Basil and Retreat: the documented difference
Basil has an LRV of 15; Sherwin-Williams Retreat SW-6207 is 21. The difference is 6 points, with Retreat returning more light under the reference measurement. Choose by the material relationship as well as the number. Basil brings deep green with blue-gray undertones, offering a stronger millwork choice than a pale sage. Retreat is a green with blue-gray undertones and substantial depth.
| Color | Brand / code | LRV |
|---|---|---|
| Basil | Sherwin-Williams SW-6194 | 15 |
| Retreat | Sherwin-Williams SW-6207 | 21 |
The choice beside cream walls and oak flooring
Cream walls can define the green trim or cabinetry, while oak at the base tests the warm-to-cool relationship more closely.
Set up both candidates with cream walls and oak flooring. 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 Rosemary has an LRV of 14.
Check the blue-gray influence near the floor and decide whether all the millwork needs that depth. Assess Basil and Retreat 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 Basil SW-6194. The recorded LRV is 15. 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.