When selecting a beautiful, versatile neutral paint color, two top options from Sherwin-Williams are Greek Villa SW 7551 and Alabaster SW 7008. At first glance, these off-white and white paint colors can appear quite similar. But looking closer, there are noticeable differences between them that impact their aesthetics.
In this article, we’ll compare Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa vs Alabaster in-depth. We’ll analyze undertones, LRV, real-world photos, and ideal room applications. By the end, you’ll understand how these neutrals differ and which Sherwin-Williams color is the best choice for your space.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Greek Villa and Alabaster
Before examining all the details, here is a brief overview of how Greek Villa and Alabaster differ:
- Undertones: Greek Villa is a warm white, Alabaster is a cool white.
- LRV: Greek Villa has a lower LRV of 84, Alabaster is brighter at 82 LRV.
- Use: Greek Villa and Alabaster work well throughout homes.
- Rooms: Greek Villa shines in bedrooms, Alabaster excels in bathrooms.
Now let’s explore Greek Villa vs Alabaster more closely!
Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa SW 7551
Greek Villa SW 7551 is a beautiful warm off-white paint color with inviting, flexible vibes. Its versatility makes it widely popular.
Here are some details about Greek Villa:
- LRV: 84
- Undertones: Warm white
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, offices
- Pairs With: Tans, blues, grays
Greek Villa is an off-white with subtle beige undertones. While very pale, it avoids feeling stark white and sterile. The warmth gives it a welcoming personality.
With an 84 LRV, Greek Villa reflects a lot of light to keep rooms feeling open and bright. The beige influence adds gentle versatility.
This welcoming white complements a wide variety of color schemes. Pleasing combinations include:
- Sherwin-Williams Pure White
- Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray
- Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige
- Sherwin-Williams Rainwashed
While suitable anywhere, this flexible off-white excels when used throughout bedrooms, living spaces, and offices.
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster SW 7008 is a gorgeous clean white paint color with the slightest hint of coolness. Its purity makes it a popular neutral choice.
Here are some key details about Alabaster:
- LRV: 82
- Undertones: Cool white
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, trim, cabinets
- Pairs With: All colors
Alabaster is a very light white with the faintest undertone of cool blue. Most would perceive it as a true white. The subtle coolness gives it a crisp, bright vibe.
With an LRV of 82, Alabaster reflects a great deal of light for an airy, spacious feel. The hint of blue adds sharpness.
This versatile white complements any color scheme beautifully. Especially pleasing combinations include:
- Sherwin-Williams Extra White
- Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray
- Sherwin-Williams Silver Strand
- Sherwin-Williams Black Magic
While suitable everywhere, this clean white excels when used throughout bathrooms, kitchens, molding, trim, and on ceilings.
Comparing Greek Villa vs Alabaster
Now that we’ve explored Greek Villa and Alabaster individually, let’s directly compare the two Sherwin-Williams paint colors:
Light Reflectance
With an LRV of 82, Alabaster reflects a bit more light than the 84 LRV of Greek Villa. However, both reflect ample illumination.
Undertones
Here is the main difference. Greek Villa is a warm white while Alabaster is a cool white.
Greek Villa has subtle beige warmth, giving it a welcoming vibe. Alabaster’s coolness is crisper and sharper.
Rooms
Greek Villa’s coziness excels in bedrooms and offices. Alabaster’s brightness shines in kitchens, bathrooms, and architectural details.
Paint Finishes
Both Greek Villa and Alabaster come in any sheen from flat to high-gloss. They provide beautiful, versatile white finishes.
Greek Villa vs Alabaster Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of their major differences:
| Paint Color | Greek Villa SW 7551 | Alabaster SW 7008 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 84 | 82 |
| Undertones | Warm white | Cool white |
| Use | Whole-home color | Whole-home color |
| Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
Real Rooms Painted in Greek Villa and Alabaster
To better envision Greek Villa vs Alabaster, let’s look at real rooms painted in the two whites:
Greek Villa SW 7551
Alabaster SW 7008
The images showcase how Greek Villa’s subtle warmth differs from the sharper coolness of Alabaster. But their similarities can also make them seem comparable.
Should You Choose Greek Villa or Alabaster?
So which neutral paint color is the better choice for your space – warm Greek Villa or cool Alabaster? Here are some tips for deciding:
Pick Greek Villa SW 7551 if you want:
- An off-white with subtle beige warmth
- A cozy, welcoming color for bedrooms and offices
- A flexible white suitable for whole-home use
- A laidback yet uplifting backdrop
Choose Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:
- A clean white with the slightest cool crispness
- Bright, airy feel for kitchens and bathrooms
- Crisp definition on trim, molding, and cabinets
- A classic versatile neutral white
If still uncertain between the two, get samples and paint large swatches on your walls. View throughout different lighting before deciding.
Either versatile neutral paint color you select will provide beauty and brightness. But their minor differences mean one likely better suits your particular goals and style.
Ideal Room Applications
Here are some rooms that tend to suit Greek Villa and Alabaster best:
Greek Villa SW 7551
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Kids’ Rooms
Alabaster SW 7008
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Trim/Moldings
- Ceilings
- Hallways
Both work beautifully throughout any home, but the above applications maximize their strengths.
Design Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Greek Villa and Alabaster create airy backdrops. Paired with other colors and materials, they make gorgeous interiors:
Greek Villa Color Pairings
- Sherwin-Williams Pure White (trim/ceilings)
- Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black (accent wall)
- Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray (furniture)
- Warm wood tones
Alabaster Color Pairings
- Sherwin-Williams Black Magic (accent wall)
- Sherwin-Williams High Reflective White (trim)
- Sherwin-Williams Cityscape (furniture)
- Matte black hardware
Greek Villa vs Alabaster – Which is Best for You?
When choosing between Greek Villa and Alabaster, consider your goals and style:
Pick Greek Villa SW 7551 if you want:
- An off-white with subtle beige warmth
- A laidback cozy feel for bedrooms and offices
- A flexible neutral suitable for whole-home use
- A welcoming backdrop with gentleness
Choose Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:
- A clean white with the slightest cool crispness
- Bright, airy vibes for kitchens and bathrooms
- Crisp definition on architectural details
- A classic, versatile neutral white
While quite similar, the minor undertone differences mean one likely better suits your space. Get samples before deciding between cozy Greek Villa and crisp Alabaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to choose between Greek Villa vs Alabaster? Here are answers to some common questions:
Does Alabaster work well in living rooms?
Yes, Alabaster can look beautiful in living rooms when paired strategically with warm woods, white trim, and an accent wall. This prevents it from feeling sterile.
What colors complement Greek Villa walls?
Greek Villa pairs nicely with tans, grays, blues, greens, and some deeper colors like navy. Crisp bright whites help add contrast against its subtle warmth.
Which white paint color is cooler?
With its faint blue undertone, Alabaster is slightly cooler than the subtly warm Greek Villa. However, both are close to true whites without strong undertones.
Can you use Greek Villa in bathrooms?
Definitely! While Alabaster is more popular for bathrooms, the subtle warmth of Greek Villa also works well. Especially paired with white tile and metals.
Is Alabaster suitable for kitchen cabinets?
Yes, Alabaster is perfect for kitchen cabinets! It has enough lightness for an airy feel but subtle coolness that contrasts nicely against warm wood floors.
Conclusion
When comparing Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa vs Alabaster paint colors, the main differences come down to undertones and aesthetics:
- Greek Villa is a warm white that provides a laidback cozy feel, excelling in bedrooms and offices.
- Alabaster is a cool white with bright crispness perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and architectural details.
While quite similar, the minor undertone variations help one likely better suit your space. Consider your goals when deciding between cozy Greek Villa and sharp Alabaster. Samples will ensure you select the perfect versatile Sherwin-Williams neutral paint color for your needs!
