When choosing a versatile off-white paint color, two popular options are Benjamin Moore’s Alabaster OC-129 and Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster SW 7008. At first glance, these two whites may appear identical. But looking closely, there are subtle differences that impact their aesthetics and usage in your home.
In this in-depth comparison article, we’ll examine Alabaster OC-129 and Alabaster SW 7008 side-by-side. We’ll look at undertones, LRV, real-world photos, and best room applications. By the end, you’ll understand how these off-whites differ and which is the best paint color for your goals.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams Alabaster
Before diving into the details, here is a brief overview of how Alabaster OC-129 and Alabaster SW 7008 differ:
- Undertones: BM Alabaster is a warm white, SW Alabaster is a cool white.
- LRV: BM Alabaster has a higher LRV of 85.08, SW Alabaster is darker at 82.
- Use: BM Alabaster works well throughout homes, SW Alabaster best accenting.
- Rooms: BM Alabaster shines in bedrooms, SW Alabaster excels in bathrooms.
Now let’s explore Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin Williams Alabaster more closely!
Benjamin Moore Alabaster OC-129
Alabaster OC-129 is a beautiful warm off-white paint color from Benjamin Moore. It provides soft, welcoming contrast in any space.
Here are some key details about Benjamin Moore’s Alabaster:
- LRV: 85.08
- Undertones: Warm white
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, offices, whole-home
- Pairs Well With: Beiges, grays, blues
Benjamin Moore Alabaster is a very light warm white with subtle hints of cream. The faint warmth gives it an approachable, cozy vibe.
With an LRV of 85.08, Alabaster OC-129 reflects a lot of light to prevent a space from feeling dull or dark. The creaminess maintains an inviting mood.
This versatile warm white complements various color schemes. Pleasing combinations include:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray
While suitable throughout a home, this welcoming off-white excels as the main wall color in bedrooms, living areas, offices, and entryways.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster SW 7008 is a gorgeous cool off-white paint color from Sherwin Williams. It adds refined contrast anywhere.
Here are some details about Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster:
- LRV: 82
- Undertones: Cool white
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, trim, focal walls
- Pairs Well With: Grays, blues, greens
Sherwin Williams Alabaster is a very light white with subtle hints of gray. The faint coolness gives it a crisp, clean aesthetic.
With an LRV of 82, Alabaster SW 7008 reflects a decent amount of light while still offering definition. The barely-there gray maintains a bright, refreshing vibe.
Some pleasing combinations with this crisp white include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Sherwin Williams Naval
While suitable throughout a home, this cool off-white excels when used thoughtfully to accent bathrooms, kitchens, trim, and focal walls.
Comparing Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin Williams Alabaster
Now that we’ve explored the two Alabaster paint colors separately, let’s compare them directly:
Light Reflectance
With LRVs of 85.08 and 82 respectively, Benjamin Moore’s Alabaster reflects more light than Sherwin Williams’. BM Alabaster avoids feeling dark or dreary.
Undertones
Here is the main difference. BM Alabaster is a warm off-white, while SW Alabaster is a cool off-white.
BM Alabaster’s warmth provides a cozy, welcoming vibe. SW Alabaster’s coolness feels more crisp and clean.
Rooms
BM Alabaster’s versatility makes it ideal throughout homes, especially for bedrooms. SW Alabaster works best as an accent in bathrooms, kitchens, and on trim/molding.
Paint Finishes
Both Alabaster paint colors are available in any sheen from flat to high-gloss. They offer beautiful off-white paint finishes.
Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin Williams Alabaster Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of their major differences:
| Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Alabaster OC-129 | Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 85.08 | 82 |
| Undertones | Warm White | Cool White |
| Use | Whole-home color | Accent color |
| Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
Real Rooms Painted in BM and SW Alabaster
To better visualize the two Alabaster colors, let’s look at real rooms painted in Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin Williams Alabaster:
Benjamin Moore Alabaster OC-129
Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008
The images showcase the subtle warm vs cool undertone differences. BM Alabaster reads as a warm white, while SW Alabaster appears cooler and crisper. But their similar lightness can make them seem alike.
Should You Choose Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams Alabaster?
So which versatile off-white paint color is best for your space – cozy BM Alabaster or crisp SW Alabaster? Here are some tips for deciding:
Pick Benjamin Moore Alabaster OC-129 if you want:
- A warm off-white with subtle creaminess
- Welcoming comfort suitable for whole-home use
- Soft sophistication for bedrooms and offices
- Gentle contrast without stark brightness
Choose Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:
- A cool off-white with a hint of sharpness
- Subtle crisp definition on trim, cabinets, and walls
- A bright alternative to heavier whites
- Clean, refined contrast for modern spaces
If still uncertain between the two, get samples and paint large swatches. View in different lighting before deciding.
Either versatile off-white you choose will provide beauty and elegance. But their minor differences mean one likely better suits your goals and style.
Ideal Room Applications
Here are some rooms that tend to suit BM and SW Alabaster best:
Benjamin Moore Alabaster OC-129
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Dining Rooms
- Entryways
Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Doors/Trim
- Accent Walls
- Foyers
Both can work beautifully throughout any home. But the above applications maximize their individual strengths.
Design Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, the Alabaster paint colors create refined backdrops. Combined with other materials, they make elegant interiors:
Benjamin Moore Alabaster Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Simply White (trim/ceilings)
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (accent wall)
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (furniture)
- Medium wood flooring
Sherwin Williams Alabaster Color Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White (trim/ceilings)
- Sherwin WilliamsPeppercorn (accent wall)
- Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray (furniture)
- Black door hardware
Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin Williams Alabaster – Which is Best for You?
When choosing between Alabaster OC-129 and Alabaster SW 7008, keep your goals in mind:
Pick Benjamin Moore Alabaster OC-129 if you want:
- A warm off-white suitable for whole-home use
- Subtle creaminess with a welcoming vibe
- Cozy comfort for bedrooms and offices
- Soft sophistication without harsh contrast
Choose Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:
- A cool off-white for refined crisp accents
- Slightly cooler tone than true bright white
- Beautiful definition on trims, walls, and cabinets
- Clean, crisp contrast with a modern aesthetic
While the two paint colors share similarities, the small differences likely mean one better fits your space. Get samples before deciding between BM and SW Alabaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to choose between Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin Williams Alabaster? Here are answers to common questions:
Does SW Alabaster work well in a bedroom?
It can, but BM Alabaster would be a better choice for most bedrooms. SW Alabaster sometimes reads too crisp and cool for bedrooms. Use it carefully on accent walls or cool-toned bedrooms.
What colors go well with BM Alabaster walls?
BM Alabaster pairs nicely with light grays, blues, taupes, and tans. White or black trim and a navy accent wall help accentuate its soft sophistication.
Which Alabaster white is brighter?
With a higher LRV of 85.08, BM Alabaster reflects more light than the SW Alabaster at 82 LRV. However, SW Alabaster often appears crisper.
Can you use SW Alabaster in a living room?
Yes, SW Alabaster can work in living rooms, but it’s best used thoughtfully on accent walls to provide definition against darker furniture. BM Alabaster is usually a better all-over wall color.
Is BM Alabaster suitable for kitchen cabinets?
Absolutely! BM Alabaster looks gorgeous on kitchen cabinets. Its subtle warmth provides cozy contrast against countertops and backsplashes.
Conclusion
When comparing Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin Williams Alabaster paint colors, the main differences come down to undertones and aesthetics:
- Benjamin Moore Alabaster is a warm off-white suitable for whole-home use, providing cozy, welcoming contrast.
- Sherwin Williams Alabaster is a cool off-white that excels as an accent, adding refined crisp definition.
While the Alabaster whites appear similar, the undertone variations help one likely better fit your goals. Consider your needs when deciding between cozy BM Alabaster and crisp SW Alabaster. Samples will ensure you select the ideal sophisticated white!
