Continuing from my recent post, “The Ultimate Guide to Fusion Mineral Paint White Colours,” with 1600+ colours in the Sherwin-Williams collection, narrowing down the choices can be daunting. I completed my Interior Redesign certification earlier this year and became a Sherwin-Williams design consultant, so I have curated a list of the top white colours.
One of my favourite things about Sherwin Williams is that they offer peel-and-stick paint samples, so you don’t have to purchase paint samples or try to choose a colour based on small paint chips. You can test paint samples on your walls, saving time and money without a mess or using a single paint brush. The repositionable peel-and-stick sample tiles can be viewed in multiple rooms and under various light sources with no prep or cleanup required and won’t damage your existing paint. How cool is that?!!
I have included the LRV for each colour. Light Reflective Value (LRV) tells you how much light a colour reflects. The higher the number, the more light that paint colour reflects. This means that the more “white” a paint colour is, the higher the number will be on a scale of 0-100. Knowing the LRV is handy when deciding whether a colour may be too dark for a space. I have also included the LRV for each of these white colours.
Ultimate Guide to Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW7008
LRV 82
Alabaster was chosen as Sherwin Williams Color of the Year in 2016, and this soft white colour is a calm and peaceful neutral white that gives a light and airy feel to a space while not appearing too bright. One of the reasons it’s so popular is that it has the right balance between brightening a room and still giving it a cozy and inviting feel.
Depending on the lighting, Alabaster can appear either off-white or nearly beige. The more southern exposure/afternoon light, the more Alabaster’s brightness will stand out. In rooms with less natural light or northern-facing, Alabaster will warm them with that creamy beige undertone.
Ultimate Guide to Sherwin Williams Greek Villa SW7551
LRV 84
The undertones of the Greek Villa are soft and subtle. They provide the colour with a gorgeous delicate warmth. Greek Villa is a warm white paint colour that is very creamy. It will brighten your home while also making it feel cozy and warm. It also has a touch of yellow and sometimes green undertones to it. Greek Villa is such a versatile paint colour. You can use it anywhere. On your trim, cabinets, and walls, it’s even a great exterior paint colour.
Sherwin Williams Pure White Colour SW7005
LRV 84
Pure White is an optimal white paint colour to use anywhere without glaringly apparent undertones. There is a little grey and a little yellow to it. The best way I can describe Pure White is a soft, clean, versatile white paint colour. It’s neither cold and icy nor is it warm and creamy. Pure White is smack in the middle of both.
Snowbound White Colour SW7004
LRV 83
A slight grey undertone paired well with other greys; this colour is a relatively soft white. And also, it has more limiting undertones.
Snowbound is a beautiful, crisp, bright white paint. Evening light, in particular, can warm this colour, while midday will leave it looking more like a bright, clean white.
Shoji White Colour SW 7042
LRV 74
It’s a “darker” white, so it leans almost towards a greige colour. It’s light, cozy, and warm, making it an excellent option for any room in a home. This chameleon of colour comes off more as a creamy warm white than grey.
Because this particular shade of White does not reflect as much light as more of your pure or crisp whites, I would consider Shoji White to be best for a cozier vibe- the perfect blend of airy but homey.
Don’t forget, most white paints aren’t just white. Figure out your natural light when choosing a white, and check the LRV rating, which is usually listed on the back of paint chips.
