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Best Sherwin Williams White Paint Colors for a Timeless Look

Looking for the best Sherwin Williams White paint color? I’ve shared a few of the most popular interior and exterior SW white paint colors with color details.

Have you ever gone to the store to pick out white paint and immediately felt overwhelmed? It’s just white paint right? While some may think that white is a simple color to choose, it can actually be quite complex. Different shades of white can have subtle undertones that can drastically change the overall look and feel of a room or space. 

Sherwin Williams offers a wide range of white paint colors to choose from, each with their own unique undertones and characteristics. Whether you’re looking for a warm, creamy white or a cool, crisp white, Sherwin Williams has a shade that will suit your needs. Even though I’m no color expert, with a little research and comparison, I was able to create a good list of the top picks for the best Sherwin Williams white paint colors. I’m also sharing a few tips on how to choose the right shade for your space. Whether you are looking for a white trim color or looking to go from a dark colored wall to white walls, I hope this post gives you the latest inspiration for your paint project. 

Best Sherwin Williams White Paint colors

Word to the wise; We all peruse through Pinterest looking for our favorite paint color before settling on one, right? Please know that the pictures you see on social media have been heavily edited and won’t necessarily look the same when you use them on your surface. Always test a small area first. Lighting is key and makes a world of difference in how a paint looks. 

For this reason I’m not sharing pictures of these paint colors in rooms because chances are they will give you a false idea of what it will look like in your space. Read about the undertones of each color, take into account how much light your space has, and sample sample sample! 

Understanding White Paint Colors

White paint colors can seem simple, but they can be surprisingly complex. I have seen firsthand how a white paint color can look completely different depending on the lighting, the room’s orientation (north-facing room vs. south facing room), and the other colors in the space. In this section, I’ll explain what makes a good white paint color and how to choose the right shade for your project.

What Makes a Good White Paint Color

When it comes to white paint colors, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Pure white is rarely the best choice. Most pure whites can come across as too stark or sterile. That being said, for some people that’s the look they are going for. 
  • Undertones are important. Even if a paint color looks white at first glance, it may have undertones of blue, pink, yellow, or green that become more apparent in certain lighting conditions. Before you pick out a color, know if you want a white with warm undertones or cooler tones.
  • Opacity matters. Some white paint colors are more opaque than others, which can affect how well they cover existing colors or imperfections in the wall.

How to Choose the Right Shade of White Paint

Choosing the right shade of white paint can be tricky, but here are a few tips:

  • Consider the room’s orientation. North-facing rooms tend to have cool light, so a warmer white paint color can help balance things out. South-facing rooms tend to have warm light, so cool whites can help prevent the space from feeling too warm.
  • Think about the other colors in the room. If you have a lot of warm wood tones, a cool colors can help balance things out. If you have a lot of cool gray tones, a warmer white paint color can add some warmth and depth.
  • Test the paint color in the room. Paint a large swatch on the wall and observe how the color looks throughout the day as the lighting changes. Know the light reflectance value of the paint color. LRV values range from 0 (absolute black, absorbing all light) to 100 (pure white, reflecting all light). 

Different Types of Sherwin Williams White Paints

Sherwin Williams offers a wide range of white paint colors, each with its own unique undertones and finishes. Here are some of the most popular types of Sherwin Williams white paints:

  • Sherwin-Williams Pure White: This is a bright, clean white with no undertones. It is perfect for modern spaces and pairs well with bold colors. Like I said earlier, this will come across as stark and sterile compared to other whites, so make sure this is the look you are going for.
  • Sherwin-Williams Extra White: This is a cooler white with blue undertones. It is great for creating a crisp, clean look in a space.
  • Sherwin Williams Alabaster: This is a warm, creamy white with yellow undertones. It is a popular choice for traditional and farmhouse-style spaces.
  • Sherwin Williams High Reflective White: This is a bright white with a glossy finish. It is perfect for creating a high-impact look in a space.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Sherwin Williams White Paints

When choosing a Sherwin Williams white paint, there are several factors to consider:

Undertones:Consider the undertones of the white paint and how they will complement or contrast with the other colors in your space.
Lighting:The lighting in your space can affect how a white paint looks. Be sure to test your paint colors in different lighting conditions.
Finish:Consider the finish of the white paint and how it will affect the overall look of your space. A glossy finish will reflect more light and create a high-impact look, while a matte finish will create a more subtle, understated look.
Style:Consider the style of your space and choose a white paint that complements that style. For example, a warm, creamy white like Alabaster is perfect for a traditional or farmhouse-style space, while a bright, clean white like Pure White is great for a modern space.

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Below you will see a list of some of the most popular white paint colors. I’ve taken these “swatches with descriptions” straight from the Sherwin Williams website. Always remember that a manufacturer’s website is normally the best place to get accurate details about each paint color. 

Best Sherwin Williams White Paint Colors for Interiors

Pure White

I absolutely love Sherwin Williams’ Pure White for interiors. It’s a crisp, clean white that doesn’t have any undertones. It’s perfect for creating a modern, minimalist look in any room. I especially love using it on trim and doors to make them pop against a colored wall.

Sherwin Williams Pure White

Extra White

If you’re looking for a bright, true white, SW Extra White is a great option. It has cooler undertones than Pure White, but still doesn’t have any noticeable undertones. It’s perfect for creating a fresh, airy feel in a space.

Sherwin Williams Extra White

Alabaster

Alabaster is a warmer white that has a slight beige undertone. It’s a great choice if you want a white that feels a bit softer and more welcoming with warm tones. I love using it on walls in a bedroom or a living room to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. To me, it’s the perfect white paint color. 

Sherwin Williams Alabaster

High Reflective White

If you’re looking for a white that will really bounce light around a room, High Reflective White is the way to go. It’s a bright, pure white that has a high sheen. It’s perfect for small spaces or rooms with limited natural light.

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

Snowbound

Snowbound is a white with a small amount of gray undertones. It’s a great option if you want a white that feels a bit more sophisticated and elegant. It’s perfect for creating a calming, serene atmosphere in a bedroom or bathroom. With it’s cool undertones, it pairs well with soft pastels, light grays, and muted earth tones.

Sherwin Williams Snowbound

Best Sherwin Williams White Paint Colors for Exteriors

Looking for a few popular whites for your exterior, I’ve got you covered. 

Pure White

If you’re looking for a true, bright white for your exterior, SW Pure White is a great option. This color is the perfect shade for homes with a lot of natural light, as it can help reflect the sunlight and make your home appear brighter.

Alabaster

Alabaster is a warm, creamy neutral white that works well with a variety of architectural styles. This color can help make your home appear cozy and inviting, and it’s a great option if you want a softer look for your exterior. 

Snowbound

Snowbound is a cool, crisp white that works well with homes that have a lot of greenery around them. This color can help make your home appear fresh and clean, and it’s a great option if you want a classic look for your exterior.

Conclusion

After researching and testing various Sherwin Williams white paint colors, I have come to the conclusion that the best white paint color for your project depends on your specific needs and preferences. Every surface will look different with each one of these paint colors. 

If you’re looking for a bright, clean white that reflects a lot of light, then Extra White is a great option. If you want a white with a bit of warmth, then Alabaster is a good choice. For a white that has a subtle gray undertone, Repose Gray might be the right fit.

It’s important to keep in mind that lighting conditions can greatly affect how a paint color looks in a room. Always test paint samples in the room and lighting conditions where the paint will be applied before making a final decision.

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