On the lookout for the perfect coastal blue paint color? Let me help you decide between Tidewater vs Watery. Both are gorgeous, but which one works best in your space?
Coastal blue paint colors are the way to go if you want a space that’s peaceful, welcoming, and totally relaxing.
These colors look fantastic with coastal, farmhouse, modern, and traditional decor styles. No wonder they’re so popular!
However, these beautiful coastal blue paint colors can lean in different directions—blue, green, turquoise, even gray. It's a good idea to look at them in detail.
So today, I've chosen to compare Tidewater and Watery to help you make the best choice.
Read my full review of Tidewater
Tidewater vs Watery
Tidewater and Watery are both blue coastal paint colors, and they’re even on the same paint strip.
I like to think of them as paint siblings—similar, but each with its own unique personality.
What Makes Tidewater and Watery Similar?
Both Tidewater and Watery are light-medium coastal blue paint colors with a hint of green.
They’re both great choices for that easy, laid-back coastal feel.
What’s the Difference Between Tidewater and Watery?
Tidewater is a bit lighter than Watery. While both have warm green undertones, Watery also has a touch of gray.
Watery often looks a bit more blue or blue-gray, while Tidewater leans more towards blue-green.
| Tidewater | Watery | |
| LRV | 65 | 57 |
| RGB | R: 195 G: 215 B: 211 | R: 178 G: 204 B: 200 |
| Undertones | blue color with warm green undertones | blue color with green and gray undertones |
Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
LRV measures how much light a color reflects on a scale from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white).
Though Tidewater and Watery are light-medium paint colors, they aren’t equal in color depth.
Tidewater has an LRV of 65, making it lighter compared to Watery, which has an LRV of 57. So, if you want a brighter, lighter look, Tidewater is your pick.
Undertones
Both Tidewater and Watery have warm green undertones, giving them that beachy, coastal feel.
Watery also has some gray undertones, which makes it lean a bit more blue compared to Tidewater’s blue-green. I find Tidewater tends to look more vibrant, especially in bright rooms with lots of natural light.
In south-facing rooms with lots of sunlight, both colors—especially Tidewater—can look more blue-green.
In darker north-facing rooms, both colors (especially Watery) will lean cooler and more blue.
My best tip? Always swatch the colors on your walls. Lighting can change everything, and it’s important to see how these colors look day and night in your space before committing.
Click here to get removable peel & stick paint samples to easily swatch with!
How do I decide between these two colors?
Tidewater and Watery are definitely very similar!
If you want more of a blue, go with Watery. If you want more of a blue-green, go with Tidewater.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, Tidewater is the way to go.
If you want a slightly darker color—especially if you have a bright room full of natural light—Watery could be perfect.
No matter which one you choose, you really can’t go wrong with these beautiful blue hues!
Sherwin Williams Tidewater Paint Color Palette
Want to use this paint color in your home? Instantly upgrade your home's aesthetic with our exclusive paint color palette. Unlock the perfect trim color and six stunning accent colors, a combination of neutrals and bold hues for an instantly harmonious space!
Get your perfect paint color palette by clicking here!
Sherwin Williams Watery Paint Color Palette
Want to use this paint color in your home? Instantly upgrade your home's aesthetic with our exclusive paint color palette. Unlock the perfect trim color and six stunning accent colors, a combination of neutrals and bold hues for an instantly harmonious space!
Get your perfect paint color palette by clicking here!
Still unsure which paint color is right for your space?
Choosing paint doesn’t have to be stressful! My free Paint Color Planning Quick Start Guide walks you through the exact steps to confidently choose the perfect color — without the overwhelm, second-guessing, or endless swatch testing.
👉 Click here to download the free guide!
My Paint Color Formula course walks you through the painless process of expertly testing paint swatches to ensure you have the perfect color for your home.
The best way to sample paint? Samplize!
Get peel-and-stick removable and reusable paint samples here!
Thanks for reading!
Meg Hemmelgarn is a freelance writer and home decor + DIY blogger who loves to talk about paint colors. She and her husband are currently renovating their third fixer upper. You can see their projects on her blog, Green With Decor.
