can also introduce moodier accents like charcoal or inky navy to give the space a little edge while keeping that sun-washed, understated elegance,' she says.
Meanwhile, Emily says that the colors you choose to pair with Sunbleached should reflect the overall aesthetic you're after. She suggests Iron Ore for a modern, minimalist space, and Felted Wool for something a bit more sleek and updated. 'For beach-inspired vibes, pair Sunbleached with Silver Tipped Sage and Natural Tan for that layered, beachy palette,' she adds.
Bring a bit of Sunbleached's brightness home
This designer-favorite neutral works just as well as a thoughtful accent shade. Here are some subtle pieces that'll introduce Sunbleached's style into your space.
This elegant, scalloped mirror brings a subtle touch of Sunbleached charm without overwhelming the space.
Ground your living room or bedroom with this neutral, patterned area rug – it brings character and calm all at once.
Let the natural light shine through with these gorgeous, airy cafe curtains. They're sure to transform the kitchen or bathroom in no time.
These calming, comfortable accent chairs are the perfect complement for a beachy, light-inspired space.
Add a bit of sunshine to the sofa with these Sunbleached-esque throw pillows from Wayfair.
Bring Sunbleached's calming presence to the bedroom with this stunning quilted comforter set.
This Sherwin-Williams shade isn't leaving interior designers' must-use lists anytime soon, providing a simple yet elegant base for any design scheme.
'As a warm neutral, it has broad appeal because it works across a wide range of home styles and sensibilities without ever feeling generic,' says Lauren.
