The Perfect Green That’s Not Too Green
Looking for a paint color that brings nature indoors without screaming “look at me”? Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme might just be your answer.
This isn’t your typical bold green that dominates a room; it’s something far more subtle and sophisticated.
What makes this shade so special? It’s that perfect balance between earthy and neutral, giving you all the calming vibes of green without the commitment of a statement wall.
Interior designers consistently recommend it because it plays well with practically everything in your home.
Here’s the thing: Dried Thyme works whether you’re going for cozy farmhouse or clean modern.
It’s like that friend who gets along with everyone at the party.
Ready to see why this muted green has become such a go-to choice for homeowners everywhere?
What Color Is Sherwin Williams Dried Thyme?
Think of Dried Thyme as the sophisticated cousin of traditional green paint colors.
This isn’t a bright, attention-grabbing shade; instead, it’s a deep, muted green that’s been softened with notable gray undertones.
The result? A color that feels both earthy and refined.
The magic is in its complexity. When you look at Dried Thyme on your wall, you’re seeing layers of color working together. The green base gives it that natural, botanical connection we all crave, while the gray undertones keep it from feeling too bold or overwhelming. It’s like bringing a piece of a misty forest into your home.
Lighting plays a huge role in how this color performs. In bright, natural light, the green tones become more prominent, making it feel fresh and organic.
But in softer evening light or rooms with less natural light, those gray undertones take center stage, allowing Dried Thyme to act almost like a neutral backdrop.
This chameleon-like quality means you can use it as either a grounding accent wall or as a full-room color that won’t compete with your furniture and decor.
Why Homeowners and Designers Love It?
It’s the ultimate style chameleon. Dried Thyme has this rare ability to fit seamlessly into completely different design aesthetics. Want that cozy farmhouse kitchen?
It pairs beautifully with white shiplap and vintage brass fixtures. Leaning toward modern organic? It creates the perfect backdrop for clean lines and natural textures.
Even in transitional spaces, it bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary elements without missing a beat.
There’s something deeply calming about this color. Psychologically, muted greens like Dried Thyme tap into our natural connection with the outdoors.
It brings that sense of stability you feel when you’re surrounded by nature – think of how peaceful you feel in a quiet garden or forest.
This isn’t just paint; it’s an instant mood booster that makes any space feel more grounded and serene.
Here’s what designers appreciate: Dried Thyme gives you visual interest without the drama. Bold emerald or forest greens can dominate a room and limit your decorating options.
But this muted shade adds character and depth while still playing nice with your existing furniture, artwork, and accessories.
It’s confident enough to stand on its own, yet humble enough to let other design elements shine.
Where Dried Thyme Works Best in the Home?
This versatile sage-green shade adapts beautifully to any room, creating a calming foundation that complements both modern and traditional design styles.
Kitchens
If you’re tired of the standard navy or charcoal cabinet trend, Dried Thyme offers a refreshing alternative that still feels sophisticated and timeless.
It brings warmth to your cooking space while maintaining that rich, dramatic look that makes white countertops and brass hardware pop.
Living Rooms
This color creates the most beautiful contrast when paired with cream-colored sofas or rich leather furniture.
The muted green provides just enough color to make the space feel intentional and cozy without overwhelming your seating area or competing with your decor.
Bedrooms
There’s something inherently calming about having this earthy tone surround you as you sleep.
It creates a serene retreat that feels connected to nature, making your bedroom feel like a peaceful sanctuary at the end of each day.
Bathrooms
When combined with crisp white subway tile and warm brass fixtures, Dried Thyme instantly transforms your bathroom into a spa-like oasis. The color adds depth and sophistication while maintaining that clean, fresh feeling you want in a bathroom.
Exteriors
Whether you’re painting your entire home’s siding, adding it to shutters, or making a statement with your front door, Dried Thyme brings sophisticated curb appeal.
It’s distinctive enough to stand out in the neighborhood while remaining classic and timeless.
5 Coordinating Colors
Finding the right colors to pair with Dried Thyme doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ve tested dozens of combinations, and these five work every single time.
1. Warm White (SW Pure White)
- Color Code: SW 7005
- Brand: Sherwin-Williams
- RGB: R:248, G:248, B:248
- LRV: 84
- VOC: 0-50 g/L (varies by finish)
This is my go-to choice for trim and ceilings.
Pure White makes Dried Thyme look richer without fighting for attention. The contrast is clean but not harsh.
How to pair it: The most foolproof approach is to use Pure White on all your trim and doors while keeping Dried Thyme on the walls. This creates clean lines that make both colors pop. I always paint ceilings in Pure White to keep rooms feeling open and airy. In kitchens, try Dried Thyme on cabinets with Pure White subway tile backsplash – the combination feels fresh and timeless.
2. Soft Cream (SW Creamy)
- Color Code: SW 7012
- Brand: Sherwin-Williams
- RGB: R:243, G:240, B:232
- LRV: 81
- VOC: 0-50 g/L (varies by finish)
Want something warmer than stark white?
Creamy gives you that cozy feeling while still highlighting the green tones. This pairing works beautifully in living rooms and bedrooms.
How to pair it: For a balanced look, paint your main walls in Creamy and use Dried Thyme on one accent wall behind your bed or sofa. In kitchens, Creamy works beautifully on upper cabinets while Dried Thyme anchors the lower cabinets. Bedrooms feel especially cozy with Creamy ceilings and Dried Thyme walls – the warm undertones complement each other perfectly.
3. Charcoal Gray (SW Iron Ore)
- Color Code: SW 7069
- Brand: Sherwin-Williams
- RGB: R:59, G:68, B:75
- LRV: 6
- VOC: 0-50 g/L (varies by finish)
For drama that works.
Iron Ore creates a stunning contrast with Dried Thyme. I love this combo for accent walls or exterior trim.
How to pair it: Use Iron Ore strategically as your dramatic element. Paint your fireplace wall in Iron Ore while keeping the remaining walls in Dried Thyme for sophisticated contrast. On exteriors, Iron Ore window trim against Dried Thyme siding creates incredible curb appeal. Built-in shelving painted in Iron Ore against Dried Thyme walls adds depth and visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Here’s the trick: Use the gray sparingly. Too much and your space feels heavy.
4. Warm Beige (SW Accessible Beige)
- Color Code: SW 7036
- Brand: Sherwin-Williams
- RGB: R:218, G:208, B:194
- LRV: 58
- VOC: 0-50 g/L (varies by finish)
This neutral plays perfectly with Dried Thyme’s undertones.
Accessible Beige brings out the earthy qualities without competing. I recommend this for open floor plans where you need colors that flow from room to room.
How to pair it: Create seamless flow by painting hallways and common areas in Accessible Beige, then transitioning to Dried Thyme in private spaces like bedrooms. In open floor plans, use Accessible Beige on main living areas with Dried Thyme in the dining room to define zones. Wainscoting in Dried Thyme with Accessible Beige upper walls creates classic proportions that work in any traditional home.
5. Dusty Blue (SW Distance)
- Color Code: SW 6243
- Brand: Sherwin-Williams
- RGB: R:176, G:196, B:204
- LRV: 53
- VOC: 0-50 g/L (varies by finish)
My favorite unexpected pairing.
Distance creates a calming, spa-like atmosphere when used with Dried Thyme. This works especially well in bathrooms and bedrooms.
How to pair it: Transform your bathroom into a spa by painting walls in Distance while using Dried Thyme on the vanity for grounding contrast. Bedrooms feel incredibly peaceful with Distance on the ceiling and Dried Thyme on walls – the combination mimics sky and earth. In kitchens, Distance on the island with Dried Thyme perimeter cabinets creates a sophisticated two-tone look that feels both modern and timeless.
Pro tip: Always test your color combinations in your actual lighting. What looks perfect in the store might surprise you at home.
These five colors give you options for any style, from modern farmhouse to contemporary spaces. Pick one that matches your existing furniture and lighting conditions.
Tips for Sampling Dried Thyme at Home
- Test in multiple lighting conditions throughout the day – Paint a large sample on your wall and observe how it changes from morning sunlight to evening lamplight. You’ll be amazed at how different this color can look depending on whether you’re seeing it in natural light, fluorescent bulbs, or warm LED lighting.
- Go beyond tiny paint chips – Those little swatches at the store don’t tell the whole story, so invest in peel-and-stick paint samples or brush out a decent-sized square on poster board. You need to see at least a 12×12-inch area to understand how the color will feel in your space.
- Hold samples against your existing trim and flooring – Dried Thyme needs to play nicely with what’s already in your room, so test it directly against your baseboards, door frames, and flooring. This will help you see if the undertones clash or complement your existing finishes.
- Live with your samples for at least a week – Don’t decide after just one day of looking at your test patches. Give yourself time to see the color in different moods and lighting situations so you can be confident in your choice.
- Consider the room’s natural light exposure – North-facing rooms will bring out more of the gray undertones, while south-facing spaces will emphasize the green. Take note of which direction your windows face and how much natural light the room gets throughout the day.
Conclusion
Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme proves that you don’t need bold, attention-grabbing colors to make a significant impact in your home.
This muted green with its subtle gray undertones offers the perfect balance between bringing nature indoors and maintaining design flexibility.
What sets this color apart is its remarkable versatility – it works beautifully in kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and even on exteriors.
The key to its success lies in those complex undertones that allow it to act as both a neutral backdrop and a meaningful accent, depending on your lighting and decor choices.
Before committing to any paint color, especially one as nuanced as Dried Thyme, take time to test it properly in your space.
The investment in sampling will pay off when you’re living with a color that truly complements your home’s unique character and lighting conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dried Thyme work in small spaces?
Yes, its muted tones and gray undertones prevent it from overwhelming compact rooms while adding sophisticated depth.
What’s the best finish for Dried Thyme on walls?
Eggshell or matte finishes work best for walls, providing cozy depth without excessive sheen or glare.
Can I use Dried Thyme with other green colors?
It pairs well with sage, olive, and forest greens for a layered, natural color scheme.
