Both are pale neutrals, but they read differently in a room. Ecru has more warmth — it leans towards cream, with a soft beige undertone. Ivory is brighter and cleaner, with a lighter quality that reads as closer to white but without the clinical edge of a true pure white. In practice, Ivory suits rooms with cooler undertones or where you want maximum light reflection; Ecru suits rooms with warmer timbers, stones, or other warm-toned materials.