EXHIBIT 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration
Statements and related Prospectuses of our report dated January 25, 2002, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of The
Sherwin-Williams Company included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 2001




REGISTRATION
   NUMBER                               DESCRIPTION
------------                            -----------
             
333-66295       The Sherwin-Williams Company Deferred Compensation Savings
                  Plan, The Sherwin-Williams Company Key Management Deferred
                  Compensation Plan and The Sherwin-Williams Company
                  Director Deferred Fee Plan Form S-8 Registration Statement
333-61098       The Sherwin-Williams Company Form S-3 Registration Statement
333-61735       The Sherwin-Williams Company Form S-3 Registration Statement
333-41659       The Sherwin-Williams Company Form S-3 Registration Statement
333-25671       The Sherwin-Williams Company 1997 Stock Plan for Nonemployee
                  Directors Form S-8 Registration Statement
333-25669       The Sherwin-Williams Company 1994 Stock Plan Form S-8
                  Registration Statement
333-25607       The Sherwin-Williams Company Form S-4 Registration Statement
333-01093       The Sherwin-Williams Company Form S-3 Registration Statement
333-00725       The Sherwin-Williams Company Form S-4 Registration Statement
33-62229        The Sherwin-Williams Company Employee Stock Purchase and
                  Savings Plan Form S-8 Registration Statement
2-80510         Post-Effective Amendment Number 5 to Form S-8 Registration
                  Statement relating to The Sherwin-Williams Company
                  Employee Stock Purchase and Savings Plan
33-52227        The Sherwin-Williams Company 1994 Stock Plan Form S-8
                  Registration Statement
33-28585        The Sherwin-Williams Company 1984 Stock Plan Form S-8
                  Registration Statement
33-22705        The Sherwin-Williams Company Form S-3 Registration Statement


Cleveland, Ohio
March 12, 2002

                                                   ERNST & YOUNG LLP