When searching for the perfect light gray paint color, two gorgeous options from Sherwin Williams are Rainwashed SW 6211 and Sea Salt SW 6204. Both offer beautiful, tranquil grays that work well across many design aesthetics. But what’s the difference between Rainwashed and Sea Salt? And how do you select the best one for your home?
In this guide, we’ll do an in-depth comparison of Rainwashed vs Sea Salt. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance values (LRV), real-life photos, and ideal room applications. Let’s dive in to determine whether cool-toned Rainwashed or greenish Sea Salt is the best light gray paint color for your interior design.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Rainwashed and Sea Salt
Before looking at specifics, here is an overview of the main differences between SW Rainwashed SW 6211 and Sea Salt SW 6204:
- Undertones – Rainwashed has blue-gray undertones, Sea Salt has green-gray undertones
- LRV – Rainwashed has an LRV of 59, Sea Salt has an LRV of 63
- Use – Rainwashed complements modern styles, Sea Salt suits transitional spaces
- Rooms – Rainwashed excels in bright rooms, Sea Salt in relaxed rooms
Now let’s explore Rainwashed and Sea Salt in more detail.
SW Rainwashed SW 6211
A beautiful light gray paint color, Rainwashed SW 6211 by Sherwin Williams is a cool, airy neutral with subtle depth. This versatile gray works well across many design styles.
Here are some details about SW Rainwashed:
- LRV: 59
- Undertones: Blue-gray
- Finish: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Whole home color, especially living spaces
- Pairings: Grays, blues, whites
Featuring faint blue-gray undertones, Rainwashed has an ethereal, hazy appearance. Depending on lighting conditions, the blue tones are more or less noticeable. Rainwashed shifts subtly between crisp light gray and an airy blue-influenced hue.
With a 59 light reflectance value, Rainwashed reflects a lot of light to keep rooms feeling bright and open. Yet it has just enough depth to provide pleasing contrast against white trims and ceilings.
Use Rainwashed SW 6211 to create a relaxed, inviting backdrop suited to a variety of interior design aesthetics. This versatile gray looks beautiful in rooms like:
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Dining Rooms
Some colors that pair perfectly with Rainwashed include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Sherwin Williams Silver Strand
- Sherwin Williams Naval
SW Sea Salt SW 6204
A bestselling light gray paint color, Sea Salt SW 6204 by Sherwin Williams is a gorgeous pale green-gray that works beautifully across design styles.
Here are some key details about Sea Salt:
- LRV: 63
- Undertones: Green-gray
- Finish: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Whole home color, especially living spaces
- Pairings: Tans, blues, whites
Featuring soft green-gray undertones, Sea Salt has a slightly weathered, organic look. Depending on lighting, the subtle green comes forward more or less. This versatility makes Sea Salt highly adaptable across styles.
With a 63 light reflectance value, Sea Salt reflects a moderate amount of light. This prevents it from feeling too dark or too bright. The hint of green gives Sea Salt a relaxed, casual feel.
Use Sea Salt SW 6204 to create a calm, welcoming backdrop suitable for a wide range of interior design aesthetics. This versatile light gray looks especially pleasing in these rooms:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Bathrooms
- Offices
Some colors that pair beautifully with Sea Salt include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige
- Sherwin Williams Naval
Comparing Rainwashed vs Sea Salt
Now that we’ve looked at Rainwashed and Sea Salt individually, let’s compare them directly:
Light Reflectance
Rainwashed is lighter than Sea Salt, with an LRV of 59 compared to 63 for Sea Salt. Rainwashed will make spaces feel a bit brighter.
Undertones
The main difference lies in undertones. Rainwashed has faint cool blue-gray, while Sea Salt has subtle warm green-gray.
Use
Rainwashed’s coolness complements modern contemporary spaces. Sea Salt’s warmth suits transitional rooms with traditional touches.
Rooms
Rainwashed’s airy clarity excels in bright open living areas. Sea Salt’s relaxed nature fits private bedrooms, offices and cozy family rooms.
Paint Finish
Sherwin Williams offers both Rainwashed and Sea Salt in any sheen from flat to high-gloss.
Pairings
Rainwashed coordinates beautifully with grays, blues and crisp whites. Sea Salt pairs well with tans, light blues, and off-whites.
Rainwashed vs Sea Salt Comparison Chart
Here is an overview comparison between SW Rainwashed SW 6211 and Sea Salt SW 6204:
| Paint Color | Rainwashed SW 6211 | Sea Salt SW 6204 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 59 | 63 |
| Undertones | Blue-gray | Green-gray |
| Use | Modern, contemporary | Transitional, relaxed |
| Rooms | Bright open spaces | Cozy private rooms |
| Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
| Pairings | Grays, blues, crisp whites | Tans, light blues, off-whites |
Real Life Photos: Rainwashed vs Sea Salt
To give a sense of how Rainwashed and Sea Salt compare in real spaces, let’s look at real life photos of the paint colors:
Rainwashed SW 6211
Sea Salt SW 6204
In real spaces, Rainwashed generally appears brighter and crisper with more noticeable blue undertones than Sea Salt. But lighting impacts their look. Overall, Rainwashed feels more airy while Sea Salt is more relaxed.
Should I Choose Rainwashed or Sea Salt?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams Rainwashed or Sea Salt for your home? Here are a few tips:
Consider Rainwashed SW 6211 if you want:
- A light gray with subtle cool blue tones
- An airy, ethereal ambiance
- To brighten and modernize a space
- A backdrop for grays, blues and whites
Consider Sea Salt SW 6204 if you want:
- A light green-influenced gray
- A relaxed, organic ambiance
- To complement tans, light blues, off-whites
- A flexible greige alternative
To pick, get paint swatches and samples of each gray. View large samples in your actual space at different times/lighting. See how the undertones come across. Also compare with your décor.
While both are beautiful light grays, Rainwashed suits modern styles needing airy brightness and Sea Salt fits relaxed transitional rooms.
Best Rooms for Rainwashed and Sea Salt
Here are rooms that tend to be perfectly suited to Rainwashed SW 6211 and Sea Salt SW 6204:
Rainwashed SW 6211
- Living Rooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Open Floor Plans
- Dining Rooms
Sea Salt SW 6204
- Bedrooms
- Family Rooms
- Offices
- Nurseries
- Dining Rooms
Of course both grays can work in any space. But the above applications maximize Rainwashed’s bright openness and Sea Salt’s relaxed warmth.
Design Ideas Using Rainwashed and Sea Salt
On their own, Rainwashed and Sea Salt create simple backdrops. Use colors, textures and décor to complete your room designs:
Rainwashed Color Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White (trim/ceiling)
- Navy blue accent wall
- Medium wood floor staining
- Brushed nickel fixtures
Sea Salt Color Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray (walls)
- Sherwin Williams Pure White (trim/ceilings)
- Woven natural fiber rugs
- Rattan and linen furniture
Rainwashed vs Sea Salt: Which is Better for Your Home?
Is airy Rainwashed or relaxed Sea Salt the better light gray paint color for your space? It depends on your style and goals:
Consider Rainwashed if you want:
- A crisp gray with subtle cool blue tones
- An airy, ethereal modern ambiance
- Bright, vibrant contrast against white trims
- A backdrop for grays, blues and whites
Consider Sea Salt if you want:
- A light gray with a subtle green influence
- A relaxed, casual ambiance
- To complement tans, light blues and off-whites
- An organic, flexible greige
Rainwashed excels in airy modern spaces needing a bright refreshing backdrop. Sea Salt shines in relaxed transitional rooms wanting a laidback feel.
Be sure to get large in-home paint samples before deciding. Both offer gorgeous light gray versatility – choose the one that fulfills your goals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about SW Rainwashed SW 6211 and Sea Salt SW 6204:
What are the main differences between Rainwashed and Sea Salt?
The main differences are their undertones and mood. Rainwashed is a cooler, crisper blue-gray. Sea Salt is a relaxed, organic green-gray.
Does Rainwashed have any purple or green in it?
No, Rainwashed does not have strong purple or green undertones. It reads as a primarily clean blue-influenced gray.
What colors complement Sea Salt?
Colors like light tans, off-whites, light blues, and some greens complement Sea Salt beautifully. It provides a flexible backdrop.
Is Rainwashed suitable for kitchens?
Yes, Rainwashed is perfect for kitchens. At 59 LRV it avoids feeling too dark. And the hint of blue gives a relaxed, airy feel.
Can you use Sea Salt in bathrooms?
Definitely. Sea Salt’s subtle green-gray vibe provides a soothing relaxed backdrop for bathrooms. Its 63 LRV gives adequate brightness without feeling stark.
