Sherwin Williams Alabaster White (SW 7008) is celebrated for its soft, creamy tone. This gentle white has been a top pick for many years and was Sherwin Williams’ 2016 Color of the Year.
Alabaster has clearly stood the test of time. It remains one of Sherwin Williams’ most popular whites because it’s versatile, forgiving, and elegant in a wide range of settings.
White walls are a safe, timeless choice for the home. Neutral paint colors remain dominant across styles and trends, and Alabaster is a great example of a neutral that feels current without being cold or clinical.
Pro Tip
Always test paint in your actual space before committing. The easiest way to do this is with real paint samples that you can move around the room—peel-and-stick samples made from real paint are especially convenient. Try samples on multiple walls and view them at different times of day to see how natural and artificial light affect the color.
What I love about Sherwin Williams Alabaster is how subtle its undertones are. It doesn’t push strongly warm or cool, which makes it an excellent recommendation for anyone searching for an accessible, balanced white. It works beautifully indoors and out, and even on cabinets.
What Color Is Alabaster?
The Director of Color Marketing at Sherwin Williams described Alabaster as “neither stark nor overly warm, but rather an understated and alluring hue of white.” That description fits: Alabaster reads as a soft white that works with warm brass and wood finishes, as well as the cooler grays and blues that are popular right now.
Alabaster White Undertones
Although Alabaster is technically considered a warm white, it doesn’t read strongly yellow. Its undertones are very subtle, which is why it pairs well with both warm and cool palettes. Some people notice greige undertones—an even mix of gray and beige—so under certain lighting the color can lean slightly more toward gray or beige.
Compared to true bright whites that often show cool or blue undertones, Alabaster brings a creamy softness without feeling too creamy or overbearing. When viewed alone it simply appears as a pleasant, soft white; side-by-side comparisons are where the differences between whites become most obvious.
LRV of Sherwin Williams Alabaster White
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures how much visible light a color reflects. Higher numbers reflect more light. Alabaster has an LRV of 82, which means it reflects a significant amount of light and will generally make spaces feel bright.
Orientation and lighting will still influence how it reads: north-facing rooms may make the color feel slightly cooler and more muted, while south- and west-facing rooms will emphasize any warmth in the paint, giving Alabaster a soft, glowing quality.
Alabaster vs. White Dove and Simply White
Alabaster is often compared to other popular whites like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove and Simply White. Alabaster is slightly darker and warmer than White Dove (LRV 85) and less yellow than Simply White. If you prefer Benjamin Moore’s palette, White Dove is a close analogue to Alabaster in terms of warmth and versatility.
Complementary Colors for SW Alabaster White
Alabaster is very easy to pair with other colors. For a cool contrast, try blue-gray or sea-glass hues that bring out subtle cool notes. For a dramatic statement, pair Alabaster with a deep navy or rich charcoal to make the white read even brighter by contrast.
Sherwin Williams often pairs Alabaster with warm neutrals like tan and soft wheat tones, but there are endless combinations depending on whether you want a calm, coastal look, a warm, traditional scheme, or a bold contemporary contrast.
Alabaster White in the Home
Wall Colors
Alabaster is an excellent choice for walls when you want a bright, neutral backdrop that won’t overpower your furnishings. It allows décor and artwork to stand out while providing a warm, inviting atmosphere that works across styles.
Trim and Molding
Alabaster works well on trim and molding too. Using different whites for walls and trim—such as Alabaster on the walls and a brighter white on trim in a semi-gloss finish—creates a subtle layered look that feels intentional and refined.
Cabinets
Alabaster is a great cabinet color for kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms, offering a fresh, clean look without the starkness of a pure white. It provides a softer contrast to countertops and backsplashes while remaining classic and adaptable.
Shiplap
For farmhouse or cottage styles, Alabaster is a natural choice for shiplap because it adds warmth without appearing yellow. It keeps the boards looking bright and fresh while maintaining a cozy, lived-in feeling.
Exterior
Alabaster works beautifully as an exterior color. With its high LRV, it reads bright in daylight without the harsh glare of a pure white, making it an excellent choice for houses in both sunlit and shaded locations.
Have you considered using Sherwin Williams Alabaster White in your home? It’s a reliable, versatile white that adapts to many styles and lighting conditions. Test it in your space to confirm how it reads in your light and with your furnishings.
Other paint colors you might like:
- Gray Owl
- Revere Pewter
- Hale Navy
- Shoji White
- Sea Salt
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