Choosing the Perfect White Paint: When to Pick Alabaster vs. Simply White
By A Cut Above Painting Co
Posted On June 19, 2025
Quick Answer
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) is a warm, creamy off-white (LRV ≈ 82) that wraps a room in cozy light and pairs beautifully with wood, brass, and earthy décor. Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117) is a brighter soft white (LRV ≈ 92) with a faint yellow glow that makes spaces feel clean, open, and modern. Pick Alabaster for warmth and depth, Simply White for crisp brightness—always sample both under your own lighting to be sure.
Why White Paint Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
White looks simple—until you roll it on and wonder why your “pure white” walls suddenly look peach. Undertones, light-reflectance, and even light-bulb color can push a white toward yellow, gray, or blue. Two of the most popular warm whites—Sherwin-Williams Alabaster and Benjamin Moore Simply White—prove that tiny differences in pigment create very different moods. This post breaks down those differences so you can nail the perfect white the first time.
( Check out this breakdown of Alabaster vs. Simply White for undertone charts, LRV comparisons, and more.)
Meet the Contenders
| Paint | Undertone | LRV* | Personality in a Word |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabaster SW 7008 | Beige-gray + a kiss of yellow | 82 | Cozy |
| Simply White OC-117 | Soft yellow | 91.7 | Bright |
*LRV = Light-Reflectance Value (0 = black, 100 = pure white).
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster
- What you’ll see: A mellow, creamy off-white that never screams yellow.
- Why designers love it: The pinch of gray mutes the yellow just enough to feel sophisticated.
- Best vibe: Inviting, relaxed, slightly rustic, or farmhouse chic.
Benjamin Moore Simply White
- What you’ll see: A clean, sun-kissed white that still feels soft, not hospital stark.
- Why designers love it: It bounces light like crazy yet stays warmer than blue-based “high-definition” whites.
- Best vibe: Airy, contemporary, Scandinavian, or coastal.
How Undertones + Lighting Change Everything
Natural Daylight
- South-facing rooms bathe both whites in golden sunshine. Simply White may edge toward a gentle lemon sorbet; Alabaster settles into a warm feather-down glow.
- North-facing rooms pull cool gray light. Alabaster’s beige-gray undertone shines, feeling soft and calm. Simply White can still look white but loses some warmth, veering closer to gallery crisp.
Artificial Light
- Warm LED/Incandescent (2700 K): Under lamp glow at night, Simply White leans cozier, sometimes hinting buttery. Alabaster stays creamy but its gray note keeps yellow in check.
- Cool LED/Daylight bulbs (4000–5000 K): Both colors read purer, but Alabaster may reveal faint greige while Simply White edges toward a neutral studio white.
Paint-Geek Tip: To preview night-time vibes, hold your color chips under the exact bulbs you’ll use after sunset. What looks dreamy during the day may turn too golden—or too icy—after dark.
Choosing by Room and Mood
Use Alabaster when you want…
- Cozy living spaces – Pair with oatmeal sofas, vintage rugs, brass accents.
- Soft bedroom retreats – Works with cane headboards, linen bedding, gentle greens.
- Inviting farmhouse kitchens – Balances butcher-block counters and shiplap.
- Historical or craftsman exteriors – Reads “classic white” without harsh glare.
- Ceilings in dark rooms – Warms overhead surfaces so they don’t feel chalky.
Use Simply White when you want…
- Bright, modern kitchens – Pops against quartz, black hardware, glass pendants.
- Open-concept great rooms – Unifies multiple zones with a crisp backdrop.
- Small bathrooms – Maximizes perceived square footage.
- Trim & doors – Universally flattering against most wall colors.
- Art galleries or home offices – Reflects daylight onto canvases or Zoom calls.
Décor Pairings That Sing
| Décor Element | Pairs Best With… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Warm woods (oak, walnut) | Alabaster | Undertone harmony—wood grain glows. |
| Cool stones (Carrara marble) | Simply White | Marble’s gray veins stay crisp. |
| Brass & gold metals | Alabaster | Creamy backdrop makes metal look luxe. |
| Matte black accents | Simply White | High contrast feels sharp and graphic. |
| Jute & natural fibers | Either | Neutrals love texture. Use lighting to decide. |
Sample Like a Designer (5-Step Cheat Sheet)
- Buy sample pots or peel-and-stick swatches of both colors.
- Paint poster boards (≈ 2 ft²), two coats, edges taped.
- Move boards around walls, floor, and ceiling—morning, noon, night.
- Compare against fixed elements (floors, counters, trim).
- Live with them 48 hours; your gut will scream the winner.
Finish & Sheen Tricks
- Walls: eggshell = subtle glow, hides scuffs.
- Trim: semi-gloss brightens whichever color you choose. Using Alabaster on walls + semi-gloss Alabaster on trim keeps undertones consistent but still gives edges pop.
- Ceilings: flat finish diffuses light. Simply White in flat overhead can lift a room without spotlighting imperfections.
Common Mistakes & Easy Fixes
| Oops | Why it Happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Walls look yellow by lamp-light | Bulbs too warm (≤ 2700 K) | Swap to 3000–3500 K LEDs. |
| Simply White feels stark | Lots of north light + cool floors | Warm up with wood accents, softer bulbs. |
| Alabaster reads dingy next to pure white trim | Trim color too bright | Repaint trim Alabaster in semi-gloss or shift walls to Simply White. |
| Can’t tell them apart on chip | Tiny samples compress undertones | Commit to large boards; undertones bloom at scale. |
Real-World Examples for Inspiration
- Sunny Breakfast Nook – Simply White walls, built-in banquette, black sconces, cane seats. Result: café-bright mornings every day.
- Cozy Bedroom – Alabaster walls, brass swing-arm lamps, walnut dresser, sage linens. Result: magazine-worthy warmth.
- Modern Farmhouse Kitchen – Alabaster cabinets, matte-black pulls, subway tile, oak floors. Result: timeless comfort.
- Artist Studio – Simply White everything, skylight above, concrete floor. Result: pure canvas for creativity.
Final Brushstroke
Both Alabaster and Simply White are superstar warm whites. Choose Alabaster when you crave softness, subtle creaminess, and a hug of calm. Choose Simply White when you need maximum light, modern crispness, and cheerful energy. Sample, observe, decide—and enjoy watching your space transform from “just white” to just right.
Happy painting!