Aesthetic White vs White Duck: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect crisp white paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Aesthetic White SW 7035 and White Duck SW 7010 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, bright whites?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Aesthetic White vs White Duck in-depth to help you determine the ideal 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

Key Differences Between Aesthetic White and White Duck

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Aesthetic White and White Duck:

Undertones – Aesthetic White is a cool white, White Duck is a warm white
Light Reflectance – Aesthetic White has an LRV of 73, White Duck has an LRV of 74
Use – Aesthetic White suits modern styles, White Duck fits traditional decor
Rooms – Aesthetic White excels in bathrooms, White Duck shines in kitchens
Availability – Both come in all sheens

Now let’s explore Aesthetic White and White Duck more thoroughly.

Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White SW 7035

With its subtle cool white appearance, Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White SW 7035 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.

Here are some details about Aesthetic White:

LRV: 73
Undertones: Cool white
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Bold colors, blacks, metallics

Aesthetic White is a bright, clean white with a faint cool undertone. In all lighting it maintains its understated neutral white appearance.

The 73 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too stark. Aesthetic White gives an open, breathable feel.

This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from vibrant to muted. Popular Aesthetic White pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Naval
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
Black and white patterns
Polished chrome and stainless steel

While suitable anywhere at home, Aesthetic White truly excels in these sleek, contemporary spaces:

Bathrooms
Kitchens
Living Rooms
Offices
Hallways

Aesthetic White’s cool crispness helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating modern styles.

Sherwin Williams White Duck SW 7010

With its clean, warm white appearance, Sherwin Williams White Duck SW 7010 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for accentuating traditional decor. This versatile neutral works in both formal and casual spaces.

Here are some details about White Duck:

LRV: 74
Undertones: Warm white
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: All colors

White Duck is a bright, vivid white with the faintest warm undertone. In all lighting it maintains its clean, neutral white appearance.

The 74 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too clinical. White Duck gives an open, airy feel.

This adaptable neutral complements all colors beautifully. Popular White Duck pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Online Blue
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
Black and white patterns
All wood tones and stains
Metallic finishes

While suitable anywhere at home, White Duck truly excels in these crisp, classic spaces:

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Living Rooms
Offices
Hallways

White Duck’s warmth helps create a clean, traditional feel perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to really make colors pop.

Comparing Aesthetic White vs White Duck

Now that we’ve examined Aesthetic White and White Duck independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Aesthetic White and White Duck have similar LRVs of 73 and 74 respectively. They will appear nearly identical in brightness.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Aesthetic White is a cool white, while White Duck is a warm white.

Use & Rooms

Aesthetic White’s coolness excels in sleek modern baths. White Duck’s warmth shines in traditional kitchens.

Availability

Both Aesthetic White and White Duck come in any sheen from matte to gloss.

Paint Color	Aesthetic White SW 7035	White Duck SW 7010
LRV	73	74
Undertones	Cool white	Warm white
Use	Modern styles	Traditional decor
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Modern	Traditional

Real-Life Photos: Aesthetic White vs White Duck

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Aesthetic White and White Duck:

Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White

Sherwin Williams White Duck

While they can overlap, Aesthetic White generally appears slightly crisper and cooler than the subtle warmth of White Duck. But lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Aesthetic White or White Duck?

So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Aesthetic White or White Duck for your home? Here are a few tips:

Choose Aesthetic White SW 7035 if you want:

A cool, crisp bright white
A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
A sleek feel for contemporary baths and kitchens
To allow bold colors to pop

Choose White Duck SW 7010 if you want:

A clean, warm bright white
A versatile color that works with any style
An airy feel for traditional kitchens and baths
To make all colors look bold and vivid

Get samples of both Aesthetic White and White Duck. Paint large test sections to view at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the undertones read in your lighting.

You can also try decor pairings with each shade. Both offer beautiful crisp white tones.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Aesthetic White and White Duck paint colors:

Aesthetic White SW 7035

Bathrooms
Kitchens
Living Rooms
Offices
Hallways

White Duck SW 7010

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Living Rooms
Offices
Hallways

While both whites work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Aesthetic White and White Duck create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:

Aesthetic White SW 7035 Pairings

Sherwin Williams Naval
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
Black and white patterns
Polished chrome and stainless steel

White Duck SW 7010 Pairings

Sherwin Williams Online Blue
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
Black and white patterns
All wood tones and stains
Metallic finishes

Aesthetic White vs White Duck – Which is Better?

So which white paint color is better for your home – Aesthetic White or White Duck?

Consider Aesthetic White SW 7035 if you want:

A cool, crisp bright white
A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
A sleek feel for contemporary baths and kitchens
To allow bold colors to pop

Consider White Duck SW 7010 if you want:

A clean, warm bright white
A versatile color that works with any style
An airy feel for traditional kitchens and baths
To make all colors look bold and vivid

While Aesthetic White offers sleek modern style, White Duck provides an airy traditional feel.

Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful white from Sherwin Williams you choose will suit your home perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Aesthetic White or White Duck? Here are answers to some common questions:

What are the main differences between Aesthetic White and White Duck?

The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied styles. Aesthetic White is a cool, bright white while White Duck is a clean, warm white.

Does Aesthetic White have purple undertones?

No, Aesthetic White does not have obvious purple undertones. It maintains a bright white appearance with only faint hints of coolness.

Can you use White Duck in a nursery?

Yes, White Duck’s 74 LRV provides ample illumination for a nursery, while its subtle warmth prevents it from feeling too clinical.

Is Aesthetic White too stark for a bedroom?

With an LRV of 73, Aesthetic White reflects enough light for a bedroom without being too stark, especially when warmed up with textiles and furnishings.