S 5040-G vs Iron Ore
S 5040-G (NCS) and Iron Ore (Sherwin-Williams) come from different manufacturers. S 5040-G reads as blue-green, while Iron Ore reads as grey — two distinct hue families, not close cousins. The 3-point LRV gap — 8 for S 5040-G vs 6 for Iron Ore — means S 5040-G will open up a space more effectively. Where S 5040-G leans cool, Iron Ore reads neutral — a distinction that shifts noticeably depending on the light source and surrounding finishes. A ΔE of 34.0 puts these firmly in different territory — two distinct design choices rather than close alternatives. Below you'll find 1 real-room photo comparison where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
S 5040-G vs Iron Ore in Real Spaces
1 real room side by side. Seeing S 5040-G and Iron Ore in actual rooms makes the difference concrete; browse the spaces below to get a feel for how each color lives on a wall.
Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinet color is always seen in context — against countertops, backsplash, and hardware — which amplifies undertone differences that might disappear on a plain wall. S 5040-G reads more restrained here, while Iron Ore adds a sense of enclosure and warmth.
Color Details
S 5040-G vs Iron Ore Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see S 5040-G on one side and Iron Ore 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 S 5040-G comparisons
See how S 5040-G stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
White Dove reflects far more light (LRV 83 vs 8), opening up a space where S 5040-G encloses it.
At LRV 52 vs 8, Purbeck Stone is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 30 vs 8, Evergreen Fog is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 60 vs 8, Agreeable Gray is decisively the brighter choice.
Accessible Beige reflects far more light (LRV 58 vs 8), opening up a space where S 5040-G encloses it.
Denim Drift reflects far more light (LRV 27 vs 8), opening up a space where S 5040-G encloses it.
At LRV 43 vs 8, French Gray is decisively the brighter choice.
Tranquil Dawn reflects far more light (LRV 55 vs 8), opening up a space where S 5040-G encloses it.
Hardwick White reflects far more light (LRV 44 vs 8), opening up a space where S 5040-G encloses it.
At LRV 84 vs 8, Pure White is decisively the brighter choice.
Balboa Mist reflects far more light (LRV 66 vs 8), opening up a space where S 5040-G encloses it.
Shoji White reflects far more light (LRV 74 vs 8), opening up a space where S 5040-G encloses it.
Pewter Green reads slightly lighter (LRV 12 vs 8), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
With LRVs of 8 and 8, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Skimming Stone reflects far more light (LRV 68 vs 8), opening up a space where S 5040-G encloses it.
Vintage Vogue reads slightly lighter (LRV 12 vs 8), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Saybrook Sage reflects far more light (LRV 45 vs 8), opening up a space where S 5040-G encloses it.
At LRV 31 vs 8, Pale Green is decisively the brighter choice.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 8 vs 7), so neither reads brighter in a room.