Sherwin Williams Extra White: The Quick and Easy on LRV, Undertones and a Little More

You shouldn’t believe EVERYthing you read (unless you’re reading my blog), because while this colour might be CALLED Extra White – it is 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 (hence the ‘QUICK Review’), but DEFINITELY have some SUPER helpful info to help you on your way!

What type of paint colour is Extra White?

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…

Is Extra White a warm white or a cool white?

Extra White is ABSOLUTELY an icy cool white, this would be even MORE apparent in a north-facing room, but would soften up a bit in warm south-facing light.

What’s the LRV of Extra White? Will it look white or off-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 body to it and if you put Extra White with a WHITER white with an LRV of say, 92+, then yes, it will look softer – maybe not TOTALLY off-white, but darned close.

OVERALL THOUGH, yes, Extra White can look DARNED white, especially if you partner it up with some cool paint colours in the light range or darker.

And thank you to my E-Design clients who send in their after photos, you make my world go round!

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.

What’s the best way to sample Extra 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!

When I sample paint colours, I usually recommend placing a piece of white paper around them. And while you can do this with Extra White (to separate your existing wall colour from your sample), it’s important to know that the white of the paper could OVER-EXPOSE the undertones of Extra White (or any white). So, try to judge Extra White on its own, rather than how it compares to paper.

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

DEFINITELY Extra White. The exception would be if you want to SHOW the icy cool blue of Extra White a bit more, in which case you could look at SW High Reflective White, keeping in mind it does have a WHISPER of softness in it.

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!

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 blue 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!

SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE

BENJAMIN MOORE SIMPLY WHITE

THE 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!

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

Rhonda
June 3, 2021 at 1:21 pm

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!!

1. Post
  Author
  
  KylieMawdsley
  June 5, 2021 at 1:00 pm
  
  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.
  
  1. Rhonda
    June 10, 2021 at 1:04 pm
    
    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!!