When searching for the perfect soft white paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from leading brands. Popular options Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65 and Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, clean whites?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Chantilly Lace vs Alabaster in-depth to help you determine the best soft white paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Overview of Key Differences
Before getting into the details, here is a quick overview of how Chantilly Lace and Alabaster differ:
- Undertones – Chantilly Lace is a warm white, Alabaster leans slightly yellow
- Light Reflectance – Chantilly Lace LRV is 90.04, Alabaster LRV is 82
- Use – Both serve well as an all-over wall color
- Rooms – Chantilly Lace illuminates, Alabaster warms
- Availability – Both come in any finish
Now let’s explore Chantilly Lace and Alabaster more thoroughly.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65
With its clean, bright white appearance, Chantilly Lace OC-65 creates an airy, soothing backdrop suitable for any space. This versatile neutral complements varied styles beautifully.
Here are some details about Chantilly Lace:
- LRV: 90.04
- Undertones: Warm white
- Finishes: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Throughout the home
- Pairs Well With: All colors
Chantilly Lace is a true bright white with the faintest warm undertone. Under different lighting it maintains a consistent clean white look.
The ultra-high 90.04 light reflectance value gives Chantilly Lace exceptional brightness without glare. It feels soft and peaceful.
As a warm white, Chantilly Lace complements all color schemes. Popular pairings include:
- Cool blues and grays
- Warm wood tones like oak and maple
- Vibrant accent colors like emerald green
- Black and brass metals
Chantilly Lace excels anywhere you desire a fresh, ethereal backdrop. Especially nice for making small spaces feel bright and open.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008
With its welcoming, softened white appearance, Alabaster SW 7008 creates a gentle, inviting backdrop well-suited for varied spaces. This versatile neutral complements any style beautifully.
Here are some key details about Alabaster:
- LRV: 82
- Undertones: Slightly yellow
- Finishes: Any sheen
- Rooms: Throughout the home
- Pairs Well With: All colors
Alabaster is a warm creamy white with the faintest yellow undertone. Under different lighting it maintains a consistent inviting white appearance.
The 82 light reflectance value provides nice brightness without feeling harsh or sterile. Alabaster has a soft, welcoming vibe.
As a yellow-leaning white, Alabaster complements all color schemes well. Popular Alabaster color pairings include:
- Navy blues and grays
- Wood tones like birch and pine
- Brick reds and mustard yellows
- Sage greens and sky blues
Alabaster excels as an all-over wall color anywhere you want comforting warmth. Provides a peaceful, cozy feel.
Comparing Chantilly Lace vs Alabaster
Now that we’ve looked at Chantilly Lace and Alabaster independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Chantilly Lace is noticeably brighter with a 90.04 LRV vs 82 for Alabaster.
Undertones
Chantilly Lace is a warm white while Alabaster has faint yellow undertones.
Use & Rooms
Both serve well as an all-over white wall color throughout the home.
Availability
Chantilly Lace and Alabaster come in any sheen from matte to high-gloss.
Style
Chantilly Lace trends more modern, while Alabaster has traditional character.
| Paint Color | Chantilly Lace OC-65 | Alabaster SW 7008 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 90.04 | 82 |
| Undertones | Warm white | Slightly yellow |
| Use | All-over wall color | All-over wall color |
| Finish | Any sheen | Any sheen |
| Style | Contemporary | Traditional |
Real-Life Photos: Chantilly Lace vs Alabaster
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Chantilly Lace and Alabaster:
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Sherwin Williams Alabaster
While they appear similar at first, upon closer inspection you can observe Chantilly Lace’s bright crispness vs the softened yellow in Alabaster. Light affects their look.
Should I Choose Chantilly Lace or Alabaster?
So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace or Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster for your home? Here are a few tips:
Consider Chantilly Lace OC-65 if you want:
- A true clean bright white
- A fresh, ethereal look
- Modern crispness and breathability
- To illuminate and open up small dark spaces
Consider Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:
- A warm creamy white with faint yellow
- A comforting, welcoming vibe
- Rustic farmhouse charm
- A soft vintage feel
Get samples of both Chantilly Lace and Alabaster. Paint large swatches to view throughout the day and night. The undertones can shift under different lighting.
Also, hold decor items near the samples to envision the look. Both whites suit varied aesthetics beautifully.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms especially well-suited to Chantilly Lace and Alabaster paint colors:
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Laundry Rooms
- Hallways
- Offices
Sherwin Williams Alabaster
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Entryways
- Cottages
Both work well throughout the home. But the above applications make optimal use of their unique color qualities.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Chantilly Lace and Alabaster make clean statements. Accent with these hues:
Chantilly Lace OC-65 Pairs Well With:
- Crisp grays and blues
- Glossy black accents
- Chrome metallic finishes
- Emerald greens and navy blues
Alabaster SW 7008 Pairs Well With:
- Wood tones like oak and pine
- Aged brass hardware
- Brick reds and mustard yellows
- Sage greens and robin’s egg blues
Both complement most color schemes beautifully. Choose accents that enhance Chantilly’s brightness or Alabaster’s warmth.
Chantilly Lace vs Alabaster – Which is Better?
So which soft white paint color is better for your home – Chantilly Lace or Alabaster?
Consider Chantilly Lace OC-65 if you want:
- A true clean bright white
- A fresh, ethereal look
- Modern crispness and breathability
- To illuminate and open up small dark spaces
Consider Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:
- A warm creamy white with faint yellow
- A comforting, welcoming vibe
- Rustic farmhouse charm
- A soft vintage feel
Both are wonderful all-over soft whites for any room. Chantilly Lace has brighter, modern appeal. Alabaster offers subtle vintage warmth.
Get samples before deciding – lighting impacts how their undertones come across. Either will elegantly freshen up your home!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Chantilly Lace vs Alabaster? Here are answers to some common questions:
What’s the main difference between Chantilly Lace and Alabaster?
The main difference is Chantilly Lace is a true bright white, while Alabaster has very subtle yellow undertones. Chantilly Lace is also noticeably brighter.
Which white would work better in a north facing room?
Chantilly Lace would add brightness to a north facing space without appearing too stark. Its 90.04 light reflectance prevents gloominess.
Can you use Alabaster in a bathroom?
Yes, Alabaster would provide a warm, welcoming ambiance in a bathroom. Its soft yellow undertone gives a cozy vintage farmhouse feel.
Is Chantilly Lace suitable for modern homes?
Definitely! With its true clean white color, Chantilly Lace is perfect for modern homes. It creates a bright, airy backdrop to accent bold decor.
What finish does Alabaster come in?
Alabaster is available in any finish from matte to high gloss. A soft eggshell or satin sheen would best match the cozy style.
