Sherwin Williams Extra White: The Quick & Easy on LRV, Undertones & More
You shouldn’t believe EVERYthing you read (unless you’re reading my blog), because while this colour might be CALLED Extra White – it’s anything but…
I love to show RELATEABLE & REAL homes, so ONLY use photos from my Online Colour Consulting clients. This means I don’t always have the quality pics I need, but DEFINITELY have some SUPER helpful info to help you on your way!
What type of paint colour is Extra White? Is it warm or cool?
Extra White is a white paint colour with a muted undertone, but that doesn’t mean it’s a no brainer as it may not be as extra white as you’d hoped – keep reading…
The WILD THING about Extra White is that while its roots suggest it could flash a wink blue, sometimes it levels out as quite a true white with little noticeable undertone. It’s an awesome choice if you have white subway tile and can’t find a white the blends in – Extra White OFTEN does the trick.
What’s the LRV of Extra White?
Extra White has an LRV of almost 86. This higher LRV means that while it’s in the white range, it does have some depth to it compared to WHITER and BRIGHTER whites. This might not be noticeable until you partner it with a WHITER white with an LRV of say, 92+, then it will look softer – maybe not TOTALLY off-white, but darn close.
OVERALL THOUGH, yes, Extra White has the potential to look like a true white, especially if you partner it up with cool paint colours in the light range or darker (ie. blue or gray with a blue undertone).
Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.
What are the undertones of Extra White?
Just because it SAYS ‘Extra White’, doesn’t mean it IS extra white. Extra White has a muted blue undertone, but it’s barely and rarely noticeable.
What’s the best way to sample Extra White?
Undoubtedly, you’ll be heading out in the near future to grab paint samples – stop right there! I want you to check out SAMPLIZE. Samplize offers peel and stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots. Here are just a FEW reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients…
- samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1-3 business days, depending on location
- at $6.99, they’re more affordable than the samples pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling
- if you keep the samples on their white paper, you can move them around the room
Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE
What’s the best white trim or cabinet colour with Extra White walls?
DEFINITELY Extra White. The exception would be if you want to SHOW the soft undertones of Extra White a bit more, in which case you could look at Sherwin Williams High Reflective White.
SHOULD I Paint My Wood Cabinets White? A QUESTIONNAIRE
The 4 Best White Paint Colours from Sherwin Williams
Is Extra White a good colour for the exterior of my home?
It could work! If you want a white with ZERO warmth and a crisp cool approach, Extra White could be a great fit for the trim OR the main house colour!
5 Tips to Choosing an Exterior Paint Colour
Why isn’t Extra White as popular?
The reason why Extra White isn’t considered one of the TOP white paint colours is because of its cool undertone. This undertone makes it a bit more finicky when it comes to partnering it up with other paint colours – ESPECIALLY warm paint colours.
Not sure if Extra White is right for you? Want a bit warmer or cooler? I’ve got more!
READ MORE
Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Pure White
Sherwin Williams 4 Best White Paint Colours
Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Simply White
The 8 Best Benjamin Moore White Paint Colours
Not sure which paint colour is best for YOUR home?
Check out my Online Paint Colour Consulting – I’d love to help!
Hi Kylie!
Love your blog and reviews! We recently painted our kitchen cupboards SW Extra White and are trying to pick a beige/tan paint for the walls to match our 90’s venetian gold granite and stone backsplash. The rest of our home is beige and whites. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you so much!!
Author
Hi Rhonda! That’s TOUGH. Extra White is such a cool crisp white and it’s not SUPER happy with warm beige/tan paint colours. Your best bet will be a very MUTED one that doesn’t have a strong yellow/orange/red undertone – think SW Natural Tan as a starting point.
Thank you so much Kylie!! I have learned so much from you about LRV and north vs. south facing rooms. (I wish I would have seen your blog before we had our cupboards refaced). I appreciate your help so much!!