Cardboard vs Steady Brown
Both from Sherwin-Williams's palette. Both sit in the beige family, which is useful context if you're narrowing within a single hue direction. Cardboard (LRV 22) reflects noticeably more light than Steady Brown (LRV 16), a difference of 5 points that becomes especially apparent in rooms with limited natural light. Both lean warm, so they'll behave similarly in mixed or changing light conditions. The ΔE 6.9 gap is real but not dramatic — close enough to use together, distinct enough to matter as a choice. Below, 5 simulated room previews show how each color reads at scale — real-room photos will be added as they become available.
Color Details
Cardboard vs Steady Brown Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Cardboard on one side and Steady Brown 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 Cardboard comparisons
See how Cardboard stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
