Modern Lavender vs Opalescent paint color comparison

Modern Lavender vs Opalescent

Both from Sherwin-Williams's palette. Both sit in the blue-grey family, which is useful context if you're narrowing within a single hue direction. Opalescent (LRV 75) reflects noticeably more light than Modern Lavender (LRV 40), a difference of 34 points that becomes especially apparent in rooms with limited natural light. Both lean neutral, so they'll behave similarly in mixed or changing light conditions. With a ΔE of 19.8, the contrast is hard to miss. These aren't variations on a theme — they're two different answers to the same question. Below, 5 simulated room previews show how each color reads at scale — real-room photos will be added as they become available.

Color Details

Modern Lavender
Sherwin-Williams · 9688
LRV40.5
BrandSherwin-Williams
Number9688
Undertone—
TemperatureNeutral
BrightnessMedium
Opalescent
Sherwin-Williams · 9686
LRV74.6
BrandSherwin-Williams
Number9686
Undertone—
TemperatureNeutral
BrightnessLight

Modern Lavender vs Opalescent Simulated Comparison

5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Modern Lavender on one side and Opalescent 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.