Mushroom Cap (VS325, Sherwin-Williams, S-W)
What Mushroom Cap (VS325, Sherwin-Williams, S-W) Actually Looks Like
Mushroom Cap is a warm, earthy tan that sits right in the middle of the light-to-dark spectrum with an LRV of 42.3. Think of dried wheat fields or the top of a portobello. It reads as a solid, grounded neutral that carries enough color to feel intentional without shouting. On screen the hex #C5AA85 can look a touch lighter than it does on a wall, so always test a brush-out sample in your actual space.
Mushroom Cap (VS325, Sherwin-Williams, S-W) Undertones
The dominant undertone here is golden yellow, and it is not subtle. In strong afternoon sun, Mushroom Cap can push noticeably toward honey. Under cool north-facing light, some of that gold calms down and the color reads closer to a toasty khaki. A few designers note a faint amber quality that keeps it from ever looking gray or ashy. If you are sensitive to yellow in your neutrals, this one will remind you it is there, especially on large exterior surfaces where daylight amplifies warm undertones.
Where Mushroom Cap (VS325, Sherwin-Williams, S-W) Works Best
Because Mushroom Cap belongs to the VinylSafe lineup, it is engineered for exterior vinyl siding and will not cause warping or buckling. That makes it a strong pick for full-body exterior color on homes where you want warmth without going too dark. Indoors, it works as a rich accent wall color in living rooms and dining rooms where you want depth and coziness. In kitchens it pairs well with natural wood cabinetry and stone countertops. Keep in mind that at an LRV of 42.3 it absorbs a fair amount of light, so smaller rooms may feel noticeably darker.
Where to put Mushroom Cap (VS325, Sherwin-Williams, S-W)
Use Mushroom Cap on an accent wall behind a sofa to anchor the room with warmth. Balance it with lighter upholstery and a creamy white on the remaining walls so the space does not feel closed in. Warm metal light fixtures in brass or aged gold will echo the color's golden undertone.
This color shines in dining rooms where evening lamplight pushes it toward a rich caramel glow. Paint all four walls for an enveloping feel, or limit it to a single focal wall behind a sideboard. Natural linen curtains and walnut furniture ground the palette.
Mushroom Cap works as a backdrop color above wainscoting or on an island base. It complements butcher block counters and warm-toned tile backsplashes. Pair it with a creamy white on upper cabinets to keep sightlines open.
As a VinylSafe color, Mushroom Cap is purpose-built for siding. It reads as a dignified warm neutral in daylight and suits Colonial, Craftsman, and farmhouse styles. Use a deep brown or charcoal for shutters and a warm off-white for trim to create contrast without harshness.
What to Pair With Mushroom Cap (VS325, Sherwin-Williams, S-W)
Mushroom Cap's golden warmth plays best with crisp whites, deep blues, and muted greens. For trim, reach for a clean warm white rather than a bright cool white, which can make the tan look muddy by contrast. A deep charcoal or navy front door creates a handsome exterior scheme. Inside, soft sage green textiles and warm bronze hardware pull out its earthy side without competing.
Colors that clash with Mushroom Cap (VS325, Sherwin-Williams, S-W)
Strong direct sun pulls out every bit of gold in this color. On a south-facing wall, Mushroom Cap can tip from earthy tan into unmistakable yellow-gold.
Pairing Mushroom Cap with a stark, blue-toned white trim creates a stark temperature clash that makes both colors look off.
Common questions
Mushroom Cap has an LRV of 42.3, placing it in the medium range. It reflects a moderate amount of light, so it reads as a solid mid-tone tan rather than a light neutral.
It is decidedly warm. Golden and yellow undertones dominate, especially in natural daylight. It never reads cool or gray.
Yes. It is part of Sherwin-Williams' VinylSafe collection, meaning its pigment formulation is designed not to absorb excessive heat that could warp vinyl siding.
A warm, creamy white trim is your safest bet. Cool or stark whites clash with the golden undertone and can make the overall palette feel disjointed.
At an LRV of 42.3, it absorbs more light than a typical wall neutral. In a small room with limited natural light, it can feel heavy. Use it on one accent wall and keep the remaining surfaces lighter to maintain a sense of openness.