Calico vs Childlike
Calico and Childlike come from the same Sherwin-Williams collection. Calico reads as blue-green, while Childlike reads as pink — two distinct hue families, not close cousins. The 25-point LRV gap — 60 for Childlike vs 35 for Calico — means Childlike will open up a space more effectively. Both share a cool character, which means they'll respond to light and surrounding materials in similar ways. A ΔE of 31.3 puts these firmly in different territory — two distinct design choices rather than close alternatives. Below you'll find 4 real-room photo comparisons where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
Calico vs Childlike in Real Spaces
4 real rooms side by side. Seeing Calico and Childlike in actual rooms makes the difference concrete; browse the spaces below to get a feel for how each color lives on a wall.
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. Childlike reflects noticeably more light off the walls, making the space read more open than Calico.
Kitchen
Kitchens often have the harshest, most revealing light in the house — under-cabinet LEDs and overhead fixtures that strip away subtlety. Childlike 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. Childlike returns significantly more light to the room — in a smaller or darker space, that difference in perceived brightness is hard to miss.
Color Details
Calico vs Childlike Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Calico on one side and Childlike 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.