Soft, Muted Green with Timeless Calm
Sherwin-Williams® Clary Sage (SW 6178) kitchen cabinets offer a balanced green that feels soothing, grounded, and quietly sophisticated. This color delivers natural warmth without leaning rustic or overly earthy. Clary Sage is often chosen for kitchens that aim to feel calm, livable, and enduring rather than trend-driven.
The Undertones of Clary Sage
Clary Sage features a muted green base with gentle gray undertones that soften its appearance. In bright natural light, the green feels fresh and organic without becoming vibrant. In lower or cooler lighting, the gray influence becomes more noticeable, giving the cabinetry a refined, neutral-leaning look.
Coordinating Colors for Kitchen Design
Clean Whites & Light Neutrals
- Alabaster (SW 7008) brightens Clary Sage while preserving its softness. This pairing keeps the kitchen feeling open and welcoming. It works especially well in spaces with moderate natural light.
- Creamy (SW 7012) enhances the warmth of Clary Sage without overpowering it. The subtle creaminess adds depth and cohesion. This combination feels relaxed and timeless.
Grounding Neutrals
- Dovetail (SW 7018) anchors Clary Sage with a warm gray-brown contrast. This pairing adds structure without visual heaviness. It works well in larger or open-concept kitchens.
- Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) creates a rich, earthy contrast when used on islands or accents. The shared warmth keeps the palette cohesive. This pairing feels refined and grounded.
Metallics & Hardware
- Brushed brass or antique brass hardware complements Clary Sage’s organic warmth. The metallic contrast adds sophistication without feeling flashy. This pairing is especially effective in transitional and farmhouse kitchens.
- Matte black hardware sharpens the cabinetry lines and adds modern contrast. The darker finish grounds the soft green tone. This option suits modern and transitional designs.
Countertop Pairings
- White quartz or marble countertops keep the space feeling bright and balanced. Light surfaces prevent the cabinetry from feeling heavy. Subtle veining adds interest without distraction.
- Warm-toned stone or concrete-inspired surfaces reinforce the natural character of Clary Sage. These materials add texture and depth. Avoid cool blue-gray stones that may clash.
Flooring Recommendations
- Light to medium-tone hardwood flooring enhances the warmth and softness of Clary Sage. Natural wood grain supports the organic feel. This pairing works across many kitchen styles.
- Neutral tile with warm undertones maintains balance and continuity. Beige or greige tiles work best. Cooler tones can make the cabinetry feel muted.
Applications in Cabinetry
- Full kitchen cabinetry in Clary Sage creates a calm, cohesive environment. The color feels comfortable and livable for everyday use. Proper lighting keeps it from reading flat.
- Kitchen islands in Clary Sage add subtle color without dominating the space. This approach introduces interest while preserving flexibility. It works well in neutral kitchens.
Kitchen Style Applications
- Farmhouse and country kitchens benefit from Clary Sage’s soft, natural tone. Paired with wood textures and classic finishes, it feels authentic and relaxed. This is one of its strongest uses.
- Transitional kitchens use Clary Sage to bridge traditional warmth and modern restraint. The color adapts easily to mixed materials. The result feels timeless.
- Modern kitchens incorporate Clary Sage as a softer alternative to gray. Clean lines allow the color to feel intentional rather than decorative. The look remains fresh and controlled.
Recommended Cabinet Door Styles by Kitchen Style
- Shaker doors provide structure that complements Clary Sage’s softness. The profile adds definition without heaviness. This pairing works across multiple styles.
- Slim Shaker doors enhance the color’s modern appeal. The lighter visual footprint keeps the cabinetry refined. This option suits contemporary kitchens well.
Other Spaces & Design Applications
- Laundry rooms and mudrooms benefit from Clary Sage’s calming presence. The color keeps utility spaces feeling intentional. Durable finishes maintain the look over time.
- Bathrooms and built-in cabinetry use this shade to introduce softness and continuity. Paired with light surfaces, it feels clean and elevated. Proper lighting enhances clarity.
Lighting Considerations
Clary Sage shifts noticeably with lighting. Bright natural light highlights its fresh green character, while cooler or dim lighting emphasizes the gray undertones. Layered lighting helps maintain balance.
Technical Details
Light Reflectance Value (LRV): 41
An LRV of 41 places Clary Sage in the mid-range, making it suitable for full kitchens without overwhelming the space.
Color Comparisons
Clary Sage vs. Evergreen Fog
Clary Sage is a warmer, more traditional sage green with clearer green presence and less gray influence. Evergreen Fog leans cooler and grayer, often reading more muted and contemporary in comparison. In kitchens, Clary Sage feels softer and more classic, while Evergreen Fog feels more modern and subdued.
Clary Sage vs. Dried Thyme
Clary Sage is lighter and fresher, with a calm, airy quality that keeps cabinetry feeling approachable. Dried Thyme is deeper and earthier, with stronger olive undertones that add weight and richness. Clary Sage works well when you want gentle color, while Dried Thyme suits kitchens that need more depth and grounding.
Design Tip
Use Clary Sage kitchen cabinets when you want a calming green that feels timeless, adaptable, and easy to live with.
Alternative Colors to Consider
