When searching for the perfect crisp, clean white paint color, two popular options from Sherwin Williams are Greek Villa SW 7551 and Creamy SW 7012. At first glance these two shades appear very similar. But looking closely, there are subtle but noticeable differences in tone and warmth.
This in-depth guide will compare Greek Villa vs Creamy to help you determine which is better for your home’s interior. We’ll analyze everything from undertones, light reflectance value (LRV), real photos, room pairings, and more.
By the end, you’ll understand how to choose between these two gorgeous whites from Sherwin Williams. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Greek Villa and Creamy
Before getting into the details, here’s a high-level overview of how Greek Villa and Creamy differ:
- Undertones – Greek Villa is a crisp white, Creamy is a soft white
- Light Reflectance – Greek Villa has an LRV of 84, Creamy has an LRV of 81
- Use – Greek Villa suits modern styles, Creamy fits traditional decor
- Rooms – Greek Villa excels in kitchens, Creamy shines in bedrooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Greek Villa SW 7551 and Creamy SW 7012 more thoroughly.
Detailed Review of Greek Villa SW 7551
With its crisp, bright white appearance, Greek Villa SW 7551 by Sherwin Williams creates a clean, vivid backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile color works beautifully across modern spaces.
Here are some details about Greek Villa:
- LRV: 84
- Undertones: Crisp white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black and white, wood tones
Greek Villa is a snowy white with the slightest hint of cool undertone. In all lighting it maintains its understated neutral white appearance.
The 84 LRV provides ideal illumination without being too stark. Greek Villa gives an open, breathable feel.
As a true white, Greek Villa complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
- Black and white patterns
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Polished chrome accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Greek Villa truly excels in these sleek, modern spaces:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
Greek Villa’s crispness helps create an uplifting backdrop, perfect for accentuating contemporary styles.
Detailed Review of Creamy SW 7012
With its soft, warm white appearance, Creamy SW 7012 by Sherwin Williams creates a flexible neutral backdrop well-suited for accentuating traditional decor. This color succeeds in both formal and casual spaces.
Here are some details about Creamy:
- LRV: 81
- Undertones: Soft white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms
- Pairs Well With: Wood tones, grays, blacks
Creamy is a hushed white with the slightest hint of ivory warmth. In most lighting it maintains its understated neutral white appearance.
The 81 LRV provides ideal illumination without being too stark. Creamy gives off a soothing, peaceful feel.
This versatile neutral complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Creamy color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Black and gray patterns
- Weathered wood finishes
- Oil rubbed bronze lighting
While suitable anywhere at home, Creamy truly excels in these welcoming spaces:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Nurseries
- Hallways
Creamy’s softness helps create a relaxed, traditional feel – perfect as an all-over home color.
Light Reflectance Value Comparison
The main LRV difference between Greek Villa and Creamy is minor but noticeable:
- Greek Villa SW 7551: 84 LRV
- Creamy SW 7012: 81 LRV
Greek Villa will read crisper, brighter, and more vivid than the soft, flexible Creamy. But both offer excellent illumination.
Direct Comparison of Undertones
When viewed together, here is how the undertones of Greek Villa and Creamy differ:
- Greek Villa is a crisp, bright white with the slightest cool undertone.
- Creamy is a creamy soft white with subtle ivory warmth.
Greek Villa stays true neutral white in all lighting, while Creamy has faint beige undertones.
Style and Room Pairings
Due to its crispness, Greek Villa SW 7551 excels in sleek, modern spaces like:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Laundry Rooms
Creamy SW 7012 fits best with traditional decor and excels in these cozy rooms:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Hallways
- Libraries
So Greek Villa delivers contemporary versatility, while Creamy offers traditional sophistication.
Real-Life Photo Examples
Let’s look at real-life photos to compare Greek Villa and Creamy:
Greek Villa SW 7551
Creamy SW 7012
You can see Greek Villa’s crisper, cooler tone next to the subtle warmth of Creamy. But lighting affects their appearance.
Should You Choose Greek Villa or Creamy?
So which of these two bright whites should you choose for your space? Consider the following:
Consider Greek Villa SW 7551 if you want:
- A clean, bright white for modern spaces
- Crisp white cabinets, trim, and moldings
- A true white without yellow undertones
- An airy, breathable backdrop
Consider Creamy SW 7012 if you want:
- A subtly warm white for traditional spaces
- A versatile neutral suitable for any room
- A welcoming white with hints of ivory
- A peaceful, relaxed feel
Greek Villa offers a crisper, contemporary white. But Creamy provides universally flattering softness.
Get large color samples before deciding. View Greek Villa and Creamy on walls at varied times of day. This gives the most accurate impression of undertones.
Either gorgeous white from Sherwin Williams will suit your home beautifully!
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Greek Villa and Creamy create airy backdrops. Here are ideas to liven them up:
Greek Villa SW 7551 Pairings
- Navy blues and charcoals
- Glossy black trims
- Chrome finishes
- Marble and granite
- Abstract art
Creamy SW 7012 Pairings
- Smokey grays and taupes
- Espresso wood tones
- Brushed brass lighting fixtures
- Watercolor artwork
- Sheer linen drapery
Choosing complementary colors and finishes allows you to create stylish, appealing spaces anchored by Greek Villa or Creamy.
Room-by-Room Guide
Here are rooms best suited to Greek Villa and Creamy:
Kitchens
Greek Villa – A crisp, bright backdrop that feels clean and modern. Lets colorful accents pop.
Creamy – A soft, welcoming white that warms up traditional kitchens beautifully.
Bathrooms
Greek Villa – Feels clean and spa-like. Pairs nicely with gray stone and chrome finishes.
Creamy – Soothing and tranquil – perfect for a relaxing soak.
Bedrooms
Greek Villa – Bright and airy. Allows colorful bedding and art to stand out.
Creamy – Warm and peaceful – promotes restful sleep in cozy bedrooms.
Living Rooms
Greek Villa – Crisp and uplifting – showcases contemporary furniture and decor.
Creamy – A flexible, relaxing backdrop suitable for any living room style.
Both whites work well but have unique strengths based on their crispness.
Greek Villa vs. Creamy Comparison Chart
Here is a summary comparison between Greek Villa SW 7551 and Creamy SW 7012:
| Paint Color | Greek Villa SW 7551 | Creamy SW 7012 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 84 | 81 |
| Undertone | Crisp white | Soft white |
| Use | Modern styles | Traditional decor |
| Sheen | All finishes | All finishes |
| Rooms | Kitchens, baths | Bedrooms, living rooms |
Which White is Best for Your Home?
So which of these gorgeous Sherwin Williams whites works best for you?
Greek Villa SW 7551 is the better choice if you want:
- A contemporary crisp white
- Pure white cabinets, trims, and ceilings
- To highlight modern elements and decor
- An airy, breathable backdrop
Creamy SW 7012 is ideal if you want:
- A subtly warm white for traditional spaces
- A universally flattering and versatile neutral
- A peaceful backdrop for bedrooms and living rooms
- A soft, welcoming feel
Greek Villa offers modern crispness, while Creamy provides traditional softness.
Be sure to get large samples before deciding. Both of these Sherwin Williams whites are stunning choices!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about Greek Villa and Creamy:
Q: How do Greek Villa and Creamy differ?
A: Greek Villa is a crisp, bright contemporary white while Creamy is a softly warm traditional white. Greek Villa has a cooler tone.
Q: Which white paint color has a higher LRV?
A: Greek Villa SW 7551 has an LRV of 84, compared to 81 for Creamy SW 7012, making it brighter.
Q: What colors complement Creamy?
A: Grays, taupes, espresso browns, brushed brass accents, watercolor prints, and linen textures pair beautifully with Creamy’s subtle warmth.
Q: Can you use Greek Villa on kitchen cabinets?
A: Yes, Greek Villa SW 7551 looks gorgeous on kitchen cabinets and backsplashes as it maximizes brightness without any harsh glare.
Q: Does Creamy have yellow undertones?
A: Creamy SW 7012 has only the faintest hint of yellow/ivory, but no significant yellow undertones. It reads as a creamy white in most lighting.
Conclusion
Whether you select the modern crispness of Greek Villa SW 7551 or the traditional softness of Creamy SW 7012, both of these Sherwin Williams whites are excellent choices!
Test them out to find the perfect white paint color for your home’s style. Your bright and beautiful interior awaits!
