Oyster Bay vs Sea Salt: What’s the Difference?

With an endless array of blue paint colors to choose from, it can be difficult to decide between two similar shades. Popular options like Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay SW 6206 and Sea Salt SW 6204 are beautiful blues that appear alike at first glance. But what really sets them apart?

In this guide, we’ll thoroughly compare Oyster Bay vs Sea Salt to help you determine the right blue 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 Oyster Bay and Sea Salt

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay and Sea Salt:

Undertones – Oyster Bay is a gray-blue, Sea Salt is a blue-green
Light Reflectance – Oyster Bay has an LRV of 44, Sea Salt has an LRV of 63
Use – Oyster Bay suits modern and transitional styles, Sea Salt works in coastal spaces
Rooms – Oyster Bay shines in living rooms, Sea Salt excels in bathrooms
Availability – Both come in all paint sheens

Now let’s explore Oyster Bay and Sea Salt in more depth.

Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay SW 6206

With its inviting gray-blue color, Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay SW 6206 creates an elegant yet relaxed backdrop suitable for both formal and casual spaces. This versatile neutral blue has wide appeal.

Here are some details about Oyster Bay:

LRV: 44
Undertones: Blue-gray
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Whites, grays, metallics

Oyster Bay is a gorgeous dove gray blue without strong cool or warm undertones. In certain lights it can take on a pale denim blue or weathered gray-blue appearance. The muted tone has broad appeal across styles.

The 44 light reflectance value keeps the color airy and bright without being too bold. Oyster Bay strikes a harmonious balance.

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

Sherwin-Williams Pure White
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
Black and white graphic patterns
Aged bronze and silver metallic accents
Soft white or gray trim

While suitable anywhere in the home, Oyster Bay truly shines in these spaces:

Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Offices

Oyster Bay’s relaxing vibe helps create a calm, welcoming feel perfect as an all-over home color.

Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt SW 6204

With its soothing green-blue color, Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt SW 6204 creates a relaxed backdrop reminiscent of the beach. This versatile color works well across styles from casual to formal spaces.

Here are some details about Sea Salt:

LRV: 63
Undertones: Blue-green
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Casual spaces like bedrooms, baths, kids’ rooms
Pairs Well With: Neutrals, whites, natural woods

Sea Salt is a muted medium-light blue-green with subtle cool undertones. In certain lights it can take on a soothing gray-blue or pale teal appearance. The green influence gives it a refreshing relaxed look.

The 44 light reflectance value keeps the color lively without being too bold. Sea Salt provides a good balance suitable for many rooms.

This versatile blue pairs beautifully with neutral and natural accents. Popular combinations include:

Benjamin Moore White Dove
Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray
Natural wood finishes
White trim and accents
Green foliage

While workable in any space, Sea Salt looks especially inviting in relaxed rooms like:

Bedrooms
Kids’ Rooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Casual Dining Rooms

Use its calming blue-green backdrop to evoke a casual coastal feel. Sea Salt keeps spaces looking and feeling beachy.

Comparing Oyster Bay vs Sea Salt

Now that we’ve examined Oyster Bay and Sea Salt independently, let’s directly compare them:

Undertones

The main difference lies in undertones. Oyster Bay is a cooler dove gray-blue. Sea Salt is a relaxing green-blue.

Use & Rooms

Oyster Bay’s chic versatility suits living spaces, dining rooms and offices. Sea Salt’s casual beachy vibe excels in bedrooms, baths and kids’ rooms.

Availability

Both Oyster Bay and Sea Salt come in any paint finish from flat to high-gloss, maximizing sheen options.

Oyster Bay vs Sea Salt Comparison Chart

Paint Color	Oyster Bay SW 6206	Sea Salt SW 6204
LRV	44	63
Undertones	Blue-gray	Blue-green
Use	Living rooms, offices	Casual rooms
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Modern, transitional	Coastal, casual

Real-Life Photos: Oyster Bay vs Sea Salt

Let’s look at real-life photos to better see the subtle differences between Oyster Bay and Sea Salt:

Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay

Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt

Oyster Bay generally appears as a cooler, slightly more grayish blue than the green-leaning Sea Salt. But lighting can really change their look.

Should I Choose Oyster Bay or Sea Salt?

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

Choose Oyster Bay SW 6206 if you want:

A chic gray-blue shade
A versatile color that works in most rooms
A relaxing but refined backdrop
A paint color suitable for modern and transitional spaces

Choose Sea Salt SW 6204 if you want:

A soothing green-leaning blue
A relaxed beachy vibe perfect for bedrooms and baths
A casual color for coastal inspired spaces
A light & airy feel

Get samples of both Oyster Bay and Sea Salt. Paint large swatches on your walls and view at different times/lighting. This gives you the best sense of how they’ll look in your home.

You can also visualize them alongside your current decor. Both offer beautiful blue tones that work with most color schemes.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well suited to Oyster Bay and Sea Salt:

Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay

Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Offices
Dining Rooms
Kitchens

Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt

Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Kids’ Rooms
Kitchens
Casual Dining Rooms

While both can work anywhere in the home, the above rooms tend to make optimal use of their unique strengths and personalities.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Oyster Bay and Sea Salt create serene backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:

Oyster Bay SW 6206 Pairings

Sherwin-Williams Pure White
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
Black and white graphic patterns
Aged bronze and silver accents
Soft white or gray trim

Sea Salt SW 6204 Pairings

Benjamin Moore White Dove
Natural wood finishes
Rattan and woven textures
White molding and ceilings
Green plants and accents

Oyster Bay vs Sea Salt – Which is Better?

So which blue paint color is the better choice for your home – Oyster Bay or Sea Salt?

Consider Oyster Bay SW 6206 if you want:

A chic and refined gray-leaning blue
A versatile color suitable for most living spaces
A relaxing backdrop that still feels sophisticated
A paint color that works with varied styles

Consider Sea Salt SW 6204 if you want:

A calming and beachy blue-green
A casual color perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms
To evoke a relaxing coastal vibe
Good light reflectance for an airy feel

While Oyster Bay is more widely versatile, Sea Salt offers an easygoing coastal appeal.

Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful blue you choose will create a stunning space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Oyster Bay or Sea Salt? Here are answers to some common questions:

What are the main differences between Oyster Bay and Sea Salt?

The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. Oyster Bay is a cooler gray-blue. Sea Salt is a relaxing green-leaning blue.