Charcoal Blue and Salty Dog: the documented difference
Charcoal Blue has an LRV of 6; Sherwin-Williams Salty Dog SW-9177 is 5. The difference is 1 points, with Charcoal Blue returning more light under the reference measurement. Choose by the material relationship as well as the number. Charcoal Blue's low reflectance places it among the nearly black navy choices, not among light or medium blues. Salty Dog is a very deep navy.
| Color | Brand / code | LRV |
|---|---|---|
| Charcoal Blue | Sherwin-Williams SW-2739 | 6 |
| Salty Dog | Sherwin-Williams SW-9177 | 5 |
The choice beside white shelves and warm oak
White shelving can make the dark shape readable, while warm oak prevents the scheme from relying entirely on a blue-and-white contrast.
Set up both candidates with white shelves and warm oak. Use equal-sized boards with the intended finishes and place them in the same orientation. Do not put one directly beside a window and leave the other in shadow. A difference that follows the position rather than the board is a lighting observation, not evidence that the formula changed.
What the comparison can—and cannot—settle
The alternative Sea Serpent has an LRV of 7. The undertones and neighboring colors covers that related choice.
Decide whether black-like depth is welcome in the darkest corner; a navy name does not guarantee obvious blue everywhere. Assess Charcoal Blue and Salty Dog alone as well as side by side. The unchosen board will not remain in the finished room, and a preference created only by that neighbor may not survive its removal. Before ordering samples, compare room-planning features in the paint color visualizer roundup.
Sources & notes
Color specifications: Sherwin-Williams Charcoal Blue SW-2739. The recorded LRV is 6. Named comparison values come from the respective manufacturers; material schemes are editorial suggestions.
This guide reviews published color information and proposes practical sample checks. It does not claim first-hand paint testing or customer-review scores. Sherwin-Williams does not sponsor or endorse this site. Product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Confirm the color in a physical sample and select the coating for the actual surface and finish.