Soft blue-greens continue to dominate bathrooms, bedrooms, and coastal-inspired homes. At first glance, they look similar — airy, calming, and spa-like. But once they’re on the wall, the differences become clear.
Let’s break it down.
Color Family & Overall Feel
Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt (SW 6204)
Sea Salt tends to feel more modern and subdued.
- Blue-green with noticeable gray
- Soft and muted
- Often described as “coastal neutral”
Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue (HC-144)
Palladian Blue leans a bit more cheerful and timeless.
- Blue-green with less gray
- Slightly brighter and more traditional
- Feels classic and fresh
Undertones: Where They Shift
Undertones are where these two really separate.
Sea Salt Undertones
If you want something more muted and “chameleon-like,” Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt can work.
- Green-gray base
- Can shift noticeably depending on lighting
- May read more green in warm light
- May read more blue in cool light
Palladian Blue Undertones
If you want a clearer blue-green identity, Palladian Blue is stronger.
- Clearer blue presence
- Still has green influence
- Less gray than Sea Salt
LRV (Light Reflectance Value)
LRV affects how bright a color feels in a room.
- Sea Salt LRV: ~63
- Palladian Blue LRV: ~60
Both are mid-to-light tones that reflect a good amount of light.
Because Sea Salt has more gray, it can feel slightly softer and more diffused. Palladian Blue may feel a touch brighter in the same space.
How They Look in Different Lighting
North-Facing Rooms (Cool Light)
- Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt can lean cooler and slightly bluer
- Benjamin Moore’s Palladian Blue stays fairly true but may feel more crisp
South-Facing Rooms (Warm Light)
- Sea Salt may pull greener
- Palladian Blue becomes brighter and fresher
Low-Light Spaces
- Sea Salt’s gray base helps it feel grounded and calm.
- Palladian Blue may feel slightly more colorful.
Best Rooms for Each
Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt Works Best In:
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Coastal-style homes
- Modern interiors
- Open concept spaces
Sea Salt pairs beautifully with: white trim, natural wood, soft linen textures.
Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue Works Best In:
- Dining rooms
- Home offices
- Traditional interiors
- Any setting with built-ins from benches to bookcases
- Spaces with classic millwork
Palladian Blue pairs well with: crisp white trim, brass fixtures, medium wood tones.
Which One Is More Neutral?
- Sea Salt is more neutral because of its gray undertone.
- If you want something that behaves almost like a neutral with a hint of color → Sea Salt.
- Palladian Blue is more distinctly blue-green.
- If you want visible color while still staying soft → Palladian Blue.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt if:
- You like muted, modern tones
- You want flexibility with décor
- You prefer a softer, grayer look
Choose Benjamin Moore’s Palladian Blue if:
- You want slightly more color presence
- You prefer classic blue-greens
- You want a brighter overall effect
What This Means for Your Home
Even though these two colors live in the same family, their undertones and gray levels make a noticeable difference once painted on your walls. The best way to decide:
- Test both colors in your space.
- View them morning, afternoon, and evening.
- Compare them against your trim, flooring, and fixtures.
- Get advice from our trained staff when you visit one of our paint stores near you.