Tidewater vs Sea Salt: What’s the Difference?

With so many blues to choose from, it can be tough to decide between two similar shades. Popular options like Sherwin-Williams Tidewater SW 6477 and Sea Salt SW 6204 are beautiful blues that look alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two gorgeous colors?

In this in-depth guide, we’ll analyze Tidewater vs Sea Salt to help you pick the perfect blue paint color for your home. We’ll compare undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.

Let’s dive in!

Key Differences Between Tidewater and Sea Salt

Before getting into the details, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin-Williams Tidewater and Sea Salt:

Undertones – Tidewater is a true blue, Sea Salt is a blue-green
Light Reflectance – Tidewater has an LRV of 65, Sea Salt has an LRV of 63
Use – Tidewater suits traditional spaces, Sea Salt works in casual rooms
Rooms – Tidewater excels in dining rooms, Sea Salt shines in bathrooms
Availability – Both come in all paint sheens

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

Sherwin-Williams Tidewater SW 6477

With its rich true blue color, Sherwin-Williams Tidewater SW 6477 creates an elegant backdrop perfect for accentuating traditional decor. This versatile color works in both formal and casual spaces.

Here are some key details about Tidewater:

LRV: 65
Undertones: True blue
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Dining rooms, bedrooms, offices, living rooms
Pairs Well With: Whites, grays, metallics

Tidewater is a gorgeous classic medium-dark blue without strong cool or warm undertones. In certain lights it can take on a denim blue or royal blue hue. The pure blue color has broad appeal.

The 65 light reflectance value keeps rooms from feeling too dark and dramatic. Tidewater strikes a nice balance between lively and moody.

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

Sherwin-Williams Pure White
Benjamin Moore White Dove
Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray
Brass and gold metallic accents
Crisp white trim

While suitable anywhere in the home, Tidewater truly shines in these elegant spaces:

Formal Dining Rooms
Bedrooms
Offices
Living Rooms
Libraries

Tidewater’s classic appeal helps create a polished, sophisticated look when used as a backdrop.

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 63 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 these rooms:

Bedrooms
Kids’ Rooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Casual Dining Rooms

Use its relaxing blue-green backdrop to create a casual coastal feel. Sea Salt keeps spaces feeling calm and peaceful.

Comparing Tidewater vs Sea Salt

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

Light Reflectance

Tidewater has an LRV of 65 compared to Sea Salt’s higher 63 LRV. This makes Tidewater noticeably darker and moodier.

Undertones

The main difference lies in undertones. Tidewater is a true blue. Sea Salt is a tranquil blue-green with slight green undertones.

Use & Rooms

Tidewater’s bold true blue excels in elegant formal spaces like dining rooms. Sea Salt’s casual vibe suits relaxed bedrooms and bathrooms.

Availability

Both Tidewater and Sea Salt come in all paint sheens from flat to high-gloss, maximizing finish options.

Tidewater vs Sea Salt Comparison Chart

Paint Color	Tidewater SW 6477	Sea Salt SW 6204
LRV	65	63
Undertones	True blue	Blue-green
Use	Formal rooms	Casual rooms
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Traditional, elegant	Coastal, modern

Real-Life Photos: Tidewater vs Sea Salt

To better visualize the differences between Tidewater and Sea Salt, let’s look at real-life photos of the paint colors:

Sherwin-Williams Tidewater

Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt

While the two blues can appear similar in some spaces, Tidewater typically appears darker and bolder than the more relaxing Sea Salt.

Should I Choose Tidewater or Sea Salt?

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

Choose Tidewater SW 6477 if you want:

A rich classic true blue
An elegant color for formal dining rooms
To accentuate upscale traditional decor
A bolder blue with some drama

Choose Sea Salt SW 6204 if you want:

A relaxing medium blue-green
A casual color suitable for bedrooms and baths
A versatile shade for coastal or modern spaces
Good light reflectance for a calming vibe

Get color samples of both Tidewater and Sea Salt. Paint large sections on your walls and view at different times/lighting. This gives you the best sense of how they’ll look in your space.

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

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Tidewater and Sea Salt:

Sherwin-Williams Tidewater

Formal Dining Rooms
Bedrooms
Offices
Living Rooms
Libraries

Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt

Bedrooms
Kids’ Rooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Casual Dining Rooms

While both blues work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their distinct vibes and strengths.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Tidewater and Sea Salt create eye-catching backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:

Tidewater SW 6477 Pairings

Sherwin-Williams Pure White
Benjamin Moore White Dove
Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray
Gold and brass metallic accents
Crisp white 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

Tidewater vs Sea Salt – Which is Better?

So which blue paint color is better, Tidewater or Sea Salt?

Consider Tidewater SW 6477 if you want:

A bold true blue perfect for elegant dining rooms
To accentuate upscale traditional decor
A darker blue with some dramatic allure
A versatile color also suitable for bedrooms

Consider Sea Salt SW 6204 if you want:

A relaxing muted blue-green shade
A casual color perfect for bedrooms and baths
To evoke a coastal cottage or modern vibe
Good light reflectance for a calming ambiance

While Tidewater offers gorgeous drama, Sea Salt provides more livability and a casual feel.

Get samples of both before deciding. Either beautiful blue you choose will create a stunning backdrop.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What are the main differences between Tidewater and Sea Salt?

The main differences are their undertones and suitability for formal vs. casual spaces. Tidewater is a bold true blue. Sea Salt is a more relaxed green-blue.