Storm Cloud → Valspar
The closest Valspar matches for Sherwin Williams Storm Cloud (SW 6249), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Valspar Equivalent for Storm Cloud
If you love Sherwin Williams Storm Cloud but need a Valspar 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 Valspar, 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 Valspar 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 Valspar 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 good news: there is a strong Valspar match for Storm Cloud. Tidal Basin (VR091A) comes in with a Delta E of 2.2, which puts it in the "excellent match" range. Tidal Basin is the closest Valspar option at LRV 17. Very close match.
Valspar Matches for Storm Cloud
Tidal Basin is the closest Valspar option at LRV 17. Very close match.
| Storm Cloud | Tidal Basin | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 16 | 17 |
| Hex | #7A868E | #788C90 |
| Undertone | Moody Blue-Gray | Medium Teal-Blue |
| Family | Blue | Blue |
Undertone Comparison
Storm Cloud has moody blue-gray undertones. A medium-dark blue-gray. Moody and atmospheric.
Tidal Basin has medium teal-blue undertones. A medium-dark teal-blue with gray undertones. Deeper than Beach House, more blue than green. Named for the reflecting pool, it carries that same still, reflective quality.
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.
Tidal Basin in Your Room
In bright light, the teal-blue character is rich and distinctive. In dim rooms, the gray mutes it into a sophisticated dark neutral. Under warm light, it feels moody and inviting.
LRV and Brightness
Storm Cloud has an LRV of 16, while Tidal Basin has an LRV of 17. These two colors reflect a very similar amount of light, so you should not notice a significant difference in room brightness when switching between them. The room will feel approximately the same in terms of light and space, which makes this a smoother transition.
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.
Tidal Basin is recommended for: accent wall, bedroom, office, bathroom, dining room. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Tidal Basin in the same rooms you planned for Storm Cloud.
Storm Cloud in Other Brands
Looking for Storm Cloud equivalents in other brands besides Valspar? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Valspar match for Storm Cloud (SW 6249) is Tidal Basin (VR091A) with a Delta E of 2.2, which rates as a "excellent match" match. Tidal Basin is the closest Valspar option at LRV 17. Very close match. 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. Tidal Basin is a Valspar color with medium teal-blue undertones and an LRV of 17. With a Delta E of 2.2, 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 2.2, these colors are close enough to use in separate rooms of the same house without a jarring difference. However, avoid painting them on adjacent walls in the same room, as even subtle differences become apparent at a hard edge where two paints meet. For the smoothest result, use one brand consistently within each connected space and reserve the other brand for rooms that are visually separated.
There are several practical reasons to look for a Valspar equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Valspar. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Valspar 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.