When searching for the perfect soothing, versatile green paint color, two great options from Sherwin Williams are Tradewind SW 6218 and Rainwashed SW 6211. At first glance, these two shades appear quite similar – soft greens with blue undertones. But looking closely, there are noticeable differences in tone and intensity.
This in-depth guide will compare Tradewind vs Rainwashed to help you determine which is better for your home’s interior. We’ll analyze everything from undertones, light reflectance value (LRV), real photos, room pairings, and more.
By the end, you’ll understand how to choose between these beautiful verdant greens from Sherwin Williams. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Tradewind and Rainwashed
Before getting into the details, here’s a high-level overview of how Tradewind and Rainwashed differ:
- Undertones – Tradewind is a bluish green, Rainwashed is a blue-gray green
- Light Reflectance – Tradewind has an LRV of 61, Rainwashed has an LRV of 59
- Use – Tradewind suits walls, Rainwashed fits accents
- Rooms – Tradewind excels everywhere, Rainwashed shines as a focal point
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Tradewind SW 6218 and Rainwashed SW 6211 more thoroughly.
Detailed Review of Tradewind SW 6218
With its bluish green appearance, Tradewind SW 6218 by Sherwin Williams creates a relaxing, tranquil backdrop suitable for most rooms. This versatile cool green succeeds anywhere you seek peace and harmony.
Here are some details about Tradewind:
- LRV: 61
- Undertones: Bluish green
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, offices, bathrooms
- Pairs Well With: Blues, grays, wood tones
Tradewind is a soft muted jade green with faint hints of blue. In most lighting it maintains its soothing appearance as an understated neutralized green.
The 61 LRV provides enough brightness without being too bold. Tradewind gives off an open, peaceful feel.
This adaptable green complements a wide variety of colors nicely. Popular Tradewind color pairings include:
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
- Light oak wood stains
- Brushed nickel lighting fixtures
- Creamy white trims
While suitable anywhere a verdant palette is desired, Tradewind truly excels in these spaces:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Bathrooms
- Offices
- Nurseries
Tradewind’s soft tranquility helps create a relaxing backdrop, perfect for styles promoting wellness and harmony.
Detailed Review of Rainwashed SW 6211
With its blue-gray green appearance, Rainwashed SW 6211 by Sherwin Williams creates a crisp, elegant focal point or accent wall. This muted green provides subtle contrast and flair.
Here are some details about Rainwashed:
- LRV: 59
- Undertones: Blue-gray green
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Accent walls, bedrooms, living rooms
- Pairs Well With: Grays, blues, whites
Rainwashed is a heavily desaturated seafoam green with hints of blue-green. In certain lights it can appear almost gray. The soft color makes a delicate statement.
The 59 LRV offers nice visibility without being too bold. Rainwashed gives off an airy, ethereal vibe.
This tranquil green pairs well with cooler grays and blues needing vitality. Popular Rainwashed color combinations include:
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Crisp white trims
- Matte black iron accents
- Gray wood flooring
While suitable anywhere a muted green is desired, Rainwashed truly excels:
- On accent walls
- In bedrooms
- On built-in bookshelves
- On kitchen cabinetry
With its soothing seafoam tone, Rainwashed makes a graceful, elegant statement.
Light Reflectance Value Comparison
The main difference in LRV between Tradewind and Rainwashed is minor:
- Tradewind SW 6218: 61 LRV
- Rainwashed SW 6211: 59 LRV
While only 2 points apart, Tradewind will read slightly brighter than the more muted, subtle Rainwashed. But both offer nice visibility without being too bold.
Direct Comparison of Undertones
When viewed together, here is how Tradewind and Rainwashed differ in undertones:
- Tradewind is a soft bluish green with hints of gray.
- Rainwashed is a blue-gray green with stronger blue influences.
Tradewind has a true green base, while Rainwashed shifts more blue-green. But the differences are very subtle.
Style and Room Pairings
Due to its versatility, Tradewind SW 6218 excels as:
- An all-over wall color
- In bedrooms and living rooms
- In bathrooms and offices
- On built-in bookshelves
Rainwashed SW 6211 fits best:
- On accent walls
- In bedrooms
- On kitchen cabinetry
- On select bookshelves
So Tradewind shines as a flexible backdrop, while Rainwashed makes an elegant splash.
Real-Life Photo Examples
Let’s look at real-life photos to compare Tradewind and Rainwashed:
Tradewind SW 6218
Rainwashed SW 6211
You can see Tradewind’s more solid green tone compared to the subtle blue-tinged Rainwashed. But lighting affects their appearance.
Should You Choose Tradewind or Rainwashed?
So when choosing between Sherwin Williams’ Tradewind or Rainwashed, which works best for your space? Consider the following:
Consider Tradewind SW 6218 if you want:
- A versatile green suitable for entire rooms
- A relaxing all-over wall color
- A soft backdrop that plays well with others
- A tranquil yet vibrant vibe
Consider Rainwashed SW 6211 if you want:
- A seafoam green accent wall
- Just a subtle pop of green
- To add a touch of color to grays and blues
- An elegant, soothing statement
For a flexible green, go with Tradewind. For a splash of green, choose Rainwashed.
Get large color samples before deciding. Test them in natural light to ensure the right undertone comes through.
Either verdant green from Sherwin Williams will look beautiful in your home!
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Tradewind and Rainwashed create soothing backdrops. Here are ideas to complement them:
Tradewind SW 6218 Pairings
- Soothing blues and grays
- White crown molding
- Golden oak wood tones
- Aged bronze light fixtures
- Abstract art prints
Rainwashed SW 6211 Pairings
- Light blues and grays
- Crisp white trims
- Gray wood flooring
- Black iron accents
- Textured linens and cottons
Choosing complementary colors and materials allows you to make both greens truly shine.
Room-by-Room Guide
Here are rooms best suited to Tradewind and Rainwashed:
Living Rooms
Tradewind – A soothing, relaxing backdrop suitable for casual and formal living spaces.
Rainwashed – A lovely accent wall that provides subtle contrast in living rooms.
Bedrooms
Tradewind – Peaceful and tranquil – promotes harmony and restful sleep.
Rainwashed – A soft statement wall behind a bed or focal point in a bedroom.
Bathrooms
Tradewind – Creates a relaxing spa-like feel when used across bathroom walls.
Rainwashed – A beautiful accent wall in a bathroom to subtly brighten up the space.
Offices
Tradewind – Calming and focused – reduces stress and improves concentration.
Rainwashed – A refreshing accent wall that stimulates creativity and clarity.
Both greens work beautifully but serve different purposes.
Tradewind vs. Rainwashed Comparison Chart
Here is an overview comparison between Tradewind SW 6218 and Rainwashed SW 6211:
| Paint Color | Tradewind SW 6218 | Rainwashed SW 6211 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 61 | 59 |
| Undertone | Bluish green | Blue-gray green |
| Use | Walls | Accents |
| Sheen | All finishes | All finishes |
| Rooms | Bedrooms, living rooms | Accent walls, kitchens |
Which Green is Best for Your Home?
So which of these gorgeous Sherwin Williams greens is right for you?
Tradewind SW 6218 is the better choice if you:
- Want a flexible green suitable for entire rooms
- Need a relaxing all-over wall color
- Seek a tranquil yet vibrant backdrop
- Prefer greens with very subtle blue
Rainwashed SW 6211 is ideal if you:
- Are looking for a seafoam accent wall
- Only need a small pop of green
- Want to add color to cool grays and blues
- Love sophisticated, elegant colors
Tradewind soothes, while Rainwashed elegantly accents. Choose what best fits your needs!
Be sure to get large color samples before deciding. Both create beautiful, verdant spaces!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about Tradewind and Rainwashed:
Q: How do Tradewind and Rainwashed differ?
A: Tradewind is a flexible bluish green wall color while Rainwashed is a seafoam accent with more blue. Tradewind works for whole rooms.
Q: Which green paint color is darker?
A: Tradewind SW 6218 has an LRV of 61, while Rainwashed SW 6211 has an LRV of 59, making Tradewind slightly lighter.
Q: What colors complement Rainwashed?
A: Light blues, grays, crisp whites, black iron accents, and textured natural fibers allow Rainwashed’s green to subtly pop.
Q: Is Tradewind suitable for north-facing rooms?
A: Yes, Tradewind SW 6218’s LRV of 61 provides enough brightness for a north-facing room without appearing too dark.
Q: Does Rainwashed have gray tones?
A: Yes, Rainwashed SW 6211 has strong gray influences resulting in a blue-gray based green. The gray tones are noticeable.
Conclusion
Whether you choose the flexible tranquility of Tradewind SW 6218 or elegant splash of Rainwashed SW 6211, both of these Sherwin Williams greens create beautiful interiors!
Consider your needs, get color samples, and test them out to find the perfect verdant green for your home.
