When searching for the ideal warm white paint color, it’s easy to get confused comparing two shades that share the same name from leading brands. Popular options Benjamin Moore Navajo White OC-95 and Sherwin Williams Navajo White SW 6126 appear nearly identical at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, inviting whites?
In this guide, we’ll do an in-depth comparison of Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin Williams Navajo White to help you determine the best warm white paint for your home. We’ll analyze 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 Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams Navajo White differ:
- Undertones – BM Navajo White is a true warm white, SW trends yellow
- Light Reflectance – BM Navajo White LRV is 78.26, SW Navajo White LRV is 72
- Use – Both serve well as an all-over wall color
- Rooms – BM Navajo White adds brightness, SW warmth and coziness
- Availability – Both come in any sheen
Now let’s explore Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams Navajo White more thoroughly.
Benjamin Moore Navajo White OC-95
With its welcoming, soft white appearance, Benjamin Moore Navajo White OC-95 creates a bright, inviting backdrop well-suited for any space. This versatile neutral complements varied styles beautifully.
Here are some details about BM Navajo White:
- LRV: 78.26
- Undertones: Warm white
- Finishes: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Throughout the home
- Pairs Well With: All colors
BM Navajo White is a true warm white without strong beige or yellow undertones. Under different lighting it maintains a consistent warm white appearance.
The high 78.26 light reflectance value keeps BM Navajo White feeling cheerful and bright rather than dull.
As a warm white, BM Navajo White complements both cool and warm palettes. Popular pairings include:
- Navy blues and grays
- Wood tones like oak and maple
- Earthy greens like sage
- Vibrant reds, oranges and pinks
BM Navajo White excels as an all-over wall color anywhere you want a cozy brightness. Especially nice for making small dark spaces feel open.
Sherwin Williams Navajo White SW 6126
With its creamy, inviting white appearance, Sherwin Williams Navajo White SW 6126 creates a warm, welcoming backdrop suitable for varied spaces. This versatile neutral pairs beautifully across styles.
Here are some details about SW Navajo White:
- LRV: 72
- Undertones: Yellow white
- Finishes: Any sheen
- Rooms: Throughout the home
- Pairs Well With: All colors
SW Navajo White is a creamy off-white with distinct yellow undertones. Under different lighting it maintains a warm yellow-white look.
The 72 light reflectance value provides nice brightness without feeling stark or sterile. SW Navajo White has a soft, welcoming warmth.
As a yellow-toned white, SW Navajo White complements both cool and warm schemes. Popular pairings include:
- Navy blues and grays
- Wood tones like pine and oak
- Earthy greens and blues
- Brick reds and mustard yellows
SW Navajo White excels as an all-over wall color anywhere you want comforting warmth. Provides a cozy feel.
Comparing BM vs SW Navajo White
Now that we’ve looked at Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams Navajo White independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
BM Navajo White is brighter at 78.26 LRV vs 72 for SW. BM will feel more open and airy.
Undertones
BM Navajo White is a true warm white, while SW has distinct yellow tones.
Use & Rooms
Both serve well as an all-over wall color throughout the home.
Availability
Both Navajo Whites come in any sheen from matte to high-gloss.
Style
Their versatility allows both to complement varied aesthetics well.
| Paint Color | Benjamin Moore OC-95 | Sherwin Williams SW 6126 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 78.26 | 72 |
| Undertones | Warm white | Yellow white |
| Use | All-over color | All-over color |
| Finish | Any sheen | Any sheen |
| Style | Flexible | Flexible |
Real-Life Photos: BM vs SW Navajo White
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between BM and SW Navajo White:
Benjamin Moore Navajo White
Sherwin Williams Navajo White
While they may seem similar at first glance, upon closer inspection you can observe the yellow tones in SW Navajo White vs the clean white of BM. Lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose BM or SW Navajo White?
So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams Navajo White for your home? Here are some tips:
Consider Benjamin Moore OC-95 if you want:
- A true clean warm white without yellow
- Crisp brightness and breathability
- Flexible usage across varied spaces
- Classic and timeless appeal
Consider Sherwin Williams SW 6126 if you want:
- A creamy off-white with yellow undertones
- A soft, welcoming cozy feel
- Farmhouse or cottage style warmth
- Vintage character and charm
Get color samples of both Navajo Whites. Paint large swatches to view at all times of day. The yellow in SW can look different in varied lighting.
Hold decor items near the samples to envision the look. Both complement most color schemes beautifully.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms well-suited to Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams Navajo White:
Benjamin Moore Navajo White
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Small Spaces
Sherwin Williams Navajo White
- Dining Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Entryways
- Cottage Style Homes
- Farmhouse Style Homes
While both work throughout the home, the above applications optimize the cozy warmth of SW vs the airy brightness of BM.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, BM and SW Navajo Whites make versatile statements. Accent with these colors:
Benjamin Moore OC-95 Pairs Well With:
- Navy blues and grays
- Crisp whites like Chantilly Lace
- Maple and oak wood tones
- Vivid accent colors like emerald
Sherwin Williams SW 6126 Pairs Well With:
- Navy blues and grays
- Soft antique whites
- Pine and birch wood tones
- Rustic brick reds and mustard yellows
Both complement most palettes beautifully. Choose accents that enhance SW’s cozy warmth or BM’s cheerful brightness.
BM vs SW Navajo White – Which is Better?
So which warm white paint color is better for your home – Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams Navajo White?
Consider Benjamin Moore OC-95 if you want:
- A true clean warm white without yellow
- Crisp brightness and breathability
- Flexible usage across varied spaces
- Classic and timeless appeal
Consider Sherwin Williams SW 6126 if you want:
- A creamy off-white with yellow undertones
- A soft, welcoming cozy feel
- Farmhouse or cottage style warmth
- Vintage character and charm
Both are wonderful all-over wall colors that suit most aesthetics. BM Navajo White has brighter versatility. SW offers cozy vintage charm.
Get samples before deciding – lighting impacts how the undertones read. Either will beautifully freshen up your home with warmth and character!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin Williams Navajo White? Here are answers to some common questions:
What’s the main difference between BM and SW Navajo White?
The main difference is BM Navajo White is a true warm white, while SW has distinctive yellow undertones. BM is also a bit brighter.
Which Navajo White would work better in a dark room?
Benjamin Moore Navajo White would add more brightness and light to a dark space. Its clean white look reflects light well, while still providing cozy warmth.
Can you use SW Navajo White in a bathroom?
Definitely! SW Navajo White would provide a welcoming, charming farmhouse feel in a bathroom. The yellow tones give vintage cottage character.
Is BM Navajo White suitable for a north facing room?
Yes, BM Navajo White’s 78.26 light reflectance balances a north facing room nicely. It prevents the space from feeling too cold or stark white. The warmth is soothing.
What finish does SW Navajo White come in?
SW Navajo White comes in any sheen from flat to high gloss. A soft eggshell or satin finish would best complement its cozy vintage style.
