1888 Sherwin-Williams Exterior
1888 Color Chip Set with Historical Application Guidance
40 Documented Colors for Architectural and Decorative Use
This 1888 Sherwin-Williams color chip set is a rare and invaluable piece of American paint history. Unlike full brochures, this set consists of 40 individual color chips, each carefully documented and preserved, representing the colors offered to homeowners and craftsmen at the time.
What makes this set truly unique are the four chromolithographic images included in the original brochure, showing how the manufacturer recommended the colors be applied to actual homes — body, trim, shutters, and accents. These images provide direct guidance from 1888, allowing you to see exactly how these historic shades were intended to be used. For collectors, restorers, and historic home enthusiasts, this is a rare insight into early American color consultation — nearly 135 years before modern color theory or digital design tools.
The 40-chip set reflects the evolving aesthetics of the late 1880s:
- Deep and grounded hues for structural elements
- Soft and warm accent shades
- Versatile tones suitable for both interiors and exteriors
These chips are authentic examples of what Sherwin-Williams offered in 1888, giving you the ability to restore homes or objects using colors exactly as they were intended. The included chromolithographs act as historical color guides, showing the interaction of body, trim, and accent tones on period homes.
Whether you are:
- Restoring an 1880s home
- Recreating authentic period interiors or exteriors
- Studying the evolution of American residential color
…this collection provides historically accurate, tangible examples with the added context of manufacturer guidance, making it a cornerstone resource for preservation and design.
This is not a modern reinterpretation — these are the original documented colors from 1888, paired with period guidance for placement, giving you a direct connection to the color expertise of the era.
Information
Need more than the included 8 oz sample?
Ideal for front doors or a few shutters.