The 5 Best White Paint Colors: Sherwin Williams
Warm, Cool, Bright, & Badass – All the Whites You Need…
When choosing the best white for your walls, trims, cabinets, or exterior, it’s hard to know where to start. Once you figure that out, you have to FIND that magical color!
Well, lucky for you, this previous blog post will teach you where to start regarding the 5 Types of White, while this one narrows it down to the BEST OF THE BUNCH.
Heck, you don’t even have to read that other blog post. If you’re feeling brave, order each of these samples and see which one(s) your interior finishes relate to. If that doesn’t work, Benjamin Moore also has amazing options (including one of my favorite shades of white).
Sherwin Williams has some wicked whites, so your chances of finding the perfect one for you and your home are pretty good—especially when you have me in your back pocket (by the way, I pinch).
As you’ve probably discovered, whites can be a real bugger. Not only do you have to think about which undertones are hiding in them, but they’re also susceptible to picking up reflections from the environment, such as:
- Green grass or landscaping outside the window
- Warm-toned woods (flooring/cabinets/ceiling)
- Feature walls
- Strong colored furniture or drapes
- Light bulb temperatures or the color of glass on light fixtures/shades
So, what is a girl (or guy) to DO? Check these out…
1. SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE 7005
Pure White is one of my favorite go-to whites, but it’s not a STARK CLEAN white; it has a warm softness. I won’t say there’s enough warmth to make it overtly creamy or yellow, but it takes away that crips cool edge that some other whites have.
Looking at the tiny sample, Pure White can look a bit flat and even a touch dull. On a large scale, Pure White will act quite similar to a legit shade of white, just not as crisp/clean/icy as some others.
Pure White tends to look like a bright white without the starkness or sharpness of popular cooler and brighter whites.
FUN FACTS ABOUT PURE WHITE (FUN…IF YOU’RE A COLOR NERD)
- Pure White is beautiful for cabinets if you are going for a ‘white’ kitchen. However, if you’re looking for a white with a noticeable soft, almost creamy warmth, you may want to check out Alabaster, which is coming up shortly, or one of these warm white paint colors)
- If you’re using Pure White on your walls, I suggest painting the trims/ceilings/walls all the same color but in different sheens
- In a north-facing room, this color will lose its warmth. In a south-facing room, it will warm up, as its roots suggest and as the sun dictates.
- Pure White is a fabulous trim, door, and ceiling color and can be used with warm or cool wall colors.
- With an LRV of 84, Pure White is a SOFT white, not a stark or clean one (the more tint there is, the lower the LRV number goes – read more here)
FULL COLOR REVIEW of Sherwin Williams Pure White
2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS EXTRA WHITE SW 7006
Extra White is said to be Sherwin Williams’ whitest white, as it’s a bit cooler-looking in the fan deck (I might beg to differ; there’s a different one that wins in my books). However, in cabinet and trim paint, it often picks up a subtle warmth, which actually makes it a bit more appealing, if you ask me. However, this does make it finicky if you planned on doing your WALLS and trims/cabinets the same color, as there could be a slight shift in color between these surfaces.
On the small scale, especially in the fan deck, Extra White looks like it has a blue undertone. But you just wait, get that quart or gallon of paint – paint up a sample and see how you feel – it might not be as cool as you think!
Here’s Extra White on the fireplace surround and ceiling…
Here’s a great shot of Extra White with beige walls (Sherwin Williams Natural Linen)…
PROS & CONS OF EXTRA WHITE
- Extra White is great for cabinets if you want a slightly crisp, modern, contemporary look for your cabinets, doors, trims, and ceilings.
- In a north-facing room, Extra White could look a touch too cold for the average home or homeowner (on walls—it’s still great for trims and cabinets).
- In a south-facing room, the warm southern light will add some warmth to your walls and whatnot.
- Extra White has a slightly higher LRV than Pure White – 86 (LRV blog post)
FULL COLOR REVIEW of Sherwin Williams Extra White
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3. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ALABASTER SW 7008
Alabaster is stunning, especially if you want a softer, warmer approach to white (which is SUPER popular these days)…
Remember the previously mentioned Pure White and how it generally ‘looks like a bright white’? Welllll, Alabaster doesn’t do this. Or, I guess it’s open to perception, but I can’t help but look at Alabaster and see its pretty warmth. Sure, it looks white, but it definitely looks like a soft, warm white.
Alabaster has a lovely creamy backdrop. Those who love white but are nervous about cream usually find it a bit too strong and shift to Pure White or my favorite Benjamin Moore white. But for those who crave a gentle warmth, Alabaster can be the perfect choice for walls, trims, and cabinets.
And while I rarely recommend mixing and matching whites, Alabaster looks beautiful with Extra White trim and doors…
Alabaster is also beautiful on exterior trim if you want a softer, creamier look than traditional white.
Read more: FULL COLOR REVIEW of Sherwin Williams Alabaster
PROS & CONS OF ALABASTER
- Alabaster is one of the best warm whites, as long as you’re cool with a bit more noticeable warmth than average.
- In a south-facing room, the warmth will absolutely rise up. Sample carefully to make sure it doesn’t go too warm for you.
- If you have a north-facing room (or eastern afternoon/western morning) and want white walls, Alabaster can be a great choice. Its warmth adds a touch of balance.
- Alabaster has an LRV of 82, so it has the most tint/depth of the bunch, but it’s still soft and subtle.
All images on my blog are REAL HOMES from my Online Color Consulting clients, readers, and friends. Thank you for sending your photos; you make my colorful world go round!
4. SHERWIN WILLIAMS WHITE SNOW
While I used to have mad love for High Reflective White, it’s so friggin’ hard to get that I had to put it aside. In its place is a newer shade of white from Sherwin Williams – White Snow.
- White Snow is one of Sherwin’s brighter shades of white with its LRV of 90. Sure, it ain’t 94 (High Reflective White, but good luck getting that), but as far as brighter whites go, it suits the average home.
- White Snow is similar to the popular Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace – it’s just a wink warmer.
- If you really want to mix and match whites (I wouldn’t), this is one to play with, as long as the trim/cabinet color is a softer/darker white and the walls are a softer/darker white.
- White Snow could look a bit cool in northern light as it doesn’t have as much warmth as some of the more obvious warm shades like Alabaster and Benjamin Moore’s Simply White.
Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of White Snow
My FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams White Snow
5. SHERWIN WILLIAMS SNOWBOUND 7004
I’m next-level obsessed with this color. I mean, I love Ryan Reynolds and wine…and Starbucks and Cornuts, but Snowbound takes up a huge corner of my heart (snuggled right next to Ryan).
However, it’s at the bottom of the list because it’s not a no-brainer. I mean, not that any color is, but Snowbound is fussy, more so than the other whites.
But when it works – it’s pure magic.
It’s MUCH easier to find dark colors that suit Snowbound than light colors.
And I didn’t used to love it; in fact, it scared me a little because it’s unpredictable. However, as with so many colors…
It’s about the right color in the right space.
So, let’s hit some pros and cons right off the hop rather than me explaining everything and then repeating it…
My FULL Paint Color Review of Snowbound
PROS & CONS OF SNOWBOUND
- Snowbound is a great way to get passive warmth. If you have southern or afternoon western sun, it WILL be warmer and can easily grab a touch of pink and yellow (depending on the amount of light/surrounding finishes/etc.).
- These pink and yellow undertones sound scary and can be, but it’s about what’s surrounding Snowbound.
- Snowbound does best when it’s on every surface—cabinets, trims, ceilings, and walls. It is next-level stunning when used this way (as shown below).
- If you do Snowbound trim and cabinets, you will have a heck of a time coordinating wall colors with them—it’s fussy, which is why it’s often an ‘all or nothing’ choice.
- This could be your perfect shade if you want a more unique approach to white and aren’t afraid of slightly pink or creamy hues.
The lovely Bahama’s home of my friend, LeMel Jewlery owner, Jen.
Are there exceptions? Hellllls yeah, there are ALWAYS exceptions; I’m just trying to keep things meat n’ potatoes around here to get you started.
- If you have northern light, Snowbound won’t look cold, but it’s not overly warm—it’ll just have an interesting softness.
- Snowbound is lovely as an exterior trim color, but in alllll that natural light, I would worry about it on siding and stucco. I’d wonder if the pink would pop up too much.
By the way, did you know that Sherwin Williams has a whole different line of whites? Learn all about them HERE…
SHERWIN WILLIAMS DESIGNER EDITION WHITE PAINT COLORS
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READ MORE
The 3 Whites I Would Never Paint My Trim or Cabinets
The 8 Best Benjamin Moore White Paint Colors
How to Choose the Best White for Your Kitchen Cabinets
ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2019, UPDATED IN 2024
Hi Kylie,
I painted my walls SW Alabaster and planned on painting my baseboards SW Extra White, which are Frazee Swiss Coffee. My painter alerted me that if I don’t paint the doors and trim in the extra white, there will be a vast difference. Especially because the Swiss Coffee is very dingy looking next to Alabaster. Is there any other white I could use on just the baseboards that will pop with the Alabaster and look good with the doors. Painting the doors and trim would be a huge expense and I’d like to avoid that. Or, do you think I can paint Baseboards extra white and have the trim and doors Swiss coffee?
Thank you!!!’
Hi Monica, unfortunately, I’m not at all familiar with Frazee Swiss Coffee, but knowing whites as i do, I would agree with your painter – it’s not a good idea to mix n’ match whites from trims to doors! It would mean you basically have 3 whites all within one spot and I definitely wouldn’t do it…
I love this post! We are building a daylight basement apartment for my mom. She has chosen Sherwin Williams sky high, a very light, cool blue for every room walls and wants white trim. Are there 1000 whites?! Wow. We were leaning toward Pure White, but your write up seems like Extra White may be more what she’s looking for since she wants a cool white to pick up the blue. Am I on the right track? Your finish article is so helpful too. I will ask for eggshell on walls, satin on trims and flat on ceilings. Will do same white for trim, ceilings and doors. Your site is wonderful!
Perfect, sounds like you have it all figured out – good job!
Hi Kylie,
We are building a small farmhouse in Naples, Florida with the front facing SE. Our builder uses only SW and unfortunately we have to choose the paint color before the sheetrock is up (hmmm) and the cabinets don’t have many white options. We want the farmhouse neutral but we have to paint the entire interior house the same color. I want to use your Edesign and wanted to know if that service would work for our situation?
Hello hello, you bet it would work! I consult ALL the time on new construction. I have a great questionnaire and you can send along any info re: countertops/tile/etc…
I would love to help! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
I am less than a month away from a major remodel. The kitchen counter is Montgomery by Cambria. The cabinets will be white and Simply White by BM is all the rave. But my contractor uses SW. Personally I feel that Simply White has warm tones and I want cool tones but not contemporary. It is a condo on the Gulf but the kitchen does not get much natural light. Extra White looks great with the quartz but it just feels too stark. Pure White feels a bit warmer and Alabaster looks too creamy. The condo is not formal. Casual cool feel with brown floors and natural tones for the furniture. Thanks for your comments
Hi Gina, thank you for your note! When it comes to questions like yours, I actually created an Edesign business – this way I can look at photos/questionnaire and come up with ideas that work, otherwise I’m TOTALLY guessing on what things look like on your end! It is affordable and fun! If you find that the complimentary blog post info isn’t working, it might be the next step! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
Hi, Kylie. Your blog is so helpful. Thank you so much for putting this information out there. I’m painting the exterior of my house white with dark grey trim. It’s a pretty decent size 2 story house with siding.. I’m looking for a crisp, clean white that is bright but one that still has a little warmth and is not glaring. . We live in the south so get a ton of bright sunshine., We would like something that is less creamy/yellow than SW Alabaster or BM White Dove but a little less stark than SW Pure White and BM Chantilly Lace. Our top contenders right now are SW Snowbound and BM White Heron. I’m wondering whether you’ve used either of these and, if so, what your thoughts are for these colors on the exterior. Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi Marisa, thank you for your note and compliments! When it comes to questions like yours, I actually created an Edesign business – this way I can look at photos/questionnaire and come up with ideas that work, otherwise I’m TOTALLY guessing on what things look like on your end! It is affordable and fun! If you find that the blog post info isn’t working, it might be the next step! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
I’m painting my living room. I want to go more light and neutral but my furniture and decor are gold and warm tones (brown). My walls are SW blonde currently. What is a suggestion to match with my current furnishings? I looked at SW Navajo white but I’m afraid it is too yellow.
Hi Molly, thank you for your note! I actually have an Edesign business that I’ve created for questions just like yours! I try to give as much free info as i can on my blog posts, but if that doesn’t work, it might be time for a closer look. Then, I can look aty our room, furniture, exposure, etc… otherwise I’m 100% guessing! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
Hi Kylie,
We just re-sided our house with Certainteed “Charcoal gray” (and, I’m not sure I like it) we need to update the trim and hopefully that will help. I’m worried white will look too “stark” any suggestions on off-white/cream color or do you think something else would pair better?
Thanks!
Hi Jamie, thank you for your note! I actually have an Edesign business that I’ve created for questions like yours! I try to give as much complimentary info as I can on my blog posts and if that doesn’t work, it might be time for a closer look, this way I can see your windows, stonework, roof, etc…otherwise I’m totally guessing!
https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
Hi Kylie!!! I love all the info you give, you have been My go to for years on paint colors! But I’m stumped…Question…trying to decide on color for trim and wainscoting. Currently it is peppercorn and it’s too modern for me. Trying to make it a bit more modern farmhouse (and I’m also doing this a few states away…so a little difficult). House gets tons of natural light. Anyways….
Wall color: colonnade grey
ceiling color: extra white
Floors: engineered hardwoods in graphite (mostly a darker gray with some wood tones)
Should I do the trim and wainscoting in Extra white semi gloss or reflective light semi-gloss?
I have white shaker style cabinets and dark grayish granite. Hope this give you some ideas on the look. Thank you in advance for your help!
Hi Jena! I would absolutely match the white to the kitchen cabinets so that the undertones are consistent. It’s easy for one white to make another look too dirty/yellow/blue/etc…!
Hi Kylie,
I stumbled upon your site as I am doing research on which white color to pick for the interior of my new home. The home does not get the best natural light as we are surrounded by some trees. So at some points throughout the day, it appears darker than usual. So we want to brighten up the house! I was thinking high reflective white throughout but after reading your post, I fear that it could be too bright. Any suggestions on other types of white paint to use?
Hi CJ! High Reflective White is great, but it is ‘pretty darned white’. Personally, I like the idea of SW Pure White as it does have a tiny touch of softness while still acting considerably white. I also like the softer approach of BM White Dove! (and btw, I do have a blog post on the best BM white paint colours too, if that helps 🙂
Hi Kylie,
Have you ever mixed half Pure White and half High Reflective White? I would like to amp up Pure White but cut some of the reflective quality of High Reflective White.
Thanks!
Now I’ve never done that but one thing you CAN do is ask them to add 4 ounces of white to the gallon, this can clean it up JUST slightly, while still keeping the ‘main idea of it’. That would be my best thought, the only negative is that they can’t do it in a sample pot 😉
Got so much out of your blog – I will be looking to hire you shortly. Seems like our timing is off and you are on vacation.
I took what I could from the blog info.
And paint is like hair dye – you can always change it.
After the major problems I have had with my construction project just having my family back in my house will be great
I think my kids would be OK with purple walls and green polka dots
enjoy your vacation
Love your paint reviews and explanations, thanks so much!! Would love your opinion on this – we just purchased a house with beautiful wainscoting in the formal dining room. Currently, the wainscoting is painted a yellowish color and the walls above are the same. We’re hoping to paint the wainscoting white and the top part of the walls navy blue, so far our favorite navy shade is SW Commodore. Someone mentioned to me that it’s best to use a slightly off-white for the wainscoting but I’m worried that it won’t look as crisp – I’m also worried that if I do that, I’m married to using that color for the crown molding and the trim in the formal living room attached to the dining room, which I don’t really want to do. I really want to stick with our go-to white, SW Pure White for the wainscoting. Any input is greatly appreciated, thank you!!
Hi Lily! Well, I’m a HUGE fan of Pure White, especially for a crisp clean, but not ENTIRELY harsh look, as Pure White has one weeee little ounce of yellow in it. I WOULD be inclined to keep all of my trims/moldings the same white though, for consistency, otherwise you can have clashing undertones or one whit can make another look more yellow/gray/dingy/blue/etc… 🙂
Hi Kylie,
Thanks for your insights and reviews – they helped us a lot!
We purchased a house and were researching/sampling neutral colors for almost two months. We short-listed 2 candidates for the last couple of weeks and your review helped to choose the winner – SW Alabaster 🙂
We plan to pain the whole house with it: Basement, 1st & 2nd floor, both walls and ceilings.
We were planning to do both walls and ceilings at Eggshell but read in one of your comment responses that it is better to use Flat on ceilings. Should we do that with Alabaster too? Thank you!
Hi Tigran, you’ve got it right, I would do the ceiling in flat – it’s more forgiving 😉
Hello! Deciding between SW pure white or SW alabaster for exterior. It is a traditional farmhouse wrap around porch etc. lots of landscaping. Wanting to add gray shutters also with a traditional stained door. Suggestions? Thank you!
Hi Tara! Pure White is a more clean, white look whereas Alabaster has a softness to it. If you have northern or eastern exposure, Alabaster might be a wink nicer…I also have an E-design service for questions like yours if you’d like me to take a look! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
I found you when trying to figure out a white to paint my kitchen cabinets – you are awesome! I live in a townhouse; interior unit. There is a bit of natural light from the window in the kitchen nook and then off the kitchen (separated by a wall w/a cut-through) there is a dining room window – but overall actual cooking/cabinet part of kitchen gets minimal light.
My countertops are a dark Formica that are in good shape and I’m leaving for now ($$). Walls are BM Ice Cube Silver (I like cool grays – I don’t understand how anyone can look at agreeable gray, anew gray, etc. and see gray- to me they are beige bordering on brown w/some green…!). The island is espresso. I’m pretty sure the garage and pantry doors as well as the baseboards are either SW Extra White or Pure White (can’t decide, even after having paint chips taped to door and looking in various lights). I like a cool, somewhat stark, clean look (no yellow or beige undertones at all). So…can I use one of these for my cabinets – and which do you suggest?! Thx much!!
Hi Judy! So, it’s hard to say for sure without seeing your countertops, but I can get a reasonable idea knowing you have Ice Cube Silver – which tells me we really just need a brighter white. Now personally, i’m a fan of Pure White as it acts like white without being quite as stark/icy. However, if you put it with a clean white (ie: Extra White) you WILL see the difference. I wonder if you need to check out SW HIgh Reflective White – in between the 2! And normally I just refer questions like yours to my E-design, but you caught me at just the right time! I hope that helps 🙂
Hi Kylie! We love your blog! So helpful!
We have finally decided on painting the majority of our house (open concept) SW Repose Gray. We have narrowed it down to either Alabaster or Pure White for our cabinets/trim/doors, but can’t decide which! We LOVE the look of Alabaster, but we are worried it will be too dingy/yellow. However, we don’t want anything too stark/bright. Which do you think would work best with repose? Our kitchen is south facing and does have trees right outside the windows. Finally, would you put whichever white is chosen for cabinets/trim/doors on ceilings as well, or go with another ceiling white?
Thank you so much!
Hi Heather! How about Alabaster with 4 ounces of white added to each gallon, this can clean it up JUUUUST SLIGHTLY. Otherwise, check out BM White Dove 🙂
Thank you!! Also, would you use the same white as cabinets/trim/doors on ceiling as well or another “ceiling white”?
Thank you!
Heather
Heather! What did you decide to do? Did you go with the Alabaster w/ 4 oz of white? Was that hard for your painter to get mixed? I’m curious about your cabinets/trim and doors. Please let me know as we are moving forward quickly.
Thank you! Cathy
Hello Kylie,
I am so impressed with your color sensitivity! We just painted our walls SW Oxford White and I feel like it’s looking almost like a light purple! It is in a south facing room and I’m thinking we need to repaint it is pure white after reading this! Thank you!
Ooo light purple, that’s a first! If you have ‘not white’ trim that could maybe encourage that. Strange. And yes, I think Pure White could be the fix – it’s pretty awesome…
Looking for a SW color to paint the walls of our mudroom (trim is BM white dove). Lots of natural light through the windows. Floors are grey slate and reclaimed wood benches. Looking for just a calm airy beachy feeling as you walk in. Would you do same white dove in different sheen or a different white? Thank you
Hi Laura! Without seeing your room I can’t make a good go of it, I’d 100% be guessing! I mean, I MIGHT lean toward White Dove in a different sheen, but I wouldn’t do a different white – I know that. And short of that, I might do a soft light blue/green. If you’d like me to take a look, I do have an affordable E-design service though that is fun. This way I can look at your room and make suggestions that actually make sense! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
Hi there, thanks for your post on which whites are best and where. It is super helpful. We are getting ready to order wood siding and we have chosen SW Gris and now are trying to decide what white to go with for the trim? Thoughts? I like the warmth of Alabaster but I also want the grey to pop.
Hi Andrea, take a look at SW Pure White see if it’s a reasonable happy medium (although it’s more white than not…) 🙂
THanks! I will check it out. Thanks so much for the prompt reply. I’m looking forward to following your blog.
We’re building a modern farmhouse, interior all alabaster. However, I’m wanting to paint my powder a bit dramatic, unexpected. Ceilings are 10′, thinking of 6′ Alabaster on lower and Iron Ore on remaining 4′. Would love your honest opinion. What color for ceiling?
Thanks for sharing all your expertise!
Bonnie
Hi Bonnie! I might make sure that there’s wainscoting/beadboard or even subway tile on the bottom to add some interest and it’s hard to say without knowing what the flooring/countertop/etc… are. It sounds COOL, but I think you’ll need some texture on the bottom walls (I would do the Iron Ore on the ceiling 🙂
Hope that helps!