Sherwin-Williams Pure White vs Alabaster: A Comparision

I’ve helped hundreds of homeowners look through the surprisingly complex world of white paint colors, and I consistently find that the choice between Pure White (SW 7005) and Alabaster (SW 7008) creates the most confusion—and for good reason.

These Sherwin-Williams favorites might seem nearly identical on tiny paint chips, but once on your walls, they create distinctly different environments.

Are you seeking the clean, bright canvas that Pure White delivers or the soft, nurturing warmth of Alabaster?

Having used both extensively in my design practice, I’ve found that choosing between them requires understanding not just their technical differences but also how they’ll interact with your specific space, lighting, and lifestyle.

Let me guide you through the differences that make each of these whites uniquely perfect for different homes.

Understanding Paint Color Basics

Color Terminology

Key Differences Between Pure White (SW 7005) vs. Alabaster (SW 7008)

Pure White has a crisp, clean appearance with minimal undertones, making it a true neutral white that works well in modern spaces with cool color schemes.

Alabaster is warmer with subtle cream undertones that create a softer, more relaxed feel. It pairs beautifully with warm woods and earth tones.

In natural light, Pure White appears brighter and more reflective, while Alabaster takes on a gentle glow that feels more inviting.

Pure White maximizes light in darker spaces, whereas Alabaster prevents rooms from feeling too stark or clinical.

Room-by-Room: Pure White (SW 7005) vs. Alabaster (SW 7008)

Living Spaces and Open Floor Plans

Pure White: With its higher LRV (84), it maximizes light reflection, making spaces feel larger and airier. It also creates a clean, gallery-like backdrop for artwork and colorful furniture.

Alabaster: Its slightly lower LRV (82) and warm undertones create a softer vibe that feels welcoming without being stark. It adds subtle depth while maintaining an open feel.

Bedrooms and Relaxation Areas

Pure White creates a crisp, fresh canvas that works exceptionally well with cool-toned bedding and accessories. It also provides a clean slate for hanging decor seasonally.

Alabaster: Delivers a gentle, nurturing environment that promotes relaxation. Its warm undertones complement natural textiles and wood furniture, creating a cozy retreat.

Kitchen

Pure White: This color delivers a bright, hygienic appearance that pairs beautifully with marble countertops and stainless steel appliances. It maintains its true white color in various lighting conditions.

Alabaster adds subtle warmth that softens the utilitarian feel of kitchens. It is particularly flattering with brass hardware, wood elements, and cream-colored cabinets.

Bathrooms

Pure White: This color creates a spa-like, pristine environment that enhances the perception of cleanliness. It is excellent for small bathrooms to maximize light reflection.

Alabaster provides a luxurious, softened white that prevents bathrooms from feeling clinical. It complements natural stone, adds dimension to shower niches, and pairs wonderfully with gold fixtures.

Pure White vs. Alabaster for Exterior Use

Pure White (SW 7005) presents as a clean, bright white on exteriors that maximizes light reflection in all conditions. Its neutral undertones maintain consistency throughout the day without shifting dramatically.

It excels in modern, contemporary, and coastal structures, creating crisp lines and highlighting structural details.

Pure White pairs exceptionally with black accents (Iron Ore or Tricorn Black) for dramatic contrast and works well with cool-toned stone or brick.

Alabaster (SW 7008) offers a softer, more nuanced white exterior that prevents harsh glare in direct sunlight. Its subtle, warm undertones become more apparent at sunrise and sunset, adding dimension.

It complements traditional, colonial, and Mediterranean home styles with a timeless grace. Alabaster creates a beautiful balance with natural wood elements, warm-toned stone, and bronze or copper accents.

Both whites should be tested on multiple façades as northern exposures may make Alabaster appear more cream-colored, while southern exposures can make Pure White appear almost blindingly bright.

Pure White vs. Alabaster: Which One is More Timeless?

Both Sherwin-Williams whites have established themselves as enduring choices in the white family, though they serve different design philosophies.

1. Current Color Trends & Long-Term Appeal

Pure White (SW 7005) aligns with the continuing preference for clean, minimalist interiors, while Alabaster (SW 7008) satisfies the desire for softer, more subtle whites.

Both colors have maintained popularity through various design cycles, suggesting inherent staying power.

2. Versatility Across Changing Decor

Pure White creates a blank canvas that adapts to virtually any style shift due to its neutral undertones.

Alabaster offers subtle warmth that complements evolving design trends while adding dimension. Neither is inherently more versatile—they accommodate different aesthetic objectives.

3. Real-World Applications:

Both whites appear consistently in designer portfolios and structural publications, with successful implementations spanning from modern minimalist spaces to traditional homes.

This suggests that timelessness depends more on thoughtful application within the overall design context than on the specific shade of white.

Can You Use Pure White and Alabaster in the Same Home?

These two Sherwin-Williams whites can work perfectly together to create subtle depth and dimension in a cohesive, refined palette.

Use Pure White (SW 7005) in spaces where you want maximum light reflection and a crisp, clean aesthetic.

It is perfect for ceilings throughout the home, trim in modern spaces, and north-facing rooms where its higher LRV (84) brightens naturally darker environments.

Reserve Alabaster (SW 7008) for areas where you desire a gentle warmth and softness.

It is ideal for living spaces, bedrooms, and south-facing rooms, where its subtle cream undertones (LRV 82) prevent glare while maintaining brightness.

Create smart transitions by using Alabaster on walls with Pure White trim and ceilings, establishing a deliberate layering effect.

The subtle distinction between these whites creates refined visual interest while maintaining a serene, unified flow throughout the home.

Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing: Pure White vs. Alabaster

Never select either white based solely on digital images or small paint chips. Sample both on multiple walls, as Pure White can appear stark and clinical in lit spaces, while Alabaster might read too cream-colored in rooms with warm lighting.

Watch for undertone shifts throughout the day—Pure White may reveal subtle blue-gray undertones in the evening light.

In contrast, Alabaster’s warm notes can intensify in golden afternoon sun, appearing distinctly creamy.

Consider your room’s orientation and natural light. North-facing rooms can make Pure White look slightly blue or gray, creating a cooler atmosphere than intended.

South-facing spaces can amplify Alabaster’s warmth, sometimes causing it to have a yellowed appearance that might clash with true white fixtures or furnishings.

Always test these whites alongside your flooring, furniture, and fixed elements—Pure White may appear discordant against cream-toned stone or cabinets.

At the same time, Alabaster might look dingy next to bright white fixtures or appliances.

Wrapping It Up

After guiding countless clients through this decision, I’ve found there’s no universally “better” choice between Pure White and Alabaster—only the right choice for your specific space and vision.

I encourage you to invest in sample pots of both colors and paint large swatches on multiple walls. Live with them for at least 48 hours, observing how they alter from morning light to evening lamps.

Take photos at different times of day and trust your instincts about which feels right in your space.

Remember that Pure White offers that clean, bright aesthetic while Alabaster delivers subtle warmth and softness.

Still uncertain? I’m happy to review photos of your space for personalized guidance. Whatever you choose, apply with confidence—both whites have stood the test of time for good reason.