Software vs Passageway
Software (Sherwin-Williams) and Passageway (Valspar) come from different manufacturers. Hue-wise, Software belongs to the grey family and Passageway to the blue-grey family. The 8-point LRV gap — 23 for Software vs 14 for Passageway — means Software will open up a space more effectively. A ΔE of 12.7 puts these firmly in different territory — two distinct design choices rather than close alternatives. Below you'll find 2 real-room photo comparisons where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
Software vs Passageway in Real Spaces
2 real rooms side by side. Seeing Software and Passageway 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. Software reflects noticeably more light off the walls, making the space read more open than Passageway.
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. Software returns significantly more light to the room — in a smaller or darker space, that difference in perceived brightness is hard to miss.
Color Details
Software vs Passageway Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Software on one side and Passageway 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 Software comparisons
See how Software stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
