RAL 180-1 vs North Star
RAL 180-1 (RAL Effect) and North Star (Sherwin-Williams) come from different manufacturers. RAL 180-1 reads as blue, while North Star reads as blue-grey — two distinct hue families, not close cousins. The 14-point LRV gap — 62 for North Star vs 49 for RAL 180-1 — means North Star will open up a space more effectively. ΔE 9.2 means they're clearly different, but not dramatically so — they'd pair well in the same room. Below you'll find 3 real-room photo comparisons where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
RAL 180-1 vs North Star in Real Spaces
3 real rooms side by side. RAL 180-1 and North Star are close enough that the difference can be hard to judge from a chip alone — these photos show how each reads at scale, across different spaces and lighting conditions.
Living Room
A living room wall sees more varied light than almost any other surface in the house, which makes the choice between these two more nuanced than a chip suggests. North Star reflects noticeably more light off the walls, making the space read more open than RAL 180-1.
Bedroom
Bedrooms are typically lit with warmer, lower light than the rest of the house — a condition that flatters warm tones and deepens cool ones. North Star returns significantly more light to the room — in a smaller or darker space, that difference in perceived brightness is hard to miss.
Bathroom
Small bathrooms intensify color. A shade that seems quiet in a larger room can feel immersive when you're surrounded by it on four walls. North Star returns significantly more light to the room — in a smaller or darker space, that difference in perceived brightness is hard to miss.
Color Details
RAL 180-1 vs North Star Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see RAL 180-1 on one side and North Star 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 RAL 180-1 comparisons
See how RAL 180-1 stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
