When searching for the perfect white paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Natural Choice SW 7011 and White Duck SW 7010 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, bright whites?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Natural Choice vs White Duck 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!
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Natural Choice and White Duck
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Natural Choice and White Duck:
- Undertones – Natural Choice is a warm white, White Duck is a clean white
- Light Reflectance – Natural Choice has an LRV of 73, White Duck has an LRV of 74
- Use – Natural Choice suits traditional styles, White Duck fits modern decor
- Rooms – Natural Choice excels in bedrooms, White Duck shines in kitchens
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Natural Choice and White Duck more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Natural Choice SW 7011
With its subtle warm white appearance, Sherwin Williams Natural Choice SW 7011 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for traditional styles. This versatile neutral works across varied spaces.
Here are some details about Natural Choice:
- LRV: 73
- Undertones: Warm white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Wood tones, blacks, jewel tones
Natural Choice is a soft, inviting white with the faintest hint of beige. In all lighting it maintains its warm white appearance.
The 73 light reflectance value provides brightness without being clinical. Natural Choice gives an open, breathable feel.
This adaptable neutral complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Natural Choice color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood finishes
- Brass hardware accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Natural Choice truly excels in these warm, welcoming spaces:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Libraries
Natural Choice’s subtle warmth helps create a relaxing, traditional feel perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to allow bold colors to stand out.
Sherwin Williams White Duck SW 7010
With its clean, crisp white appearance, Sherwin Williams White Duck SW 7010 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for modern styles. This versatile neutral works across contemporary spaces.
Here are some details about White Duck:
- LRV: 74
- Undertones: Clean white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black and white, wood tones
White Duck is a straight cool white without any undertones. In all lighting it maintains its clean, neutral white appearance.
The 74 light reflectance value provides brightness without being clinical. White Duck gives an open, airy feel.
This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular White Duck color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains
- Chrome hardware accents
While suitable anywhere at home, White Duck truly excels in these crisp, modern spaces:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
White Duck’s versatility helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for making colors pop in contemporary styles.
Comparing Natural Choice vs White Duck
Now that we’ve examined Natural Choice and White Duck independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Natural Choice and White Duck have similar LRVs of 73 and 74 respectively. White Duck will appear slightly brighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Natural Choice is a warm white, while White Duck is a clean white with no undertones.
Use & Rooms
Natural Choice’s warmth excels in cozy bedrooms. White Duck’s clean hue pops in modern kitchens.
Availability
Both Natural Choice and White Duck come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
Natural Choice vs White Duck Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Natural Choice SW 7011 | White Duck SW 7010 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 73 | 74 |
| Undertones | Warm white | Clean white |
| Use | Traditional styles | Modern styles |
| Rooms | Bedrooms, living rooms | Kitchens, bathrooms |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
Real-Life Photos: Natural Choice vs White Duck
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the subtle differences between Natural Choice and White Duck:
Sherwin Williams Natural Choice
Sherwin Williams White Duck
While they can overlap, Natural Choice generally has a hint of warmth while White Duck maintains a crisper, cooler appearance. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Natural Choice or White Duck?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Natural Choice or White Duck for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Natural Choice SW 7011 if you want:
- A warm, inviting white
- A versatile color suitable for traditional styles
- A cozy feel for bedrooms and living rooms
- To allow colors to pop subtly
Choose White Duck SW 7010 if you want:
- A clean, crisp bright white
- A versatile color for modern, contemporary spaces
- An airy feel for kitchens and bathrooms
- To make colors pop and stand out
Get samples of both Natural Choice and White Duck. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of the undertones in your environment.
You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful, bright white tones that suit varied styles.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Natural Choice and White Duck paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Natural Choice
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Libraries
Sherwin Williams White Duck
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
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, Natural Choice and White Duck create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
Natural Choice SW 7011 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood finishes
- Brass hardware accents
White Duck SW 7010 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains
- Chrome hardware accents
Natural Choice vs White Duck – Which is Better?
So which white paint color is better for your home – Natural Choice or White Duck?
Consider Natural Choice SW 7011 if you want:
- A warm, inviting white
- A versatile color suitable for traditional styles
- A cozy feel for bedrooms and living rooms
- To allow colors to pop subtly
Consider White Duck SW 7010 if you want:
- A clean, crisp bright white
- A versatile color for modern, contemporary spaces
- An airy feel for kitchens and bathrooms
- To make colors pop and stand out
While Natural Choice offers traditional warmth, White Duck provides modern crispness.
Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful Sherwin Williams white you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between Natural Choice and White Duck?
The main differences are their undertones. Natural Choice is a warm white, while White Duck is a cleaner white without undertones. White Duck also has a slightly higher LRV.
What colors pair well with Natural Choice?
Natural Choice looks beautiful with deeper blues, sage greens, black accents, and wood tones for subtle contrast. Avoid very cool grays.
Can you use White Duck in a kitchen?
Yes, White Duck’s clean and bright hue would work wonderfully in a kitchen paired with stainless steel appliances and chrome accents for a modern feel.
Is Natural Choice suitable for northern exposure?
Yes, with an LRV of 73 Natural Choice should reflect enough light in a north facing room. Its warmth prevents gloominess.
Does White Duck come in semi-gloss finish?
Yes, White Duck is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to semi-gloss to high gloss.
