Choosing the right shade of blue for your home can be tricky. Two popular, beautiful blue paint colors are Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue HC-144 and Sherwin Williams Sea Salt SW 6204. At first glance, these two muted blue-greens may seem quite similar. But upon closer inspection, there are some notable differences between Palladian Blue and Sea Salt.
In this in-depth guide, we will compare Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue vs Sherwin Williams Sea Salt. We’ll analyze undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings, and more. Read on to determine which blue-green paint color is the better choice for your home.
Table of Contents
Overview of Key Differences
Before we dive into the details, here is a quick overview of the main differences between Palladian Blue and Sea Salt:
- Undertones – Palladian Blue leans more blue, Sea Salt has more green
- Light Reflectance – Palladian Blue LRV is 54, Sea Salt LRV is 60
- Use – Both work well across many spaces and styles
- Rooms – Palladian Blue excels in dining rooms, Sea Salt shines in bathrooms
- Availability – Both come in any finish
Now let’s explore Palladian Blue and Sea Salt more thoroughly.
Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue HC-144
With its sky blue appearance, Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue HC-144 creates a soft, inviting backdrop suitable for varied spaces. This versatile, traditional blue works well across styles.
Here are some key details about Palladian Blue:
- LRV: 60.4
- Undertones: Blue with hints of green
- Finishes: Available in any sheen
- Rooms: Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms
- Pairs Well With: Warm woods, white, beige, gray
Palladian Blue is a pale robin’s egg blue with faint sage undertones. In certain lights it can take on a sky blue or slate blue look. This soft blue has timeless appeal.
The 60.4 light reflectance value prevents Palladian Blue from feeling too bold or bright. Palladian Blue strikes an ideal balance between soothing and saturated.
This versatile blue complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Palladian Blue color pairings include:
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Oak wood tones
- Black wrought iron
- Off white trim and moldings
While suitable anywhere in the home, Palladian Blue truly excels in these spaces:
- Living Rooms – Inviting backdrop for furniture
- Dining Rooms – Elegant for hosting guests
- Bedrooms – Calming and tranquil
- Bathrooms – Spa-like feel
Palladian Blue’s soft aqua tones help create a relaxed elegance perfect as an all-over wall color. Use it to unify varied architectural details.
Sherwin Williams Sea Salt SW 6204
Image Credit:@ to_mimishousewego
With its muted seafoam green appearance, Sherwin Williams Sea Salt SW 6204 adds a fresh, nature-inspired backdrop suited for relaxed spaces. This versatile, casual green blue works across styles.
Here are some details about Sea Salt:
- LRV: 63
- Undertones: Blue-green
- Finishes: Any sheen
- Rooms: Bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, entryways
- Pairs Well With: Warm woods, white, gray, lime green
Sea Salt is a weathered peacock teal with strong sage green undertones. In certain lights it can take on a deeper sea glass tone. This cool blue-green has an organic, coastal vibe.
The 63 light reflectance value prevents Sea Salt from feeling too bold or bright. Sea Salt strikes an ideal balance between soothing and saturated.
This versatile green-blue complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Sea Salt color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Oak wood tones
- Gray linens and textiles
- Off white trim and mouldings
While suitable anywhere at home, Sea Salt truly excels in these spaces:
- Bathrooms – Spa-like feel
- Bedrooms – Calming and relaxing
- Kitchens – Fresh and inviting
- Entryways – Welcoming pop of color
Sea Salt’s muted aqua-green tones help create a laidback elegance perfect as an all-over wall color. Use it to unify varied architectural details.
Comparing Palladian Blue vs Sea Salt
Now that we’ve looked at Palladian Blue and Sea Salt individually, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Palladian Blue and Sea Salt have similar LRVs of 60.4 and 63. Sea Salt will read just slightly lighter.
Undertones
Here’s the biggest difference – Palladian Blue leans blue while Sea Salt has dominant green undertones.
Use & Rooms
Both blues work well across most spaces, though Palladian Blue excels in dining rooms while Sea Salt feels more spa-like for baths.
Availability
Palladian Blue and Sea Salt come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
Style
Palladian Blue trends traditional, while Sea Salt feels more casual and laidback.
| Paint Color | Palladian Blue HC-144 | Sea Salt SW 6204 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 60.4 | 63 |
| Undertones | Blue with green hints | Blue-green |
| Use | Versatile for walls | Versatile for walls |
| Finish | Any sheen | Any sheen |
| Rooms | Dining rooms, living rooms | Bathrooms, kitchens |
| Style | Traditional | Casual |
Real Life Photos: Palladian Blue vs Sea Salt
Let’s look at real life photos to better visualize the differences between Palladian Blue and Sea Salt:
Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue
Sherwin Williams Sea Salt
Image Credit:@stephanieballdesign
While the two may seem similar at first glance, upon closer inspection you can observe Palladian Blue’s blue tones vs the green in Sea Salt. Lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Palladian Blue or Sea Salt?
So how do you decide between Palladian Blue or Sea Salt for your home? Here are a few tips:
Consider Palladian Blue HC-144 if you want:
- A brighter robin’s egg blue
- A versatile neutral that leans blue
- A soft backdrop for elegant dining rooms
- A traditional feel
Consider Sea Salt SW 6204 if you want:
- A muted peacock teal with green
- A laidback feel for casual spaces
- An earthy, organic vibe
- A relaxing oasis for bedrooms and baths
Purchase samples of both Palladian Blue and Sea Salt. Paint large swatches on your walls to view during different times of day. This gives you the best sense of the undertones and depth.
Also, hold up decor items you already own next to the swatches to envision the look. Both offer beautiful sophisticated blue tones suitable for varied spaces and styles.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well suited to Palladian Blue and Sea Salt paint colors:
Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Offices
Sherwin Williams Sea Salt
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens
- Entryways
- Living Rooms
While both blues work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths and undertones.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Palladian Blue and Sea Salt make bold statements. Coordinate with other hues and materials for complete spaces:
Palladian Blue HC-144 Pairs Well With:
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Oak wood tones
- Black wrought iron
- Off white trim
Sea Salt SW 6204 Pairs Well With:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Oak wood tones
- Gray linens
- Off white trim
Neutral whites, warm wood tones, and black metals beautifully accent both the blue and green undertones.
Palladian Blue vs Sea Salt – Which is Better?
So which blue paint color is the better choice for your home – Palladian Blue or Sea Salt?
Consider Palladian Blue HC-144 if you want:
- A brighter robin’s egg blue
- A versatile neutral that leans blue
- A soft backdrop for elegant dining rooms
- A traditional feel
Consider Sea Salt SW 6204 if you want:
- A muted peacock teal with green
- A laidback feel for casual spaces
- An earthy, organic vibe
- A relaxing oasis for bedrooms and baths
Both are beautiful, sophisticated blues perfect for varied spaces. Palladian Blue is brighter and more traditional. Sea Salt has an earthier casual feel.
Get color swatches before deciding. Either Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue or Sherwin Williams Sea Salt will elegantly suit your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Palladian Blue vs Sea Salt? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Palladian Blue and Sea Salt?
The main differences are undertones and formality. Palladian Blue leans blue and is more traditional. Sea Salt has dominant green tones and feels more laidback and casual.
Does Sea Salt work well in a dining room?
While Palladian Blue may be a better fit, Sea Salt could work nicely in a casual or coastal dining room. The green undertones give it an organic vibe.
Is Palladian Blue suitable for a master bedroom?
Yes, Palladian Blue would be gorgeous in a master bedroom paired with crisp white trim for a relaxing, spa-like oasis. The soft blue is perfect for restful sleep.
Can you use Sea Salt SW 6204 in a north facing room?
Absolutely, Sea Salt would work well in a north facing space. Its light 63 LRV prevents it from feeling too dark while its green subtly warms up the cooler light.
What sheen does Palladian Blue come in?
Palladian Blue is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from matte flat to high gloss enamel. Choose your preferred level of shine.
