Sherwin Williams Honest Blue | Pretty Blue for a Bathroom Vanity

Last Updated on August 22, 2026 by lindseymahoney

If you're looking for a pretty blue paint color for a bathroom, Sherwin Williams Honest Blue (SW 6520) is one to add to your list!

I recently used Honest Blue to paint my daughter's bathroom vanity, and I love the fresh pop of color it added to the space. Instead of replacing an older vanity, a few coats of paint gave it a completely different look.

Honest Blue is a cheerful blue with a soft gray undertone, which keeps it from feeling overly bright or childish. Sherwin-Williams describes it as a bright blue with a calming gray undertone, and I think that combination is what makes this color so versatile.

If you're considering Honest Blue for your home, here's everything you should know about this pretty blue paint color.

What Color Is Sherwin Williams Honest Blue?

Honest Blue SW 6520 is a medium blue paint color with a noticeable gray undertone.

It has enough color to make a statement, but the gray undertone softens it and gives it a more relaxed look.

I especially like this color for spaces where you want some personality without committing to a very dark or dramatic blue.

Sherwin Williams Honest Blue (SW 6520) Painted Bathroom Vanity

Honest Blue on a Bathroom Vanity

I used Honest Blue on my daughter's bathroom vanity, and it was the perfect way to add some color without overwhelming the room.

This was the perfect accent color to the blue hydrangea wallpaper I installed earlier this year.

A painted vanity is also a great budget-friendly alternative to replacing the entire cabinet.

If you have a dated bathroom vanity that is structurally in good shape, don't automatically assume you need to replace it. Paint and new hardware can make a huge difference.

Is Sherwin Williams Honest Blue a Warm or Cool Color?

Honest Blue is a cool-leaning blue because of its gray undertone.

However, I don't find it to be an icy or overly cool blue.

The gray helps soften the color and gives it a more relaxed appearance. As always, the amount of natural and artificial light in your room will affect how Honest Blue looks throughout the day.

This is why I always recommend painting a sample before committing to a color.

What Undertones Does Honest Blue Have?

The biggest thing to know about Honest Blue is its gray undertone. This keeps the blue from looking too bright or saturated.

While this blue is heavy on gray undertones, it technically falls within the purple paint colors family. Personally, I have not seen any purple undertones with the bathroom vanity project.

Because paint colors can look dramatically different depending on the lighting, I recommend looking at a sample in both natural and artificial light before painting your entire project.

And don't forget to look at the color next to your countertops, flooring, tile, and other finishes.

Where Can You Use Honest Blue?

While I chose Honest Blue for a bathroom vanity, there are plenty of other places where I could see this color working beautifully.

Bathroom Vanity

This is probably my favorite application.

A colorful vanity gives a bathroom personality without requiring a major renovation.

Bedroom

Sherwin-Williams specifically recommends Honest Blue for bedrooms, and I can see why. The blue and gray combination creates a calm backdrop without feeling boring.

The adjoining bedroom has a beautiful blue wall color, Skylight by Farrow and Ball, that is a slightly lighter hue.

Laundry Room

A laundry room is another great place to have a little fun with color. Since it is often a smaller room, you can experiment without committing to a bold color throughout your home.

Cabinets

Honest Blue could also be a fun choice for a smaller cabinet or built-in where you want to add a little personality.

Accent Wall

If you're not ready to paint an entire room blue, an accent wall is another option.

Colors That Pair Well With Honest Blue

One of the reasons I like Honest Blue is that it works well with a variety of neutrals.

White

A crisp white trim or white walls create a fresh contrast against the blue.

Warm White

A creamy white can soften the overall look and keep the space from feeling too cool.

Natural Wood

Wood tones are another beautiful complement to blue. The warmth of the wood balances the cooler paint color.

Polished Nickel

If you want your bathroom to feel a little more elevated, try pairing Honest Blue with polished nickel or chrome hardware or lighting.

Gray

Because Honest Blue already has a gray undertone, gray flooring or tile can create a cohesive color palette.

What White Paint Goes With Honest Blue?

If you're using Honest Blue on a vanity, I would pair it with a soft white on the surrounding walls and trim.

Some whites to consider include:

Always test your colors together before painting because the undertones of your particular finishes can change how the colors appear.

How I Painted My Bathroom Vanity

If you already have a bathroom vanity that is in good condition, painting it can be a relatively inexpensive way to update your bathroom.

The basic process is:

Remove the cabinet doors and hardware.
Clean the vanity thoroughly.
Sand or degloss the existing finish.
Repair any dents or imperfections.
Apply a quality bonding primer (I skipped this process and purchased paint specifically for trim and cabinets).
Apply your cabinet paint in thin, even coats.
Allow the paint to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Reinstall the doors and hardware.

For bathroom cabinets, I like using a durable cabinet or urethane enamel paint because the vanity will be exposed to moisture and plenty of daily use.

RELATED: If you're thinking about giving an outdated vanity a makeover, check out my step-by-step guide on how to paint a bathroom vanity.

Is Honest Blue a Good Paint Color for a Bathroom?

Yes!

Especially if you're looking for a way to add color without completely changing the room.

Using Honest Blue on the vanity allowed me to bring personality into my daughter's bathroom while keeping the rest of the space light and neutral.

And that's one of my favorite things about paint—it can completely change the feeling of a room without requiring a huge renovation.

Would I Use Honest Blue Again?

Absolutely.

I love that Honest Blue has personality but doesn't feel overwhelming. It was a fun choice for my daughter's bathroom vanity and gave an otherwise basic cabinet a completely new look.

If you're considering painting a vanity, I would definitely add Sherwin Williams Honest Blue SW 6520 to your sample list.

Just remember: paint colors will look different in every home. Before you commit, test a sample on your actual project and look at it throughout the day.

Looking for More Paint Color Inspiration?

If you're trying to find the perfect color for your next project, check out some of my other paint color guides:

And if you're planning to sell your home, don't forget that paint color can also make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home. For sellers, I generally recommend choosing versatile colors for large spaces while saving bolder colors like Honest Blue for smaller areas, cabinets, or accent spaces.

Check out my guide to the best paint colors for selling a home!