When searching for the perfect green paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar light shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Filmy Green SW 6190 and Sea Salt SW 6204 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, pale greens?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Filmy Green vs Sea Salt in-depth to help you determine the ideal light green 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 Filmy Green and Sea Salt
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Filmy Green and Sea Salt:
- Undertones – Filmy Green is a sage green, Sea Salt is a gray-green
- Light Reflectance – Filmy Green has an LRV of 64, Sea Salt has an LRV of 63
- Use – Filmy Green suits traditional styles, Sea Salt fits modern decor
- Rooms – Filmy Green excels in bedrooms, Sea Salt shines in bathrooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Filmy Green and Sea Salt more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Filmy Green SW 6190
With its soft sage green appearance, Sherwin Williams Filmy Green SW 6190 creates a relaxed, inviting backdrop well-suited for traditional styles. This versatile color works across classic spaces.
Here are some details about Filmy Green:
- LRV: 64
- Undertones: Sage green
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, offices, libraries
- Pairs Well With: Cream, navy, black
Filmy Green is a hushed pale green with faint yellow-sage undertones. In certain lights it can take on an almost seafoam look.
The 64 light reflectance value provides enough brightness without appearing too bold. Filmy Green gives a peaceful, breathable feel.
This adaptable green complements both warm and cool neutrals beautifully. Popular Filmy Green color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Creamy
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Black accent pieces
- White trim
While suitable anywhere seeking a cottage look, Filmy Green truly excels in these classic spaces:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Libraries
- Nurseries
Filmy Green’s softness helps create a relaxed, traditional backdrop perfect for most rooms. Use it to allow bolder accents to shine.
Sherwin Williams Sea Salt SW 6204
With its subtle gray-green appearance, Sherwin Williams Sea Salt SW 6204 creates a cool, airy backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile color works across modern spaces.
Here are some details about Sea Salt:
- LRV: 63
- Undertones: Gray-green
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, offices, laundry rooms
- Pairs Well With: Gray, black, white
Sea Salt is a hushed blue-gray tinged green with the slightest hint of aqua. In all lighting it maintains its cool green-gray appearance.
The 63 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too bold. Sea Salt gives an open, breathable feel.
This adaptable green complements both warm and cool neutrals in a fresh way. Popular Sea Salt color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray
- Black stained wood
- White subway tile
- Chrome fixtures
While suitable anywhere seeking an airy look, Sea Salt truly excels in these modern spaces:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Offices
- Laundry Rooms
- Hallways
Sea Salt’s coolness helps create a relaxing yet crisp backdrop, perfect for accentuating contemporary styles.
Comparing Filmy Green vs Sea Salt
Now that we’ve examined Filmy Green and Sea Salt independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Filmy Green and Sea Salt have very similar LRVs of 64 and 63 respectively. Filmy Green will appear just slightly brighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Filmy Green is a sage green, while Sea Salt is a gray-green.
Use & Rooms
Filmy Green’s warmth excels in cozy bedrooms. Sea Salt’s coolness shines in modern bathrooms.
Availability
Both Filmy Green and Sea Salt come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
Filmy Green vs Sea Salt Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Filmy Green SW 6190 | Sea Salt SW 6204 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 64 | 63 |
| Undertones | Sage green | Gray-green |
| Use | Traditional rooms | Modern spaces |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Traditional | Contemporary |
Real-Life Photos: Filmy Green vs Sea Salt
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Filmy Green and Sea Salt:
Sherwin Williams Filmy Green
Sherwin Williams Sea Salt
While they can overlap, Filmy Green generally appears warmer and more yellow-toned than the cooler Sea Salt. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Filmy Green or Sea Salt?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Filmy Green or Sea Salt for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Filmy Green SW 6190 if you want:
- A soft, inviting sage green
- A versatile color suitable for traditional spaces
- A relaxing backdrop for bedrooms and living rooms
- A peaceful, breathable feel
Choose Sea Salt SW 6204 if you want:
- A cool, gray-tinged pale green
- A color suitable for modern styles
- A crisp backdrop for bathrooms and kitchens
- An airy, breathable ambiance
Get samples of both Filmy Green and Sea Salt. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the tones read in your environment.
You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful light green tones that suit varied styles.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Filmy Green and Sea Salt paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Filmy Green
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Libraries
- Nurseries
Sherwin Williams Sea Salt
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Offices
- Laundry Rooms
- Hallways
While both greens work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Filmy Green and Sea Salt create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors for gorgeous spaces:
Filmy Green SW 6190 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Creamy
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Black accent pieces
- White trim
Sea Salt SW 6204 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray
- Black stained wood
- White subway tile
- Chrome fixtures
Filmy Green vs Sea Salt – Which is Better?
So which light green paint color is better for your home – Filmy Green or Sea Salt?
Consider Filmy Green SW 6190 if you want:
- A soft, inviting sage green
- A versatile color suitable for traditional spaces
- A relaxing backdrop for bedrooms and living rooms
- A peaceful, breathable feel
Consider Sea Salt SW 6204 if you want:
- A cool, gray-tinged pale green
- A color suitable for modern styles
- A crisp backdrop for bathrooms and kitchens
- An airy, breathable ambiance
While Filmy Green offers warmth, Sea Salt provides a cooler contrast.
Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful light Sherwin Williams green you choose will suit your home beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Filmy Green or Sea Salt? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Filmy Green and Sea Salt?
The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. Filmy Green is a warm, inviting sage green while Sea Salt is a cooler, gray-green.
What colors complement Sea Salt?
Sea Salt looks beautiful paired with grays, blacks, crisp whites, and chrome accents for nice modern contrast.
Can you use Filmy Green in a bathroom?
Yes, Filmy Green’s soft sage tone would work wonderfully in a bathroom paired with cream walls and black accent tiles for a relaxing spa-like feel.
Is Sea Salt suitable for southern exposure?
Yes, Sea Salt’s cool 63 LRV undertone is ideal for combatting a south-facing room from appearing too bold or bright.
Does Filmy Green come in eggshell finish?
Yes, Filmy Green is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to eggshell to high gloss semi-gloss.
