SW Alabaster vs BM Simply White: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect neutral white paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from top brands. Popular options Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008 and Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, clean whites?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Alabaster vs Simply White in-depth to help you determine the best crisp 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 nitty gritty, here is a quick overview of how Alabaster and Simply White differ:

Undertones – Alabaster is a warm white, Simply White leans slightly cool
Light Reflectance – Alabaster LRV is 82, Simply White LRV is 89.52
Use – Both serve well as an all-over wall color
Rooms – Alabaster warms up spaces, Simply White brightens
Availability – Both come in any sheen

Now let’s explore Alabaster and Simply White more thoroughly.

Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008

With its soft, welcoming white appearance, Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008 creates a warm, inviting backdrop well-suited for any space. This versatile neutral complements varied styles beautifully.

Here are some details about Alabaster:

LRV: 82
Undertones: Warm white
Finishes: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Throughout the home
Pairs Well With: All colors

Alabaster is a creamy white with faint beige undertones. Under different lighting it maintains a consistent warm white look. This versatile neutral pairs well with any color scheme.

The 82 light reflectance value strikes the ideal balance between feeling bright and feeling soft. Alabaster prevents starkness.

As a warm white, Alabaster complements both cool and warm palettes beautifully. Popular Alabaster color pairings include:

Cool grays and blues
Warm wood tones like oak and walnut
-Earthy greens like sage
Vibrant accent colors

Alabaster excels as an all-over wall color throughout the home. Especially in rooms where you want a warm peaceful ambiance.

Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117

With its crisp, clean white appearance, Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 creates an airy, breathable backdrop suitable for any space. This versatile neutral complements any style beautifully.

Here are some details about Simply White:

LRV: 89.52
Undertones: Slightly cool
Finishes: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Throughout the home
Pairs Well With: All colors

Simply White is a bright, true white with just a hint of coolness. Under different lighting it maintains a consistent crisp white appearance. This versatile neutral pairs well with any color scheme.

The ultra-high 89.52 light reflectance value gives Simply White exceptional luminosity with less glare. It’s vividly bright yet still feels soft.

As a slightly cool white, Simply White complements both warm and cool palettes. Popular pairings include:

Warm wood tones like oak and walnut
Cool grays and blues
Vibrant accent colors like emerald green
Sleek metallics like stainless steel

Simply White excels anywhere you want a clean, bright backdrop. Especially in rooms where you want an airy open feel.

Comparing Alabaster vs Simply White

Now that we’ve looked at Alabaster and Simply White individually, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Simply White is noticeably brighter with an LRV of 89.52 vs 82 for Alabaster.

Undertones

Alabaster is a warm white while Simply White has a very subtle coolness.

Use & Rooms

Both serve well as an all-over white wall color throughout the home.

Availability

Alabaster and Simply White come in any sheen from matte to high-gloss.

Style

Their neutrality complements varied aesthetics. Alabaster trends traditional while Simply White leans modern.

Paint Color	Alabaster SW 7008	Simply White OC-117
LRV	82	89.52
Undertones	Warm white	Slightly cool
Use	All-over wall color	All-over wall color
Finish	Any sheen	Any sheen
Style	Traditional	Contemporary

Real-Life Photos: Alabaster vs Simply White

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

Sherwin Williams Alabaster

Benjamin Moore Simply White

While they appear similar, you can notice Alabaster’s subtle warm creaminess compared to the crisp coolness of Simply White. Lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Alabaster or Simply White?

So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams Alabaster or Benjamin Moore Simply White for your home? Here are some tips:

Consider Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:

A warm creamy white with faint beige
A welcoming, peaceful ambiance
A versatile neutral for traditional spaces
A soft muted brightness

Consider Simply White OC-117 if you want:

A brighter crisp white with subtle coolness
An airy, breathable feel
A clean modern minimalist aesthetic
Luminous energizing walls

Get samples of both Alabaster and Simply White. Paint large swatches to view throughout the day and night. The best way to get a sense of the undertones is seeing how lighting affects each shade.

View the samples next to decor items you already own. Both whites complement most schemes beautifully.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well suited to Alabaster and Simply White paint colors:

Sherwin Williams Alabaster

Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Dining Rooms
Entryways

Benjamin Moore Simply White

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Laundry Rooms
Offices
Hallways

Both work well throughout the home. But the above applications take advantage of their subtle warmth and coolness.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Alabaster and Simply White make clean statements. Accent with other hues:

Alabaster SW 7008 Pairs Well With:

Warm woods like oak and cherry
Black metal hardware and accents
Earthy greens like sage
Terracotta and brick red

Simply White OC-117 Pairs Well With:

Cool grays and blues
Sleek metallics like chrome
Emerald greens and cobalt blues
Glossy and matte finishes

Their versatility complements any palette. Lean into Alabaster’s warmth or Simply White’s coolness with your accent choices.

Alabaster vs Simply White – Which is Better?

So which crisp white paint color is better for your space, Alabaster or Simply White?

Consider Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:

A warm creamy white with faint beige
A welcoming, peaceful ambiance
A versatile neutral for traditional spaces
A soft muted brightness

Consider Simply White OC-117 if you want:

A brighter crisp white with subtle coolness
An airy, breathable feel
A clean modern minimalist aesthetic
Luminous energizing walls

Both are fantastic all-over whites. Alabaster has warm, welcoming appeal. Simply White feels clean and contemporary.

Get samples before deciding – the undertones can shift in different lighting. Either will elegantly freshen up your space!

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Alabaster vs Simply White? Here are answers to some common questions:

What’s the main difference between Alabaster and Simply White?

The main difference is Alabaster has a very subtle warm undertone, while Simply White leans every so slightly cool in tone. Alabaster is also a bit softer and less bright.

Which white would look best in a south facing room?

Alabaster would complement a south facing space beautifully. Its warm undertones balance out the cool blue light, while preventing a stark harsh look.

Can you use Simply White in a bedroom?

Yes, Simply White would look gorgeous in a bedroom! Its bright luminous walls would create an airy, soothing oasis for sleeping. Cool whites like Simply White work well for relaxation.

Is Alabaster suitable for a beach cottage?

Definitely! Alabaster’s soft warm white tone would fit nicely in a laidback beach cottage. It provides a clean backdrop without feeling stark, bright or clinical.