When searching for the perfect off-white paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Ivory Lace SW 7013 and Creamy SW 7012 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, bright off-whites?
In this in-depth guide, we’ll analyze Ivory Lace vs Creamy to help you determine the ideal off-white paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Ivory Lace and Creamy
Before getting into the details, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Ivory Lace and Creamy:
- Undertones – Ivory Lace is a warm off-white, Creamy is a cool off-white
- Light Reflectance – Creamy has an LRV of 81, Ivory Lace has an LRV of 79
- Use – Ivory Lace suits traditional styles, Creamy fits modern decor
- Rooms – Ivory Lace excels in bedrooms, Creamy shines in bathrooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Ivory Lace and Creamy more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Ivory Lace SW 7013
With its soft, warm off-white appearance, Sherwin Williams Ivory Lace SW 7013 creates a bright backdrop well-suited for accentuating traditional styles. This versatile off-white works in both formal and casual spaces.
Here are some details about Ivory Lace:
- LRV: 79
- Undertones: Warm off-white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Blues, blacks, wood tones
Ivory Lace is a relaxed, creamy off-white with faint beige undertones. In certain lights it can read as a parchment white. The welcoming off-white has traditional appeal.
The 79 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without appearing too stark. Ivory Lace strikes a bright yet soft balance suitable for most rooms.
This versatile off-white complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Ivory Lace color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Black accent pieces
- Walnut wood finishes
- White trim
While suitable anywhere at home, Ivory Lace truly excels in these spaces:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Libraries
Ivory Lace’s warmth helps create a welcoming, traditional feel perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to allow bold colors to stand out.
Sherwin Williams Creamy SW 7012
With its crisp, clean off-white appearance, Sherwin Williams Creamy SW 7012 creates a bright backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile off-white works across modern spaces.
Here are some details about Creamy:
- LRV: 81
- Undertones: Cool off-white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black and white, wood tones
Creamy is a bright, icy off-white with the faintest hint of gray undertone. In all lighting it maintains its crisp, understated off-white appearance.
The 81 light reflectance value provides ample illumination without being too stark. Creamy gives an open, breathable feel.
This adaptable off-white complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular Creamy color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Chrome hardware accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Creamy truly excels in these sleek, modern spaces:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Laundry Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
Creamy’s versatility helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating contemporary styles.
Comparing Ivory Lace vs Creamy
Now that we’ve examined Ivory Lace and Creamy independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Creamy and Ivory Lace have similar LRVs of 81 and 79 respectively. Creamy will appear slightly brighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Ivory Lace is a warm off-white, while Creamy is a cool off-white.
Use & Rooms
Ivory Lace’s warmth excels in cozy bedrooms and living areas. Creamy’s coolness is perfect for sleek modern baths and kitchens.
Availability
Both Ivory Lace and Creamy come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
| Paint Color | Ivory Lace SW 7013 | Creamy SW 7012 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 79 | 81 |
| Undertones | Warm off-white | Cool off-white |
| Use | Traditional styles | Modern decor |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Traditional | Contemporary |
Real-Life Photos: Ivory Lace vs Creamy
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Ivory Lace and Creamy:
Sherwin Williams Ivory Lace
Sherwin Williams Creamy
While they can overlap, Ivory Lace generally appears warmer and more saturated than the subtle cool tone of Creamy. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Ivory Lace or Creamy?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Ivory Lace or Creamy for your home? Here are some tips:
Choose Ivory Lace SW 7013 if you want:
- A warm, creamy off-white
- A cozy yet sophisticated off-white for bedrooms
- A versatile off-white that works with traditional decor
- A welcoming backdrop
Choose Creamy SW 7012 if you want:
- A cool, icy off-white
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- An airy feel for bathrooms and kitchens
- To allow bold accent colors to pop
Get samples of both Ivory Lace and Creamy. 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 off-white tones that suit varied styles.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Ivory Lace and Creamy paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Ivory Lace
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Libraries
Sherwin Williams Creamy
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Laundry Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
While both off-whites work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Ivory Lace and Creamy create clean backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
Ivory Lace SW 7013 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Black accent pieces
- Walnut wood finishes
- White trim
Creamy SW 7012 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Chrome hardware accents
Ivory Lace vs Creamy – Which is Better?
So which off-white paint color is better for your home – Ivory Lace or Creamy?
Consider Ivory Lace SW 7013 if you want:
- A warm, creamy off-white
- A cozy yet sophisticated off-white for bedrooms
- A versatile off-white that works with traditional decor
- A welcoming backdrop
Consider Creamy SW 7012 if you want:
- A cool, icy off-white
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- An airy feel for bathrooms and kitchens
- To allow bold accent colors to pop
While Ivory Lace offers subtle warm character, Creamy provides modern crispness.
Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful Sherwin Williams off-white you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Ivory Lace or Creamy? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Ivory Lace and Creamy?
The main differences are their undertones. Ivory Lace is a warm, creamy off-white while Creamy is a cooler icy off-white.
What colors complement Ivory Lace?
Ivory Lace looks beautiful paired with deeper blues, blacks, wood tones, and off-white trim for nice contrast.
Can you use Creamy in a bedroom?
Yes, Creamy’s crisp yet subtle sophistication would work wonderfully in a bedroom paired with black accents for a clean modern look.
Is Ivory Lace suitable for southern exposure?
Yes, Ivory Lace’s warmth complements sunlight from southern exposure very nicely.
Does Creamy come in eggshell finish?
Yes, Creamy is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to high gloss eggshell.
