RAL 180-1 vs Unique Gray
Where RAL 180-1 belongs to RAL Effect's range, Unique Gray is a Sherwin-Williams color. RAL 180-1 reads as blue, while Unique Gray reads as grey — two distinct hue families, not close cousins. Unique Gray (LRV 59) reflects noticeably more light than RAL 180-1 (LRV 49), a difference of 10 points that becomes especially apparent in rooms with limited natural light. The ΔE 9.6 gap is real but not dramatic — close enough to use together, distinct enough to matter as a choice. 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 Unique Gray in Real Spaces
3 real rooms side by side. RAL 180-1 and Unique Gray 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
In a living room, color works across both daylight and evening light — the same wall can read very differently at noon and at 8pm. The LRV gap is large enough that Unique Gray will make the room feel meaningfully brighter than RAL 180-1 would.
Bedroom
The context that matters most in a bedroom is how a color reads under a bedside lamp at night, not under noon daylight. Unique Gray reflects noticeably more light off the walls, making the space read more open than RAL 180-1.
Kitchen
In a kitchen, colors are seen under bright task lighting that amplifies undertones — what reads neutral elsewhere can show its hand here. Unique Gray reflects noticeably more light off the walls, making the space read more open than RAL 180-1.
Color Details
RAL 180-1 vs Unique Gray Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see RAL 180-1 on one side and Unique Gray 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.
