When searching for the perfect green paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Livable Green SW 6176 and Softened Green SW 6177 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, subtle greens?
In this in-depth guide, we’ll analyze Livable Green vs Softened Green to help you determine the ideal green paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Livable Green and Softened Green
Before getting into the details, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Livable Green and Softened Green:
- Undertones – Livable Green is a yellow-green, Softened Green is a blue-green
- Light Reflectance – Livable Green has an LRV of 61, Softened Green has an LRV of 49
- Use – Livable Green suits traditional styles, Softened Green fits modern farmhouse decor
- Rooms – Livable Green excels in dining rooms, Softened Green shines in bedrooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Livable Green and Softened Green more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Livable Green SW 6176
With its warm yellow-green appearance, Sherwin Williams Livable Green SW 6176 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for accentuating traditional and transitional styles. This versatile green works across both formal and casual spaces.
Here are some details about Livable Green:
- LRV: 61
- Undertones: Yellow-green
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Golds, blues, black and white
Livable Green is a relaxed, olive-influenced green with faint yellow undertones. In certain lights it can read as a weathered moss. The welcoming green has traditional appeal.
The 61 light reflectance value prevents the shade from feeling too dark. Livable Green strikes a cozy yet bright balance suitable for most rooms.
This versatile green complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Livable Green color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Online
- Black and white patterns
- Brushed gold accents
- Navy blue accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Livable Green truly excels in these spaces:
- Dining Rooms
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Libraries
Livable Green’s warmth helps create a welcoming, traditional feel perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to allow colors to pop.
Sherwin Williams Softened Green SW 6177
With its cool blue-green appearance, Sherwin Williams Softened Green SW 6177 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for accentuating modern farmhouse styles. This versatile green works across casual spaces.
Here are some details about Softened Green:
- LRV: 49
- Undertones: Blue-green
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms
- Pairs Well With: Blues, tans, black and white
Softened Green is a quiet, sea glass-influenced green with faint blue undertones. In certain lights it can read as a weathered jade. The laidback green has casual appeal.
The 49 light reflectance value provides ideal soft illumination without being too dark. Softened Green gives an open, breathable feel.
This versatile green complements both warm and cool accents nicely. Popular Softened Green color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Rainwashed
- Black and white patterns
- Brushed brass accents
- Navy blue accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Softened Green truly excels in these casual spaces:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Entryways
Softened Green’s laidback feel helps create a relaxing backdrop, perfect for accentuating modern farmhouse styles. Use it to allow accent colors to pop.
Comparing Livable Green vs Softened Green
Now that we’ve examined Livable Green and Softened Green independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Livable Green and Softened Green have quite different LRVs of 61 and 49 respectively. Livable Green will appear noticeably brighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Livable Green is a yellow-green, while Softened Green is a blue-green.
Use & Rooms
Livable Green’s warmth excels in traditional dining rooms. Softened Green’s coolness is perfect for modern farmhouse bedrooms.
Availability
Both Livable Green and Softened Green come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
| Paint Color | Livable Green SW 6176 | Softened Green SW 6177 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 61 | 49 |
| Undertones | Yellow-green | Blue-green |
| Use | Traditional styles | Modern farmhouse |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Traditional | Casual contemporary |
Real-Life Photos: Livable Green vs Softened Green
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Livable Green and Softened Green:
Sherwin Williams Livable Green
Sherwin Williams Softened Green
While they can overlap, Livable Green generally appears brighter and more yellowish than the muted blue-green tone of Softened Green. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Livable Green or Softened Green?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Livable Green or Softened Green for your home? Here are some tips:
Choose Livable Green SW 6176 if you want:
- A warm, yellow-based green
- A cozy yet sophisticated green for traditional rooms
- A versatile green that works well all over
- A welcoming backdrop
Choose Softened Green SW 6177 if you want:
- A cool, blue-based green
- A relaxed color suitable for modern farmhouse styles
- A laidback feel for bedrooms and dining rooms
- To allow accent colors to pop
Get samples of both Livable Green and Softened Green. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the undertones read in your environment.
You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful green tones that suit varied styles.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Livable Green and Softened Green paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Livable Green
- Dining Rooms
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Libraries
Sherwin Williams Softened Green
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Entryways
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, Livable Green and Softened Green create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
Livable Green SW 6176 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Online
- Black and white patterns
- Brushed gold accents
- Navy blue accents
Softened Green SW 6177 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Rainwashed
- Black and white patterns
- Brushed brass accents
- Navy blue accents
Livable Green vs Softened Green – Which is Better?
So which green paint color is better for your home – Livable Green or Softened Green?
Consider Livable Green SW 6176 if you want:
- A warm, yellow-based green
- A cozy yet sophisticated green for traditional rooms
- A versatile green that works well all over
- A welcoming backdrop
Consider Softened Green SW 6177 if you want:
- A cool, blue-based green
- A relaxed color suitable for modern farmhouse styles
- A laidback feel for bedrooms and dining rooms
- To allow accent colors to pop
While Livable Green offers subtle warm character, Softened Green provides casual contemporary appeal.
Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful Sherwin Williams green you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Livable Green or Softened Green? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Livable Green and Softened Green?
The main differences are their undertones. Livable Green is a warm yellow-green while Softened Green is a cool blue-green.
What colors complement Livable Green?
Livable Green looks beautiful paired with gold accents, deep blues, blacks, and wood tones for nice contrast.
Can you use Softened Green in a bathroom?
Yes, Softened Green’s relaxing tone would complement marble, white tile, and brass fixtures nicely in a bathroom.
Is Livable Green suitable for eastern exposure?
Yes, Livable Green’s golden undertones complement morning eastern sun exposure nicely.
Does Softened Green come in eggshell finish?
Yes, Softened Green is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to high gloss eggshell.
