Sherwin Williams North Star vs Krypton: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect gray paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices North Star SW 6246 and Krypton SW 6247 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, subtle grays?

In this guide, we’ll analyze North Star vs Krypton in-depth to help you determine the ideal gray paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.

Let’s dive in!

Key Differences Between North Star and Krypton

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ North Star and Krypton:

Undertones – North Star is a cool gray, Krypton is a warm gray
Light Reflectance – North Star has an LRV of 62, Krypton has an LRV of 52
Use – North Star suits modern styles, Krypton fits traditional decor
Rooms – North Star excels in bathrooms, Krypton shines in bedrooms
Availability – Both come in all sheens

Now let’s explore North Star and Krypton more thoroughly.

Sherwin Williams North Star SW 6246

With its subtle cool gray appearance, Sherwin Williams North Star SW 6246 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.

Here are some details about North Star:

LRV: 62
Undertones: Cool gray
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black and white, wood tones

North Star is a hushed blue-gray with no overt undertones. In all lighting it maintains its understated neutral gray appearance.

The 62 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too stark. North Star gives an open, breathable feel.

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

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
Black accent pieces
Rich wood stains and finishes
Chrome hardware accents

While suitable anywhere at home, North Star truly excels in these sleek, modern spaces:

Bathrooms
Kitchens
Living Rooms
Offices
Hallways

North Star’s crispness helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating contemporary styles.

Sherwin Williams Krypton SW 6247

Real Sherwin Williams Krypton — Image Credit:@ leopardandlatte

With its warm gray appearance, Sherwin Williams Krypton SW 6247 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for accentuating traditional decor. This versatile neutral works in both formal and casual spaces.

Here are some details about Krypton:

LRV: 52
Undertones: Warm gray
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Wood tones, blacks, jewel tones

Krypton is a relaxed, inviting medium-tone warm gray with brown undertones. In certain lights it can read as a weathered stone. The welcoming neutral has natural appeal.

The 52 light reflectance value prevents the shade from feeling too dark while still remaining cozy. Krypton strikes a comfortable balance suitable for most rooms.

This versatile neutral complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Krypton color pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Pure White
Black accent pieces
Rich wood finishes
Brass hardware accents

While suitable anywhere at home, Krypton truly excels in these spaces:

Bedrooms
Living Rooms
Dining Rooms
Offices
Libraries

Krypton’s warmth helps create a welcoming, traditional feel perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to allow bold colors to stand out.

Comparing North Star vs Krypton

Now that we’ve examined North Star and Krypton independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

North Star and Krypton have different LRVs of 62 and 52 respectively. North Star will appear brighter.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. North Star is a cool gray, while Krypton is a warm gray.

Use & Rooms

North Star’s coolness excels in modern baths and kitchens. Krypton’s warmth is perfect for cozy bedrooms.

Availability

Both North Star and Krypton come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.

North Star vs Krypton Comparison Chart

Paint Color	North Star SW 6246	Krypton SW 6247
LRV	62	52
Undertones	Cool gray	Warm gray
Use	Modern styles	Traditional decor
Rooms	Bathrooms, kitchens	Bedrooms, living rooms
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Contemporary	Traditional

Real-Life Photos: North Star vs Krypton

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between North Star and Krypton:

Sherwin Williams North Star

Sherwin Williams Krypton

While they can overlap, North Star generally appears crisper and cooler than the warm gray tone of Krypton. But lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose North Star or Krypton?

So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ North Star or Krypton for your home? Here are a few tips:

Choose North Star SW 6246 if you want:

A cool, crisp neutral gray
A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
An airy feel for bathrooms and kitchens
To allow accent colors to pop

Choose Krypton SW 6247 if you want:

A warm, inviting medium gray
A cozy yet sophisticated neutral for bedrooms
A versatile color that works with traditional decor
A soft, welcoming backdrop

Get samples of both North Star and Krypton. 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 neutral gray tones that suit varied styles.