Storm Cloud → Benjamin Moore
The closest Benjamin Moore matches for Sherwin Williams Storm Cloud (SW 6249), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Benjamin Moore Equivalent for Storm Cloud
If you love Sherwin Williams Storm Cloud but need a Benjamin Moore 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 Benjamin Moore, your local store does not carry Sherwin Williams, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Storm Cloud (SW 6249) is a dark blue with moody blue-gray undertones. A medium-dark blue-gray. Moody and atmospheric. To find a good Benjamin Moore match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 16) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Storm Cloud and every Benjamin Moore 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 Benjamin Moore option is Newburyport Blue (HC-155) with a Delta E of 4.8, which is a "good match" level match. Newburyport Blue is darker. Storm Cloud is lighter and bluer. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Benjamin Moore Matches for Storm Cloud
Newburyport Blue is darker. Storm Cloud is lighter and bluer.
| Storm Cloud | Newburyport Blue | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 16 | 6.39 |
| Hex | #7A868E | #3C4959 |
| Undertone | Moody Blue-Gray | Blue-Gray |
| Family | Blue | Navy |
Undertone Comparison
Storm Cloud has moody blue-gray undertones. A medium-dark blue-gray. Moody and atmospheric.
Newburyport Blue has blue-gray undertones. A dark, moody navy-blue with cool gray undertones. Slightly lighter and more blue than Hale Navy. Named after the historic Massachusetts seaport.
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
Storm Cloud in Your Room
In bright light, distinctly blue. In dim rooms, a sophisticated dark gray-blue.
Newburyport Blue in Your Room
Shows its blue character in daylight. In dim rooms, reads as a sophisticated dark blue-gray. Stunning on front doors and accent walls.
LRV and Brightness
Storm Cloud has an LRV of 16, while Newburyport Blue has an LRV of 6.39. That means Storm Cloud reflects noticeably more light. In the same room, Storm Cloud will make the space feel brighter and more open than Newburyport Blue. If you are switching to the Benjamin Moore option, expect the room to feel slightly more intimate and cozy.
Best Rooms for Storm Cloud
Sherwin Williams recommends Storm Cloud for: accent wall, bedroom, office, powder room, exterior. With an LRV of 16, this is a dark color that absorbs more light than it reflects. It makes a bold statement and works beautifully on accent walls, front doors, exterior trim, and features where drama is the goal. In a full room, make sure you have good lighting and bright white trim for contrast.
Newburyport Blue is recommended for: front door, accent wall, office, powder room, exterior shutters. The recommended applications differ slightly between brands, but the color's properties should work in the same rooms regardless of which brand you choose. Trust the LRV and undertone data more than the specific room suggestions, and always test in your actual space.
Storm Cloud in Other Brands
Looking for Storm Cloud equivalents in other brands besides Benjamin Moore? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Benjamin Moore match for Storm Cloud (SW 6249) is Newburyport Blue (HC-155) with a Delta E of 4.8, which rates as a "good match" match. Newburyport Blue is darker. Storm Cloud is lighter and bluer. 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. Storm Cloud is a Sherwin Williams color with moody blue-gray undertones and an LRV of 16. Newburyport Blue is a Benjamin Moore color with blue-gray undertones and an LRV of 6.39. With a Delta E of 4.8, you will likely notice a difference, especially in bright or direct lighting. 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 4.8, 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 Benjamin Moore equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Benjamin Moore. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Benjamin Moore 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.