We can't tell you how many times we hear a client frustrated over the number of whites to choose from, and honestly, we can't even blame them. Even with one of our favorite paint suppliers, choosing the best Sherwin Williams white colors can be confusing.
No matter the brand, choosing a white paint color can be a nightmare, especially if you're the type of person who already doesn't feel all that comfortable with colors.
No one wants to make the wrong paint color choice, and if you're trying to find the perfect white for your home painting project, then you're in the right place. Keep reading for the ultimate white paint color list, the last one you'll ever need.
What to Know About White Paint?
Before you dive into a world of whites, there are a few things you should know. As we've already discussed, there are a ton of white options out there; however, very few of these will come across as true white. As you look through white paints, you'll see that a lot of them could be described as gray, beige, pink, blue, and so on.
This is because nearly all whites have an undertone. Along with having varying undertones, it's also important to note what difference lighting makes.
The natural and artificial lighting you have within a room, along with fixed features and furniture, can bounce light around and cast different colors on your white paint, making it appear as though it's a different color.
Every color expert will urge you to sample before you commit, and this step is just as important when going white:
- Purchase test quarts of your two or three finalists.
- Paint a 2-foot by 2-foot swatch on a couple of different walls.
- Review the color throughout the day, in morning, afternoon, and evening light, to make sure it's something you'll love.
What is the Most Popular Sherwin Williams White Paint?
Best All-Over White: Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008
We had to start with Alabaster because it is easily one of our favorites. Alabaster reads as a crisp, true white with just the smallest hint of warmth. Warmth is an element you may want to look for in your white paint because it keeps the color from looking too sterile.
Alabaster is perfect for multiple rooms to create a cohesive space, or consider using it on your trim, paneling, brick, and doors for a slightly different take on those areas.
Best Cool White: Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005
You can't talk about white paint without mentioning Sherwin Williams Pure White. Pure White has a slightly blue tinge to it which results in it looking like a very bright white. This is the perfect white if you are going for the ultimate, white white.
Best Off-White: Sherwin Williams Natural Choice SW 7011
If you're not completely ready to go with such an intense white, Natural Choice might be perfect for you. This off-white has both warm and cool undertones making it a beautiful neutral that can look very modern and simple. If you've got a contemporary or transitional style we recommend giving this white a chance.
Best Modern White: Sherwin Williams Egret White SW 7570
Egret White is one of those whites that you might look at and say wait, is that gray? That's because this white has a coolness to it that makes it pop against crisp white trim. This is a more modern color that will pair nicely with lighter and cool-toned wood floors and dark accents.
Best Gray White: Sherwin Williams Eider White SW 7014
Eider White gets described quite frequently as a light gray; however, it is considered to be a white so we're thrilled to include it here. It does have a slightly pink undertone so again, sampling this color will be really important to know if it will work in your space.
We find that lighting will play a huge factor as far as whether this turns pink on you or not, but if it doesn't it is an absolutely beautiful color for bedrooms and baths.
The Five Whites at a Glance
| Color | Code | Undertone | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabaster | SW 7008 | Warm | Whole-home walls, trim, brick, doors |
| Pure White | SW 7005 | Slightly cool | The brightest, cleanest white |
| Natural Choice | SW 7011 | Warm and cool | Contemporary and transitional off-white |
| Egret White | SW 7570 | Cool, gray lean | Modern rooms with wood floors and dark accents |
| Eider White | SW 7014 | Gray with a hint of pink | Bedrooms and baths |
Is White the Right Color for My Home?
If you're still questioning whether you're ready to take the leap and paint your interior white, then let's talk through that. No matter if you choose one of these best Sherwin Williams white colors we've listed or a different white, white is generally a color associated with cleanliness and freshness, and it promotes an open mind.
When done right it's simple, classic, and timeless. White might be right for you if you are looking to create a minimalist and cohesive space or if you're looking to make a room feel light, bright, and airy. White looks beautiful in a well-lit, open space, but some people do find white too sterile. If that's you, lean toward the warmer whites above.
At the end of the day, most people either enjoy white while others can't stand it, so if you love the look of white paint then that's probably a good indicator that white is right for you.
What's the Best Color for Selling or Renting?
You guessed it: when it comes to selling or renting your home, white rooms are king. White rooms look better online, and by painting the walls, trim, and ceilings all white in varying sheens your spaces will look bigger and more open.
This creates a blank canvas for the new buyers or renters to make the space feel like their own. This is also a great tip for dated kitchen cabinets. Rather than going for a full or partial remodel, consider updating your kitchen and bath cabinets with a fresh coat of white paint.
Which color would you like to hear about next? We'd love to hear from you. If you'd like more help in picking the colors for your home painting project, please contact us or give us a call at (720) 637-4805.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular Sherwin Williams white paint?
Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008 is the white we recommend most. It reads as a crisp, true white with just a hint of warmth, which keeps it from feeling sterile, and it works on walls, trim, brick, and doors alike.
Is white the right paint color for my home?
White is a strong choice if you want a minimalist, cohesive space or a room that feels light, bright, and airy. It looks best in well-lit, open rooms. If you find pure white too sterile, choose a warmer white like Alabaster or an off-white like Natural Choice.
What is the best paint color for selling or renting a home?
White. White rooms photograph better online, and painting walls, trim, and ceilings white in varying sheens makes spaces look bigger and more open, giving buyers or renters a blank canvas. A fresh coat of white paint is also a budget-friendly update for dated kitchen cabinets.
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