Refresh vs Software
Both are Sherwin-Williams colors. Hue-wise, Refresh belongs to the blue family and Software to the grey family. At LRV 59 vs 23, Refresh will read as the brighter of the two — a 36-point gap that matters most in north-facing or low-light rooms. The tonal difference — Refresh's cool character against Software's neutral — becomes most visible against white trim or in morning light. At ΔE 31.8, these are genuinely distinct colors — a strong contrast if used together, or a meaningful choice between two different directions. Below you'll find 2 real-room photo comparisons where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
Refresh vs Software in Real Spaces
2 real rooms side by side. Seeing Refresh and Software in actual rooms makes the difference concrete; browse the spaces below to get a feel for how each color lives on a wall.
Bathroom
Bathrooms amplify color — the enclosed space and reflective surfaces make what reads subtle elsewhere feel more present here. The LRV gap is large enough that Refresh will make the room feel meaningfully brighter than Software would.
Color Details
Refresh vs Software Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Refresh on one side and Software 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 Refresh comparisons
See how Refresh stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
