This time we will focus on a pretty and versatile color that looks great in any room.
Alabaster by Sherwin Williams is a nice, subtle shade of white. It is by no means simple, but rather special, which makes it worthy of your attention.
First time this tone appeared in the collections of Sherwin Williams in 2016. In 2019 it became very popular, and is still relevant today. To give you an understanding of this color, we need to go a little deeper into history.
The shade of white got its name thanks to the mineral alabaster, which is used to create gypsum powder and carve statues.
This mineral has been used by mankind for thousands of years, is well known and popular.
When was the last time you happened to be in a white-toned room, did you feel comfortable or, on the contrary, felt bad and couldn’t relax?
White and it’s shades is one of those colors that many homeowners avoid because they are afraid that the room will not look cozy and welcoming.
In fact, white is the most refreshing color. It makes the home clean and smart-looking and brings a touch of sophistication to the interior.
Alabaster by Sherwin Williams is a white shade that will bring you a luxury and opulence atmosphere.
Alabaster Undertones
Sherwin Williams Alabaster is white color. It is not cold, rather warm, as Encycolorpedia says.
The shades closest to it are ivory, off-white, and taupe. Unlike beige, alabaster does not have yellow-brown blotches.
Though alabaster is a special shade of white, it can also be tinted cream, pale pink or greenish, depending on the lightning options and coordinating colors.
Alabaster is a wonderful color that blends perfectly with almost all shades in the interior. However, one of the most interesting combinations will be neutral colors, i.e. white, gray and black.
A wonderful combination of alabaster with slightly softer shades, such as powdery pink or blue, is an idyllic decoration if you look for options to design a child’s bedroom.
Table of Contents
How Lightning Influences Alabaster?
To understand how different alabaster is from pure white, let’s compare their light reflectance.
Keep in mind that the basic snow-white color’s LVR is 100, that is, it completely reflects the light.
Alabaster’s LVR is 82. It is at the upper end of the spectrum, it reflects a lot of light, visually expands the space, but at the same time it is warmer than pure white.
What is LRV?Read It Before You Choose Your Ideal Paint Color
Colors that go with Alabaster
With various shades of white and beige, on the one hand, alabaster will create a gentle and soothing composition. On the other hand, alabaster will look great in the company of black and its shades.
The contrast created by the two colors will be expressive and sophisticated.
Alabaster, of course, belongs to neutral shades, so it goes well with any colors.
The manufacturer recommends the following combinations:
- SW 7690 Townhall Tan, a variation of beige color with LVR 42. This is a soft and harmonious combination of shades.
- SW 9023 Dakota Wheat, a yellow-beige shade with LVR 54. This combination creates warmth and unobtrusiveness at the same time.
- SW 9651 Sea Spray with LVR 61. Fresh, light, cool soft blue.
However, these are just recommendations.
You can combine alabaster with anything from pure white to rich Oxblood color.
According to the designers, alabaster needs to be next to something brighter so that the interior does not turn out to be too neutral and boring.
Colors similar to Alabaster SW 7008
A neutral color palette of these tones creates a peaceful space that still feels luxurious enough.
These soft tones work well with natural wood tones and dark metallic accents for a balanced space.
Alabaster vs. Chantilly lace (by Benjamin Moore)
Chantilly lace is a perfect equivalent of Sherwin Williams Extra White.
They’re both coordinating with alabaster color and can be used to create an airy, light-toned room of any design.
Alabaster vs. Dover white
The shade of yellow gives Dover White a brighter, softer and more attractive look.
This warm neutral color is great for any space where you want to add a touch of subtle color.
Related: Dover White SW-6385 By Sherwin Williams
Alabaster vs. Greek villa
An off-white hue like Greek Villa features warm tones that create an inviting feel that is full of comfort.
Its nostalgic richness is perfect if you love luxurious beiges from the past.
This shade pairs especially well with traditional spaces due to its affordable quality that feels timeless.
Alabaster vs. Pure white
With its gray tint, Pure White creates a softness that makes rooms bright without being harsh.
It can be difficult to find true neutral colors.
This tone sits right in the middle between warm and cool beiges and looks classy.
This fine balance helps create a versatile space that works with many different design styles.
Alabaster vs. Snowbound
If you’re looking for a shade that feels a little cooler, look no further than Snowbound.
This neutral color has gray undertones that are perfect for enhancing a space where furniture and décor are mostly cool tones.
This is a neutral mid-tone color, great for creating a monochromatic color scheme.
Use snowbound as your middle color, opting for lighter and darker shades to complete your interior paint scheme.
Related: Snowbound SW-7004 by Sherwin Williams. Detailed Guide
Contrast colors for Alabaster
Alabaster color can be considered as a universal base.
It can be combined with saturated bright colors. Fuchsia, mustard or sunny lime, sea turquoise or juicy eggplant are perfect companions for alabaster if you like bold and exclusive designs.
For example, by placing a sofa in rich color against an alabaster wall, you create an intriguing focal point.
Natural wood looks great against such a background, including furniture made of wood.
Green, blue and yellow scales will also add a special chic to the alabaster.
In any case, this shade from the family of whites is a good choice for interiors in any style.
Some options you might like to compliment the alabaster in your design:
- SW 6178 Clary Sage
- SW 9579 Timeless Taupe
- SW 6842 Forward Fuchsia
Best Ways to Use Sherwin Williams Alabaster
In fact, there are no rules that impose or prohibit the use of alabaster in your house or apartment. Professional designers recommend using it in small rooms because it makes them larger.
However, it is also an excellent background in a spacious living room, literally connecting all its parts together.
Alabaster is a great companion for a variety of designs and styles.
You can use combinations of alabaster and its go-to colors and shades in modern designs like Fusion, contemporary, pop art, neoclassicism, postmodernism, futurism, eclecticism, boho, hi-tech, scandinavian… and many others.
Alabaster in a Living room
Off-white living rooms look great in large houses and small apartments. Designers recommend using this tone in the design of flooring, walls or ceilings.
The interior with beige and alabaster is great for any style: it makes the shade versatile and popular.
Off-white color palette is considered the most calm and relaxing. It is positively perceived by a person and has a good influence on the nervous system. For many, a living room in beige tones is associated with home comfort and an atmosphere of peace.
Alabaster in a Bedroom
White color has always been considered a symbol of calmness and balance.
It is easy to create an original interior design in light colors if the bedroom is decorated with off-white shades like milky, creamy, creamy, and alabaster.
They smoothly blend into each other, even when using seemingly contrasting colors, and bring freshness and softness to the atmosphere at the same time.
A bedroom in neutral colors like alabaster and beige or cream is an ideal option for people who value their peace most of all.
A bright and serene interior will allow the owners of such a room to enjoy sleep, and the morning awakening will become really pleasant.
Alabaster in a Kitchen
Every owner of the house dreams of a kitchen, which would become not only a space for preparing delicious food, but also a cozy place for a good time with family and friends.
Alabaster and its coordinating colors is the perfect combination of harmony, comfort, coziness and elegance.
If you don’t want to decorate the kitchen in one color, then you can vary the caramel and sand halftones.
They will place the necessary accents and will not disturb the overall bright atmosphere.
Caramel shades will make the kitchen luxurious, creamy ones will give warmth, wheaten ones will visually expand the room.
The following color combinations will also be harmonious: beige with brown, beige with green, beige with pink, beige with gray.
Alabaster in a Bathroom
Bathroom design in white tones attracts with its versatility, neutrality and elegance.
It is the perfect backdrop for an original sanitary ware or an exclusive wall mural.
A classic off-white bathroom or a modern loft in gray-beige tones will look great in any option.
Alabaster is able to balance bright colors and neutralize the presence of too dark tones.
Luxurious natural stone, matte and glossy tiles, brick and wood are just a small part of the materials that will be appropriate in an alabaster bathroom.
This color scheme is chosen for small typical apartments and country houses, used in hotels.
Alabaster in an Exterior
The choice of the color of the facade and its other elements is influenced by their shape, surface (texture), material from which it is made.
The right choice of color can completely change the perception of the building, visually increase or decrease the house.
Combining the color palette, you can make the house deeper, looking up, or vice versa, the main thing is to feel the measure.
The brighter the color, the shorter its lifespan, as it is more susceptible to the effects of sunlight on it.
Black color is the worst option, as it attracts the most ultraviolet rays, which means that the period of its operation is minimal.
The best option would be to use white and light colors that can last for many years.
A pure white color looks elegant, but also cannot look beautiful for a long time, it will quickly begin to fade and turn yellow.
It is best to use alabaster color and its shades.
This Sherwin Williams paint color does not fade, it does not turn yellow, and dust on such a facade will not be noticeable.
Now you have a full guide on Alabaster paint color. You know not only what type of color it is, what undertones it has, and how it reads in different lighting.
You are also aware of the optimal color combinations this paint will work with. All this will help you use this paint in your home not only wisely but also effectively since we explained what rooms it might be best to use in.
The Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008 color has an LRV of 82. The manufacturer offers SW 9503 Cheviot, SW 7100 Arcade White, and SW 7102 White Flour. Most Sherwin Williams paints are good for eco-friendly designs and sustainable living persons.Frequently Asked Questions
⭐ What is Alabaster LRV?
⭐ What paint colors are similar to Alabaster?
⭐ Is Sherwin Williams Alabaster color suitable for an eco-friendly house?
FAQs
What color is sw 7008 Alabaster? ›
Alabaster SW 7008 - White & Pastel Paint Color - Sherwin-Williams.
Why is Sherwin Williams Alabaster so popular? ›There's a reason Alabaster is one of the top popular paint colors year after year. It's so easy to work with this versatile color. It's one of the best neutrals out there when it comes to complimenting interior decor, furniture and art.
Is SW Alabaster too yellow? ›SW Alabaster is not yellow. It has a neutral base to it, which gives it its creamy almost off-white color. The neutral base grounds the color preventing it from going too warm or looking yellow. Don't forget to pick up these amazing painting tools!
Is Sherwin Williams Alabaster cool or warm? ›Alabaster by Sherwin Williams is a soft, warm off-white that our designers love for its versatility. It was named the 2016 Sherwin Williams color of the year, as a nod to “personal solace and revival” – an understated, soothing, peaceful color.
Does Alabaster white look yellow? ›I would best describe alabaster color as a warm white. It has yellow undertones that clearly set it apart from cooler white paint choices. This warmth provided by yellow undertones can sometimes have people describe it as a beige or greige color, but cream or creamy white is a better description.
What color white does Joanna Gaines use? ›Joanna Gaines has used Alabaster so much it's one of her favorite colors! She painted the main living areas of her own farmhouse Alabaster and she continually uses it in homes she designs on Fixer Upper as well.
What brand of Alabaster paint does Joanna Gaines use? ›Sherwin Williams – Alabaster
Joanna painted the main living areas of her own farmhouse Alabaster and she continually uses it in homes she designs on Fixer Upper as well. It's a great color to use on walls and trim both.
A classic option for Alabaster walls is Sherwin Williams Pure White trim. As mentioned above, it has similar undertones to Alabaster but is more of a true white with a higher LRV.
What accent color goes well with Alabaster? ›Alabaster White Color Palette
Not as stark as white yet not as warm as beige, this neutral works with just about any decorating style or color palette. Try it with peach, navy blue and just a touch of bright orange for a bright yet soothing bedroom.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster FAQ's
It's off-white with very subtle undertones of greige (both gray and beige). It reads as a bright, warm white that's clean and crisp but soft at the same time. It will look white in both interior and exterior lighting and is white enough to pop against other colors without being glaring.
Is Alabaster out of style? ›
The short answer is yes, Alabaster is still very much a popular choice and a classic color, when used in the right setting.
Does Alabaster look dingy? ›Alabaster is a perfectly fine color to use on your wall and your ceiling. It is light and bright enough that it won't make your ceiling look dingy, but also will give the room a bit of softness if you use it for a ceiling shade.
What is one shade darker than Alabaster? ›Again, Crushed Ice is darker than Alabaster and that helps too. Get a Samplize peel and stick sample of Crushed Ice HERE. That's how you make Alabaster cabinets, doors and trim look brighter and whiter in comparison to a near neutral wall color from the same hue family neighborhood.
What color is closest to Alabaster? ›But if you are looking to a color by Benjamin Moore that is similar to Sherwin Williams Alabaster, your choice is going to be Benjamin Moore White Dove. It's a little bit lighter with an LRV of 85.38, but it's beautiful in person.
What color curtains go with Alabaster walls? ›Alabaster in Living and Dining Rooms
You can pair it with beiges, browns, and grays to create a cohesive feel. Try to use neutral linen upholstery, beige or white sheer curtains, and wooden furniture with visible legs.
White Dove is slightly brighter than Alabaster with LRVs of 85.38 and 82 respectively.
Is Alabaster whiter than white? ›Alabaster is a soft, WARM white with MORE undertone than some of the more simple, cleaner whites (ie: SW High Reflective White). This warmth comes across as soft and creamy vs abrasive and yellow, meaning it's not even close to the 3 whites that I would never paint my trim or cabinets.
What is the most popular Sherwin Williams white paint? ›Pure White SW 7005, Sherwin-Williams
As the most popular white at Sherwin-Williams, this is truly a foolproof white paint color.
SHERWIN WILLIAMS Alabaster: certainly one of Joanna Gaines' Favorite White Paints.
What paint color do Tarek and Christina use? ›They use a lot of black, white, and gray. These colors make their flips look chic and modern while providing buyers with a clean look almost anyone will love. You'll find them using black and white tile in almost every episode (whether it be the kitchen, the bathroom, or both), and they love choosing gray paint colors.
What color white paint do the property brothers use? ›
True White: Simply White Benjamin Moore
This hue I used when designing for Property Brothers- Dan & Debra Project located in Chappaqua, New York.
PURE WHITE vs ALABASTER: Alabaster has a lower LRV than Pure White; making it a soft white. It also has more creamy warmth. This means that Alabaster is often preferred over Pure White for north-facing rooms. On the other hand, Pure White is a more popular choice with today's popular white quartz countertops.
Is Alabaster a farmhouse color? ›It's been a trending farmhouse paint color for several years and doesn't look like the trend is fading. We're looking forward to showing you all of the places that you can use Alabaster white paint around your home.
What is the difference between Sherwin Williams Shoji white and Alabaster? ›Shoji White vs Alabaster
What is this? LRV –Alabaster is definitely lighter than Shoji White with a LRV of 82. Undertones – Shoji White is more neutral where Alabaster has creamy undertones.
If you really want to highlight the creamy side of Alabaster and not focus on it being a white, you could try pairing it with SW Pure White or SW Extra White. In this case, it will make Alabaster look like a cream color on your wall and your trim will be bright white.
What is less yellow than Alabaster? ›Alabaster and White Dove are both off-white paint colors, but as you can see, White Dove is considerably less yellow than Alabaster. White Dove does have a hint of yellow in it, but it's also got some gray undertones, too–making it easier to work with.
What is the most popular Sherwin Williams color? ›- SW 7005 Pure White Interior / Exterior.
- SW 7029 Agreeable Gray Interior / Exterior.
- SW 7015 Repose Gray Interior / Exterior.
- SW 7008 Alabaster Interior / Exterior.
- SW 7004 Snowbound Interior / Exterior.
- SW 7036 Accessible Beige Interior / Exterior.
- SW 6385 Dover White Interior / Exterior.
A general rule of thumb is for curtains & walls to be one shade lighter or darker than each other, or be a complimentary colour to each other. Although light or dark curtains can influence the mood of a room, provided they match the colour, hues & shade of the walls, it will be a good choice.
Does Alabaster white go with GREY? ›Alabaster is a great coordinating color for Agreeable Gray. I love it for trim or for a light and bright accent color. It will read pretty white next to the warm, greige Agreeable Gray.
What color tone is alabaster? ›Alabaster is a soft, WARM white with MORE undertone than some of the more simple, cleaner whites (ie: SW High Reflective White). This warmth comes across as soft and creamy vs abrasive and yellow, meaning it's not even close to the 3 whites that I would never paint my trim or cabinets.
What is the best trim color to use with Sherwin Williams Alabaster? ›
A classic option for Alabaster walls is Sherwin Williams Pure White trim. As mentioned above, it has similar undertones to Alabaster but is more of a true white with a higher LRV.
What is one shade darker than alabaster? ›Again, Crushed Ice is darker than Alabaster and that helps too. Get a Samplize peel and stick sample of Crushed Ice HERE. That's how you make Alabaster cabinets, doors and trim look brighter and whiter in comparison to a near neutral wall color from the same hue family neighborhood.
What Colour compliments Alabaster? ›Alabaster White Color Palette
Not as stark as white yet not as warm as beige, this neutral works with just about any decorating style or color palette. Try it with peach, navy blue and just a touch of bright orange for a bright yet soothing bedroom.
- Silver Strand (SW 7057) – a light-medium blue-green-gray.
- Sea Salt (SW 6204) – a light, muted blue-green.
- Fawn Brindle (SW 7640) – medium-dark warm gray.
- Accessible Beige (SW 7036) – a light-medium greige.
- Amazing Gray (SW 7044) – medium greige.
Sherwin Williams – Alabaster
Joanna painted the main living areas of her own farmhouse Alabaster and she continually uses it in homes she designs on Fixer Upper as well. It's a great color to use on walls and trim both.
White Dove is slightly brighter than Alabaster with LRVs of 85.38 and 82 respectively.
What color furniture goes with Alabaster? ›The beauty of alabaster is the greige undertones help classify it as a free-standing neutral, rather than just a plain shade of white. Pairing it with additional neutrals like grays, blacks, and wood tones gives any space—like this formal dining room—tons of dimension and color without going overboard.
Does SW Alabaster go with gray? ›Alabaster is a great coordinating color for Agreeable Gray. I love it for trim or for a light and bright accent color. It will read pretty white next to the warm, greige Agreeable Gray.
What white goes with sw Alabaster? ›If you really want to highlight the creamy side of Alabaster and not focus on it being a white, you could try pairing it with SW Pure White or SW Extra White. In this case, it will make Alabaster look like a cream color on your wall and your trim will be bright white.
What color does Alabaster pull? ›If Alabaster is going to lean one way it another, it tends to pull towards yellow. More often than not though, I find that this is because of the lighting in the room. Yellow toned (warm) light bulbs can really throw a yellow look on your Alabaster walls.
What is the difference between SW pure white and Alabaster? ›
Alabaster vs Pure White
Sherwin Williams Pure White has a slightly higher LRV than Alabaster (value of 84), and it is less creamy. Both will read as soft whites, but Alabaster is a warmer white, while SW Pure White will be a little brighter, and cooler in hue. Pure White is a very popular pick for trim.