The Secret Depth of Sherwin Williams Slate Tile: Why Designers Choose This Chameleon Gray

What Is Sherwin Williams Slate Tile (SW 7624)?

Sherwin Williams Slate Tile (SW 7624) is a deep, saturated blue-gray that brings a sophisticated and grounded energy to any room. Far from a simple neutral, its slate gray undertones provide a moody depth that designers and homeowners adore. This is a color that feels both timeless and completely modern.
It acts as a perfect anchor for luxury contemporary, British Colonial, and modern design styles. Using Slate Tile is a commitment to a rich, enveloping atmosphere that exudes confidence. It’s the ideal choice for creating a home that feels both curated and comfortable, a sanctuary from the outside world.
What Does a Low LRV Mean for Your Room?

With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 15.5, Slate Tile is officially a dark, dramatic hue. LRV measures the amount of light a paint color reflects. The lower the number, the darker the color and the more light it absorbs.
This light absorption is what makes Slate Tile so effective at creating cozy, enveloping spaces. It wraps a room in color, making large rooms feel more intimate and smaller rooms feel like deliberate, jewel-box spaces. Use this color when you want to make a bold statement and craft an environment with depth and character.
How Do Slate Tile’s Undertones Shift With Light?

Inspired by the organic, varied tones of natural slate, SW 7624 is a true chameleon. Its rich undertones shift and reveal themselves differently depending on the light source and time of day. In the cool light of the morning, it often appears as a deep, commanding blue.
When bathed in bright, neutral daylight, Slate Tile presents as a truer, more balanced slate gray. In the warm glow of evening lamps, you may notice subtle green notes emerge, adding to its complex personality.
Pair Slate Tile with Crisp White for a Contemporary Look

For a crisp, undeniably contemporary feel, contrast Slate Tile with a brilliant, clean white. This high-contrast approach creates sharp lines and a bold, graphic look that feels incredibly fresh and modern. Consider pairing it with Sherwin Williams High Reflective White (SW 7757) for the sharpest possible distinction.
This combination is perfect for highlighting beautiful millwork, trim, or architectural features. It establishes a clean, gallery-like backdrop that allows furnishings and art to take center stage.
Soften the Look with Creamy Off-Whites

To cultivate a softer, more inviting space, opt for creamy off-whites and lighter warm grays as partners for Slate Tile. This pairing tones down the inherent drama of the dark hue, creating a more layered and approachable atmosphere.
A color like Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) lends a gentle warmth that is incredibly welcoming. This aesthetic is reminiscent of a classic Nancy Meyers film, where spaces feel effortlessly chic, comfortable, and timeless. It is the perfect strategy for a coastal living room or a serene, sophisticated bedroom.
The Art of a Monochromatic Palette

For a deeply harmonious and cohesive design, explore a monochromatic palette built around Slate Tile. This involves pairing the color with other blue-grays of varying depths to create a seamless, layered effect. A lighter shade like Sherwin Williams Reflection (SW 7661) provides a soft, tonal contrast.
This technique adds visual interest without introducing a new color, resulting in a design that feels intentional and expertly curated. For ultimate drama, you can also pair it with even deeper hues, like a true black or a rich navy such as Sherwin Williams Naval (SW 6244).
Bring Modern Drama to Your Kitchen

The versatility of Slate Tile allows it to create a stunning focal point in the heart of the home: the kitchen. Use it on cabinetry—either lowers, uppers, or all of them—to instantly add a designer touch to the space. It is particularly striking on a central island, grounding the room and providing a beautiful anchor.
Pair it with white marble or quartz countertops for a timeless, luxurious feel. Finish the look with brass hardware to introduce a touch of modern warmth and a hint of glamour.
Create Intimate Living and Dining Spaces

In living rooms, use Slate Tile on an accent wall to ground a seating area or create a dramatic backdrop for a gallery wall. This is especially effective in coastal living spaces, where it can evoke the deep hues of the ocean. In a contemporary setting, it provides the perfect canvas to make bold artwork and sculptural lighting pop.
When used in a dining room, Slate Tile fosters an intimate, elegant mood that is perfect for entertaining. The deep color encourages guests to gather close, creating a memorable and sophisticated dining experience.
Design a Cozy Bedroom or Focused Home Office

In a primary bedroom, painting all four walls in Slate Tile creates a cozy, cocooning retreat. The dark, enveloping color promotes rest and relaxation, making your bedroom a true sanctuary. For a home office, study, or library, it establishes a focused and sophisticated atmosphere.
The studious, classic mood is conducive to concentration and quiet contemplation. This application aligns perfectly with a classic British Colonial feel, especially when paired with dark woods and leather.
Pro Tip: The Importance of Lighting and Balance

Because of its depth and low LRV, using Slate Tile successfully requires careful planning around light. First and foremost, you must test the color in your home. Never commit based on a small paint chip. Order large peel-and-stick samples to see how the color interacts with your space’s lighting throughout the day and night.
Ensure your room has ample natural light to prevent the space from feeling too dark. If natural light is limited, plan a layered lighting scheme with ambient, task, and accent lights to keep the room bright and functional.
Pro Tip: How to Add Texture and Warmth

To counteract the cool blue-gray tones of Slate Tile, it is essential to introduce warmth and texture. Incorporate natural wood elements through flooring, furniture, or decorative objects. Materials like rich leather, woven textiles, and plush rugs add both tactile and visual warmth.
Introduce warm metallic finishes like brass, bronze, or soft gold in your light fixtures, hardware, and accessories. Finally, layer in a variety of textures—think linen curtains, velvet pillows, and living plants—to add dimension and prevent the color from feeling flat.
How Slate Tile Compares to Other Popular Blue-Grays

To be confident in your choice, it is helpful to see how Slate Tile compares to other popular Sherwin Williams blue-grays. While Slate Tile is a quintessential deep blue with strong gray undertones, consider Waterloo (SW 6221) for a shade with more noticeable green undertones.
If you prefer a color that leans more heavily into its gray identity, look at Grays Harbor (SW 7674). For a slightly softer, more muted, and dustier option that feels a bit more casual, explore Smoky Blue (SW 9157). Continue your research with the official Sherwin Williams product page and see it virtually on the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams site.

