When searching for the perfect white paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Alabaster SW 7008 and Drift of Mist SW 9166 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, crisp whites?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Alabaster vs Drift of Mist 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 Alabaster and Drift of Mist
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster and Drift of Mist:
- Undertones – Alabaster is a warm white, Drift of Mist is a cool white
- Light Reflectance – Alabaster has an LRV of 82, Drift of Mist has an LRV of 69
- Use – Alabaster suits traditional styles, Drift of Mist fits modern decor
- Rooms – Alabaster excels in bedrooms, Drift of Mist shines in kitchens
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Alabaster and Drift of Mist more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008
With its subtle warm white appearance, Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008 creates a clean, inviting backdrop well-suited for traditional styles. This versatile neutral works across classic spaces.
Here are some details about Alabaster:
- LRV: 82
- Undertones: Warm white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Navy blues, blacks, wood tones
Alabaster is a crisp white with the slightest warm beige undertone. In all lighting it maintains its welcoming, softened white appearance.
The 82 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being clinical. Alabaster gives an open, breathable feel.
This adaptable white complements both warm and cool accents beautifully. Popular Alabaster color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Black accent pieces
- Wood furniture stains
- Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures
While suitable anywhere seeking a cottage feel, Alabaster truly excels in these classic spaces:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Foyers
Alabaster’s subtle warmth helps create an inviting, traditional backdrop perfect for most rooms. Use it to allow accent colors to shine.
Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist SW 9166
With its subtle cool white appearance, Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist SW 9166 creates a clean, airy backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.
Here are some details about Drift of Mist:
- LRV: 69
- Undertones: Cool white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black and white, wood tones
Drift of Mist is a hushed light gray with the slightest hint of blue undertone. In all lighting it maintains its sophisticated neutral white appearance.
The 69 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too stark. Drift of Mist gives an open, breathable feel.
This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular Drift of Mist color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Polished nickel accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Drift of Mist truly excels in these sleek, modern spaces:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
Drift of Mist’s versatility helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating contemporary styles.
Comparing Alabaster vs Drift of Mist
Now that we’ve examined Alabaster and Drift of Mist independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Alabaster and Drift of Mist have quite different LRVs of 82 and 69 respectively. Alabaster will appear significantly brighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Alabaster is a warm white, while Drift of Mist is a cool white.
Use & Rooms
Alabaster’s warmth excels in cozy bedrooms. Drift of Mist’s coolness shines in modern kitchens.
Availability
Both Alabaster and Drift of Mist come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
Alabaster vs Drift of Mist Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Alabaster SW 7008 | Drift of Mist SW 9166 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 82 | 69 |
| Undertones | Warm white | Cool white |
| Use | Traditional rooms | Modern spaces |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Traditional | Contemporary |
Real-Life Photos: Alabaster vs Drift of Mist
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Alabaster and Drift of Mist:
Sherwin Williams Alabaster
Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist
While they can overlap, Alabaster generally appears warmer than the slight cool tone of Drift of Mist. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Alabaster or Drift of Mist?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster or Drift of Mist for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:
- A warm, inviting white
- A versatile color suitable for traditional spaces
- A cozy backdrop for bedrooms and living rooms
- A soft, welcoming ambiance
Choose Drift of Mist SW 9166 if you want:
- A cool, crisp neutral white
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- An airy feel for kitchens and bathrooms
- To allow accent colors to pop
Get samples of both Alabaster and Drift of Mist. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the undertones read in your environment.
You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful neutral tones that suit varied styles.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Alabaster and Drift of Mist paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Alabaster
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Foyers
Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
While both neutrals work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Alabaster and Drift of Mist create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
Alabaster SW 7008 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Black accent pieces
- Wood furniture stains
- Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures
Drift of Mist SW 9166 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Polished nickel accents
Alabaster vs Drift of Mist – Which is Better?
So which white paint color is better for your home – Alabaster or Drift of Mist?
Consider Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:
- A warm, inviting white
- A versatile color suitable for traditional spaces
- A cozy backdrop for bedrooms and living rooms
- A soft, welcoming ambiance
Consider Drift of Mist SW 9166 if you want:
- A cool, crisp neutral white
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- An airy feel for kitchens and bathrooms
- To allow accent colors to pop
While Alabaster offers subtle warmth, Drift of Mist provides cool crispness.
Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful Sherwin Williams neutral you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Alabaster or Drift of Mist? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Alabaster and Drift of Mist?
The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. Alabaster is a warm, cozy white while Drift of Mist is a cooler, crisper neutral white.
What colors complement Drift of Mist?
Drift of Mist looks beautiful paired with light blues, gray greens, black and white patterns, and chrome accents for nice modern contrast.
Can you use Alabaster in a bathroom?
Yes, Alabaster’s warm white would work wonderfully in a bathroom paired with navy accents and marble textures for a relaxing oasis.
Is Drift of Mist suitable for southern exposure?
Yes, Drift of Mist’s 69 LRV provides enough brightness for a south facing room without appearing too dingy.
Does Alabaster come in semi-gloss finish?
Yes, Alabaster is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to eggshell to high gloss semi-gloss.
