RAL 740-4 vs Ionian
RAL 740-4 is a RAL Effect color while Ionian comes from Sherwin-Williams. RAL 740-4 reads as blue-green, while Ionian reads as blue — two distinct hue families, not close cousins. At LRV 20 vs 17, Ionian will read as the brighter of the two — a 3-point gap that matters most in north-facing or low-light rooms. At ΔE 6.1, the difference is perceptible but not dramatic — the two can work harmoniously in the same space. Below you'll find 1 real-room photo comparison where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
RAL 740-4 vs Ionian in Real Spaces
1 real room side by side. RAL 740-4 and Ionian are close enough that the difference can be hard to judge from a chip alone — these photos show how each reads at scale, across different spaces and lighting conditions.
Color Details
RAL 740-4 vs Ionian Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see RAL 740-4 on one side and Ionian 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 RAL 740-4 comparisons
See how RAL 740-4 stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
White Dove reflects far more light (LRV 83 vs 17), opening up a space where RAL 740-4 encloses it.
At LRV 52 vs 17, Purbeck Stone is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 30 vs 17, Evergreen Fog is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 60 vs 17, Agreeable Gray is decisively the brighter choice.
Accessible Beige reflects far more light (LRV 58 vs 17), opening up a space where RAL 740-4 encloses it.
Denim Drift reads slightly lighter (LRV 27 vs 17), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
At LRV 43 vs 17, French Gray is decisively the brighter choice.
Tranquil Dawn reflects far more light (LRV 55 vs 17), opening up a space where RAL 740-4 encloses it.
Hardwick White reflects far more light (LRV 44 vs 17), opening up a space where RAL 740-4 encloses it.
At LRV 84 vs 17, Pure White is decisively the brighter choice.
Balboa Mist reflects far more light (LRV 66 vs 17), opening up a space where RAL 740-4 encloses it.
Shoji White reflects far more light (LRV 74 vs 17), opening up a space where RAL 740-4 encloses it.
RAL 740-4 reads slightly lighter (LRV 17 vs 12), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
RAL 740-4 reads slightly lighter (LRV 17 vs 8), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Skimming Stone reflects far more light (LRV 68 vs 17), opening up a space where RAL 740-4 encloses it.
RAL 740-4 reads slightly lighter (LRV 17 vs 12), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Saybrook Sage reflects far more light (LRV 45 vs 17), opening up a space where RAL 740-4 encloses it.
At LRV 31 vs 17, Pale Green is decisively the brighter choice.