Searching for the perfect soft, soothing gray paint color? Two popular options – Gray Cashmere 2138-60 from Benjamin Moore and Sea Salt SW 6204 from Sherwin Williams – appear very similar on the surface. But what really sets these two gorgeous hazy grays apart?
In this guide, we’ll compare Gray Cashmere vs Sea Salt thoroughly to help you pick the ideal relaxing gray paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Gray Cashmere and Sea Salt
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Benjamin Moore’s Gray Cashmere and Sherwin Williams’ Sea Salt:
- Undertones – Gray Cashmere is a greige, Sea Salt is a cooler gray
- Light Reflectance – Gray Cashmere has an LRV of 64.53, Sea Salt has an LRV of 63
- Use – Gray Cashmere suits varied styles, Sea Salt leans modern coastal
- Rooms – Gray Cashmere excels in bedrooms, Sea Salt shines in baths
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Gray Cashmere and Sea Salt more thoroughly.
Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere 2138-60
With its soothing greige-gray appearance, Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere 2138-60 creates a relaxing backdrop with natural warmth. This versatile hazy gray works across styles.
Here are some details about Gray Cashmere:
- LRV: 64.53
- Undertones: Greige
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Cream, taupe, black and white
Gray Cashmere is a gentle tannish gray with faint beige undertones. It maintains a soothing effect across different lighting.
The 64.53 light reflectance value gives Gray Cashmere a cozy, enveloping feel without gloominess. It’s dim without feeling dark.
As a versatile greige-gray, Gray Cashmere pairs nicely with both cool and warm accents. Popular combinations include:
- Benjamin Moore Linen White
- Black forest green accent walls
- Matte black fixtures and hardware
- Oak wood tones and finishes
- Creamy white trims and mouldings
Gray Cashmere excels as a relaxing, livable neutral that gracefully connects rooms while providing a welcoming oasis anywhere at home.
Sherwin Williams Sea Salt SW 6204
Image Credit:@ to_mimishousewego
With its breezy, faded gray appearance, Sherwin Williams Sea Salt SW 6204 adds an approachable coastal vibe. This soothing gray infuses spaces with modern tranquility.
Here are some details about Sea Salt:
- LRV: 63
- Undertones: Blue-gray
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, open concepts
- Pairs Well With: White, greige, wood tones
Sea Salt is an airy gray with faint blue undertones. It maintains a relaxed versatility across different lighting conditions.
The 63 light reflectance value gives Sea Salt a bright maritime feel while still feeling gentle. It’s dim without gloominess.
As a cool-toned gray, Sea Salt pairs beautifully with neutral and natural colors. Popular combinations include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Oak, driftwood and rattan textures
- Polished nickel and chrome
- Woven and linen fabrics
Sea Salt shines in airy, tranquil spaces seeking a coastal modern flair. It especially excels in:
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens
- Open Concept Living
- Laundry Rooms
Sea Salt’s breezy tranquility evokes ocean waves and endless skies. Use it to create a relaxing, laid back coastal retreat.
Comparing Gray Cashmere vs Sea Salt
Now that we’ve looked at Gray Cashmere and Sea Salt independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Gray Cashmere and Sea Salt have LRVs of 64.53 and 63 respectively. Sea Salt reads noticeably lighter.
Undertones
Gray Cashmere is a greige, while Sea Salt has cool blue-gray undertones. Their tones set them apart.
Use & Rooms
Gray Cashmere’s versatility excels anywhere, especially bedrooms. Sea Salt shines in tranquil baths.
Availability
Both Gray Cashmere and Sea Salt come in any sheen.
Gray Cashmere vs Sea Salt Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Gray Cashmere 2138-60 | Sea Salt SW 6204 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 64.53 | 63 |
| Undertones | Greige | Blue-gray |
| Use | Versatile, relaxing | Coastal modern |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Eclectic | Coastal, modern |
Real-Life Photos: Gray Cashmere vs Sea Salt
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Gray Cashmere and Sea Salt:
Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere
Sherwin Williams Sea Salt
While both are soothing grays, Gray Cashmere is warmer and more muted as a greige. Sea Salt appears cooler with more vibrancy. Light affects their look.
Should I Choose Gray Cashmere or Sea Salt?
So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore’s Gray Cashmere or Sherwin Williams’ Sea Salt for your space? Here are a few tips:
Choose Gray Cashmere 2138-60 if you want:
- A warm, enveloping greige gray
- Maximum versatility across styles
- A cozy, welcoming backdrop
- A universally relaxing neutral
Choose Sea Salt SW 6204 if you want:
- A cooler blue-gray with a coastal vibe
- A bright, breezy tranquility
- A modern relaxing backdrop
- A soft but lively gray
Get samples of both grays. Paint large swatches on walls viewing during different times of day. This gives you the best sense of their warmth and tones before committing.
While comparable, these two hazy grays create quite different aesthetics. Choose the vibe that best enhances your home.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms especially well-suited to Gray Cashmere and Sea Salt paint colors:
Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Kitchens
Sherwin Williams Sea Salt
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens
- Open Concept Living
- Laundry Rooms
While both grays work throughout the home, the above spaces optimize each paint color’s unique relaxing strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Gray Cashmere and Sea Salt create soothing backdrops. Complement them with colors and textures that enhance their vibes:
Gray Cashmere 2138-60 Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Linen White
- Black forest green accents
- Matte black fixtures
- Oak wood tones and finishes
- Creamy white trims and mouldings
Sea Salt SW 6204 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Oak, driftwood and rattan textures
- Polished nickel and chrome
- Woven and linen fabrics
Gray Cashmere vs Sea Salt – Which is Better?
So which soothing gray paint color is better for your home – Gray Cashmere or Sea Salt?
Choose Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere 2138-60 if you want:
- A warm, enveloping greige gray
- Maximum versatility across styles
- A universally relaxing neutral
- A cozy, welcoming backdrop
Choose Sherwin Williams Sea Salt SW 6204 if you prefer:
- A cooler gray with a breezy coastal vibe
- A soft but lively blue-gray
- A bright, modern relaxing backdrop
- A refreshing, laidback feel
While similar, Gray Cashmere is warmer and more enveloping as a greige, while Sea Salt offers cooler coastal vibes. Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful soothing gray you choose is sure to relax and enhance your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Gray Cashmere or Sea Salt? Here are answers to some common questions:
What is the main difference between Gray Cashmere and Sea Salt?
The main difference is Gray Cashmere has greige undertones while Sea Salt is a cooler blue-gray. Gray Cashmere is warmer and more muted.
Does Sea Salt come in flat finish?
Yes, Sea Salt is available in any sheen from matte flat to high gloss so you can get exactly the look and finish you want.
Can you use Gray Cashmere in a bathroom?
Definitely, Gray Cashmere’s soothing greige hue would create a relaxing spa-like feel in a bathroom paired with warm wood tones and marble accents.
Is Sea Salt suitable for northern exposure?
Yes, Sea Salt’s cool undertone and 63 LRV make it light enough to brighten up a north-facing space beautifully. Add ample lighting as needed.
What colors pair well with Gray Cashmere walls?
Gray Cashmere looks beautiful with creams, tans, black and white accents, oak wood tones, and creamy white trims for a universally welcoming backdrop.
