Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White: LRV, Undertones and a Little More

Have you been looking for the perfect, soft, off-white paint colour that isn’t gray? You’ve come to the right place.

What type of paint colour is Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White? Is it warm or cool?

Aesthetic White might look like a simple off-white, but it’s actually a beige paint colour that leans slightly into gray. This means it doesn’t have the typical golden look that a lot of beige paint colours have and lacks strong undertones.

In north-facing light, you’ll see Aesthetic White lean a touch more into the greige end of things, will STILL holding its warmth, as Aesthetic White is a warm colour at heart. However, in south-facing or afternoon western light, Aesthetic White will be in its glory WITHOUT looking overly toasty!

What’s the LRV of Aesthetic White, is it an off-white?

Aesthetic White has an LRV of almost 73. This means it’s an off-white paint colour but is on the EDGE of the light range. If you have a bright room, Aesthetic White can act like a much brighter off-white, but if you have a dark room, it will just look flat and dingy (learn more HERE).

Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.

What are the undertones of Aesthetic White? Will it look pink, yellow, or green?

Aesthetic White is a big of a ninja. Like some other white and off-white paint colours, it’s very susceptible to picking up cues and reflections from its environment, so you want to pay attention to your exposure and any strong interior or exterior colours/finishes (ie: green grass or a red feature wall). Generally speaking, Aesthetic White doesn’t grab any OBVIOUS undertones. I’ve seen it flex just slightly pink and slightly green, which again, can be totally environmental, although the light version of this colour (Accessible Beige) can grab a vague wink o’ green as well.

What’s the best way to sample Aesthetic White?

Like with every paint colour, I highly recommend using SAMPLIZE. Samplize is a peel & stick paint sample that you can easily move around your room for over HALF THE COST of traditional sample pots – and they deliver right to your front door!

If I’m painting my walls Aesthetic White, what’s the best white paint colour for my trim?

With Aesthetic White, I would lean into the brighter, whiter approach of Sherwin Williams High Reflective White. Aesthetic White DOESN’T want to be partnered with a white that is too soft or creamy.

Would Aesthetic White be a good paint colour for kitchen cabinets?

YES! Aesthetic White is a great option if you don’t want white cabinets, but are nervous about cream paint colours.

Again, another good shot of Aesthetic White on kitchen cabinets…

Is Aesthetic White a good colour for the exterior of my home?

Aesthetic White can be a soft alternative to white for a lot of homes with trickier, warmer stone and brick colours. It can also be a great trim colour for the exterior.

In this next photo, you’ll see a home that had both stone and brick with different colour preferences, making it tricky to find a flexible paint colour to humour both…

But Aesthetic White and Sherwin Williams Pavestone did the trick!

Is Aesthetic White a popular off-white paint colour?

Ermmmm…no. But that’s not because it’s not pretty, it’s just that the trend right now leans towards the gray end of things, with warm grays like Benjamin Moore Classic Gray.

What Benjamin Moore paint colours the same as or similar to Aesthetic White?

Every colour has its own particular nuances and while some colours have SIMILAR versions in other brands, there isn’t much out there that rivals Aesthetic White

Benjamin Moore Gray Mist is along similar lines but certainly has its own look and different undertones

And if you’re thinking of colour matching between brands (ie: getting BM to make an SW paint colour), you might want to read THIS first.

What type of paint colours look good with Aesthetic White?

Aesthetic White has some particular preferences, but also has some flexibility!

Aesthetic White likes quite a few gray and greige paint colours and can be a GREAT partner if you want some subtle warm balance
Aesthetic White doesn’t like many creamy paint colours

Not sure if Aesthetic White is right for you? Want a bit warmer or cooler? I’ve got more!

SHERWIN WILLIAMS WHITE DUCK

THE BEST OFF-WHITE PAINT COLOURS

BENJAMIN MOORE BALLET WHITE

SHERWIN WILLIAMS SHOJI WHITE

Not sure which paint colour is best for YOUR home?

Check out my Online Paint Colour Consulting – I’d love to help!

KYLIE M INTERIORS E-DESIGN AND ONLINE VIRTUAL PAINT COLOUR EXPERT, SPECIALIZING IN BENJAMIN MOORE AND SHERWIN WILLIAMS PAINT COLORS DIY DECORATING AND DESIGN ADVICE BLOGGER

Comments

LC says

January 12, 2021 at 7:24 am

I’m really liking this whole paint swatch (aesthetic white, white heron, zurich white, etc), what trim color goes best?

I really love some others you mentioned (white duck, creamy, etc), but they pair best with a warm trim. Mine is a crisp white trim. So how do you know what trim color looks best with a particular paint color? Is there a general rule of thumb?

Diane ONeal says

June 15, 2021 at 2:39 pm

Hi Kylie, I’m in the process of choosing a color for my downstairs area. I watched many of your paint color videos multiple times. I love the Aesthetic White, I painted a small sample on my wall. My only delima is that I have cream color cabinets and off white trim. I think it looks pretty good but I know you said cream colors don’t typically look great with Aesthetic white. I have a sample of Ballet white and White Duck on my walls also. They are pretty but still likes AW better. Just not sure since it’s hard with only a small area that’s painted. Thoughts welcome