Lamp Black vs Downing Straw
Lamp Black (Little Greene) and Downing Straw (Sherwin-Williams) come from different manufacturers. Hue-wise, Lamp Black belongs to the grey family and Downing Straw to the beige family. The 41-point LRV gap — 43 for Downing Straw vs 3 for Lamp Black — means Downing Straw will open up a space more effectively. Where Lamp Black leans purple, Downing Straw reads warm — a distinction that shifts noticeably depending on the light source and surrounding finishes. A ΔE of 60.3 puts these firmly in different territory — two distinct design choices rather than close alternatives. Below, 5 simulated room previews show how each color reads at scale — real-room photos will be added as they become available.
Color Details
Lamp Black vs Downing Straw Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Lamp Black on one side and Downing Straw on the other.
Digital color is approximate. These simulations are generated from the manufacturer's hex values and overlaid on grayscale room photos — your screen's calibration, brightness, and viewing angle all affect how they render. Before committing to either color, test physical samples in your own space under the light you actually live with.
More Lamp Black comparisons
See how Lamp Black stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
