Eider White vs Pure White: 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 Eider White SW 7014 and Pure White SW 7005 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, clean whites?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Eider White vs Pure White 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!

Key Differences Between Eider White and Pure White

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

Undertones – Eider White is a cool white, Pure White is slightly warm
Light Reflectance – Eider White has an LRV of 73, Pure White has an LRV of 84
Use – Eider White suits modern styles, Pure White works across varied decor
Rooms – Eider White excels in bathrooms, Pure White shines in kitchens
Availability – Both come in all sheens

Now let’s explore Eider White and Pure White more thoroughly.

Sherwin Williams Eider White SW 7014

With its subtle cool white appearance, Sherwin Williams Eider White SW 7014 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.

Here are some details about Eider White:

LRV: 73
Undertones: Cool white
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black and white, wood tones

Eider White is a hushed white with the slightest hint of blue undertone. In all lighting it maintains its understated neutral white appearance.

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

This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular Eider White color pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Naval
Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
Black accent pieces
Rich wood stains and finishes
Chrome hardware accents

While suitable anywhere at home, Eider White truly excels in these sleek, modern spaces:

Bathrooms
Kitchens
Living Rooms
Offices
Hallways

Eider White’s versatility helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating contemporary styles.

Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005

With its ever-so-slightly warm undertone, Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005 provides a versatile neutral backdrop well-suited for varied styles. This white works in both modern and traditional spaces.

Here are some details about Pure White:

LRV: 84
Undertones: Warm white
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms
Pairs Well With: All colors

Pure White is a crisp, clean white with the faintest warm undertone. In all lighting it maintains its versatile neutral white appearance.

The 84 light reflectance value makes this shade brilliantly illuminating. Pure White strikes an airy, limitless balance for interior rooms.

This versatile white complements any color palette beautifully. Popular Pure White pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
Sherwin Williams Naval
Black and wood accents
Natural stone and marble

While suitable anywhere at home, Pure White truly excels in these spaces:

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Living Rooms
Bedrooms

Pure White’s subtle warmth helps create an open, versatile feel perfect as an all-over home color. Let it brighten up any decor.

Comparing Eider White vs Pure White

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

Light Reflectance

Eider White and Pure White have different LRVs of 73 and 84 respectively. Pure White will appear brighter.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Eider White is a cool white, while Pure White is slightly warm.

Use & Rooms

Eider White’s coolness excels in modern bathrooms. Pure White’s warmth shines in traditional kitchens.

Availability

Both Eider White and Pure White come in any sheen from flat to glossy.

Eider White vs Pure White Comparison Chart

Paint Color	Eider White SW 7014	Pure White SW 7005
LRV	73	84
Undertones	Cool white	Warm white
Use	Modern spaces	Varied styles
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Contemporary	Traditional, modern

Real-Life Photos: Eider White vs Pure White

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the subtle differences between Eider White and Pure White:

Sherwin Williams Eider White

Sherwin Williams Pure White

While hard to distinguish, Eider White is a hint cooler than the slightly warm Pure White. But lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Eider White or Pure White?

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

Choose Eider White SW 7014 if you want:

A cool, crisp white
A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
An airy feel for contemporary bathrooms
To allow accent colors to pop

Choose Pure White SW 7005 if you want:

A slightly warm, versatile white
A welcoming cozy feel for bedrooms
A color that works across varied styles
A classic, timeless white

Get samples of both Eider White and Pure White. 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, luminous whites.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Eider White and Pure White paint colors:

Sherwin Williams Eider White

Bathrooms
Kitchens
Living Rooms
Offices
Hallways

Sherwin Williams Pure White

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Living Rooms
Bedrooms

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, Eider White and Pure White create clean backdrops. Complement them with colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:

Eider White SW 7014 Pairings

Sherwin Williams Naval
Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
Black accent pieces
Rich wood stains and finishes
Chrome hardware accents

Pure White SW 7005 Pairings

Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
Sherwin Williams Naval
Black and wood accents
Natural stone and marble

Eider White vs Pure White – Which is Better?

So which crisp white paint color is better for your home – Eider White or Pure White?

Consider Eider White SW 7014 if you want:

A cool, crisp white
A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
An airy feel for contemporary bathrooms
To allow accent colors to pop

Consider Pure White SW 7005 if you want:

A slightly warm, versatile white
A welcoming cozy feel for bedrooms
A color that works across varied styles
A classic, timeless white

While Eider White is cool and modern, Pure White has subtle warmth. Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful luminous white you choose will suit your home perfectly.