When selecting a versatile white paint color, two popular options from Sherwin Williams are Origami White SW 7636 and Alabaster SW 7008. At first glance, these two whites may appear very similar. But looking closer, there are noticeable differences between them that impact the look and feel of your space.
In this in-depth comparison article, we’ll examine Origami White vs Alabaster undertones, LRV, real-world photos, and best room applications. By the end, you’ll understand how these whites differ and which paint color is the better choice for your home.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Origami White and Alabaster
Before diving into the details, here is a brief overview of how Origami White and Alabaster differ:
- Undertones: Origami White is a cool white. Alabaster has faint warm undertones.
- LRV: Origami White has a higher LRV of 76. Alabaster is slightly darker at 82 LRV.
- Use: Origami White suits modern styles. Alabaster excels for traditional decor.
- Rooms: Origami White shines in bathrooms and kitchens. Alabaster flatters bedrooms and living areas.
Now let’s explore Origami White vs Alabaster more closely!
Sherwin Williams Origami White SW 7636
Origami White SW 7636 is a bright, clean white paint color with a cool personality. Its vibrancy makes it a popular choice.
Here are some key details about Origami White:
- LRV: 76
- Undertones: Cool white.
- Sheen: Available in all finishes.
- Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, trims, doors.
- Pairs Well With: Greys, blues, blacks.
Origami White is a true white with a hint of coolness rather than warmth. Its slightly crisp tone gives interiors and architectural details a sharp modern look.
With an LRV of 76, Origami White reflects a high amount of light. It avoids looking dingy or clinical. The white is fresh and vivid.
Some pleasing color pairings with Origami White include:
- Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
- Sherwin Williams Rainwashed
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Sherwin Williams Naval
While suitable anywhere, Origami White excels as trim, cabinets, walls, and ceilings. It gives a clean backdrop in kitchens, baths, and modern spaces.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster SW 7008 is a slightly warm, inviting white paint color. It provides flexible neutrality.
Here are some details about Alabaster:
- LRV: 82
- Undertones: Warm white.
- Sheen: Available in all finishes.
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms.
- Pairs Well With: Beiges, greys, blues.
Alabaster reads as a crisp white but has the faintest hint of warm cream undertones. The barely perceptible warmth keeps it soft and welcoming.
With an LRV of 82, Alabaster reflects plenty of light to avoid feeling dark or dingy. The gentle warmth maintains sufficient brightness.
Some pleasing color combinations with Alabaster include:
- Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
While suitable anywhere, Alabaster excels as the main wall color in bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas.
Comparing Origami White vs Alabaster
Now that we’ve looked at Origami White and Alabaster separately, let’s directly compare the two whites:
Light Reflectance
With LRVs of 76 and 82 respectively, Origami White reflects more light than Alabaster. Origami White reads as a brighter crisp white.
Undertones
Here is a main difference. Origami White is a cool crisp white. Alabaster has faint warm undertones.
Origami White’s coolness gives it a clean modern look. Alabaster’s subtle warmth provides a soft welcoming feel.
Rooms
Origami White’s brightness makes it perfect to accent kitchens, baths, and modern spaces. Alabaster’s warmth excels in bedrooms, living rooms, and traditional decor.
Paint Finishes
Both Origami White and Alabaster come in any sheen from matte to gloss. They give versatile white finishes.
Origami White vs Alabaster Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of their major differences:
| Paint Color | Origami White SW 7636 | Alabaster SW 7008 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 76 | 82 |
| Undertones | Cool white | Faint warm |
| Use | Modern styles | Traditional styles |
| Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
Real Rooms Painted Origami White and Alabaster
To better visualize Origami White vs Alabaster, let’s look at real rooms painted in the two crisp whites:
Origami White SW 7636
Alabaster SW 7008
The images showcase Origami White’s cool crispness vs Alabaster’s faint warmth. Origami White suits modern decor, while Alabaster excels in traditional spaces. But their similar clean look can make them seem comparable at first glance.
Should You Choose Origami White or Alabaster?
So which crisp white paint color is the better choice for your home – cool Origami White or subtly warm Alabaster? Here are some tips to help decide:
Pick Origami White SW 7636 if you want:
- A bright white with a hint of coolness
- Modern style with sharp, crisp contrast
- Vibrant backdrops for kitchens, baths, and trim
- Bold graphic pop for a chic look
Choose Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:
- A white with a hint of creamy warmth
- Subtle coziness for bedrooms and living rooms
- A flexible neutral for traditional decor
- A soft relaxed feel rather than starkness
If still uncertain between the two, get samples and paint large swatches on your walls. View throughout different lighting before deciding.
Either versatile white you select will provide beauty. But their minor differences mean one likely better suits your particular space and style goals.
Ideal Room Applications
Here are some rooms that tend to suit Origami White and Alabaster best:
Origami White SW 7636
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Trim and molding
- Doors and cabinets
- Modern spaces
Alabaster SW 7008
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Hallways
- Traditional spaces
Both can work beautifully throughout any home. But the above applications maximize their unique strengths.
Design Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Origami White and Alabaster create clean elegant backdrops. Paired with other colors and materials, they make stunning interiors:
Origami White Color Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray walls
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black accents
- Sherwin Williams Rainwashed cabinets
- Marble counters and backsplash
Alabaster Color Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige walls
- Sherwin Williams Peppercorn accent wall
- Sherwin Williams Naval cabinets
- Wood floors and furniture
Origami White vs Alabaster – Which is Best for You?
When choosing between Origami White and Alabaster paint colors, keep your style and goals in mind:
Pick Origami White SW 7636 if you want:
- A crisp bright white with a hint of coolness
- Sharp modern contrast for baths, kitchens, and trim
- Vibrant pop for contemporary spaces
- A graphic, chic look
Choose Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:
- A white with a touch of warm creaminess
- Subtle cozy feel for bedrooms and living areas
- Flexible neutrality for traditional decor
- Soft relaxed warmth rather than starkness
While very similar whites, the minor undertone variations likely make one a better fit for your particular space and style. Get color swatches before deciding between Origami White and Alabaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to choose between Origami White vs Alabaster? Here are answers to some common questions:
Which white paint color is cooler?
Origami White SW 7636 has a hint of coolness, while Alabaster SW 7008 is a subtly warm white. So Origami White reads as slightly cooler.
Does Alabaster work well in modern kitchens?
It can, but Origami White may be a better choice for modern kitchens. Alabaster’s faint warmth gives it a traditional vibe that contrasts with sleek, contemporary kitchen designs.
What colors go well with Origami White?
Origami White pairs beautifully with crisp greys like Mindful Gray, bold blacks like Tricorn Black, and rich blues like Naval. It creates sharp modern contrast.
Is Origami White suitable for bedrooms?
Origami White can work in bedrooms but may feel too stark and cold on all walls. Use it judiciously for modern pops of contrast, like on trim. Alabaster is better for whole bedroom walls.
What about exterior siding – Origami White or Alabaster?
Alabaster’s subtle warmth makes it a more flexible exterior siding color. Origami White’s cool crispness may feel overly stark outside.
Conclusion
When comparing Sherwin Williams’ Origami White and Alabaster paint colors, the main differences come down to undertones and aesthetics:
- Origami White SW 7636 is a cool crisp white that excels in modern spaces and provides bold contrast.
- Alabaster SW 7008 is a subtly warm white that suits traditional cozy interiors.
While very similar clean whites, the minor undertone variations make one likely better fit your particular space and style vision. Consider your goals when deciding between Origami White and Alabaster. Getting paint samples can ensure you select the perfect white!
