Sherwin Williams Opaline vs Sea Salt: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect soothing green-blue paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from the same brand. At first glance, popular Sherwin Williams options Opaline SW 6189 and Sea Salt SW 6204 may appear nearly identical. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, muted greens?

In this guide, we’ll thoroughly compare Opaline vs Sea Salt to help you determine the ideal soothing green-blue paint for your home. We’ll analyze undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.

Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Overview of Key Differences

Before getting into the details, here is a quick overview of the main differences between Opaline and Sea Salt:

Undertones – Opaline is a green-blue, Sea Salt leans blue
Light Reflectance – Opaline LRV is 73, Sea Salt LRV is 63
Use – Both suit modern, traditional and coastal styles
Rooms – Opaline shines in bedrooms, Sea Salt excels in baths
Availability – Both come in any sheen

Now let’s explore Opaline and Sea Salt more thoroughly.

Sherwin Williams Opaline SW 6189

With its muted, earthy green-blue appearance, Opaline SW 6189 creates a relaxing, welcoming backdrop well-suited for varied spaces. This versatile color complements any style beautifully.

Here are some details about Opaline:

LRV: 73
Undertones: Green-blue
Finishes: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, nurseries
Pairs Well With: Warm woods, white, black

Opaline is a weathered aqua green with subtle sage undertones. In certain lights it can read as a faded teal or slate blue. This soothing color has widespread appeal.

The 73 light reflectance value prevents Opaline from feeling too bold or bright. Opaline strikes a cheerful yet laidback balance suitable for most rooms.

This versatile green-blue complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Opaline color pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Pure White
Natural wood tones
Black iron lighting fixtures
Creamy off-white trim

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

Bedrooms – Calm and relaxing
Living Rooms – Casual backdrop
Dining Rooms – Soothing ambiance
Nurseries – Playful yet peaceful

Opaline’s muted aqua tones help create a relaxing, welcoming feel perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to gently unify varied architectural details.

Sherwin Williams Sea Salt SW 6204

With its muted, airy green-blue appearance, Sea Salt SW 6204 creates an approachable, laidback backdrop suited for varied spaces. This versatile color works across many styles.

Here are some details about Sea Salt:

LRV: 63
Undertones: Blue-green
Finishes: Any sheen
Rooms: Bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms
Pairs Well With: Warm woods, white, gray

Sea Salt is a weathered peacock blue with dominant sage green undertones. In certain lights it can take on a deeper sea glass tone. This soothing color has widespread appeal.

The 63 light reflectance value prevents Sea Salt from feeling too saturated or bold. Sea Salt strikes a cheerful yet casual balance suitable for most rooms.

This versatile green-blue complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Sea Salt color pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Pure White
Warm wood tones
Creamy off-white trim
Gray linens and textiles

While suitable anywhere at home, Sea Salt truly excels in these restful spaces:

Bathrooms – Spa-like ambiance
Bedrooms – Calm and relaxing
Kitchens – Fresh and laidback
Laundry Rooms – Casual and inviting

Sea Salt’s muted aqua-green tones create a relaxing, coastal feel perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to gently unify varied architectural characteristics.

Comparing Opaline vs Sea Salt

Now that we’ve looked at Opaline and Sea Salt independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Opaline and Sea Salt have similar LRVs of 73 and 63. Sea Salt will read just slightly lighter.

Undertones

Here’s the biggest difference – Opaline leans green while Sea Salt has dominant blue undertones.

Use & Rooms

Both suit most styles and spaces, though Opaline shines in bedrooms and Sea Salt excels in bathrooms.

Availability

Opaline and Sea Salt come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.

Style

Opaline trends more traditional, while Sea Salt has a casual laidback feel.

Paint Color	Opaline SW 6189	Sea Salt SW 6204
LRV	73	63
Undertones	Green-blue	Blue-green
Use	Versatile wall color	Versatile wall color
Finish	Any sheen	Any sheen
Style	Traditional	Casual

Real-Life Photos: Opaline vs Sea Salt

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Opaline and Sea Salt:

Sherwin Williams Opaline

Sherwin Williams Sea Salt

While they appear similar at first, upon closer inspection you can see Opaline’s greener tones vs the blue in Sea Salt. Lighting plays a role in how they look.

Should I Choose Opaline or Sea Salt?

So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Opaline or Sea Salt for your home? Here are a few tips:

Consider Opaline SW 6189 if you want:

A muted sage green-blue
A traditional, soothing ambiance
A relaxing oasis for bedrooms
An earthy organic look

Consider Sea Salt SW 6204 if you want:

A weathered peacock blue-green
A casual, laidback feel
A coastal vibe for bathrooms
A light airy atmosphere

Get samples of both Opaline and Sea Salt. Paint large patches on your walls to view throughout the day and night. The undertones can shift under different lighting conditions.

Also, hold decor items you plan to use next to the samples to envision how they’ll look together. Both colors complement most schemes beautifully.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms especially well-suited to Opaline and Sea Salt paint colors:

Sherwin Williams Opaline

Bedrooms
Living Rooms
Dining Rooms
Nurseries
Offices

Sherwin Williams Sea Salt

Bathrooms
Kitchens
Laundry Rooms
Bedrooms
Entryways

While both work well throughout the home, the above applications take advantage of their slightly different undertones.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Opaline and Sea Salt make bold statements. Accent with these colors:

Opaline SW 6189 Pairs Well With:

Sherwin Williams Pure White
Black iron lighting fixtures
Warm wood tones
Creamy off-white trim

Sea Salt SW 6204 Pairs Well With:

Sherwin Williams Pure White
Warm wood tones
Creamy off-white trim
Gray linens and textiles

Whites, warm woods, black metals and neutral textiles beautifully complement both the green and blue undertones.

Opaline vs Sea Salt – Which is Better?

So which soothing green-blue paint color is better for your home – Opaline or Sea Salt?

Consider Opaline SW 6189 if you want:

A muted sage green-blue
A traditional, soothing ambiance
A relaxing oasis for bedrooms
An earthy organic look

Consider Sea Salt SW 6204 if you want:

A weathered peacock blue-green
A casual, laidback feel
A coastal vibe for bathrooms
A light airy atmosphere

Both are beautiful, soothing colors perfect for creating a relaxing retreat. Opaline has traditional character. Sea Salt feels laidback and coastal.

Get samples before deciding – lighting affects how their undertones come across. Either will beautifully enhance your home with tranquility and style!

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Opaline vs Sea Salt? Here are answers to some common questions:

What’s the main difference between Opaline and Sea Salt?

The main difference is Opaline leans more green, while Sea Salt has dominant blue undertones. Opaline is more traditional and Sea Salt more casual.

Which color would work better in a north facing room?

Sea Salt would add vibrancy to a north facing space without appearing too cold. Its greener undertone warms up the cooler light.

Can you use Opaline in a kitchen?

Absolutely! Opaline would give a kitchen a traditional, earthy feel. The sage green undertones are organic and inviting.

Is Sea Salt suitable for modern farmhouse styles?

Yes, Sea Salt’s casual coastal vibe would work nicely in a modern farmhouse. Its soft blue-green color pairs beautifully with traditional and contemporary elements.