When searching for the perfect light gray paint color, two popular options to consider are BM Wickham Gray HC-171 by Benjamin Moore and SW Sea Salt SW 6204 by Sherwin Williams. Both offer gorgeous, relaxed gray shades that work well across many design styles. But what’s the difference between Wickham Gray and Sea Salt? And how do you select the best one for your home?
In this guide, we’ll do an in-depth comparison of Wickham Gray vs Sea Salt. We’ll analyze undertones, light reflectance values (LRV), real-life photos, and ideal room applications for each paint color. Let’s dive in to determine whether cool-toned Wickham Gray or green-influenced Sea Salt is the ideal light gray for your interior design.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Wickham Gray and Sea Salt
Before looking at specifics, here is an overview of the main differences between BM Wickham Gray HC-171 and SW Sea Salt SW 6204:
- Undertones – Wickham Gray has blue undertones, Sea Salt has green-gray undertones
- LRV – Wickham Gray has an LRV of 67.87, Sea Salt has an LRV of 63
- Use – Wickham Gray complements modern styles, Sea Salt suits transitional spaces
- Rooms – Wickham Gray excels in sophisticated rooms, Sea Salt in relaxed rooms
Now let’s explore Wickham Gray and Sea Salt in more detail.
BM Wickham Gray HC-171
A bestselling neutral paint color, Wickham Gray HC-171 by Benjamin Moore is a gorgeous light-medium blue-gray. This versatile color works across many design aesthetics.
Here are some key details about BM Wickham Gray:
- LRV: 67.87
- Undertones: Blue
- Finish: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Whole home color, especially living spaces
- Pairings: Whites, blues, grays
Featuring distinct blue undertones, Wickham Gray has a slightly overcast, hazy appearance. In some lights the blue tones are quite noticeable, while in others the color reads as a clean medium neutral gray. This chameleon-like adaptability makes Wickham Gray highly versatile.
At 67.87 light reflectance, Wickham Gray reflects a moderate amount of light. This prevents it from feeling too dark and somber, while still providing enough depth to create subtle contrast against white trims and ceilings. The blue influence gives Wickham Gray a cool, sophisticated mood.
Use Wickham Gray HC-171 to create an elegant, relaxing backdrop for a wide range of interior design styles. This adaptable gray looks especially pleasing in these rooms:
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Dining Rooms
Some colors that pair beautifully with Wickham Gray include:
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
- Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
SW Sea Salt SW 6204
A bestselling neutral paint color, Sea Salt SW 6204 by Sherwin Williams is a gorgeous pale green-gray. This calming color works well across many design styles.
Here are some details about SW Sea Salt:
- LRV: 63
- Undertones: Green-gray
- Finish: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Whole home color, especially living spaces
- Pairings: Tans, blues, whites
Featuring soft green-gray undertones, Sea Salt has a slightly weathered, mineral appearance. In some lighting conditions the subtle green comes forward, while in others the color simply reads as a cool light gray. This versatility makes Sea Salt highly adaptable.
With a 63 light reflectance value, Sea Salt reflects a moderate amount of light. This prevents it from feeling either too dark or too bright. The hint of green gives Sea Salt a relaxing, organic feel.
Use Sea Salt SW 6204 to create a calm, welcoming backdrop suited to a wide array of interior design styles. This versatile light gray looks especially pleasing in these rooms:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Bathrooms
Some colors that pair perfectly with Sea Salt include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Sherwin Williams Tatami Tan
- Sherwin Williams Naval
Comparing Wickham Gray vs Sea Salt
Now that we’ve looked at Wickham Gray and Sea Salt individually, let’s compare them directly:
Light Reflectance
Wickham Gray and Sea Salt have very similar LRVs, with Wickham Gray at 67.87 and Sea Salt slightly higher at 63. Both reflect close to the same moderate amount of light.
Undertones
The main difference lies in undertones. Wickham Gray has noticeable blue undertones, while Sea Salt has subtle green-gray.
Use
Wickham Gray’s coolness complements modern, contemporary spaces. Sea Salt’s organic green-gray suits transitional rooms with traditional touches.
Rooms
Wickham Gray’s sophistication excels in living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. Sea Salt’s relaxed vibe fits bedrooms, offices and casual family rooms.
Paint Finish
Both Wickham Gray and Sea Salt come in any sheen from flat matte to high gloss.
Pairings
Wickham Gray pairs beautifully with grays, blues and crisp whites. Sea Salt complements tans, light blues, and off-whites.
Wickham Gray vs Sea Salt Comparison Chart
Here is an overview comparison between BM Wickham Gray HC-171 and SW Sea Salt SW 6204:
Paint Color | Wickham Gray HC-171 | Sea Salt SW 6204 |
---|---|---|
LRV | 67.87 | 63 |
Undertones | Blue | Green-gray |
Use | Modern, contemporary | Transitional, relaxed |
Rooms | Sophisticated spaces | Casual rooms |
Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
Pairings | Grays, blues, crisp whites | Tans, light blues, off-whites |
Real Life Photos: Wickham Gray vs Sea Salt
To give a sense of how Wickham Gray and Sea Salt compare in real life, let’s look at photos of each gray paint color:
Wickham Gray HC-171
Sea Salt SW 6204
In real world spaces, Wickham Gray comes across as crisper and cooler toned than the more relaxed greenish Sea Salt. But lighting impacts their look. Overall, Wickham Gray feels more sophisticated while Sea Salt is more casual.
Should I Choose Wickham Gray or Sea Salt?
So how do you decide between Wickham Gray vs Sea Salt for your home? Here are a few tips:
Consider Wickham Gray HC-171 if you want:
- A cool-toned blue gray with contemporary elegance
- A sophisticated backdrop for stylish spaces
- Complementary color for grays, blues and whites
- A soft alternative to harsher blues and grays
Consider Sea Salt SW 6204 if you want:
- A light green-influenced gray for relaxed spaces
- An organic, casual ambiance
- To complement tans, light blues and off-whites
- A greige alternative with subtle color
To pick, get paint swatches and samples. View large samples in your actual space at different times of day. See how lighting affects the undertones. Also compare with your décor.
While both are stunning light grays, Wickham Gray leans modern for refined spaces and Sea Salt relaxed for casual rooms.
Best Rooms for Wickham Gray and Sea Salt
Here are rooms that tend to suit Wickham Gray HC-171 and Sea Salt SW 6204 especially beautifully:
Wickham Gray HC-171
- Living Rooms
- Kitchens
- Dining Rooms
- Bathrooms
- Offices
Sea Salt SW 6204
- Bedrooms
- Family Rooms
- Nurseries
- Bathrooms
- Offices
Of course both grays can work in any space. But the above applications maximize their unique strengths – the chic sophistication of Wickham Gray and laidback ease of Sea Salt.
Design Ideas Using Wickham Gray and Sea Salt
On their own, Wickham Gray and Sea Salt create simple backdrops. Use colors, textures and décor to complete your room designs:
Wickham Gray Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (trim/ceiling)
- Glass subway tile
- Brushed gold fixtures
- Navy blue and teal accents
Sea Salt Color Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White (trim/ceiling)
- Hardwood furnishings
- Natural fiber rugs and textiles
- Sage green and navy blue accents
Wickham Gray vs Sea Salt: Which is Better for Your Home?
Is refined Wickham Gray or relaxed Sea Salt the better light gray paint color for your space? It depends on your goals and style:
Consider Wickham Gray if you want:
- A sophisticated blue-gray for stylish spaces
- Elegant contrast against white trims/ceilings
- Complementary color for grays, blues and crisp whites
- Modern, chic sophistication
Consider Sea Salt if you want:
- A casual greenish-gray for bedrooms and family rooms
- Organic, laidback ambiance
- To complement tans, light blues, and off-whites
- A flexible greige alternative
Wickham Gray excels in refined kitchens, living rooms and contemporary homes. Sea Salt fits beautifully in casual bedrooms, kids’ spaces and relaxed homes.
Be sure to get large in-home paint samples before deciding. Both offer gorgeous light gray versatility – choose the one that fulfills your goals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about BM Wickham Gray HC-171 and SW Sea Salt SW 6204:
What are the main differences between Wickham Gray and Sea Salt?
The main differences are their undertones and aesthetic mood. Wickham Gray is a cooler, sophisticated blue-gray. Sea Salt is a relaxed green-influenced gray.
Does Wickham Gray have any purple or green in it?
No, Wickham Gray does not have strong purple or green undertones. It reads as a true blue-based gray.
What colors go well with Sea Salt?
Colors like light tans, off-whites, light blues, and even some greens complement Sea Salt nicely. It provides a flexible backdrop.
Is Wickham Gray suitable for bathrooms?
Yes, Wickham Gray is perfect for bathrooms. At 67.87 LRV it avoids feeling too dark. And the hint of blue gives an elegant, spa-like feel.
Can you use Sea Salt in a nursery?
Definitely. Sea Salt’s subtle green-gray vibe provides the perfect relaxed backdrop for a nursery. Its 63 LRV gives adequate brightness without overstimulation.