Tow Path (VS367, Sherwin-Williams, S-W)
What Tow Path (VS367, Sherwin-Williams, S-W) Actually Looks Like
Tow Path reads as a rich, earthy brown with a clear gray backbone. Think of weathered wood or dried clay, a color that feels grounded without going heavy. At LRV 13, it sits firmly in deep territory, absorbing a good amount of light while still registering as a true color rather than near-black. In bright daylight it leans more brown. Under warm incandescent light it softens toward cocoa. Under cool LEDs the gray side steps forward noticeably.
Tow Path (VS367, Sherwin-Williams, S-W) Undertones
The dominant undertone is warm brown, but there is a persistent gray character running underneath that keeps it from feeling like a pure chocolate or espresso. Some designers read a faint taupe quality in certain lighting, while others pick up a very slight olive cast when Tow Path sits next to cooler colors. The warm and gray elements trade places depending on the light source, which is actually what makes this color so adaptable. Pull a sample and check it in both morning and evening light before committing.
Where Tow Path (VS367, Sherwin-Williams, S-W) Works Best
Tow Path is part of the VinylSafe collection, which means it is formulated for use on vinyl siding and exterior trim without warping risk. That makes it a strong candidate for exterior body color on homes where you want an earthy, natural look. Indoors, its depth works well on accent walls, dining room feature walls, and kitchen or bathroom cabinetry where you want weight without going all the way to charcoal. With an LRV of 13, full room applications will feel enclosed, so reserve that treatment for spaces where cozy is the goal, like a study or a small dining room with ample lighting.
Where to put Tow Path (VS367, Sherwin-Williams, S-W)
Paint a single wall in Tow Path behind a sofa or bed to anchor the room. Keep the remaining walls in a warm off-white two or three shades lighter so the accent feels intentional, not dark for darkness' sake. Layer in natural wood furniture and woven textiles to echo the organic undertones.
Use Tow Path on a fireplace surround or built-in shelving to add depth without painting the whole room. At LRV 13, a full living room application works best in rooms with large windows or high ceilings. Balance it with lighter upholstery and warm brass or aged-bronze hardware.
Dining rooms are one of the best places for a deep color like this. You are usually in the space at night under controlled lighting, and Tow Path's warm brown side comes alive under candlelight or a warm-toned chandelier. Pair it with a creamy ceiling color and warm wood tones in the table or chairs.
On lower kitchen cabinets or a bathroom vanity, Tow Path brings a grounded, organic feel that reads almost like dark wood stain but with more dimension. Keep uppers in a lighter neutral to prevent the space from feeling too heavy. Warm brass or matte black pulls both work well here.
As a VinylSafe color, Tow Path is specifically suited for exterior vinyl siding. It gives a home an earthy, lodge-style warmth. Pair it with a warm cream or light tan trim and consider a deep charcoal for shutters and the front door. The color holds up visually against natural stone, cedar, and brick.
What to Pair With Tow Path (VS367, Sherwin-Williams, S-W)
Because Tow Path balances brown warmth and gray restraint, it pairs naturally with warm whites, soft creams, and other earthy neutrals. For trim, lean toward a creamy off-white rather than a stark bright white, which can make this deep shade look muddy by contrast. A warm ivory or soft linen tone for trim and ceilings keeps the palette cohesive. For accents, consider muted sage greens, dusty blues, or warm terracotta tones to complement the earthy base.
Colors that clash with Tow Path (VS367, Sherwin-Williams, S-W)
With an LRV of 13, Tow Path absorbs a lot of light. In north-facing rooms with limited natural light, it can read almost muddy, losing that warm-brown richness and flattening into a dull gray.
A pure bright white trim next to Tow Path can make the brown side look dirty or yellowish. The jump in value is too stark, and the cool undertone of the white fights the warm base.
While Tow Path has a gray element, it is fundamentally warm. Pairing it with strongly cool blue-grays can make both colors look off, highlighting the brown in an unflattering way.
Common questions
Tow Path has an LRV of 13, placing it in the deep range. It absorbs most of the light that hits it, so it works best as an accent or in rooms with strong natural or artificial lighting.
Tow Path is primarily warm. Its dominant brown undertone gives it an earthy feel, but it carries a secondary gray character that keeps it from reading as a straight chocolate brown. The balance shifts depending on your lighting, leaning more brown in warm light and more gray under cool light.
Yes. Tow Path is part of Sherwin-Williams' VinylSafe collection, meaning it is formulated so its heat absorption will not cause vinyl siding to warp or buckle. It is one of the deeper tones available in that line.
A warm off-white or soft cream works best. Avoid stark bright whites, which can create too harsh a contrast and make the brown undertone look muddy. Look for trim colors with a slight beige or yellow undertone to keep the palette cohesive.
It depends on the room. At LRV 13 it will make a space feel intimate and enclosed. That is a plus in a dining room or study with good lighting, but it can feel oppressive in a small bedroom with one small window. For most rooms, using it on a single accent wall or on cabinetry is the safer approach.