Laguna Blue vs Smoky Blue: Depth, Materials and the Better Fit

Laguna Blue and Smoky Blue: the documented difference

Laguna Blue has an LRV of 17; Sherwin-Williams Smoky Blue SW-7604 is 15. The difference is 2 points, with Laguna Blue returning more light under the reference measurement. Choose by the material relationship as well as the number. Laguna Blue is a deep oceanic color, so a coastal association should not create an expectation of pale, airy walls. Smoky Blue is a deep blue softened by gray.

The choice beside pale oak and white linen

White linen and pale oak can provide contrast, while the dark blue carries the principal color in the room.

Set up both candidates with pale oak and white linen. Use equal-sized boards with the intended finishes and place them in the same orientation. Do not put one directly beside a window and leave the other in shadow. A difference that follows the position rather than the board is a lighting observation, not evidence that the formula changed.

What the comparison can—and cannot—settle

For a second point of reference, Slate Tile is recorded at LRV 15. The undertones and neighboring colors covers that related choice.

Use it where a substantial blue surface is wanted, then check the evening corner before assuming an airy effect. Assess Laguna Blue and Smoky Blue alone as well as side by side. The unchosen board will not remain in the finished room, and a preference created only by that neighbor may not survive its removal. Before ordering samples, compare room-planning features in the paint color visualizer roundup.