Selecting the right gray paint color for your home can be a daunting task with the multitude of gray shades available. Sherwin Williams gray screen and big chill are two popular gray paint colors that look quite similar at first glance but have some distinct differences. This article will compare and contrast these two shades to help you determine which is better suited for your space.
Sherwin Williams gray screen and big chill are both cool-toned grays with a hint of blue undertone. They fall under the category of light to mid-tone grays and are versatile enough to be used in any room of the house. Gray screen tends to read as a true gray while big chill has a greener undertone that gives it a slightly different look depending on the lighting. When deciding between the two colors, it helps to understand the subtle attributes of each shade.
Gray Screen
Gray screen is a light gray paint color with a LRVe3d NN92 sale. This versatile neutral has a cool undertone that lends well to many design styles from modern farmhouse to coastal. Here are some key attributes of Sherwin Williams gray screen:
- LRV: 75
- Undertones: Cool blue undertones
- Finish: Matte, satin, semi-gloss
- Similar Colors: Mindful Gray, Rainwashed, Lattice, Nebulous White
With an LRV of 75, gray screen reflects a lot of light to create an airy ambiance. The higher light reflective value also makes a room feel more spacious. The cool blue undertones give this gray a relaxed vibe perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and common areas.
On walls, gray screen looks like a soft, hazy gray with subtle depth. While some very light grays can read as sterile, the undertone in gray screen warms it up. This versatility makes it suitable for almost any room in both traditional and contemporary homes.
Design Styles
Here are some of the most popular interior design styles that pair well with Sherwin Williams gray screen:
- Modern Farmhouse: The light gray backdrop creates contrast against crisp white trim and natural wood tones in a modern farmhouse style.
- Coastal: Gray screen coordinates beautifully with beachy blues and creams for a relaxed coastal aesthetic.
- Transitional: The soft neutral gray works in both traditional and modern transitional spaces.
- Contemporary: Gray screen lightens up sleek, contemporary rooms and adds subtle interest.
- Boho: Adds a soothing backdrop for eclectic bohemian style rooms.
Rooms
Here are some of the rooms where Sherwin Williams gray screen works exceptionally well:
- Living room: Provides a light, airy backdrop for furniture and artwork.
- Bedroom: Soothing and relaxing for restful sleep.
- Bathroom: Reflective and brightens up small bathrooms.
- Kitchen: Lightens up perimeter cabinets for an airier look.
- Office: Calming color for home offices and creative spaces.
Big Chill
Sherwin Williams big chill is a mid-tone gray green paint color with cool, moody undertones. With an LRV of 48, it is several shades darker than gray screen and has more green-gray personality. Here are some key details about big chill:
- LRV: 48
- Undertones: Green, blue
- Finish: Eggshell, Satin, Matte
- Similar Colors: Gray Matters, Repose Gray, Balanced Beige
The lower light reflective value of big chill creates a cozy, enveloping effect in a room. While not quite a dark color, it has enough depth to feel dramatic and moody without seeming dreary. The green undertones give it an earthier, more organic vibe than basic gray.
On walls, big chill appears muted green-gray. The color changes slightly based on the quality of light. In bright natural light, the green comes through more strongly while in dim artificial light, it reads as a middle-tone gray.
Design Styles
Here are some interior design styles that pair well with SW big chill:
- Modern farmhouse: Adds warmth and contrast to crisp white trim.
- Transitional: Works in both traditional and contemporary transitional spaces.
- Boho: Earthy backdrop for bohemian décor.
- Modern: Grounded balance with sleek, modern elements.
- Craftsman: Warm green-gray complements natural materials.
Rooms
Big chill is well-suited for these rooms:
- Bedroom: Restful and cocooning effect.
- Bathroom: Spa-like ambiance.
- Dining room: Sets a dramatic tone for entertaining.
- Accent walls: Makes a striking feature wall.
- Home office: Focus-boosting backdrop.
- Laundry room: Muted backdrop that hides dirt.
Gray Screen vs. Big Chill
Now that we’ve looked at the individual attributes of gray screen and big chill, let’s directly compare them:
| Attribute | Gray Screen | Big Chill |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 75 | 48 |
| Undertones | Cool blue | Green, blue |
| Shade | Light-medium | Medium |
| Finish | Matte, satin, semi-gloss | Eggshell, satin, matte |
Key Differences
Here are the main differences between Sherwin Williams gray screen and big chill:
- Lightness: Gray screen is significantly lighter with an LRV of 75 compared to 48 for big chill.
- Undertones: Gray screen leans cooler with hints of blue while big chill has green undertones.
- Shade: Gray screen is a light-medium neutral while big chill is a mid-tone hue.
- Mood: Gray screen has an airy, ethereal vibe while big chill is more grounded and dramatic.
Which is Better?
So which of these Sherwin Williams grays is better? The answer depends on your goals for the space:
- If you want an airy, bright, relaxed look, gray screen is the better choice.
- For a cozier, enveloping atmosphere, big chill has more impact.
- Smaller rooms will benefit from the light reflective properties of gray screen.
- Gray screen works well for traditional color schemes while big chill offers more flair.
- Big chill makes a statement as an accent wall or dramatic focal point.
Consider the overall look you want to achieve. Gray screen suits breezy, coastal, Scandinavian, and farmhouse styles. Big chill is ideal for broody, modern, urban, and bohemian spaces.
Paint Swatches
Seeing paint swatches is the best way to grasp how these colors differ. Here are swatches of Sherwin Williams gray screen and big chill:
| Gray Screen | Big Chill |
|---|---|
 |
 |
While the two appear similar on screen or in photos, the contrast is more defined when viewing physical swatch samples. Gray screen clearly reads as a cooler, bluer gray while big chill has subtle olive undertones.
Room Ideas
Here are some room settings where these shades could work beautifully:
Gray Screen Room Ideas
- Nursery: Sweet and peaceful ambiance for baby’s room.
- Bathroom: Spa-like feel with white trim and marble accents.
- Kitchen: For an airy, Scandinavian inspired kitchen.
- Open concept home: Seamlessly connects shared spaces.
- Home office: Encourages focus and concentration.
Big Chill Room Ideas
- Master bedroom: Sets a restful tone with the cozy ambiance.
- Living room: Eye-catching focal wall behind sofa.
- Dining room: Dramatic tone for dinner parties and entertaining.
- Accent wall: Creates an artistic feature wall in any room.
- Entryway: Makes a strong first impression.
Tips for Decorating
Here are some tips to decorate rooms painted in Sherwin Williams gray screen or big chill:
With Gray Screen
- Add pops of color like navy blue, chartreuse, or coral for contrast.
- Incorporate natural wood tones and textures for coziness
- Use white or soft gray woodwork/trim to let the wall color shine.
- Add reflective metallics like brass, gold, and nickel for sheen.
- Layer in soft fabrics like linen, cotton, wool, and cashmere.
With Big Chill
- Choose wood furniture in darker espresso or walnut tones.
- Use black or nickel hardware and fixtures for contrast.
- Add in warm metals like antique bronze and aged brass.
- Incorporate texture with jute, leather, stone accents.
- Layer in cozy textiles like wool, velvet, shearling.
Conclusion
Sherwin Williams gray screen and big chill may appear similar at first glance but have distinct differences. Gray screen is a lighter, cooler gray with airy appeal. Big chill is richer with green undertones and a cozier ambiance. Consider the mood you want to create along with room size and style. For larger, contemporary rooms go for gray screen. Smaller, cozier boho or traditional spaces will benefit from big chill’s enveloping effect. Whichever direction you choose, limiting accompanying colors and textures will allow the subtle beauty of these grays to really shine through in your home.
With similar colors and popularity, the deciding factors when choosing between SW gray screen vs. big chill come down to the mood, dimensions, lighting and purpose of your space. Gray screen offers an airier, brighter backdrop, while big chill creates a cozier ambiance. But both are versatile and timeless grays guaranteed to add stylish sophistication wherever they are used.
