Prelude

Technical Profile

What color is Prelude? It's a dark warm neutral with the hex code #5B564F. Colors similar to Prelude include Valspar Turkish Coffee, Valspar English Tea Party, Hirshfield's Sturgis Gray. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Prelude has a warm (golden) 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. Prelude (#5B564F) by Sherwin-Williams is a dark neutral paint color with a understated, nearly neutral quality. It delivers a bold depth that creates intimate, cocooning spaces. On the temperature spectrum this shade leans toward warmth, adding coziness and inviting energy. Its RGB channels are closely balanced, contributing to its neutral, even-keeled visual character. With an LRV of only 9, this color absorbs nearly all light, producing a dramatic, cocoon-like effect. A dark neutral this deep brings modern drama to feature walls, built-in cabinetry, and exterior accents while remaining easier to coordinate than a saturated color. For dark shades, a satin finish helps the color look its best by adding a gentle luminosity, while flat finishes create a more velvety, matte effect. Because Prelude carries warm undertones, it pairs naturally with other warm neutrals, creamy whites, and earthy accents like terracotta or caramel. Its warm (golden) 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, Hirshfield's, Benjamin Moore and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Prelude creates a deeply intimate, candlelit mood reminiscent of old-world parlors and luxe retreats. 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 virtually every design style from minimalist Japandi to rustic farmhouse to sleek contemporary. As part of the Sherwin-Williams palette, Prelude benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. Because Prelude has a low LRV, it can look dramatically different under incandescent versus daylight bulbs — always test a large swatch on the actual wall before committing. Deep shades generally benefit from a quality primer and may require an extra coat for even, streak-free coverage. Dark paint colors benefit from rich material pairings: think thick wool throws, aged leather, matte black hardware, and warm metallic accents in copper or brass. You can order Prelude (9620) 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.