• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home Decor
    • Paint Colors
    • Printables
    • Our Current House
    • Our Second House
  • DIY Projects
    • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Tools & Tips
  • Blog
    • About
      • Contact
      • Policies
  • Gift Guides
    • Shop
      • Shop My Products
      • Shop My Instagram
      • Shop My Home
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
The Turquoise Home
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Blog
  • Home Decor
  • DIY Projects
  • Paint Colors
  • Our Current House
  • Organization
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    You are here: Home / Paint Colors / Sherwin Williams Alabaster White {The Best Home Decor Paint Colors}

    Sherwin Williams Alabaster White {The Best Home Decor Paint Colors}

    Last Updated: February 23, 2022 | Published: February 23, 2022 | By: Laura | Leave a Comment | Filed Under: Paint Colors

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    Sherwin Williams Alabaster White (SW 7008) is known for its soft and creamy hue. The Alabaster White paint color has been a favorite for many years. Sherwin Williams even announced it as their 2016 Color of the Year.

    And don’t think the fad has passed! SW Alabaster White sure has proved its staying power. To this day, it remains one of their most popular white colors. And I can see why!

    White walls are always a safe bet when it comes to the home. Neutrals will remain supreme, no matter the decade! Because of this, white walls are always in.

    Alabaster White by Sherwin Williams

    What I like most about Sherwin Williams Alabaster White is that it has such slight undertones that it works well in just about any setting. It’s one of the first colors I recommend to people who are in the market for that elusive ideal white shade.

    And as a little bonus, it looks good both inside, outside the home and on kitchen cabinets. You can’t go wrong with this color!

    Table of Contents
    • What Color is Alabaster?
    • Alabaster White Undertones
    • LRV of Sherwin Williams Alabaster White
    • Alabaster White vs. White Dove and Simply White
    • Complimentary Colors for SW Alabaster White
    • Alabaster White Paint in the Home
      • Wall Colors
      • Trim Finish
      • Cabinets
      • Shiplap
      • Exterior
    alabaster white door
    via The Harper House

    What Color is Alabaster?

    The Sherwin Williams Director of Color Marketing describes it, “Alabaster is neither stark nor overly warm, but rather an understated and alluring hue of white.”

    It’s a soft white that is neither neither warm or cold, so it works well with warm brass and wood finishes, as well as the grays and blues that are popular today.

    Alabaster, Pure White, Extra White, High Reflective White

    Alabaster White Undertones

    Alabaster White, though technically a warm color, certainly does not stray towards feeling yellow. In fact, it pairs exceptionally well with warm and cool colors. This is because it has very subtle undertones and doesn’t lean heavily towards one specific color.

    Some may notice the greige undertones (the combination of both grey and beige). Depending on the lighting, grey or beige may shine through more.

    For true white, you will normally notice cool to blue undertones. The greige undertones of Alabaster White paint give it a creaminess. However, it’s not too creamy and has a nice balanced look to it.

    You can really only notice the true difference between whites when directly comparing them side by side. On its own, alabaster will appear mostly white, although not a true white.

    LRV of Sherwin Williams Alabaster White

    Light reflectance value (LRV) is the amount of visible light a paint color either reflects or absorbs. When it comes to LRV, the higher the number is, the more light it reflects rather than absorbs. So, where does Alabaster fall on the scale?

    The LRV of Alabaster White is 82. Essentially, you can expect it to reflect a lot of light.

    Depending on the room and the natural light it receives, it will appear differently. In north-facing rooms, paint tends to come across as cooler. It will feel more muted, though the change will be slight for Alabaster.

    South-facing rooms tend to give a glowing effect to any warm tones. The warmth of Alabaster will really shine through. The same can be said about east-facing and west-facing rooms. You will get the most warmth, however, in a west-facing room.

    shiplap painted alabaster white
    via Living Letter Home

    Alabaster White vs. White Dove and Simply White

    Alabaster is often in the running with other popular white paint colors like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove and Simply White.

    Alabaster vs. White Dove and Simply White

    Alabaster White is ever so slightly darker and warmer than White Dove (LRV 85) and less yellow than Simply White. I’d say if you’re loyal to Benjamin Moore paint colors, White Dove is a pretty close match to Alabaster!

    Complimentary Colors for SW Alabaster White

    Alabaster White makes things easy and pairs with just about any color. However, you still always want to test things out before you fully commit to painting everything. But it’s certainly a good place to start your search!

    You can pair the color with another neutral in the opposite hue family. For example, the cool and blue-gray hues of Sherwin William’s Sea Salt work well.

    When paired with a darker color, it will make Alabaster White appear even brighter in contrast. One of my favorite dark and bold colors is Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy.

    Sherwin Williams themselves pairs it with Townhall Tan (7690) and Dakota Wheat (9023). But if you ask me, there are so many amazing color combinations out there!

    Alabaster White Paint in the Home

    Wall Colors

    You can basically never go wrong with Alabaster for practically any wall. It’s popular for a reason, being extremely versatile and easy to work with. While a bright white, it won’t ever glare and will still let you play around with color elsewhere in the room.

    For those who don’t want a headache when it comes to matching and ensuring everything feels cohesive, Alabaster White will never make things difficult for a designer.

    When it comes to décor, it fades into the background and lets your décor take center stage. Because it’s a neutral color and works with both warm and cool tones, it pairs with just about anything.

    If you’re a constant redecorator (like me), you can easily switch out décor and furniture without worrying about it matching the paint color. It always will!

    Bedroom painted SW Alabaster White
    via Bless This Nest

    Trim Finish

    Beyond the walls, you can also use Alabaster on the trim and molding of a room. Opposing whites in the same room always provide a subtle yet significant design choice.

    If you change the finish on the two different trim colors, such as a semi-gloss, just for the trim, you will make it look even more elevated. And because of its versatility, you can pair it with most paint colors if you’re looking to refresh just the trim.

    Trim painted alabaster white by sherwin williams
    via Kylie M Interiors

    Cabinets

    Cabinets also get to be a part of the action. You can use Alabaster White in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and wherever else your heart takes you in regards to cabinetry. Having white cabinets offers a nice contrast against the paint color of the walls. But because it isn’t a true white, Alabaster won’t feel too stark and bold.

    Alabaster cabinets with brick backsplash
    via Home Bunch

    Shiplap

    Do you have shiplap in your home? Farmhouse style and Alabaster White were practically made for each other. Like cabinetry, a true white can be too stark for a shiplap wall, and Alabaster offers a good alternative due to its warmth.

    Bathroom with alabaster painted walls
    via Lizzy Designs Blog

    Exterior

    Alabaster White also works outside the home. When outside, you won’t even notice that it’s not a true white because of how bright and white it will look…without getting blinded by a glare! Due to its high LRV, it will appear bright and beautiful even for homes that are in the shade most of the day.

    House painted Sherwin Williams Alabaster with a gray roof
    via Patsy Overton

    So, have I convinced you yet? Let me know if you plan on giving Sherwin Williams Alabaster White a go in your house.

    Don’t forget to check out these other fantastic paint colors!

    • Gray Owl
    • Revere Pewter
    • Hale Navy
    • Shoji White
    • Sea Salt

    MORE POSTS YOU WILL LOVE:

    Show more
    Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams

    Accessible Beige {The Best Home Decor Paint Colors}

    ...
    Read More
    Show more
    The Best Blue Gray Paint Colors

    The Best Blue Gray Paint Colors

    ...
    Read More
    Show more
    Mindful Gray Paint Color by Sherwin Williams

    The Best Home Decor Paint Colors: Mindful Gray

    ...
    Read More
    Show more
    Paint Sheen Guide - free download

    Which Interior Paint Finishes to Use? {+ Where To Use Them}

    ...
    Read More
    Show more
    Sherwin Williams Retreat in a Kitchen by Urban Grace Interiors

    The Best Green Paint Colors For Your Home

    ...
    Read More
    Show more
    Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore

    Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee {The Best Home Decor Paint Colors}

    ...
    Read More
    Show more
    The Best Blue Green Paint Colors

    The Best Blue Green Paint Colors for Your Home

    ...
    Read More
    Show more
    Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray painted door

    Beautiful Interior Door Paint Colors {inspiration}

    ...
    Read More
    Show more
    Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray

    Best Home Decor Paint Colors: Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray

    ...
    Read More
    Load More
    « How to Install Paste-on-Wall Wallpaper
    How to Add Curtain Trim Tape for a Custom Look »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Grab Your Free Copy of The Decorator's Easy Cheat Sheet
    About Laura Nickelson, the author and creator of The Turquoise Home

    Popular Posts

    Sea Salt | Paint Colors in Living Room | Sand and Sisal

    The Best Living Room Paint Colors

    Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore wall color | paint color

    Best Home Decor Paint Colors: Edgecomb Gray

    Benjamin Moore White Dove Paint Color - inspiration photos

    Benjamin Moore White Dove {The Best Home Decor Paint Colors}

    Grab a piece of plywood and some paint and we're good to go!!

    How to Make a Large Wooden Sign

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Meet Laura

    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Get the 5 Secrets Every Decorator Knows!

    Home Decor Index

    • Decorating 101
    • Paint Colors
    • DIY Project
    • Living Room
    • Kitchen
    • Outdoors

    TheTurquoiseHome.com is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 The Turquoise Home