Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008): Undertones, LRV and Best Pairings
Alabaster (SW 7008) is one of Sherwin-Williams’ most popular whites. It sits in the brand’s Top 50 Colors collection and was its April 2022 Color of the Month. It’s the white people choose when they want a bright room that still feels warm and lived-in.
Sherwin-Williams describes it as “a soft, warm but balanced white.” It isn’t stark, and it isn’t yellow. Below, we cover its undertones, how it behaves in Florida light, how it compares to other popular whites and what to pair it with.
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Alabaster at a Glance
| Color | Alabaster, SW 7008 |
| LRV | 82 |
| Hex | #EDEAE0 |
| Color family | White (soft, warm) |
| Use | Interior and exterior |
| Coordinating colors | Townhall Tan (SW 7690), Dakota Wheat (SW 9023) |
| Best for | Whole-house walls, trim, kitchen cabinets and exteriors |
Is Alabaster a Warm or Cool White?
Alabaster is a warm white, but only gently. A soft creamy undertone keeps it from feeling clinical, yet it stops well short of looking yellow. Next to a crisp white like Pure White it reads a little creamier. On its own, most people simply see a soft, clean white.
That balance is why it works almost anywhere. It suits modern, farmhouse and coastal homes alike, and it plays well with both warm wood and cooler stone.
Here’s Alabaster used on the walls, trim and ceiling for a full “color drench” by @noelmarie_25:
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How Alabaster Looks in Florida Light
Whites pick up whatever light is around them, and Florida light is intense. Here’s what to expect:
- South- and west-facing rooms: warm afternoon sun adds to Alabaster’s warmth, so it can read slightly creamy late in the day.
- North-facing rooms: cooler light balances out the warmth, so it looks like a clean, soft white rather than a cream.
- Rooms facing a pool or water: reflected blue light offsets the warm undertone and makes it read crisper.
- Light bulbs: warm bulbs (around 2700K) make it look creamier, while 3000K to 4000K bulbs keep it closer to true white.
What Does an LRV of 82 Mean?
LRV, or light reflectance value, measures how much light a color reflects on a scale from 0 (black) to 100 (pure white). At 82, Alabaster is near the top of the scale, so it keeps rooms bright. It’s just a touch softer than the brightest whites, which is part of why it feels warm instead of stark.
Alabaster vs. Other Popular Whites
Here’s how Alabaster compares to the whites it’s most often weighed against. LRVs and descriptions come from Sherwin-Williams.
| Color | LRV | How it compares |
|---|---|---|
| Alabaster (SW 7008) | 82 | Soft, warm and balanced |
| Pure White (SW 7005) | 84 | A bit brighter and cleaner, with less warmth |
| Greek Villa (SW 7551) | 84 | A sunny white that comes to life in natural light |
| Snowbound (SW 7004) | 83 | A cool white with a slight gray undertone |
| Creamy (SW 7012) | 81 | Noticeably creamier, with a soft yellow undertone |
| Shoji White (SW 7042) | 74 | A deeper, creamy white that borders on greige |
If Alabaster feels too warm next to your finishes, try Pure White or Snowbound. If you want more warmth and depth, Shoji White is the natural next step.
Erica Mueller uses Alabaster on nearly every wall in her home, including this cozy bedroom:
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Colors That Go With Alabaster
Sherwin-Williams’ own coordinating colors for Alabaster are both warm:
- Townhall Tan (SW 7690), LRV 42: a mid-tone tan that works for an accent wall, cabinets or an exterior body color with Alabaster trim.
- Dakota Wheat (SW 9023), LRV 54: a warm, beigy yellow with golden undertones for a cozy, earthy look.
A few other pairings that work well:
- Soft greens: Sea Salt (SW 6204) walls with Alabaster trim is a classic coastal combination. See our full Sea Salt guide.
- Greige: Accessible Beige (SW 7036) makes a soft, warm trim or cabinet color against Alabaster walls.
- Dark contrast: Iron Ore (SW 7069) on doors, window frames or a kitchen island gives a crisp modern edge.
- Materials: natural wood, brass, linen and warm stone all look right at home with it.
Here’s Alabaster on the walls with Accessible Beige trim, from @sierrashaywilliams:
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Where to Use Alabaster
- Whole-house wall color: it’s warm enough to feel cozy and neutral enough to flow from room to room.
- Trim and ceilings: it pairs naturally with warm wall colors without the stark contrast of a bright white.
- Kitchen cabinets: a soft white that looks great with wood, brass and black hardware.
- Exteriors: Sherwin-Williams rates it for outdoor use. Strong Florida sun will make it look brighter on the house than on the chip, so test a large sample outside first.
Choosing a Finish
- Ceilings: flat or matte to hide imperfections.
- Walls: eggshell or matte for living spaces; satin in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Trim, doors and cabinets: satin or semi-gloss for durability and easy cleaning.
How to Test Alabaster Before You Paint
Whites are the hardest colors to choose from a tiny chip. Samplize peel-and-stick samples are large, made with real paint and easy to move around, so you can compare them without painting test patches.
- Hold the sample next to your existing trim, cabinets, counters and floors.
- Check it in the morning, the afternoon and at night with your lamps on.
- Put it on a wall that gets direct sun and one that doesn’t.
- If you’re torn, test it side by side with Pure White or Shoji White.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alabaster a warm or cool white?
Alabaster is a warm white. Sherwin-Williams describes it as a soft, warm but balanced white, so it feels cozy without looking yellow.
What is the LRV of Sherwin-Williams Alabaster?
Alabaster has an LRV of 82, which places it near the top of the scale. It keeps rooms bright while still feeling soft.
Does Alabaster look yellow?
Usually not. It can look creamier in warm afternoon sun, under warm 2700K bulbs or right next to a stark white, but it stays well short of yellow.
What is the difference between Alabaster and Pure White?
Pure White (LRV 84) is slightly brighter and has less warmth. Alabaster (LRV 82) is a little softer and creamier.
Is Alabaster good for kitchen cabinets?
Yes. It’s one of the most popular cabinet whites because it looks clean without feeling cold, and it pairs well with wood, brass and black hardware. Use a satin or semi-gloss finish.
What colors go with Alabaster?
Sherwin-Williams lists Townhall Tan (SW 7690) and Dakota Wheat (SW 9023) as coordinating colors. It also works well with soft greens like Sea Salt, greige like Accessible Beige and dark accents like Iron Ore.
The Bottom Line
Alabaster is one of the safest whites you can choose. It’s bright enough to open up a room and warm enough to keep it welcoming. Test it in your own light and next to your finishes, and it will work just about anywhere in your home.
