Acanthus

Technical Profile

What color is Acanthus? It's a light cool yellow with the hex code #CDCDB4. Colors similar to Acanthus include Valspar Olive White, PPG Only Olive, Benjamin Moore Soft Fern. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Acanthus has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Understanding a color's undertone is key to avoiding combinations that clash — it often matters more than the surface color itself. Acanthus (#CDCDB4) by Sherwin-Williams is a light yellow paint color with a gentle, subdued character. It delivers a bright, welcoming quality that keeps interiors feeling fresh. On the temperature spectrum this shade carries a cool cast, lending calm and collected elegance. Its RGB channels are closely balanced, contributing to its neutral, even-keeled visual character. With a Light Reflectance Value of 80, it reflects the vast majority of light, helping smaller rooms feel more spacious. Light yellows brighten bathrooms, laundry rooms, and north-facing spaces that crave extra warmth. Eggshell or satin finishes complement light tones nicely, balancing a subtle sheen with durability for high-traffic areas. For color coordination, Acanthus pairs beautifully with blue tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring green and orange hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its neutral undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Sherwin-Williams is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Valspar, PPG, Benjamin Moore and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Acanthus offers a breezy, coastal serenity that keeps spaces feeling clean and refreshed. Designers often reach for shades like this when the goal is to shape how a room feels, not just how it looks. This shade is a natural fit for cottage-core, transitional, and Scandinavian-inspired interiors. As part of the Sherwin-Williams palette, Acanthus benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. High-LRV colors like Acanthus are forgiving in most lighting conditions, but they can pick up reflected color from adjacent walls, flooring, or large furniture pieces, so evaluate samples in situ. This tone works well alongside natural textures like jute rugs, bleached wood, ceramic tile, and woven baskets, building an inviting, tactile space. You can order Acanthus (29) directly from Sherwin-Williams or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.