Felted Wool and Acier: the documented difference
Felted Wool has an LRV of 28; Sherwin-Williams Acier SW-9170 is 32. The difference is 4 points, with Acier returning more light under the reference measurement. Choose by the material relationship as well as the number. Felted Wool adds green to a warm gray with more depth than Acier, making a darker colored-neutral comparison worthwhile. Acier is a medium gray with subtle warmth.
| Color | Brand / code | LRV |
|---|---|---|
| Felted Wool | Sherwin-Williams SW-9171 | 28 |
| Acier | Sherwin-Williams SW-9170 | 32 |
The choice beside oatmeal fabric and walnut
Oatmeal fabric can soften the scheme while walnut adds weight; the wall should preserve a distinction between those large material areas.
Set up both candidates with oatmeal fabric and walnut. Use equal-sized boards with the intended finishes and place them in the same orientation. Do not put one directly beside a window and leave the other in shadow. A difference that follows the position rather than the board is a lighting observation, not evidence that the formula changed.
What the comparison can—and cannot—settle
For a second point of reference, Fawn Brindle is recorded at LRV 36. The undertones and neighboring colors covers that related choice.
Set a less green gray beside it, then choose the sample that joins the fabric and wood most convincingly. Assess Felted Wool and Acier alone as well as side by side. The unchosen board will not remain in the finished room, and a preference created only by that neighbor may not survive its removal. Before ordering samples, compare room-planning features in the paint color visualizer roundup.
Sources & notes
Color specifications: Sherwin-Williams Felted Wool SW-9171. The recorded LRV is 28. Named comparison values come from the respective manufacturers; material schemes are editorial suggestions.
This guide reviews published color information and proposes practical sample checks. It does not claim first-hand paint testing or customer-review scores. Sherwin-Williams does not sponsor or endorse this site. Product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Confirm the color in a physical sample and select the coating for the actual surface and finish.