Nebula → Behr
The closest Behr matches for Sherwin Williams Nebula (SW 7652-2), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Behr Equivalent for Nebula
If you love Sherwin Williams Nebula but need a Behr alternative, you are not alone. This is one of the most common cross-brand paint matching searches, whether you are working with a painter who prefers Behr, your local store does not carry Sherwin Williams, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Nebula (SW 7652-2) is a light gray with cool light gray undertones. A cool, clean light gray. More depth than Big Chill, less color than Silverpointe. Named for the cosmic cloud. To find a good Behr match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 61) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Nebula and every Behr color using the CIE2000 Delta E formula, which measures how different two colors look to the human eye. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart. Between 2 and 4, you might notice a difference in certain lighting. Above 5, the difference is clearly visible side by side.
The results are decent but not perfect. The closest Behr option is Smoky White (PPU12-10) with a Delta E of 3.4, which is a "good match" level match. Smoky White is similar. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Behr Matches for Nebula
Smoky White is similar.
| Nebula | Smoky White | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 61 | 68 |
| Hex | #D1CFCA | #D8D6D1 |
| Undertone | Cool Light Gray | Cool Light Gray |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Nebula has cool light gray undertones. A cool, clean light gray. More depth than Big Chill, less color than Silverpointe. Named for the cosmic cloud.
Smoky White has cool light gray undertones. A very light, cool gray. Almost white with gray depth.
These two colors share the same undertone family, which is a good sign for a cross-brand swap. The undertone similarity means they will behave similarly as lighting changes throughout the day, and they should coordinate well with the same accent colors, trim, and furnishings.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Nebula in Your Room
Clean and neutral. A reliable light gray that stays gray in all conditions.
Smoky White in Your Room
Clean and cool. A modern light gray.
LRV and Brightness
Nebula has an LRV of 61, while Smoky White has an LRV of 68. That means Smoky White reflects more light. If you switch from Nebula to Smoky White, the room should feel slightly brighter and more open.
Best Rooms for Nebula
Sherwin Williams recommends Nebula for: bathroom, bedroom, hallway, whole house, office. With an LRV of 61, this is a light color that is in the medium-light range, reflecting enough light to keep rooms feeling open while adding more color and depth than a white or off-white. It works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways where you want warmth and character without darkness.
Smoky White is recommended for: bathroom, bedroom, hallway, whole house. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Smoky White in the same rooms you planned for Nebula.
Nebula in Other Brands
Looking for Nebula equivalents in other brands besides Behr? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Behr match for Nebula (SW 7652-2) is Smoky White (PPU12-10) with a Delta E of 3.4, which rates as a "good match" match. Smoky White is similar. Delta E measures perceptual color distance on a scale where under 2 means nearly identical, 2 to 4 means close with subtle differences, and over 5 means clearly noticeable.
No, they are not identical. Nebula is a Sherwin Williams color with cool light gray undertones and an LRV of 61. Smoky White is a Behr color with cool light gray undertones and an LRV of 68. With a Delta E of 3.4, the difference is subtle and mainly visible in direct side-by-side comparison. Paint formulations differ between brands, so even colors with similar values can look slightly different due to pigment concentration, binders, and finish.
With a Delta E of 3.4, the difference is enough that they should not be used on adjacent walls in the same room. You can use them in separate rooms of the same house, but be aware that walking from one room to the other may reveal the difference, especially if the rooms have similar lighting. For the most consistent look, pick one brand for all connected living spaces and reserve the other brand for visually separate rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms behind closed doors.
There are several practical reasons to look for a Behr equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Behr. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Behr work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.