Willow Tree → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Sherwin Williams Willow Tree (SW 7741), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Willow Tree
If you love Sherwin Williams Willow Tree but need a PPG 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 PPG, your local store does not carry Sherwin Williams, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Willow Tree (SW 7741) is a medium-dark green with forest sage undertones. A deep sage green. More saturated than Comfort Gray. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 25) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Willow Tree and every PPG 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 PPG match for Willow Tree. Elf (PPG1131-5) comes in with a Delta E of 2, which puts it in the "excellent match" range. Elf is the closest PPG option at LRV 25. Very close match.
PPG Matches for Willow Tree
Elf is the closest PPG option at LRV 25. Very close match.
| Willow Tree | Elf | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 25 | 25 |
| Hex | #99A38F | #99A698 |
| Undertone | Forest Sage | Medium Sage |
| Family | Green | Green |
Undertone Comparison
Willow Tree has forest sage undertones. A deep sage green. More saturated than Comfort Gray.
Elf has medium sage undertones. A medium sage green named for its earthy, natural quality. PPG's answer to the medium sage trend.
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
Willow Tree in Your Room
Distinctly green. A rich, earthy sage.
Elf in Your Room
In bright rooms, a definite sage. In dim rooms, a warm gray-green.
LRV and Brightness
Willow Tree has an LRV of 25, while Elf has an LRV of 25. 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 Willow Tree
Sherwin Williams recommends Willow Tree for: accent wall, kitchen, exterior, office, bedroom. With an LRV of 25, this is a medium-dark color that is in the medium range, adding real depth and presence to a room. It works best in rooms with good natural light or as an accent wall color. In smaller or darker rooms, pair it with bright white trim to keep the space from feeling closed in.
Elf is recommended for: kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, exterior, living room. 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.
Willow Tree in Other Brands
Looking for Willow Tree equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Willow Tree (SW 7741) is Elf (PPG1131-5) with a Delta E of 2, which rates as a "excellent match" match. Elf is the closest PPG option at LRV 25. 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. Willow Tree is a Sherwin Williams color with forest sage undertones and an LRV of 25. Elf is a PPG color with medium sage undertones and an LRV of 25. With a Delta E of 2, these are extremely close and most people will not spot the difference on a wall. 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, 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 PPG equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in PPG. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing PPG 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.