Smalt vs S 5040-R60B
Smalt (Little Greene) and S 5040-R60B (NCS) come from different manufacturers. Smalt reads as blue, while S 5040-R60B reads as purple — two distinct hue families, not close cousins. Their light reflectance values are nearly the same — 6 vs 4 — so neither will read significantly brighter or darker than the other. Where Smalt leans blue, S 5040-R60B reads cool — a distinction that shifts noticeably depending on the light source and surrounding finishes. A ΔE of 18.4 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
Smalt vs S 5040-R60B Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Smalt on one side and S 5040-R60B 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 Smalt comparisons
See how Smalt stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
