When selecting the perfect neutral white paint color, two popular options from Sherwin-Williams are Natural Choice SW 7011 and Alabaster SW 7008. At first glance, these two off-whites can appear very similar. But looking closer, there are noticeable differences between them that impact their aesthetics.
In this article, we’ll compare Sherwin-Williams Natural Choice vs Alabaster in-depth. We’ll analyze undertones, LRV, real-world photos, and ideal room applications. By the end, you’ll understand how these whites differ and which Sherwin-Williams color is the best choice for your space.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Natural Choice and Alabaster
Before examining all the details, here is a brief overview of how Natural Choice and Alabaster differ:
- Undertones: Natural Choice is a warm white, Alabaster is a cool white.
- LRV: Natural Choice has a slightly lower LRV of 73, Alabaster is brighter at 82 LRV.
- Use: Natural Choice and Alabaster work well throughout entire homes.
- Rooms: Natural Choice excels in bedrooms, Alabaster shines in bathrooms.
Now let’s explore Natural Choice vs Alabaster more closely!
Sherwin-Williams Natural Choice SW 7011
Natural Choice SW 7011 is a beautiful warm white paint color with a soft, welcoming vibe. Its versatility makes it a popular neutral choice.
Here are some details about Natural Choice:
- LRV: 73
- Undertones: Warm white
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms
- Pairs With: Tans, blues, grays
Natural Choice is an off-white with a subtle warm beige undertone. While very light, it avoids feeling sterile or stark white. The warmth gives it a soft, cozy personality.
With an 73 LRV, Natural Choice reflects ample light to keep rooms feeling bright and open. The beige undertone 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 warm white excels when used throughout bedrooms, living spaces, and dining rooms.
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 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 clean, bright vibe.
With an LRV of 82, Alabaster reflects a great deal of light for an airy, spacious feel. The bare hint of blue adds crispness.
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 true white excels when used throughout bathrooms, kitchens, molding, trim, and on ceilings.
Comparing Natural Choice vs Alabaster
Now that we’ve explored Natural Choice 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 73 LRV of Natural Choice. However, both reflect ample illumination.
Undertones
Here is the main difference. Natural Choice is a warm white while Alabaster is a cool white.
Natural Choice has subtle beige warmth, giving it a flexible, welcoming vibe. Alabaster’s coolness feels crisper and cleaner.
Rooms
Natural Choice’s laidback warmth excels in bedrooms and living areas. Alabaster’s brightness shines in bathrooms, kitchens, and architectural details.
Paint Finishes
Both Natural Choice and Alabaster come in any sheen from flat to gloss. They provide beautiful, versatile white finishes.
Natural Choice vs Alabaster Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of their major differences:
| Paint Color | Natural Choice SW 7011 | Alabaster SW 7008 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 73 | 82 |
| Undertones | Warm white | Cool white |
| Use | Whole-home color | Whole-home color |
| Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
Real Rooms Painted in Natural Choice and Alabaster
To better envision Natural Choice vs Alabaster, let’s look at real rooms painted in the two whites:
Natural Choice SW 7011
Alabaster SW 7008
The images showcase how Natural Choice’s subtle warmth differs from the clean coolness of bright Alabaster. But their similarities can also make them seem comparable.
Should You Choose Natural Choice or Alabaster?
So which neutral white paint color is the better choice for your space – warm Natural Choice or cool Alabaster? Here are some tips for deciding:
Pick Natural Choice SW 7011 if you want:
- An off-white with subtle beige warmth
- A laidback, welcoming color for bedrooms
- A flexible white suitable for whole-home use
- A cozy yet airy backdrop
Choose Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:
- A clean white with the slightest coolness
- Bright, airy feel for bathrooms and kitchens
- Crisp definition on trim, molding, and cabinets
- 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 white paint color you select will provide beauty and lightness. But their minor differences mean one likely better suits your goals and style.
Ideal Room Applications
Here are some rooms that tend to suit Natural Choice and Alabaster best:
Natural Choice SW 7011
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways/Stairs
Alabaster SW 7008
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Trim/Molding
- Cabinets
- Ceilings
While both work beautifully throughout any home, the above applications maximize their strengths.
Design Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Natural Choice and Alabaster create airy backdrops. Paired with other colors, they make gorgeous rooms:
Natural Choice Color Pairings
- Sherwin-Williams Pure White (trim/ceilings)
- Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn (accent wall)
- Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray (furniture)
- Warm wood tones
Alabaster Color Pairings
- Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black (accent wall)
- Sherwin-Williams High Reflective White (trim)
- Sherwin-Williams Cityscape (furniture)
- Matte black fixtures
Natural Choice vs Alabaster – Which is Best for You?
When choosing between Natural Choice and Alabaster, consider your goals and style:
Pick Natural Choice SW 7011 if you want:
- An off-white with subtle warm undertones
- A laidback cozy feel for bedrooms
- Adaptability to pair with many color schemes
- A welcoming backdrop for whole-home use
Choose Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:
- A crisp white with the slightest coolness
- Bright, airy feel for kitchens and baths
- Classic neutral for trim, molding, and ceilings
- Clean, versatile neutral white
While quite similar, the undertone differences mean one likely better suits your space. Get samples before deciding between cozy Natural Choice and bright Alabaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to choose between Natural Choice vs Alabaster? Here are answers to some common questions:
Does Alabaster work well in living rooms?
Yes, Alabaster can work beautifully in living rooms when paired strategically with warm woods, white trim, and an accent wall. This prevents it from feeling too stark and sterile.
What colors complement Natural Choice?
Natural Choice pairs nicely with tans, grays, blues, and greens. Crisp whites like Pure White help add contrast against its subtle creaminess.
Which white paint color is cooler?
With its faint blue undertone, Alabaster is slightly cooler than the warm-leaning Natural Choice. However, both are close to true whites without strong undertones.
Can you use Natural Choice in bathrooms?
Definitely! While Alabaster is more popular for bathrooms, the warm cozy vibe of Natural Choice also works well. Especially paired with white tile and grout.
Is Alabaster suitable for kitchens?
Yes, Alabaster is a perfect kitchen color! It has enough lightness for an airy feel but subtle coolness to contrast nicely against warm woods and stainless steel.
Conclusion
When comparing Sherwin-Williams Natural Choice vs Alabaster paint colors, the main differences come down to undertones and aesthetics:
- Natural Choice is a warm white that provides a laidback cozy feel, excelling in bedrooms.
- Alabaster is a cool white with bright airiness 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 Natural Choice and crisp Alabaster. Samples will ensure you select the perfect Sherwin-Williams white paint color for your needs!
