PURE WHITE vs. THE 10 BEST SHADES OF WHITE (Alabaster, Extra White, & More)

COMPARE SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE TO SNOWBOUND, WHITE DOVE, CHEVIOT & MORE

When choosing the best white paint color for your walls, cabinets, trims, or exterior, COMPARISON is the most important part of your color-picking journey!

Why?

Comparing similar colors helps you see…

• shifts in UNDERTONE
• changes in TEMPERATURE
• differences in DEPTH (did you know there are 5 types of white!)
• which white best suits your home’s finishes, including countertop, tile, existing colors, etc…

Comparing whites is where I lean into my obsession with Samplize Peel & Stick. Sampling paint colors with wee paper squares from the paint store is like sampling wine from a thimble. It barely wets your whistle, and you often purchase an expensive bottle of wine that you don’t even like (but will drink anyway). The same can happen with paint – you buy that expensive gallon and paint your little heart out, only to see it’s the wrong color.

COMPARE, COMPARE, COMPARE!

Sherwin Williams Pure White in a south-facing room

Undoubtedly, you’ve come across Sherwin Williams Pure White in your sampling adventures as it’s one of the best. However, you won’t know it’s the best shade for your project until you COMPARE it to the other top whites. In fact, you might even end up changing your mind and finding a better option!

But before we start, when finding your best white, you must understand the basics of LRV (I am a bossy lil thang). Here’s the meat n’ potatoes of it… (if you want gravy & butter, that’s HERE).

EVERY paint color has an LRV number on a scale of 0-100. 0 is black, and 100 is white. This number tells you how light or dark a paint color is. This matters a LOT with white, seeing as there are 5 types to choose between.

Never choose a white paint color without knowing and understanding its LRV – says me.

The LRV of white paint colors that are useable in your home ranges from approx. 81-94. Intrigued? You should be; it will rock your paint-pickin’ world – read about it HERE.

Sherwin Williams Pure White walls, trims, doors, & ceilings

This is an INFO-HEAVY blog post, giving you the deets you need with less muss n’ fuss. If you’re just here for the pretty pictures (I feel you), check out each color’s FULL COLOR REVIEW (links throughout). 

1. SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE vs. BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE

Pure White and White Dove are two of the TOP whites I recommend in my Online Paint Color Consulting.

Why?

Many homes suit SOFT whites over bright whites. From there, it’s a matter of how much warmth is needed. Some homes need a SUBTLE warmth, which is what you find in Pure White and White Dove.

HOW ARE PURE WHITE & WHITE DOVE SIMILAR & DIFFERENT?

• Which is whiter? Pure White has an LRV of 84. White Dove’s LRV is 83.16. Pure White is WHITER and brighter than White Dove (only by a wee wink), making them both SOFT whites.
• Which white is WARMER? White Dove is WARMER than Pure White, giving it a slightly creamier look, although it’s still not the warmest white by any stretch of the imagination.
• White Dove is best for north-facing rooms as its warmth can add balance. Pure White can look good, but don’t expect it to add much balance or coziness.
• Pure White is more popular for south-facing rooms than White Dove. South-facing rooms have warm light, and some people find White Dove leans a bit TOO warm in this light.
• Tuscan-style homes (travertine, beige finishes, etc…) can look good with the subtle warmth of White Dove, whereas Pure White isn’t always warm enough.
• They’re both EQUALLY as flexible, but there are situations where one is a better choice. For example, Pure White is often a better choice with today’s popular white quartz countertops, whereas White Dove is sometimes a BIT too warm. On the other hand, White Dove is often better suited to softer, muted earth tones than Pure White.

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of White Dove

Benjamin Moore Ballet White walls, White Dove trim, and wainscoting

KYLIE M’S FAVE

My FAVE white has to be Pinot Gris. Oh, wait, different topic (we all have our vices – mine include wine, white paint, and white sneakers). I can’t even decide between these two as it depends on the use. I mean, that applies to ANY white, but I interchange these two so often. PERSONALLY, my fave is Benjamin Moore White Dove. For my average client? Proooobably Pure White.

PHOTOS & INFO: Full Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore White Dove

2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE vs. ALABASTER

Pure White and Alabaster are rarely in contention for the same project. While they’re both soft whites, Alabaster has a much more noticeable warmth than Pure White’s passive approach.

Please remember, your computer screen can skew how these colors look; they look DIFFERENT in real life! 

HOW ARE PURE WHITE & ALABASTER SIMILAR & DIFFERENT?

• Which is the whitest? Pure White and Alabaster are both SOFT WHITES; however, with its LRV of 82, Alabaster is softer (darker) and borders on the off-white range. Pure White is definitely a white, not an off-white, because of its LRV of 84.
• Which is the warmest? Alabaster is WARMER than Pure White with its creamy backdrop.
• Alabaster is a popular shade of white for many of the older-style granite countertops, whereas Pure White CAN be a bit too white for some. Pure White is more often used for today’s trendy white quartz countertops.
• In south-facing rooms or those with western afternoon sun, Alabaster can look even warmer/creamier. And while Pure White will also pick up some warmth, it’s not as strong as Alabaster. Pure White is usually better for southern spaces (read about exposures HERE).
• As for northern light, Alabaster is one of the best whites as its softer, creamier approach adds some warmth to a space that can otherwise be a titbit nippy!
• If you have a Tuscan-style home (travertine tile and beige tones), Alabaster is often a good shade to try. Pure White isn’t always warm enough.
• Alabaster is LESS likely to suit finishes such as marble and many of today’s popular white quartz countertops.

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of Alabaster

Sherwin Williams Alabaster walls

KYLIE M’S FAVE

Between Pure White and Alabaster, it has to be Pure White. Sure, Alabaster has its place, but Pure White has WAY more flexibility for the average home due to its decreased warmth. DON’T SHOOT THE MESSENGER; if Alabaster is your white and it’s working, that’s all that matters!

PHOTOS & INFO: Full Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Alabaster

3. PURE WHITE vs. EXTRA WHITE

While Extra White is a bit brighter/whiter than Pure White, they both have very (very) subtle approaches to warmth (especially Extra White). Of the two, Pure White has a more noticeable warmth without being creamy.

IN WHAT WAYS ARE PURE WHITE & EXTRA WHITE SIMILAR & DIFFERENT?

• Which is whiter? Extra White’s LRV is 86, making it WHITER than Pure White’s 84.
• Which is warmer? Pure White is WARMER than Extra White, although neither is exceptionally warm (Extra White is only fractionally so).
• Extra White and Pure White often compete for the same spot regarding cabinets and trims. Pure White wins for walls and exteriors.
• Of the two, Extra White is MORE likely to act like a ‘true white’ but is less likely to suit warm interior finishes.
• In north-facing light, Extra White can look a bit ICY COLD (Elsa is a HUGE fan). Pure White won’t add much warmth, but it’s definitely a softer, less stark approach.
• Pure White is more likely to suit today’s popular white quartz countertops than Extra White.
• If you have south-facing light or a room with warm afternoon western sunshine, Extra White and Pure White are both nice choices. Both will look warmer/more yellow in south-facing or afternoon western sunshine. Both will fall flat in the morning western light.

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of Extra White

Sherwin Williams Extra White

KYLIE M’S FAVE WHITE

It’s not even a competition. Pure White – almost every time. I like its passive warmth and its flexibility. Sure, Extra White is flexible, too, but NOTHING like my Pure White.

PHOTOS & INFO: Full Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Extra White

4. PURE WHITE vs. CHEVIOT

Being the new kid on the block, there isn’t much info on Cheviot. And while I covered it in a mass-color review, it deserves a spot in the limelight (without the green undertone – get it?).

I love comparing Pure White and Cheviot, as previously, Sherwin Williams didn’t have a GREAT color in this particular LRV. That’s right; Cheviot comes in lighter and brighter than Pure White.

SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PURE WHITE & CHEVIOT

• Which is the whitest white? While Simply White (coming next) and Cheviot are VERY comparable, Pure White and Cheviot vary in their LRVs,  84 and 89 (respectively). This makes Cheviot a BRIGHTER white.
• Which one is warmer? Cheviot is WARMER than Pure White, although, with its increased brightness, this isn’t always as noticeable as it would be in a softer white like Alabaster.
• Cheviot has a slightly more noticeable yellow undertone, but its approach is still VERY muted.
• If Pure White isn’t warm enough and Alabaster is too dark/creamy, Cheviot can be a nice shift into a brighter but still warm white.
• While Pure White is likely the better choice with today’s popular white quartz or marble-look countertops, Cheviot could suit a few.
• Cheviot could be pretty with a Tuscan-style home with warm-toned finishes. Pure White might not be warm enough.

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of Cheviot

KYLIE M’S FAVE SHADE

Oooo, this is a hard one (that’s what she said). Cheviot could be a big deal if it were available in Sherwin William’s more affordable lines AND if they had easy-to-get paint chips in the store. Right now, the only way to see this color is to get a gallon (yes, a FULL GALLON) or a Peel & Stick sample from Samplize.

The Top 9 White Paint Colors: Sherwin Williams Emerald Edition

5. PURE WHITE vs. SIMPLY WHITE

Pure White & Simply White are both popular shades but tend to suit slightly different projects. While both are WARM whites, Simply White has a noticeable yellow undertone and a higher LRV, meaning it’s whiter/brighter.

HOW ARE PURE WHITE & SIMPLY WHITE SIMILAR & DIFFERENT?

• Which is the whitest? While Simply White and Cheviot are quite comparable, Simply White and Pure White are different types of white. Simply White’s LRV is 89.52, to Pure White’s 84, making Simply White a BRIGHTER white.
• Which is the warmest of the two? Simply White is WARMER than Pure White, as it has a more noticeable yellow undertone compared to the passive nature of Pure White.
• These two colors often compete to be on trim work and cabinets.
• Pure White is slightly more flexible than Simply White due to its decreased warmth.
• Simply White is a popular shade for Tuscan-style homes with warm-toned finishes (but it can sometimes be a stitch yellow). Often, Pure White isn’t quite warm enough (but it never hurts to try).

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of Simply White

Sherwin Williams White Duck walls, Simply White fireplace surround & trim

KYLIE M’S FAVE WHITE

I love Simply White; it’s a classic. However, Pure White is often a safer and softer bet with its decreased yellow undertone and slightly softer approach. It really just comes down to what best suits your finishes.

PHOTOS & INFO: Benjamin Moore Simply White FULL Paint Color Review

NEED HELP? Check out my ONLINE COLOR CONSULTING PACKAGES – let me make it easy for you! 

6. PURE WHITE vs. CLOUD WHITE

If you compare Pure White and Cloud White, there should be a clear winner. Cloud White is a warmer, creamier white than Pure White. And while Pure White is warm, it’s fractional in comparison. Where they’re the MOST similar is in depth, which you’ll learn about next!

SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THESE TWO SHADES

• Which is whiter? Pure White has an LRV of 84, and Cloud White’s LRV is 85.05, making them VERY similar in depth! This means both whites are SOFT whites.
• Which is warmer? Cloud White has a much more noticeable creamy warmth than Pure White, which can seem a bit dingy in comparison. (This doesn’t make it bad, though; it’s just less yellow!)
• Pure White is a FAR superior choice with most white quartz countertops. Cloud White is popular with some of the older-style granite and laminate countertops.
• Cloud White is best for north-facing rooms, where the light is cooler/grayer. Cloud White will look warmer and creamier in south or west-facing rooms, so make sure you love a yellow undertone (personally, it goes too creamy yellow for me). Pure White doesn’t have much warmth in north-facing rooms, but it depends on what you like (I personally like to see more warmth, i.e., White Dove). On the other hand, Pure White offers a nice balance to south-facing or western light without going as creamy as Cloud White.

North, East, South, West, Which Paint Colors is The Best?

• Cloud White is often the best white for a Tuscan-style home with warm-toned finishes (but it can sometimes be a stitch yellow). Pure White is often not warm enough.

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of Cloud White

Benjamin Moore Cloud White walls & trim

KYLIE M’S FAVE WHITE

Cloud White has been kickin’ it longer than Messi (for you soccer fans). However, I can’t say it’s been quite as successful, as it’s often a bit too yellow for the average interior finish. This is why, of these two popular shades, Pure White is ma boo.

PHOTOS & INFO: Benjamin Moore Cloud White Paint Color Review

7. SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE vs. SNOWBOUND

Pure White and Snowbound are similar in depth, with only a point difference. Where they differ is in undertones and intentions.

HOW ARE PURE WHITE & SNOWBOUND SIMILAR & DIFFERENT?

When comparing Pure White and Snowbound, you’re comparing apples to oranges. Sure, they have a similar shape, but BOY, do they taste different!

• Which is whiter? Pure White’s LRV of 84 is darn close to Snowbound’s slightly lower LRV of 83. This makes Pure White BRIGHTER than Snowbound.
• Which is warmer? Pure White is warmer, with a passive undertone; Snowbound has a warm gray and violet touch. However, in some lights, I’ve seen it flash violet-pink and even a wink creamy (check it out in its Color Review).
• I often recommend Pure White as a whole home color (cabinets/walls/trims/ceilings/doors). I NEVER recommend Snowbound for this due to its unpredictable, but most often, violet (#violent) undertones. Snowbound can be GREAT for a single room but isn’t great for a whole home.
• Snowbound is finicky about its color partners, whereas Pure White is VERY flexible.

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of Snowbound

Sherwin Williams Snowbound walls

KYLIE’S FAVE SHADE

It’s not even a question – Pure White trumps Snowbound 99% of the time.

Snowbound isn’t predictable or versatile enough to be relied on for a ‘whole home’ application, even if it’s just all the trim work. Pure White is flexible and accommodates a wide range of colors.

PHOTOS & INFO: Full Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Snowbound

8. PURE WHITE vs. DECORATORS WHITE

Decorators White and Snowbound have a LOT in common. Pure White and Decorator’s White? Not so much, but comparing the two with Peel & Stick helps you see some important differences. Remember, comparing colors helps you see the undertones/temperature/depth in each color – things that are hard to see when you only look at one or two colors.

DIFFERENCES & SIMILARITIES BETWEEN PURE WHITE & DECORATORS WHITE

• Which is whiter? Pure White has an LRV of 84, and Decorators White’s LRV is 82.68, making it DARKER than Pure White (but it’s still a white).
• Which is warmer? Pure White is a subtle WARM white; Decorators White is a subtle COOL white.
• Compared to Pure White’s warmth, you’ll see a flash of violet and gray in Decorator’s White (cooler than Snowbound’s violet undertone).
• Decorator’s White isn’t a great choice for trim as it will limit your wall color options. Pure White is a wicked choice as it’s flexible.

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of Decorators White

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White on the walls – stock white trim

KYLIE’S FAVE

Again, Pure White for the win. Decorator’s White has its place, but it’s usually on a single-use basis (i.e., the walls in one room). Its undertones don’t leave Decorator’s White a lot of room to accommodate other colors.

PHOTOS & INFO ON DECORATOR’S WHITE: Full Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White

9. PURE WHITE vs. CHANTILLY LACE

Pure White and Chantilly Lace often compete for the same spot on cabinets, walls, trims, and exteriors. Unfortunately, Chantilly Lace gets a bad rap for not getting as good coverage (although I have a tip to help). There are also a few other features that set these two shades apart.

Again, these color images can look different on your particular computer screen. They often look DIFFERENT in real life! 

HOW ARE PURE WHITE & CHANTILLY LACE SIMILAR & DIFFERENT?

• Which is whiter? Chantilly Lace has an LRV of 90.04, making it considerably WHITER than Pure White at 84. This makes Chantilly Lace a bright white and Pure White a soft white.
• Which is warmer? Pure White is WARMER than Chantilly Lace, but don’t get yer knickers in a knot as it’s one of the LEAST warm of the warm whites.
• Chantilly Lace and Pure White can look great with today’s popular quartz countertops and many marble or marble-look countertops. Neither is popular with granite countertops unless it’s black granite or one with cool colors.
• Chantilly Lace and Pure White are great ‘whole home’ white paint colors, often used for walls, trims, ceilings, doors, and exteriors.
• Neither color is used in Tuscan-style homes (with a lot of beige).
• Chantilly Lace will look WHITER and less warm than Pure White. However, it’s not quite as stark as High Reflective White. I would say that both whites are EQUALLY as flexible and I don’t have a clear fave between the two – it all comes down to the surrounding finishes and their specific needs.
• If your room has northern light, both colors have equal opportunity. HOWEVER, neither will offer a tangible warmth. If you’re looking for a bit more softness and warmth, you will need a warmer shade of white.
• South-facing light and western afternoon sunshine can be roasty-toasty! And while Pure White is a warm white, it has a PASSIVE warmth and doesn’t lean too warm in these exposures (this IS open to perception). Almost any white will pick up yellow in these warm exposures, but the COOLER your white is, the more balance it will add. As for Chantilly Lace, it can be gorgeous in these lights, again, picking up a warm hue without looking overly creamy.
• If you want more balance in a room with a warm exposure, you might consider a cooler white paint colour (make sure you love it at night too).
• Pure White is more likely to suit a white countertop than Chantilly Lace (but there are ALWAYS exceptions).

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE of Chantilly Lace

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace cabinets

KYLIE’S FAVE SHADE OF WHITE

Now THIS is a tough one. I’ve used both colors a lot, but more so Pure White. It really depends on the home with this one, but my heart miiiiight just be with Chantilly Lace, and NOT just because she has a pretty face.

PHOTOS & INFO: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace Paint Color Review

10. PURE WHITE vs. HIGH REFLECTIVE WHITE

I have such mad love for both these colors; however, like Chantilly Lace, High Reflective White also has a bad rap, but for a different reason – IT’S SO DANG HARD TO GET!

However, if you love it as much as I do, and read this blog post, things should turn out well.

As for how Pure White and High Reflective White compare, let’s take a peek…

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of High Reflective White

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White walls & trims

SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HIGH REFLECTIVE WHITE & PURE WHITE

• Which is whiter? High Reflective’s LRV of 93 makes it one of the WHITEST whites on the market. It’s a true white compared to the soft white of Pure White’s 84.
• Which is warmer? While Pure White is WARMER than High Reflective White, don’t forget that Pure White’s warmth is still suuuuuper passive.
• Pure White is often a better choice with a white quartz countertop, although it depends on which one it is. Both colors are contenders with a wide range of marble finishes.
• High Reflective White has NO warmth but isn’t icy cold. Pure White has a passive warmth.
• If you have northern light, Pure White will add a touch more softness and warmth (but you might still want an even WARMER white)
• Both colors are interesting options in a space with southern light or afternoon western sun. However, HRW will be a bit cleaner in flat morning western light.
• Pure White is more likely to suit white quartz countertops. However, BOTH whites have been known to humor varying types of marble finishes.

WHICH WHITE IS THE WARMEST WHITE?

Of the above shades, Simply White, Cheviot, and Cloud White are the WARMEST white paint colors

Benjamin Moore Cloud White on all white surfaces

WHICH WHITE IS THE COOLEST?

Comparing the top 10 white paint colors shows us Benjamin Moore Decorators White is the coolest. However, you could also throw in Sherwin Williams Ceiling Bright White, which didn’t make the top 10 list.

Decorator’s White is at the bottom

WHICH WHITE IS THE MOST POPULAR?

Benjamin Moore White Dove leads the list for cabinets, walls, trims, and exteriors, followed closely by Sherwin Williams Alabaster and Pure White.

Sherwin Williams Alabaster

WHICH WHITE IS THE BRIGHTEST & WHITEST?

High Reflective White is the whitest of the above shades of white, followed by Cheviot and Benjamin Moore’s Simply White and Chantilly Lace. However, if you’re looking for more, there are a few other super white whites that we didn’t look at today.

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

READ MORE

Benjamin Moore White Dove vs. Swiss Coffee, Pure White, Alabaster, Greek Villa & More

Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee vs. The TOP 5 Shades of White

The Ultimate Guide to White Paint Colors

Full Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Pure White

The TOP 5 Almost Fool-Proof White Paint Colors

NEED HELP?

GET AN ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTATION WITH KYLIE M, COLOR EXPERT! 

Chat soon,