Looking for a paint color that brings the beach into your home? Sea Salt SW 6204 by Sherwin-Williams might be exactly what you need. This cool, muted green with blue undertones creates a tranquil atmosphere that makes every space feel like a relaxing beach day. It’s a versatile shade that sits at the crossroads of green, blue, and gray, giving it a subtle complexity that works beautifully in many settings.
Sea Salt pairs wonderfully with white trim to create a fresh, clean look that’s perfect for bathrooms, bedrooms, and living spaces. You’ll love how this color changes throughout the day, sometimes appearing more green, sometimes leaning toward a soft blue-gray. This chameleon-like quality is part of what makes Sea Salt one of Sherwin-Williams’ most popular paint colors.
Key Takeaways
- Sea Salt SW 6204 is a versatile muted green with blue and gray undertones that creates a calming beach-like atmosphere.
- The color changes throughout the day based on lighting, appearing more green in some light and more blue-gray in others.
- White trim complements Sea Salt beautifully, creating a fresh look that works in bathrooms, bedrooms, and living spaces.
What Color is Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204?
Sea Salt SW 6204 is a complex, mutable color that shifts between green, blue, and gray tones depending on lighting conditions and surrounding colors.
Color Family
Sea Salt belongs primarily to the green color family, but it’s definitely not a straightforward green. This popular paint color features a mix of soft green with noticeable blue and gray undertones. The gray component helps tame the color, giving it a muted, sophisticated appearance.
When you use Sea Salt in your home, you’ll notice it can look more blue-green in some lights and more gray-green in others. This chameleon-like quality makes it incredibly versatile for many spaces. In north-facing rooms, the blue undertones often become more prominent, while in warm southern light, the green aspects tend to shine through more clearly.
Many designers consider Sea Salt a “coastal color” because it evokes the soft, weathered look of sea glass or salt-sprayed beach elements.
Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)
If you’re trying to match Sea Salt in digital designs or with other elements, you’ll need these specific color codes:
Hex Code: #CCD5CF
RGB Values: R:204, G:213, B:207
LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 63
The LRV of 63 indicates Sea Salt is a relatively light color that reflects a good amount of light back into your space. This makes it an excellent choice for smaller rooms or spaces where you want to create an airy feeling.
When coordinating colors with Sea Salt, you can use these codes to find perfect complementary colors. The moderate LRV means it works beautifully in both bright and dimly lit spaces, maintaining its character throughout the day.
Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 Undertones
Sea Salt SW 6204 is a fascinating color that changes with lighting conditions. It’s primarily a soft green with notable undertones that give it depth and character.
The dominant undertones in Sea Salt are blue and gray. These undertones help create its soothing, coastal feel that makes it so popular in homes.
In north-facing rooms, you might notice the blue undertones becoming more prominent. The color can appear cooler and more blue-gray in these spaces.
In rooms with southern exposure, the green becomes more noticeable. The warm light brings out the green base of Sea Salt, making it appear more vibrant.
During different times of day, you’ll see Sea Salt shift between its green, blue, and gray personalities. Morning light might highlight the green, while evening light can bring out more gray.
When paired with bright white trim, the green undertones in Sea Salt become more obvious. This creates a lovely contrast that feels fresh and clean.
Next to beige or cream colors, the gray undertones become more noticeable. This chameleon-like quality makes Sea Salt incredibly versatile for your home.
How Does Lighting Affect Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204?
Sea Salt SW 6204 is one of those chameleon colors that shifts dramatically depending on the lighting conditions. This unique quality makes it both versatile and sometimes challenging to predict.
Natural Lighting
In north-facing rooms, Sea Salt tends to show more of its green undertones and appears cooler overall. The limited warm light brings out the muted, subtle aspects of the color, making it feel more serene and gray-green.
In south-facing spaces, you’ll notice Sea Salt becoming brighter and showing more of its blue qualities. The warm southern light enhances the color’s reflective properties, giving it a livelier appearance throughout the day.
East-facing rooms enjoy a warm glow in the morning that makes Sea Salt appear warmer and greener. As the day progresses, the color shifts cooler.
West-facing rooms experience the opposite effect—cooler in the morning and warmer with hints of sage in the afternoon as the golden sunset light fills the space.
Artificial Lighting
Under warm white bulbs (2700-3000K), Sea Salt appears more green and warm. This lighting brings out the earthy undertones and creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere in your space.
Cool white lighting (3500-4100K) pushes Sea Salt toward its blue-gray side. You might notice it looking more like a pale blue in these conditions, especially in the evening.
Daylight bulbs (5000-6500K) can make Sea Salt look quite crisp and blue-gray, almost like a completely different color than under warm lighting.
LED lighting tends to highlight Sea Salt’s gray undertones, while incandescent bulbs enhance its warm green qualities. Fluorescent lighting can sometimes give it a slightly washed-out appearance.
Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 LRV (Light Reflectance Value)
Sea Salt SW 6204 has a Light Reflectance Value of 64, making it a medium-light color that brightens spaces while providing noticeable color depth.
What is LRV?
LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value. It measures how much light a color reflects compared to pure white (which has an LRV of 100). Think of it as a percentage – a color with 80 LRV reflects 80% of light that hits it.
Higher LRV colors make spaces feel bigger and brighter because they bounce more light around the room. Lower LRV colors absorb more light and can make spaces feel cozier and more intimate.
When you’re choosing paint, LRV helps you understand how the color will affect your space’s brightness. This is especially important in rooms with limited natural light where you might want a higher LRV color.
Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 LRV Range
Sea Salt has an LRV of 64, placing it in the medium-light range. This means it reflects a good amount of light while still providing visible color.
At 64 LRV, Sea Salt helps rooms feel lighter and brighter by reflecting both natural and artificial light throughout the space. You’ll notice this cool, muted green with blue undertones brings a refreshing feeling without being too pale or washed out.
This LRV makes Sea Salt versatile for different lighting situations. In bright rooms, you’ll see its subtle green-blue tones. In darker spaces, it maintains its character while helping to brighten the area.
Sea Salt works well in spaces where you want a soothing color that doesn’t absorb too much light.
Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 Coordinating Colors
Sea Salt SW 6204 pairs beautifully with several colors that enhance its unique green-gray-blue blend. These coordinating colors create balanced, harmonious spaces that feel both fresh and timeless.
Modern Gray SW 7632
Modern Gray is a soft, neutral gray with warm undertones that works wonderfully with Sea Salt. This pairing creates a clean, contemporary look that’s perfect for a cohesive color scheme throughout your home.
When you combine Modern Gray with Sea Salt, you get a balanced feel that’s neither too cool nor too warm. Modern Gray can serve as a perfect neutral for main living areas while Sea Salt adds a refreshing touch in bathrooms or bedrooms.
Try using Modern Gray on your main walls with Sea Salt as an accent wall. This combination works especially well in spaces where you want a calming atmosphere without feeling too clinical or stark.
Rainwashed SW 6211
Rainwashed is another popular Sherwin Williams color that coordinates beautifully with Sea Salt. It’s a bit more blue-green than Sea Salt, creating a subtle color progression when used together.
You’ll find this pairing creates a coastal-inspired feel that’s refreshing and relaxing. The colors share similar qualities but Rainwashed has slightly more saturation.
Consider using Rainwashed in rooms adjacent to those painted in Sea Salt for a flowing color story throughout your home. This works particularly well in open concept spaces where you want distinction without stark contrast.
For a cohesive look, try Sea Salt in a bathroom with Rainwashed in the connecting bedroom.
Comfort Gray SW 6205
Comfort Gray is slightly darker than Sea Salt with more green undertones. This makes it an excellent coordinating color when you want a bit more depth while staying within the same color family.
When paired with Sea Salt, Comfort Gray creates a natural progression that mimics colors found in nature. This combination feels especially harmonious in spaces with natural light.
Try using Comfort Gray for cabinetry or furniture while Sea Salt adorns your walls. The subtle contrast adds visual interest without feeling mismatched.
For exterior applications, Comfort Gray works well for shutters or doors while Sea Salt covers the main exterior. This creates a gentle contrast that enhances your home’s architectural features.
Trim Colors for Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204
Choosing the right trim color can make Sea Salt SW 6204 shine in your space. The soft green-gray with blue undertones pairs beautifully with several white options that enhance its coastal feel.
Pure White SW 7005
Pure White offers a clean, crisp contrast against Sea Salt’s muted tones. This white has very minimal undertones, making it versatile for all lighting conditions in your home.
When you pair Pure White trim with Sea Salt walls, you create a fresh, airy feel that enhances the beachy vibe. The contrast isn’t stark or jarring—instead, it provides just enough definition to make architectural details pop.
This combination works wonderfully in kitchens and bathrooms where you want a clean look. Pure White trim also helps brighten spaces that might not get much natural light, making Sea Salt appear more vibrant.
Extra White SW 7006
Extra White is the brightest white in Sherwin Williams’ collection, creating a more dramatic contrast with Sea Salt. This stark white has cool undertones that complement the blue notes in Sea Salt.
You’ll notice Extra White trim makes your Sea Salt walls appear more green-blue. This pairing works beautifully in modern coastal designs or spaces where you want a clean, contemporary feel.
The high contrast between these colors draws attention to crown molding, door frames, and window casings. Consider this combination for rooms with abundant natural light where the brightness won’t feel overwhelming.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster offers a softer approach with its warm, creamy undertones. This off-white creates a gentle transition between trim and Sea Salt walls, producing a more subtle, cohesive look.
When you choose Alabaster trim, your Sea Salt walls will appear slightly warmer and more muted. This combination creates a cozy, relaxed atmosphere perfect for bedrooms and living spaces.
The soft contrast works wonderfully in traditional homes or spaces where you want a timeless, elegant feel. Alabaster trim helps Sea Salt shine without competing for attention, letting the wall color be the star of your design.
Real World Examples of Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 in Different Spaces
Sea Salt creates different moods depending on where you use it. This versatile color shifts its appearance based on lighting, room size, and surrounding decor elements.
Living Rooms
Sea Salt transforms living rooms into serene retreats. The color’s gentle blue-green-gray blend creates a perfect backdrop for both modern and traditional furniture styles.
In south-facing living rooms, Sea Salt appears more green, creating a fresh, nature-inspired feel. In north-facing spaces, its blue undertones become more pronounced, lending a cool, soothing atmosphere.
Pair Sea Salt with crisp white trim for contrast. It works beautifully with natural wood tones, especially lighter oak or walnut furnishings. For a coastal look, add navy blue accents and natural textures like jute rugs or woven baskets.
The color helps make small living rooms feel more spacious while adding subtle character to larger rooms without overwhelming the space.
Bedrooms
In bedrooms, Sea Salt creates a calming sanctuary that promotes rest. The color’s soft intensity makes it ideal for sleep spaces, where it evokes feelings of tranquility.
Sea Salt pairs wonderfully with white bedding for a clean, fresh look. Add natural wood nightstands and light linen curtains to enhance the organic feel. For a more luxurious bedroom, combine it with brushed silver or gold accents.
The color works in both master bedrooms and children’s rooms. In kids’ spaces, it serves as a neutral base that grows with them over time.
Many homeowners report Sea Salt bedrooms feel more spacious and airy compared to rooms with darker paints. The color shifts throughout the day, appearing more blue in morning light and greener in evening light.
Kitchens
Sea Salt brightens kitchens while adding subtle color. It pairs especially well with white cabinets, creating a fresh, clean look that never feels sterile.
For contrast, use dark hardware on cabinets or add black pendant lights. If you have wood cabinets, Sea Salt complements medium to light tones beautifully. The color looks stunning with marble or quartz countertops that have gray veining.
In kitchens with limited natural light, Sea Salt helps reflect available light to make the space feel larger. It creates a lovely backdrop for plants and greenery, enhancing the natural elements in your kitchen.
Many homeowners use Sea Salt on kitchen walls while painting adjoining dining areas the same color for cohesion. The color provides enough interest without competing with your personal style expressed through décor.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms showcase Sea Salt’s versatility perfectly. The color can make small bathrooms feel larger while adding a spa-like quality to master baths.
Sea Salt’s blue-green undertones complement white fixtures and chrome hardware. For a more dramatic look, pair it with oil-rubbed bronze fixtures and rich wood accents. The color works beautifully with marble tile, especially those with gray or light blue veining.
In bathrooms with limited natural light, Sea Salt maintains its character without looking dingy. When used with proper lighting, it creates a fresh, clean appearance.
Many homeowners extend Sea Salt to the ceiling in bathrooms for an enveloping, cohesive look. The color resists showing moisture spots, making it practical for this high-humidity space.
Home Offices
Sea Salt creates productive yet calming home office environments. The color provides enough interest without being distracting during video calls or focused work sessions.
The color’s gray undertones make it professional enough for client-facing spaces while its green and blue notes add personality. It pairs beautifully with both dark and light wood desks. Add brass desk accessories for warmth or silver for a more modern look.
Sea Salt looks exceptional in offices with abundant natural light, where its changing nature can be fully appreciated. In offices with limited windows, supplement with warm lighting to bring out its green undertones.
The color creates an excellent backdrop for bookshelves, artwork, and plants. Many remote workers report feeling less eye strain in Sea Salt offices compared to spaces with stark white walls.
Exteriors
On home exteriors, Sea Salt creates subtle curb appeal that stands out without overwhelming neighboring houses. The color appears more gray-green outside, adapting beautifully to natural surroundings.
Sea Salt works wonderfully on full house exteriors, front doors, and shutters. For whole-house applications, pair it with crisp white trim and dark gray or black accents for definition. As a front door color, it offers a welcoming alternative to traditional bold colors.
In sunny locations, Sea Salt appears lighter and more vibrant. In shadier settings, it takes on a deeper, more muted appearance. The color holds up well in different climates without fading dramatically.
Many homeowners use Sea Salt for covered porches to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. It complements natural stone and brick beautifully.
Comparing Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 to Similar Colors
Sea Salt is a versatile green-gray paint color that pairs wonderfully with many design styles. It changes dramatically based on lighting, appearing more green in natural light and more gray in artificial lighting.
Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 vs Rainwashed SW 6211
Rainwashed SW 6211 has a stronger blue-green undertone compared to Sea Salt’s softer gray-green appearance. In most lighting conditions, Rainwashed shows more color intensity and depth.
When you compare these two side by side, Rainwashed appears more vibrant and “colorful” while Sea Salt feels more subdued and neutral.
Rainwashed works especially well in bathrooms and bedrooms where you want a spa-like feeling. Sea Salt, being more versatile, fits nicely in any room of your home.
The LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of Rainwashed is slightly lower than Sea Salt, making it appear a bit darker on your walls.
Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 vs Comfort Gray SW 6205
Comfort Gray SW 6205 is slightly darker and has more depth than Sea Salt. They belong to the same color family, but Comfort Gray leans more toward the green-gray side of the spectrum.
If you’re looking for a slightly more saturated version of Sea Salt, Comfort Gray might be your answer. It works beautifully in spaces where you want a bit more color presence without going too bold.
In north-facing rooms, Comfort Gray can appear more muted and gray. In south-facing rooms with warm light, its green undertones become more prominent.
Comfort Gray pairs wonderfully with white trim and natural wood tones, similar to Sea Salt.
Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 vs Silver Strand SW 7057
Silver Strand SW 7057 is a cooler, more gray-toned color compared to Sea Salt’s green-gray appearance. It has subtle blue undertones that become more visible in certain lighting conditions.
When you place these colors side by side, Sea Salt shows more of its green character while Silver Strand remains firmly in the gray family with just a hint of color.
Silver Strand works well in modern spaces and pairs beautifully with crisp whites and metallic accents. It feels slightly more formal than the casual, beachy vibe of Sea Salt.
Both colors have similar LRVs, meaning they reflect similar amounts of light.
Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 vs Pearl Gray SW 0052
Pearl Gray SW 0052 is a true gray with warm undertones, while Sea Salt is a green-gray with more color presence. Pearl Gray appears more neutral and doesn’t shift as dramatically in different lighting conditions.
You might prefer Pearl Gray in spaces where you want a clean, modern look without any obvious color undertones. It pairs well with bold accent colors.
Sea Salt, on the other hand, provides more visual interest and depth with its green undertones. It creates a softer, more organic feeling in your space.
Pearl Gray works exceptionally well with SW 7064 Passive for a coordinated neutral palette.
Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 vs Fleur de Sel SW 6201
Fleur de Sel SW 6201 is lighter and has less green influence than Sea Salt. It appears as a soft, airy gray with just the slightest hint of green undertones.
When you’re looking for something similar to Sea Salt but want a lighter, more neutral option, Fleur de Sel is an excellent choice. It has a higher LRV, meaning it reflects more light and appears brighter on your walls.
In bright rooms, Fleur de Sel can appear almost white with just a whisper of color. Sea Salt maintains more of its color identity even in bright spaces.
Both colors work beautifully in coastal or farmhouse design schemes.
Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 vs Three Wishes SW 6203
Three Wishes SW 6203 is slightly lighter than Sea Salt with more blue undertones. It creates a softer, dreamier feel on your walls compared to Sea Salt’s more distinctive green-gray appearance.
In north-facing rooms, Three Wishes can take on a cool, almost blue-gray appearance. Sea Salt tends to hold its green undertones more consistently across different lighting conditions.
You might choose Three Wishes for bedrooms or spaces where you want a light, airy feeling. Its higher LRV means it reflects more light back into your room.
Both colors pair beautifully with natural elements like wood and plants, though Sea Salt’s green undertones often complement these elements more directly.
Complementary Colors to Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204
Sea Salt SW 6204 is a versatile blue-green color that pairs beautifully with various colors to create different moods in your space. The right complementary colors can enhance Sea Salt’s calming qualities while adding depth and interest to your home.
Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 with Tarragon SW 9660
Tarragon SW 9660 is a soft, muted green that creates a harmonious nature-inspired palette when paired with Sea Salt. Together, these colors bring the outdoors inside with their botanical feel.
This combination works especially well in kitchens and dining areas. The green tones in both colors complement each other while creating subtle contrast. Tarragon is slightly darker and more saturated than Sea Salt, making it perfect for accent walls or cabinetry.
For a complete look, consider adding natural wood tones and white trim to this color scheme. Wicker or rattan accessories enhance the organic vibe. Plants thrive visually against this backdrop, making it perfect for spaces where you want to create a refreshing, garden-inspired atmosphere.
Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 with Wood Violet SW 6557
Wood Violet SW 6557 introduces a soft purple tone that beautifully contrasts with Sea Salt’s blue-green properties. This unexpected pairing creates a sophisticated yet tranquil color scheme.
The cool undertones in both colors work together while providing visual interest. Wood Violet can serve as an accent color in throw pillows, artwork, or even a statement furniture piece in a Sea Salt room.
This combination shines in bedrooms and reading nooks. The purple and blue-green pairing is known to promote relaxation and creativity. Add cream or light beige accents to soften the look further. Silver or chrome fixtures complement this color scheme particularly well, adding a touch of elegance to the serene foundation.
Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 with Grays Harbor SW 6236
Grays Harbor SW 6236 is a deep, moody gray with blue undertones that grounds Sea Salt’s lighter qualities. This pairing creates dramatic contrast while maintaining a cohesive coastal feel.
Use Grays Harbor as an anchor in your space – perfect for lower cabinets, furniture pieces, or even ceiling beams. The depth of Grays Harbor makes Sea Salt appear lighter and more ethereal in comparison.
This combination excels in living rooms and home offices. Add white trim to brighten the space and prevent it from feeling too heavy. Natural linens and textured fabrics enhance this pairing. Consider incorporating weathered wood elements to complete the sophisticated coastal look that these colors naturally evoke together.
Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 with Black Fox SW 7020
Black Fox SW 7020 is a rich, dark brown-black that provides striking contrast against Sea Salt’s light, airy quality. This bold pairing creates a modern, sophisticated look with visual drama.
Use Black Fox sparingly as an accent color on doors, window frames, or furniture pieces. The deep tone helps anchor a Sea Salt room and prevents it from feeling too washed out or ethereal.
This combination works beautifully in entryways and dining rooms. Add gold or brass hardware and lighting fixtures to warm up the palette. For balance, incorporate cream or off-white textiles to soften the contrast. Wood elements in mid-tones bridge the gap between these contrasting colors, creating a harmonious space with both light and depth.
Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 with Summit Gray SW 7621
Summit Gray SW 7621 is a versatile medium gray that pairs effortlessly with Sea Salt for a soothing, contemporary look. This combination feels fresh yet grounded, perfect for modern homes.
The neutral quality of Summit Gray lets Sea Salt’s subtle blue-green tones shine. Use Summit Gray for larger furniture pieces, built-ins, or even as a coordinating wall color in adjacent rooms.
This pairing excels in bathrooms and transitional spaces. Add white trim and ceiling to brighten and define the space. Incorporate natural textures like linen, cotton, and jute to enhance the organic feel. Stone or concrete elements like countertops or decorative objects complement this color scheme beautifully, reinforcing its contemporary yet timeless appeal.
Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams SW 6204 with Spare White SW 6201
Spare White SW 6201 is a soft, warm white that beautifully highlights Sea Salt’s delicate undertones. This classic combination creates a clean, airy feeling in any space.
Use Spare White for trim, ceilings, and cabinetry to create definition without harsh contrast. This white has just enough warmth to prevent the pairing from feeling cold or clinical.
The combination shines in kitchens and sunrooms. The light colors reflect natural light, making spaces feel larger and more open. Add natural wood tones through flooring or accessories to bring warmth to this palette. Black metal fixtures provide a touch of contrast and modern edge to this otherwise soft, coastal-inspired color scheme that feels both fresh and timeless.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.