Egret White vs Alabaster: 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 Egret White SW 7570 and Alabaster SW 7008 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, bright whites?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Egret White vs Alabaster 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 Egret White and Alabaster

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

Undertones – Egret White is a cool white, Alabaster is a true white
Light Reflectance – Egret White has an LRV of 70, Alabaster has an LRV of 82
Use – Egret White suits modern styles, Alabaster fits any decor
Rooms – Egret White excels in bathrooms, Alabaster shines anywhere
Availability – Both come in all sheens

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

Sherwin Williams Egret White SW 7570

With its subtle cool white appearance, Sherwin Williams Egret White SW 7570 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.

Here are some details about Egret White:

LRV: 70
Undertones: Cool white
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Bold colors, blacks, metallics

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

The 70 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too stark. Egret White gives an open, breathable feel.

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

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

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

Bathrooms
Kitchens
Living Rooms
Offices
Hallways

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

Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008

With its clean, true white appearance, Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008 creates an understated backdrop suitable for any design style. This versatile neutral works across all spaces.

Here are some details about Alabaster:

LRV: 82
Undertones: True white
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Anywhere
Pairs Well With: All colors

Alabaster is an ultra-bright, vivid white without strong undertones. In all lighting it maintains its clean, neutral white appearance.

The 82 light reflectance value provides maximum illumination without being clinical. Alabaster gives an expansive, airy feel.

This adaptable neutral complements every color beautifully. Popular Alabaster pairings include:

All Sherwin Williams colors
Black and white patterns
Wood tones and finishes
Metallic and matte accents

While suitable everywhere at home, Alabaster truly excels when used:

As an all-over color
On ceilings
For trims and moldings
On accent walls
For exterior homes

Alabaster’s true white tone provides a clean, expansive feel perfect for any design style. Use it to make colors pop.

Comparing Egret White vs Alabaster

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

Light Reflectance

Egret White and Alabaster have LRVs of 70 and 82 respectively. Alabaster will appear much brighter.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Egret White is a cool white, while Alabaster is a true white.

Use & Rooms

Egret White’s coolness excels in modern baths. Alabaster’s versatility shines anywhere.

Availability

Both Egret White and Alabaster come in any sheen from matte to gloss.

Paint Color	Egret White SW 7570	Alabaster SW 7008
LRV	70	82
Undertones	Cool white	True white
Use	Modern styles	Any decor
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Modern	Versatile

Real-Life Photos: Egret White vs Alabaster

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

Sherwin Williams Egret White

Sherwin Williams Alabaster

While they can work together, Alabaster generally appears brighter and crisper than the subtle coolness of Egret White. But lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Egret White or Alabaster?

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

Choose Egret White SW 7570 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 Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:

An ultra-bright, vivid true white
A versatile all-purpose neutral suitable anywhere
A clean, expansive feel throughout home
To really make colors pop

Get samples of both Egret White and Alabaster. Paint large sections to see the brightness and undertones.

You can also visualize them with your existing decor. Both provide beautiful, fresh white tones.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms and applications ideally suited to Egret White and Alabaster paint colors:

Egret White SW 7570

Bathrooms
Kitchens
Living Rooms
Offices
Hallways

Alabaster SW 7008

All-over color
Ceilings
Trim and moldings
Accent walls
Exterior homes

While both work anywhere, the above uses highlight each white’s strengths.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Egret White and Alabaster create fresh backdrops. Complement them with colors and textures for gorgeous spaces:

Egret White SW 7570 Pairings

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

Alabaster SW 7008 Pairings

All Sherwin Williams colors
Black and white patterns
Wood tones and finishes
Metallic and matte accents

Egret White vs Alabaster – Which is Better?

So which white paint color is better for your home – Egret White or Alabaster?

Consider Egret White SW 7570 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 Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:

An ultra-bright, vivid true white
A versatile all-purpose neutral suitable anywhere
A clean, expansive feel throughout home
To really make colors pop

While Egret White offers sleek modern style, Alabaster provides true, vivid brightness.

Get samples before deciding. Either versatile white from Sherwin Williams you choose will look beautiful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Egret White or Alabaster? Here are answers to some common questions:

What are the main differences between Egret White and Alabaster?

The main differences are their undertones and versatility. Egret White is a cool white that works in modern styles, while Alabaster is a true bright white suitable for any decor.