Alabaster (SW 7008) is a soft, creamy white. It is not as stark as a true white, but still white enough that it will always look white, in any light and on any surface.
Alabaster has a Light Reflectance Value of 82, meaning that it will reflect back a lot of light into the room. This makes it a good choice for any room that you want to have a bright, cheery look.
Alabaster’s Popularity
Sherwin Williams Alabaster color is one of the most popular white paint colors that Sherwin Williams has.
It has been a best seller for many years, and was actually named by Sherwin Williams as their Color of the Year in 2016.
In addition, Alabaster has been featured in Pottery Barn’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection, Pottery Barn Kids’ Spring/Summer 2019 collection, and PBteen’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection.
Is white in style for home decor right now?
Based on Alabaster’s appearance in all of the major collections that Pottery Barn put out in 2019, it is safe to say that SW Alabaster has not declined in popularity in the last several years.
In fact, white walls are trending right now on Pinterest in a big way.
While gray walls ruled for a long time, white walls are becoming the color of choice for homes now.
When you look at Alabaster, it is easy to see why it is so popular, yet not at all trendy.
Trendy colors come in and out of fashion depending on current styles. Timeless colors that are popular are more classic in their appeal.
Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster color is the perfect, timeless white.
It has a bit of warmth without being too yellow, too blue or too beige. In addition, it pairs well with both warm or cool colors.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster Color Undertones
The undertones of Alabaster are subtle. Alabaster doesn’t lean strongly towards any one color, and almost has a greige undertone.
This means that it has both a beige and gray base, though it mostly just comes off as white.
What is thought of as a true white typically has cool undertones, and can almost lean towards blue.
If you look at Extra White or Pure White by Sherwin Williams, you will see that this cool, bluish white is what many would consider a real white.
Without a visual comparison to a real true white though, Alabaster will look completely white.
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. If you paint your walls Alabaster white, but you’re only seeing yellow, you may want to consider changing your light bulbs to see if it helps tone it down.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster Color Compared
When I do a full paint color review, I like to compare the paint shade I’m discussing to other popular paint colors that are in the same color family. This can be helpful for readers who are trying to decide between different paint colors.
For Alabaster, we will compare it to Extra White, Greek Villa, Swiss Coffee, White Dove, Snowbound, and Dover White.
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SW Alabaster Vs. Extra White
Take a look at SW Alabaster next to a cool white (Extra White) and a warm white (Greek Villa), and see how it compares.
When set against a color such as Extra White, you will notice Alabaster’s warm hints.
Both will look white if you are painting a whole room in the color, but Alabaster will look a little cozier than Extra White will.
Click here for more information about Extra White.
SW Alabaster Vs. Greek Villa
When you compare Alabaster with Greek Villa, you will see how Alabaster leans more gray, while Greek Villa leans more yellow.
Both are warm colors, and both will look pretty white when painted on the wall.
But Alabaster looks a little more muted than Greek Villa.
Click here for a full color review on Greek Villa.
SW Alabaster vs. Swiss Coffee
Swiss Coffee is a creamy paint color by Benjamin Moore. It is very similar to Alabaster, but lacks the gray that Alabaster has. Swiss Coffee is light an airy, without any shading to it.
These paint colors are so similar that if one works in your home, the other probably will as well. But, there are subtle differences between them, and you may find that you like one better than the other.
I recommend sampling both to determine whether you like Swiss Coffee or Alabaster better.
Click here for more information about Swiss Coffee.
SW Alabaster vs. White Dove
White Dove is a very popular off-white paint color by Benjamin Moore.
I always think of White Dove as Benjamin Moore’s Alabaster (and vice versa). White Dove Benjamin Moore’s most popular soft, creamy white paint color, while Albaster is Sherwin William’s most popular soft, creamy white paint color.
Despite this, they aren’t exactly the same paint colors. Alabaster has a bit more of a beige quality to it, where as White Dove is more yellow its undertones.
White Dove can be used on trim and woodwork, like Alabaster.
While both may work in your home, you may find that you like one better than the other. The way to choose is going to be to pick up a Samplize square of these two shades and try them out in your space. I’ll explain more about Samplize squares later in this post.
Click here for more information about White Dove.
SW Alabaster vs. Snowbound
Snowbound is a warm paint color with pink and purple undertones. This make it a different kind of warmth than Alabaster.
Alabaster’s yellow undertones bring a creamy look to the paint, while Snowbound’s pink/purple undertones bring a cozy softness to the shade.
Snowbound and Alabaster have similar depths. Snowbound can also work on trim, but it isn’t a common shade for trim.
Snowbound is a good paint color if you prefer taupe colored shades. It is a great option for someone who wants a warm paint color that doesn’t have any yellow in it.
Click here for more information about Snowbound.
SW Alabaster vs. Dover White
Dover White is a creamy paint color by Sherwin Williams. When comparing Dover White to Alabaster, Dover White has a bit more orange in it, and and a bit less gray in it.
Alabaster is also a bit lighter than Dover White. It has a higher LRV, making it a shade that can also work on trim if you want a soft white trim color. Dover White would probably be a bit too much color for trim for most people.
Dover White might be a good choice who wants a creamy look to the room, but has a lot of cool, northern lighting. Where Alabaster might come off looking more white, Dover White will bring a little more warmth to the space.
But, if you have a lot of warm light in your space, Dover White may look a bit too warm, and Alabaster might be perfect.
Click here for more information about Dover White.
SW Alabaster vs. Pure White
Pure White is a very popular paint color by Sherwin Williams. In fact, it is one of my go-to paint colors for trim if I am using Sherwin Williams paint.
This is because Pure White is a white paint color that works with almost any other shade. White it is still bright, it isn’t stark at all. Pure White is lighter, and has a higher LRV, than Alabaster. And, it has less color in it than Alabaster does.
Pure White has gray and yellow undertones, but they are pretty understated. Next to Alabaster, Pure White will look very white. But, when you compare Pure White to a cleaner white, such as High Reflective White, you’ll see the gray in Pure White.
The gray just lends a bit of softness, while the yellow makes Pure White a little warm.
So, Alabaster is a much creamier and warmer white paint color when comparing it to Pure White.
So, is SW Alabaster color a warm or cool color?
If you look at Alabaster compared to other whites, it is easy to see what it is a warmer white.
Though the greige undertones make it very versatile, it is not as stark as many of Sherwin Williams’ cooler whites.
If Alabaster is a warm white, is it cream or white?
SW Alabaster is a creamy white. But while Alabaster does have almost a creamy look to it, it is considered to be white, and not a cream color.
Alabaster white is a soft look. It is airy and warm, but not too yellow.
Where should I use Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster Color?
Alabaster white is a perfect choice in many different settings.
Because it is a solid white with just a hint of color, it can go anywhere that you want a clean, bright look.
You can use Alabaster on the walls as a crisp, clean backdrop to your decor.
You can use Alabaster on your trim as a warm white contrast to colored walls.
You can use Alabaster on your cabinets, for a perfect white kitchen.
And Alabaster is a top choice for a white paint color on shiplap.
Complimentary Colors for Alabaster Paint
Alabaster goes with many other paint colors. Because it is a warm neutral, it goes well with many other warm neutrals. Additionally, it works with many blues and greens.
Sherwin Williams has curated a color palette of warm browns that pair with Alabaster. Townhall Tan is a medium depth paint color that grounds the color scheme. Dakota Wheat is an orangy tan that provides a pop of color to this warm grouping of shades.
Trim Colors for Alabaster
I get a lot of questions about a trim color for Alabaster, so I thought I’d include a section for you on this very topic.
When you have white walls, there are two ways you can go with your trim.
First, you can paint your walls and your trim the same white, and differentiate them by sheen.
For example, you can paint your walls Alabaster in a satin finish, and paint the trim Alabaster in a semi-gloss finish. This will still make the trim stand out because of how the light bounces off it a semi-gloss sheen more than a satin sheen.
The trim will look brighter than the walls, but all the undertones will match perfectly.
If you want to see how it looks to have Alabaster walls with Alabaster trim, join my Facebook group and search “Alabaster”. There is a great example with pictures of someone who painted their kitchen in all Alabaster white. The cabinets and trim are a higher sheen of Alabaster, while the walls are a lower sheen. It looks gorgeous!
Alabaster Walls with Pure White Trim
Second, you can paint your walls one white paint color and paint your trim in a coordinating white paint color.
For example, you can paint your walls Alabaster and your trim Pure White.
Here is a picture of walls in Alabaster and trim in Pure White.
As you can see, the walls have that creamy white color, while trim and door look slightly brighter and more crisp.
There is not a huge difference in how they look.
If you want a brighter white trim color, High Reflective White is a good option.
Ceiling Colors for Alabaster Walls
People frequently want to know what color they should paint their ceiling if their walls are Alabaster white.
My top recommendations are going to be similar to my trim color guidance.
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.
If you have plans to repaint someday though, I would advise going with a brighter and more versatile white paint color that will go with anything if you change the wall color.
For example, Pure White, High Reflective White and Chantilly Lace are all white paint colors that will go with Alabaster walls. The ceiling will be brighter than the walls, but it won’t make too much of a splash, because ceilings are shady areas of a room anyways.
Final Thoughts on Alabaster Paint Color
Choosing a white paint color for your walls can be challenging, but Alabaster is a go-to paint color for anyone who wants warm, bright and airy white walls.
Overall, Alabaster is a really gorgeous white and is perfect for anywhere in your home.
Itis a great choice in a room of any style, from modern to farmhouse, and will highlight the decor of the room.
Wondering how to pick the perfect paint color?
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Want to see all your paint options in one convenient place? Check out my Amazon Shop, where you can get everything you need to start painting, including Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore paint color decks!
Want to see some other white paint choices? Check out the best whites from Sherwin Williams!
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FAQs
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!
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.
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 color compliments Sherwin Williams Alabaster? ›Colors to Pair with Sherwin Williams Alabaster
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.
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 color trim goes best with 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 Joanna's favorite white? ›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 is the difference between BM white Dove and SW Alabaster? ›Alabaster is just a touch warmer than White Dove by Benjamin Moore. White Dove also has a higher LRV of 85, giving it more of a true white appearance than Alabaster. It also has a hint more of a gray undertone than Alabaster.
Does SW Alabaster look gray? ›The undertones featured in Alabaster are a bit yellow and some beige/greige. These undertones are why at first glance some people might feel this color is beige or even grey. What is this? However, when you compare it with true white or grey and beige colors, the bright white of the paint comes through.
Is Sherwin Williams Alabaster a good wall color? ›
Alabaster is a Popular Choice
It's a great choice for walls because it doesn't feel cold, but also an excellent choice for kitchen cabinets. I love how 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.”
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.
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 Sherwin Williams Alabaster look pink? ›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.
1. Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005. Pure White is one of my FAVE go-to whites, but it's not a STARK CLEAN white, it actually has a warm softness to it. Not enough to make it creamy or yellow, but enough to remove the crisp edge that many whites have.
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.
Is Chantilly Lace stark? While this color is a true white with a slightly cool undertone, it never feels stark in our home – it's a soft, simple, clean white.
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. When I was choosing a paint color for my home, Sherwin Williams Alabaster vs Benjamin Moore White Dove ended up being my two finalists. Personally, I love both colors. Alabaster is slightly warmer, and White Dove is slightly cooler.
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 are the best paint colors for modern farmhouse? ›
The modern farmhouse style is dominated by stormy grays, greiges, purple, blues, and other colours with subtle, and not so subtle, gray undertones. Along with those stormy tones we're seeing drops of pastel, vintage and lived-in colours with old-school charm.
What sheen of paint does Joanna Gaines use on shiplap? ›Joanna Gaines has recommended True White before and it's matched to Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace. Should I use a matte or semi-gloss on shiplap? The preference is yours it doesn't really matter but I would recommend matte. A semi-gloss would be easier to wipe off though.
What is the difference between Sherwin Williams Alabaster and Snowbound? ›Snowbound vs Alabaster
SW Alabaster has LRV of 82, which is almost identical to that of Snowbound, 83. Snowbound vs Alabaster is more about the undertones than about the brightness of the shades. Alabaster is warmer than Snowbound, with more beige undertones than gray. Snowbound is brighter, but Alabaster is creamier.
Is Greek villa or alabaster more white? Greek Villa and Alabaster are both creamy off white paint colors with Greek Villa being more beige and Alabaster more gray. That being said, Greek Villa is slightly lighter, brighter, and closer to white than Alabaster.
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.
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.
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.
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 Sherwin Williams Alabaster popular? ›Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) is Popular For a Reason
One of the white colors that I kept hearing about and seeing when I was hunting for white colors was Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008. It was the color of the year in 2016 and its popularity has remained strong since then.
"For high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms—and almost any space—I like to keep things simple and use a creamy, neutral white like 'Shiplap,'" the Fixer Upper star said.
Does alabaster white have yellow undertones? ›
Alabaster features yellow undertones and a neutral base, which makes it warmer than a truer cooler white, and yet not as dark as a grey or beige. If you are looking for a gray or beige color for your paint project, then alabaster will not work well for you.
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 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.
Which color is better white dove or Alabaster? ›Alabaster is just a touch warmer than White Dove by Benjamin Moore. White Dove also has a higher LRV of 85, giving it more of a true white appearance than Alabaster. It also has a hint more of a gray undertone than Alabaster.
What is the difference between Sherwin Williams pure white and Alabaster? ›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.
What is one shade lighter than Alabaster? ›Sherwin Williams Alabaster vs Benjamin Moore White Dove
Each of these white paint colors fall into what I consider the sweet spot for brightness (low to mid 80's on the LRV scale). White Dove is slightly brighter than Alabaster with LRVs of 85.38 and 82 respectively.
Is Greek Villa Lighter Than Alabaster? Both Greek Villa and Alabaster have grey and beige undertones. Greek Villa has is a bit warmer but also a smidge lighter than Alabaster, with fractionally less gray. Alabaster's LRV is 82 while Greek Villa is 84.
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.