Sherwin Williams Mink SW 6004 is a rich luxury neutral – a warm grayish-brown or taupe that blends depth with slightly warmth.
This medium-to-dark shade has a rich brown base tempered by gray, creating an elegant, cozy backdrop in any room.
It works across styles – modern or traditional – adding a calm, intimate feel without overwhelming the space.
Mink’s adaptability makes it a popular choice for accent walls or entire rooms in living areas, bedrooms and dining rooms, where it provides a grounded yet inviting atmosphere.
In this Blog I am sharing REAL HOME IMAGES that are using Mink paint color by Sherwin-Williams.
I will share my personal experience with Sherwin Williams Mink ,its coordinate colors ,undertones and where it can show its best color.
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Undertones of Sherwin-Williams Mink SW 6004
If we talk about Mink SW 6004 undertones, it carries warm, earthy undertones. Its brown base gives an overall warmth, while gray elements in the mix keep it neutral and versatile. In many lights it appears as a soft greige (gray-beige) or warm taupe.
Under some conditions it can even reveal a hint of violet or deep green, but never so strongly as to be considered a cool color.
Overall, Mink leans warm, thanks to its brown/red undertone, which makes it different from cooler grays.
This dual nature – warm brown plus gray – is what lets Mink harmonize with both warm and cool accents.
LRV of Sherwin-Williams Mink SW 6004
Mink SW 6004 has a very low LRV, around 20–21. LRV measures how much light a color reflects: 0 is pure black, 100 pure white.
With an LRV of about 20.5, Mink is a dark color that absorbs most light. In practice, this means Mink will make a room feel cozier and more intimate, but it also risks making small or dim spaces feel even darker.
For large or well-lit rooms, Mink’s low LRV adds sophistication and warmth, but in low-light areas it can appear almost black.
This property is important: using Mink in a tiny or poorly lit room can visually shrink it, whereas in bright rooms it adds a lush, enveloping quality.
In Different Lights
Lighting dramatically affects Mink’s appearance. Under artificial incandescent light (which is yellowish), Mink looks warmer and richer, bringing out its brown undertones.
Cool LED or fluorescent lighting can tone down that warmth, making Mink appear more neutral. In natural daylight, Mink shifts through the day and with room orientation.
In north-facing rooms (cool, indirect light) Mink can look a bit grayer and muted, highlighting any cooler undertones.
In south-facing rooms (strong, warm sun) it appears brighter and cozier, fully expressing its brown warmth. East-facing morning light makes Mink glow softly warm at first, then more neutral as the day progresses.
In west-facing evening light, Mink can deepen into a richer, dusky taupe. In summary, Mink can range from a cozy warm brown-taupe under yellow light to a softer grayish taupe in diffuse natural light.
Hex Code of Mink SW 6004
The hex code for Sherwin-Williams Mink SW 6004 is #847B77. (Some sources list a very similar hex, #867E79.)
In any case, Mink’s hex falls in the taupe/gray spectrum, a brown-tinged gray. In RGB terms this means the color mixes a moderate amount of red with slightly less green and blue.
RGB Values
Mink’s RGB color values are (132, 123, 119). This means: Red = 132, Green = 123, Blue = 119 on a scale of 0–255.
These values confirm that red is just slightly dominant, which explains the warm brown undertone, with green and blue slightly lower, giving it an overall grayed-brown appearance.
Sherwin Williams Mink Bedroom
In a bedroom, Mink SW 6004 creates a restful, elegant atmosphere. Its warmth and depth make the space feel calm and cozy, ideal for relaxation.
As one of my friend notes ,Mink “sets the stage for relaxation and serenity” when used on bedroom walls, either as an accent wall behind the bed or as a main wall color.
It pairs beautifully with soft, airy bedding in whites or muted greens (or blues) to balance its depth.
Natural wood furniture, warm metallics (like gold or brass lamps), and layered textures (like velvet or linen) can highlight Mink’s richness while keeping the mood tranquil.
Mink in a bedroom “adds a touch of elegance and helps set a peaceful mood, conducive to rest.” In short, Mink makes a bedroom feel both sophisticated and cozy – a warm neutral that encourages sleep and comfort.
Sherwin Williams Mink Kitchen
Mink works well in kitchens by introducing depth and warmth. When used on walls or cabinetry, it contrasts nicely with lighter countertops and backsplashes.
For example, I notedthat “the kitchen benefits from Mink by adding depth to cabinets or walls, pairing nicely with both wood tones and metallic finishes.”
In practice, painting upper or lower cabinets in Mink (paired with oak or white countertops) creates a modern, grounded look. The warm brown-gray hue complements wooden cabinets and even looks striking with white tile or marble backsplashes.
Warm or brass hardware, and good lighting (natural or bright fixtures), are helpful so the space doesn’t become too dark.
In small eat-in kitchens or dining nooks, a single Mink wall can feel inviting and intimate, while still coordinating with white appliances or accents for contrast.
Sherwin Williams Mink Living Room
Mink SW 6004 makes living rooms feel warm and welcoming. Its richness turns a large living area into a cozy gathering space.
using Mink in a living room “creates a welcoming and calming atmosphere, making it a perfect space for relaxing or entertaining guests.”
Mink’s neutral depth allows bright throws, cushions or art to pop – in the example image, teal and orange accents stand out beautifully against the gray-taupe walls. Layering in sofas or chairs in light gray or cream keeps the contrast soft.
Mink also works well with natural materials in living rooms: wooden floors, stone fireplaces, leather accents, or woven textiles all blend with its earthy tone.
Just be sure to include plenty of light (lamps or windows) and lighter trim/ceilings, so the room doesn’t appear too somber.
Sherwin Williams Mink Bathroom
Mink SW 6004 can give bathrooms a sophisticated, spa-like vibe. Its warm gray tone pairs elegantly with crisp white tile, marble or ceramic surfaces.
For instance, in a bathroom design, Mink walls or cabinetry can contrast with white sinks or tubs, creating a sleek modern look.
Warm wood accents (like a teak shower stool or wood-framed mirror) play off its brown undertones, and dark metal fixtures (oil-rubbed bronze or matte black) add stylish contrast.
In a smaller bathroom, using Mink on one feature wall or on lower half of walls with white upper walls can inject warmth without closing in the room.
Overall, Mink lends bathrooms an upscale, relaxing feel when balanced with lighter elements and natural textures.
Sherwin Williams Mink on Cabinets
Mink SW 6004 is often used on cabinets for a rich, dramatic effect. In kitchens, painting cabinets in Mink (as mentioned above) creates depth and pairs beautifully with wood or stone countertops.
In bathrooms or built-in shelving, Mink cabinetry has a chic, timeless appeal. For example, a powder room with Mink vanity cabinets, white countertop and brass hardware feels luxurious.
In bedrooms or living rooms, Mink-finished dressers or bookcases can be an accent that ties into the wall color or stands alone against a lighter wall.
When using Mink on cabinets, it’s common to offset it with lighter hardware (nickel, brass, or black) and ensure surrounding walls or floors are lighter, so the furniture pieces stand out. In all cases, Mink cabinets convey a warm, high-end look.
Sherwin Williams Mink Exterior
Sherwin-Williams classifies Mink SW 6004 for both interior and exterior use. On a home’s exterior, Mink provides a modern, earthy neutral. It can be used on siding, shutters, front doors or trim.
For example, pairing Mink siding with stone or brick facades (warm beige or gray stone) creates a harmonious natural palette.
Because Mink has a low LRV (~20), large areas in direct sun will be quite dark – so it’s often best on accents or on homes with plenty of light.
To avoid a heavy look, designers typically use Mink as one of two or three exterior colors, often with a very light trim (like Greek Villa SW 7551 off-white) or mid-tone gray accents.
In shaded exterior spots, Mink will take on a richer brown-gray hue. Its warmth means it looks especially good with wood or stone details on the outside.
(Remember that a dark neutral like Mink will heat up in bright sun and may show dust more than a lighter color.)
Overall, Mink can give a home a contemporary yet cozy curb appeal, especially when balanced with contrasting trim or materials.
Coordinating Colors of Sherwin Williams Mink
Mink pairs beautifully with many neutrals. Key coordinating Sherwin-Williams colors are:
- SW 6112 Biscuit: a warm, light beige/cream that “provides a soothing and natural look,” perfect for soft accents around Mink.
- SW 6116 Tatami Tan: a deeper, earthy tan that adds organic warmth and complements Mink’s undertones.
- SW 6000 Snowfall: an almost-white crisp shade that creates sharp contrast and brightens any space with Mink.
These shades are often used as trim, adjoining walls or furniture when Mink is the main color. For example, Biscuit or Tatami Tan walls adjacent to a Mink accent wall create a warm, cohesive scheme.
Snowfall trim or cabinetry against Mink makes details pop. In larger schemes, similar shades like SW 6039 Poised Taupe or SW 6011 Chinchilla (both gray-taupes) can form a monotone palette with Mink, while colors like SW 7043 Worldly Gray (medium gray) offer a neutral backdrop that complements Mink’s warmth.
In essence, Mink’s best partners are gentle earth tones and clean whites that let its depth shine.
Soft Palette
For a soft, muted palette with Mink, stick to light, warm neutrals and pastels. Good choices include warm beiges, pale grays, and very soft greens or blues.
For example, Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036) is a light warm beige that complements Mink without contrast. A crisp bright white (like Pure White SW 7005) on trim or ceilings keeps the overall feel open and soft.
Soft gray-greens such as Evergreen Fog (SW 9130) add a gentle natural hue that plays well with Mink’s warmth.
Powder blue or sage accents also bring a calm touch. The idea is to create a soothing, harmonious look – think of dusty pastels, linen fabrics, and light woods. In these schemes, Mink provides the anchor (grounding taupe), while the soft palette prevents the room from feeling heavy.
Bold Accents and Muted Tones
Mink can also be the base for bold contrasts or subtle tone-on-tone looks:
Bold Accents: To make a dramatic statement, pair Mink with deep or vibrant colors.
For example, a rich navy blue (such as Sherwin-Williams Naval SW 6244) provides a striking, upscale contrast against Mink. Similarly, jewel tones like emerald green or teal look vibrant on Mink walls.
Coral or burnt orange accent pillows (like Coral Reef SW 6606) can energize the space. Metallic accents (brass or copper) also pop against Mink’s neutral background. These bold choices should be used in moderation – e.g. a few accent pieces or one feature wall – so the overall look remains balanced.
Muted Tones: For a more restrained palette, stick to colors with similar gray or earthy undertones. Muted blues, grays and greens work well.
Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) or Greens like Evergreen Fog (SW 9130) create an organic, monochromatic vibe with Mink. Greys with slight color (like Folkstone SW 6005 or Polished Concrete SW 9167) soften the scene.
Earthy taupes and beiges (like Tatami Tan or Poised Taupe) layered with Mink result in a calm, tonal scheme.
In short, bold accents can add personality and drama, while muted analogous colors keep the space serene. Both approaches hinge on Mink’s neutral flexibility.
FAQ
What color is Mink closest to?
Mink is essentially a warm taupe/greige. It sits between gray and brown on the spectrum, and many consider it a taupe. (For context, it’s very similar to Sherwin-Williams Poised Taupe SW 6039 or Chinchilla SW 6011.) It’s closest to other warm gray-beiges.
Is Mink color warm or cool?
Mink SW 6004 is classified as a warm color. Despite its gray appearance, its brown/red undertone makes it warm. In fact, color tools and designers note that Mink’s overall feel is warm and cozy.
Is Mink the same color as taupe?
Mink is a type of taupe. Taupe broadly refers to grayish-brown neutrals. Mink falls in that category – a warm grayish-brown. However, “taupe” can mean many shades, so Mink isn’t identical to every taupe but is often described as a warm taupe.
What shade of color is Mink?
Mink is a neutral gray-taupe shade. It leans darker (medium-dark) and sits in the neutral paint family, combining gray and brown. It’s not as light as true beige but not as stark as charcoal – think of it as a smoked taupe. Its LRV (~20) confirms it’s on the darker side of neutrals.
