Wickham Gray vs Sea Salt: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect neutral gray paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades. Popular options like Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray HC-171 and Sherwin Williams Sea Salt SW 6204 appear very similar at first glance. But what really differentiates these beautiful colors?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Wickham Gray vs Sea Salt in-depth to help you determine the right paint color 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 Wickham Gray and Sea Salt

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray and Sherwin Williams Sea Salt:

Undertones – Wickham Gray is a cool gray, Sea Salt is a blue-green
Light Reflectance – Wickham Gray has an LRV of 67.87, Sea Salt has an LRV of 63
Use – Wickham Gray suits modern spaces, Sea Salt works in casual rooms
Rooms – Wickham Gray excels in open concept areas, Sea Salt shines in bathrooms
Availability – Both come in all paint sheens

Now let’s explore Wickham Gray and Sea Salt more thoroughly.

Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray HC-171

With its understated gray appearance, Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray HC-171 creates an elegant backdrop well-suited for open, contemporary spaces. This versatile neutral works across styles.

Here are some details about Wickham Gray:

LRV: 67.87
Undertones: Cool gray
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Whole home color, especially living rooms, kitchens, and hallways
Pairs Well With: Pops of color, black and white, wood tones

Wickham Gray is a hushed dove gray with the slightest hint of blue undertone. In all lighting it maintains its understated gray appearance.

The 67.87 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too stark. Wickham Gray gives an open, breathable feel.

This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular Wickham Gray color pairings include:

Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
Benjamin Moore White Dove
Crisp white trims
Rich wood stains and finishes
Navy blue accents

While suitable anywhere at home, Wickham Gray truly excels in these sleek, modern spaces:

Living Rooms
Kitchens
Hallways
Open Floor Plans
Bathrooms

Wickham Gray’s versatility helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating contemporary styles.

Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt SW 6204

Image Credit:@ to_mimishousewego

With its soothing green-blue color, Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt SW 6204 creates a relaxed backdrop reminiscent of the beach. This versatile color works well across styles from casual to formal spaces.

Here are some details about Sea Salt:

LRV: 63
Undertones: Blue-green
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Casual spaces like bedrooms, baths, kids’ rooms
Pairs Well With: Neutrals, whites, natural woods

Sea Salt is a muted medium-light blue-green with subtle cool undertones. In certain lights it can take on a soothing gray-blue or pale teal appearance. The green influence gives it a refreshing relaxed look.

The 63 light reflectance value keeps the color lively without being too bold. Sea Salt provides a good balance suitable for many rooms.

This versatile blue pairs beautifully with neutral, natural accents. Popular combinations include:

Benjamin Moore White Dove
Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray
Natural wood finishes
White trims and accents
Green foliage

While workable anywhere, Sea Salt looks especially inviting in casual rooms like:

Bedrooms
Kids’ Rooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Casual Dining Rooms

Use its calming blue-green backdrop to create a relaxed coastal feel. Sea Salt keeps spaces looking and feeling beachy.

Comparing Wickham Gray vs Sea Salt

Now that we’ve examined Wickham Gray and Sea Salt independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Wickham Gray and Sea Salt have similar LRVs of 67.87 and 63 respectively. Sea Salt appears slightly brighter.

Undertones

Wickham Gray is a cooler true gray, while Sea Salt is a blue-green with green undertones.

Use & Rooms

Wickham Gray’s sophistication excels in modern living spaces and kitchens. Sea Salt’s laidback vibe suits relaxed bedrooms and baths.

Availability

Both Wickham Gray and Sea Salt come in any paint finish from flat to high-gloss.

Wickham Gray vs Sea Salt Comparison Chart

Paint Color	Wickham Gray HC-171	Sea Salt SW 6204
LRV	67.87	63
Undertones	Cool gray	Blue-green
Use	Contemporary rooms	Casual rooms
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Modern, contemporary	Coastal, casual

Real-Life Photos: Wickham Gray vs Sea Salt

To better visualize the differences between Wickham Gray and Sea Salt, let’s look at real-life photos of the paint colors:

Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray

Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt

Image Credit:@stephanieballdesign

While they can overlap, Wickham Gray generally appears cooler and crisper compared to the soft relaxing green tone of Sea Salt. But lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Wickham Gray or Sea Salt?

So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray or Sherwin Williams Sea Salt for your home? Here are a few tips:

Choose Wickham Gray HC-171 if you want:

A cool, understated gray shade
A versatile neutral suitable for modern styles
An airy feel for open concept spaces
To allow colors to pop against the backdrop

Choose Sea Salt SW 6204 if you want:

A soothing muted blue-green
A casual color perfect for bedrooms and baths
A relaxed beachy vibe for coastal spaces
Good light reflectance for an airy feel

Get samples of both Wickham Gray and Sea Salt. Paint large sections on your walls and view at different times/lighting. This gives you the best sense of how they’ll look in your environment.

You can also visualize them alongside your existing decor. Both offer beautiful neutral tones that complement most color schemes.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Wickham Gray and Sea Salt paint colors:

Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray

Living Rooms
Kitchens
Hallways
Open Floor Plans
Bathrooms

Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt

Bedrooms
Kids’ Rooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Casual Dining Rooms

While both grays work well throughout the home, the above applications tend to make optimal use of their unique strengths.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Wickham Gray and Sea Salt create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:

Wickham Gray HC-171 Pairings

Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
Benjamin Moore White Dove
Crisp white trims
Rich wood stains and finishes
Navy blue accents

Sea Salt SW 6204 Pairings

Benjamin Moore White Dove
Natural wood finishes
Rattan and woven textures
White molding and ceilings
Green plants and accents

Wickham Gray vs Sea Salt – Which is Better?

So which neutral paint color is better for your home – Wickham Gray or Sea Salt?

Consider Wickham Gray HC-171 if you want:

A cool, understated true light gray
A versatile color suitable for modern styles
An airy open feel for living spaces
To allow accent colors to pop

Consider Sea Salt SW 6204 if you want:

A soothing muted blue-green shade
A casual beachy color perfect for bedrooms
A relaxed vibe reminiscent of the coast
Good brightness and light reflectance

While Wickham Gray offers modern sophistication, Sea Salt provides a laidback casual feel.

Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful neutral you choose will suit your home perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Wickham Gray or Sea Salt? Here are answers to some common questions:

What are the main differences between Wickham Gray and Sea Salt?

The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. Wickham Gray is a cooler true gray while Sea Salt is a relaxing blue-green.