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! Just found your blog. So helpful! I am painting over a mossy green color in my north-facing kitchen/family room. The trim is already Pure White, which will remain the same. My dilemma is what color to paint the walls. I want to go neutral but am not sure if I should do a white or off-white. Should it contrast with the Pure White trim or be more of a white match? I’d appreciate your advice! Fyi, the kitchen cabinets are light maple and the family room furniture is in the warm family of colors.
Thanks,
Linda
We are purchasing a beach home and want to redo the interior paint. The 2 story family room faces north towards the bay and has a large palladium window. I was thinking of using Alabaster but now I’m worried about it looking drab as you mentioned it may in north facing rooms. Any other suggestions of a nice neutral white/off white for a whole house color? Btw…. absolutely adore your sense of humor, style, and expert color wisdom!! I’ve learned so much from reading your posts. Thank you for educating us all!
Hello Kylie! I’m from Argentina and I love your post and videos.
I’ve paint my living room with Wool Skein. I love it depending on the light, becouse it turn green at some places.
Which white woud yo recommend me for trim and doors?
Are there any white that combines with Wool Skein and Agreeable Grey?
Thank you Kylie! ♥️
If I paint the trim Alabaster White can I paint the ceiling the same color?
You betcha, in fact, I usually recommend doing that!
Hi!
We are currently building and I am stuck on my dining room ceiling color. The walls are shiplap in Alabaster (matte sheen) and the trim is Alabaster as well (semi gloss). I’m not sure what color to do the ceiling. I’m afraid doing the ceilings Alabaster will be too much of the same color. The rest of the house has Alabaster ceilings and Repose Gray walls. Thank you!!
Hi Morgan, you could consider SW Pure White, knowing that ceilings can naturally shade themselves a bit. Or, sometimes just adding 4-6 drops of white to the gallon can clean up a colour a wink!
Hi Kylie! I LOVE your site….it’s perfect! I’m wondering if you have anything major to say about Whitetail? I’ve searched the internet but can’t seem to find anything of substance about it. I think that Whitetail will be good for my kitchen cabinets but I’m not sure how it would look on the large scale. Would it work with agreeable gray? Thanks for your thoughts!!
Hi Delanie! Whitetail IS pretty, but has a decent amount of yellow in it – too much for Agreeable if you ask me. You’ll also want to think about the trim in the room. If it’s white, it’s ‘ideal’ if the trim/cabinets can be darned close or matching and Whitetail will likely be pretty off compared to a traditional white trim. Pure White is often a safer bet or EVEN the warmer SW Alabaster, which JUST pushes my comfort zone a tiny wink – but it far less yellow than Whitetail!
Kylie, you’re one of my Go-to Pinterest paint “buddies”. Thanks for your helpful reader- responses.
Currently Renovating kitchen. I have chosen KraftMade Bonsai (soft sage-y green uppers), honey spice maple base cabinets. Thinking of Agreeable Grey or Sea Salt walls and between Pure White & Extra White ceiling? Any advice is appreciated!!
Ya, I love Pinterest buddies! Now I’m not familiar with Bonsai, so I’m just looking at the online image. I wouldn’t do Sea Salt – it’s too unpredictable as it can be a green-gray (as it should be) or go blue-gray, which it ALSO loves to do and I don’t see that sitting as well with your Bonsai. Agreeable Gray sounds like a better fit, but depending on your lighting could look a wink purple in comparison. It can depend a lot on your countertop too, but have you looked at Edgecomb Gray or Accessible Beige as at all? Also, depending on your countertop/flooring, I might look at SW Pure White rather than Extra White as Extra White is pretty cold/sharp ;).
We bought a new construction home that had all the finishes done already. All the trim and cabinets are Extra white and the walls are mega greige and ceilings worldly gray. It feels so dark and depressing in here! Thinking of painting the walls extra white as well! It will be no easy feat as the ceilings are 10 ft. and the house 3200 sq ft! Ugh I wish we had gotten here a little earlier to pick something else and also have the ceilings painted white! After reading this, I feel the Extra white everywhere may not work but I don’t want anything to clash either!
I have also loved Creamy for years now and wondering if this might work better.
This post is terrific! I have a cabinet color question for you. I love the farmhouse look and we’re looking to paint our cabinets, leaning toward BM Dove White or SW Alabaster. However, we have white subway tile backsplash, white trim, red oak floors, and a tan/black marbled granite countertop. Wondering if both Dove White and Alabaster are too warm / will clash with the white trim? Something too stark white I think could look off with the countertops which call for something a bit warmer.
Hi Kylie,
1. For our new home being built, I am planning ‘Alabaster’ for walls and ‘Pure White’ for kitchen cabinets and doors. How will that combination go.
2. I am also planning to accent living room wall with ‘Cyberspace’, and the kitchen island also Cyberspace’. Will this be a good combination?
This page helped me make decision on the paints pretty fast. thanks for your posts.
Hi Sheena, that sounds great! Keep in mind that the play of Pure White and Alabaster means that you’ll notice the warmth of Alabaster MORE, whereas it would fall back more if you had Alabaster trim/cabinets. This isn’t a BAD thing, just a thing to note! Personally…I’d be more inclined to stick with one white, rather than mixing the undertones, but that’s ME 😉
Hi Kylie,
I’m painting my family room SW agreeable gray with my trim being sw pure white. My question is what sheen do you suggest for the trim? I was going to use eggshell for the agreeable gray on the walls. Do you think that would be ok for the walls?
Thank you so much,
Kim graham
Hi Kim! I’m definitely a satin girl for trim and love matte or eggshell on the walls ;).
My walls are BM Simply White and trim is BM Chantilly Lace. The Simply White is quite creamy next to the Chantilly Lace. I want to paint my maple cabinets white too (yes, I love white and bright), what color would suggest I paint the cabinets? Chantilly Lace or a third white color??
Hi Kylie!
How does SW Pure white compare to BM Simply White and BM Chantilly lace? Thank you!
Hi Leiah, Pure White is more muted, a bit darker than Simply White – although they’re both still whites. Simply White has a more noticeable, cleaner yellow undertone. Chantilly Lace is the most WHITE and will look legit white. Of the 3, I lean the most away from Simply White because of the yellow, so then it’s more about what suits your home – a crisp clean white like Chantilly or a softer, slightly muted white like Pure White :).
Your blog about the SW paint colors was so helpful. The only question I have is if I’m doing white cabinets and white walls do I pick a different white for the walls or do the cabinets and trim and the walls the same? I was leaning toward pure white on the cabinets and alabaster on the walls or do I just do them all alabaster? I want a warm crisp feeling so leaning toward Alabaster but not sure whether to do it on walls and cabinets.
Hi Angela, I would DEFINITELY do the same white on the cabinets/walls. The thing is, there will already be a small shift between the sheen of the cabinets and the sheen of the walls. It can throw things for a bit of a loop if you through a different type of white/undertone in there – I lean towards doing it the same :). BM Simply White is also known for it’s crisp warmth, but it CAN flash that bit more yellow. It really is about what your COUNTERTOPS and backsplash can handle. Pure White does act a bit more like white (when it’s not compared to a clean white) whereas Alabaster has a slightly more consistent passive warmth to it :). Personally, I’m a White Dove fan and have recently painted a lot of my home in it, it’s just a wink warmer than Pure White 🙂
I’m thinking about painting my bathroom walls Alabaster, but what color would you recommend for the trim?
With Alabaster, I would lean the most towards Alabaster on the trim, for a seamless look, then the change in SHEEN from trim to wall can do the subtle colour work for you :).
Based on another of your great posts, I’m leaning toward White Duck for my open kitchen/great room. Would Alabaster cabinets, trim, and ceilings go with White Duck walls? I’d also consider Pure White, but afraid it could look too stark for my taste. Thank you!
I’m curious on this as well?
Good Morning Kylie,
We are getting ready to redo our kitchen. Our counter tops are Giallo Ornamental (beige/gray/gold) and cabinets are currently espresso. We are considering SW Pure White or Alabaster. Our crown moulding and base boards are currently SW Extra White. We will then also be repainting our walls which are currently SW Accessible beige to SW White Duck or Aesthetic White? Our tiles are also in the creamy/beige family. Any input would be greatly appreciated!! We are wanting a warm but light/airy feel.
Thank you!
Oh, Kristina, you will LOOOOVE the blog post I just published like 3 minutes ago! Check it out here ;). https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/how-to-update-your-older-granite-countertops/
Great write up on WHITES! May I share on my social?
Hi Heather, that would be awesome, thank you!
I just bought pure white for my cabinets and trim and alabaster for my walls then found this post. Now I’m worried it’s going to look bad! Will this be okay or should I switch one color?
Wellll, it’s not a combo that I love. I lean towards doing the same white on both, so there’s not a shift in undertones. Alabaster and Pure White aren’t so different enough to put them together – too similar but with different approaches :).