When searching for the perfect neutral gray paint color, two gorgeous options from Sherwin Williams are Contented SW 6191 and Sea Salt SW 6204. Both offer beautiful, adaptable grays that work beautifully across design styles. But what’s the difference between Contented and Sea Salt? And how do you pick the best one for your home?
In this guide, we’ll do an in-depth comparison of Contented vs Sea Salt. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance values (LRV), real-life photos, and ideal room applications for each color. Let’s dive in to determine whether cool-toned Contented or greenish Sea Salt is the best light-medium gray paint color for your interior design.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Contented and Sea Salt
Before diving into specifics, here is an overview of the main differences between SW Contented SW 6191 and Sea Salt SW 6204:
- Undertones – Contented has gray undertones, Sea Salt has green-gray undertones
- LRV – Contented has an LRV of 52, Sea Salt has an LRV of 63
- Use – Contented complements modern styles, Sea Salt suits transitional spaces
- Rooms – Contented excels in stylish rooms, Sea Salt in casual rooms
Now let’s explore Contented and Sea Salt more closely.
SW Contented SW 6191
A popular neutral paint color, Contented SW 6191 by Sherwin Williams is a versatile medium-light gray with subtle depth. This sophisticated color works beautifully across many design aesthetics.
Here are some details about Contented:
- LRV: 52
- Undertones: Gray
- Finish: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Whole home color, especially living spaces
- Pairings: Grays, blues, tans
With primarily straightforward gray undertones, Contented maintains a sophisticated, refined appearance. In different lighting conditions it shifts subtly between a cool light gray to a warmer medium-dark charcoal hue. This adaptability makes Contented highly versatile.
At 52 light reflectance, Contented reflects a moderate amount of light. This prevents it from feeling too stark or dark. Contented provides pleasing contrast against crisp white trims and ceilings while avoiding dreariness.
Use Contented SW 6191 to create an elegant, relaxing backdrop suited to a variety of design aesthetics. This refined gray looks beautiful in rooms like:
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Bathrooms
Some colors that pair seamlessly with Contented include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
- Sherwin Williams Silverpointe
SW Sea Salt SW 6204
A bestselling neutral paint color, Sea Salt SW 6204 by Sherwin Williams is a gorgeous pale green-gray that works well across many design styles.
Here are some details about 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, organic appearance. Depending on lighting, the subtle green comes forward more or less. 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 too dark or too bright. The hint of green gives Sea Salt a relaxed, casual feel.
Use Sea Salt SW 6204 to create a calm, welcoming backdrop suitable for a wide variety of interior design aesthetics. This versatile light gray looks especially pleasing in these rooms:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Bathrooms
- Offices
Some colors that pair beautifully with Sea Salt include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige
- Sherwin Williams Naval
Comparing Contented vs Sea Salt
Now that we’ve looked at Contented and Sea Salt individually, let’s compare them directly:
Light Reflectance
Contented and Sea Salt have very similar light reflectance values of 52 and 63 respectively. They reflect nearly the same moderate amount of light.
Undertones
The main difference lies in undertones. Contented has primarily straightforward gray undertones, while Sea Salt has subtle green-gray.
Use
Contented’s gray undertone complements modern, contemporary spaces beautifully. Sea Salt’s warmth suits relaxed transitional rooms.
Rooms
Contented’s sophistication shines in stylish living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms. Sea Salt’s casualness excels in cozy bedrooms, nurseries and offices.
Paint Finish
Sherwin Williams offers both Contented and Sea Salt in any sheen from matte to high-gloss.
Pairings
Contented coordinates well with grays, blues, tans and wood tones. Sea Salt pairs nicely with off-whites, light blues, and khaki colors.
Contented vs Sea Salt Comparison Chart
Here is an overview comparison between SW Contented SW 6191 and Sea Salt SW 6204:
| Paint Color | Contented SW 6191 | Sea Salt SW 6204 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 52 | 63 |
| Undertones | Gray | Green-gray |
| Use | Modern, contemporary | Transitional, relaxed |
| Rooms | Stylish rooms | Casual, cozy rooms |
| Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
| Pairings | Grays, blues, tans | Off-whites, light blues, khakis |
Real Life Photos: Contented vs Sea Salt
To give a sense of how Contented and Sea Salt compare in real life, let’s look at photos of each gray paint color:
Contented SW 6191
Sea Salt SW 6204
In real spaces, Contented generally appears crisper and more gray-toned than the subtle greenish Sea Salt. But lighting affects their look. Overall, Contented feels more refined while Sea Salt is more laidback.
Should I Choose Contented or Sea Salt?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams Contented or Sea Salt for your home? Here are a few tips:
Consider Contented SW 6191 if you want:
- A primarily true gray with subtle depth
- A refined, sophisticated ambiance
- An elegant backdrop for stylish spaces
- To coordinate with grays, blues and tans
Consider Sea Salt SW 6204 if you want:
- A light gray with a subtle green influence
- A casual, organic ambiance
- To complement off-whites, light blues, and tans
- A flexible greige alternative
To pick, get large paint samples and view in your actual space at different times and lighting. See how the undertones come across and how they coordinate with your overall design scheme.
While beautiful grays, Contented suits refined modern spaces and Sea Salt provides casual warmth. Choose what meets your goals!
Best Rooms for Contented and Sea Salt
Here are rooms that tend to be especially well suited to Contented SW 6191 and Sea Salt SW 6204:
Contented SW 6191
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Offices
Sea Salt SW 6204
- Bedrooms
- Nurseries
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Bathrooms
Of course both can work in any space. But the above applications maximize their unique strengths – Contented’s refined elegance and Sea Salt’s relaxed casualness.
Design Ideas Using Contented and Sea Salt
On their own, Contented and Sea Salt create simple backdrops. Use other paint colors, textures and decor to complete your room designs:
Contented Color Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White (trim/ceiling)
- Benjamin Moore Harbor Blue (accent wall)
- Polished chrome fixtures
- Gray, navy and tan textiles
Sea Salt Color Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray (walls)
- Sherwin Williams Pure White (trim/ceiling)
- Light oak wood floor stain
- Woven and linen fabrics
Contented vs Sea Salt: Which is Better for Your Home?
Is refined Contented or relaxed Sea Salt the better Sherwin Williams gray paint color for your space? It depends on your style and goals:
Consider Contented if you want:
- Primarily a true medium-light gray
- A sophisticated, elegant ambiance
- A refined backdrop for stylish modern spaces
- To coordinate with grays, blues and tans
Consider Sea Salt if you want:
- A light gray with subtle green undertones
- A casual, organic ambiance
- To complement off-whites, light blues and tans
- A flexible greige alternative
Contented shines in refined living rooms, kitchens and contemporary homes. Sea Salt fits beautifully in cozy bedrooms, nurseries and relaxed transitional spaces.
Be sure to get large in-home paint samples before deciding. Both offer gorgeous gray versatility – choose the one that fulfills your goals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Contented SW 6191 and Sea Salt SW 6204:
What are the main differences between Contented and Sea Salt?
The main differences are their primary undertones and aesthetic mood. Contented is a more pure gray while Sea Salt has subtle green-gray undertones.
Does Contented have any blue or purple undertones?
No, Contented does not have strong purple or blue undertones. It reads as primarily a true, sophisticated gray.
What colors complement Sea Salt?
Off-whites, light blues, tans, and some greens complement Sea Salt beautifully. Its soft green-gray undertone provides a flexible neutral backdrop.
Is Contented suitable for open floor plans?
Yes, Contented is perfect for open concept spaces. Its 52 LRV prevents it from feeling too dark or dramatic. And its gray provides a cohesive flow.
Can you use Sea Salt in a nursery?
Definitely. Sea Salt’s subtle greenish-gray vibe provides the perfect relaxed, soothing backdrop for nurseries. Its 63 LRV gives adequate brightness without overstimulation.
