Calico vs Waterscape paint color comparison

Calico vs Waterscape

CalicoSherwin-WilliamsvsWaterscapeSherwin-WilliamsΔE 17.3 — Distinct difference

Calico and Waterscape come from the same Sherwin-Williams collection. Hue-wise, Calico belongs to the blue-green family and Waterscape to the green family. The 27-point LRV gap — 62 for Waterscape vs 35 for Calico — means Waterscape 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 17.3 puts these firmly in different territory — two distinct design choices rather than close alternatives. Below you'll find 3 real-room photo comparisons where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.

Calico vs Waterscape in Real Spaces

3 real rooms side by side. Seeing Calico and Waterscape 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. Waterscape reflects noticeably more light off the walls, making the space read more open than Calico.

CalicoSherwin Williams Calico wall paint color-block

@purplemountainpainting

WaterscapeSw 6470 Living Room

@rachsew_n_tell

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. Waterscape returns significantly more light to the room — in a smaller or darker space, that difference in perceived brightness is hard to miss.

CalicoSherwin Williams Calico bathroom review

@jenn_drapedinstyledesigner

WaterscapeSW 6470 bathroom

@aspechtpainting

Front Door

On a front door, the color is both the first and last thing you see — a context where even a modest tonal difference reads clearly. Waterscape reflects noticeably more light off the walls, making the space read more open than Calico.

CalicoSw 0017 door

@our_colonial_revival

WaterscapeSW Waterscape front door makeover

@colorrefresh

Color Details

Calico
Sherwin-Williams · 0017
LRV34.5
BrandSherwin-Williams
Number0017
Undertone—
TemperatureCool
BrightnessMedium
Waterscape
Sherwin-Williams · 6470
LRV61.5
BrandSherwin-Williams
Number6470
Undertone—
TemperatureCool
BrightnessLight

Calico vs Waterscape Simulated Comparison

5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Calico on one side and Waterscape on the other.

Bathroom
Bedroom
House
Kitchen Cabinets
Living Room

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.