Pure White vs Extra White: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect crisp white paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Pure White SW 7005 and Extra White SW 7006 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, clean whites?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Pure White vs Extra White 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!

Key Differences Between Pure White and Extra White

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Pure White and Extra White:

Undertones – Pure White is slightly warm, Extra White is a true white
Light Reflectance – Pure White has an LRV of 84, Extra White has an LRV of 86
Use – Pure White works across styles, Extra White suits modern decor
Rooms – Pure White excels in kitchens, Extra White shines in bathrooms
Availability – Both come in all sheens

Now let’s explore Pure White and Extra White more thoroughly.

Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005

With its ever-so-slightly warm undertone, Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005 provides a versatile neutral backdrop well-suited for varied styles. This white works in both modern and traditional spaces.

Here are some details about Pure White:

LRV: 84
Undertones: Warm white
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms
Pairs Well With: All colors

Pure White is a crisp, clean white with the faintest warm undertone. In all lighting it maintains its versatile neutral white appearance.

The 84 light reflectance value makes this shade brilliantly illuminating. Pure White strikes an airy, limitless balance for interior rooms.

This versatile white complements any color palette beautifully. Popular Pure White pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
Sherwin Williams Naval
Black and wood accents
Natural stone and marble

While suitable anywhere at home, Pure White truly excels in these spaces:

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Living Rooms
Bedrooms

Pure White’s subtle warmth helps create an open, versatile feel perfect as an all-over home color. Let it brighten up any decor.

Sherwin Williams Extra White SW 7006

With its true bright white appearance, Sherwin Williams Extra White SW 7006 provides a clean, versatile backdrop well-suited for varied modern styles. This true white works in contemporary spaces.

Here are some details about Extra White:

LRV: 86
Undertones: True white
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black and white

Extra White is a pure, clean true white. In all lighting it maintains its bright, versatile white appearance.

The 86 light reflectance value makes this shade brilliantly illuminating without being stark. Extra White strikes an airy, cheerful balance for interior rooms.

This versatile white complements bold, dramatic colors especially well. Popular Extra White pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Red Bay
Sherwin Williams Online Blue
Glossy black accents
Stainless steel and chrome

While suitable anywhere at home, Extra White truly excels in these contemporary spaces:

Bathrooms
Kitchens
Living Rooms
Offices

Extra White’s true white tone helps create an open, airy feel perfect as an all-over home color. Let colors pop against it.

Comparing Pure White vs Extra White

Now that we’ve examined Pure White and Extra White independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Pure White and Extra White have similar LRVs of 84 and 86 respectively. Extra White will appear slightly brighter.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Pure White is slightly warm, while Extra White is a true white.

Use & Rooms

Pure White’s subtle warmth excels in kitchens. Extra White’s true white tone shines in modern baths.

Availability

Both Pure White and Extra White come in any sheen from flat to glossy.

Pure White vs Extra White Comparison Chart

Paint Color	Pure White SW 7005	Extra White SW 7006
LRV	84	86
Undertones	Warm white	True white
Use	Varied styles	Modern spaces
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Traditional, modern	Contemporary

Real-Life Photos: Pure White vs Extra White

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the subtle differences between Pure White and Extra White:

Sherwin Williams Pure White

Sherwin Williams Extra White

While extremely similar, Pure White is a hint warmer than the true white Extra White. But lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Pure White or Extra White?

So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Pure White or Extra White for your home? Here are a few tips:

Choose Pure White SW 7005 if you want:

A slightly warm, versatile white
A welcoming cozy feel for bedrooms
A color that works across varied styles
A classic, timeless white

Choose Extra White SW 7006 if you want:

A true bright white for a contemporary look
Crisp, clean style for modern kitchens and baths
A bright feel for an open, airy space
Bold colors to stand out against the backdrop

Get samples of both Pure White and Extra White. 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, luminous whites.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Pure White and Extra White paint colors:

Sherwin Williams Pure White

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Living Rooms
Bedrooms

Sherwin Williams Extra White

Bathrooms
Kitchens
Living Rooms
Offices

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, Pure White and Extra White create clean backdrops. Complement them with colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:

Pure White SW 7005 Pairings

Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
Sherwin Williams Naval
Black and wood accents
Natural stone and marble

Extra White SW 7006 Pairings

Sherwin Williams Red Bay
Sherwin Williams Online Blue
Glossy black accents
Stainless steel and chrome

Pure White vs Extra White – Which is Better?

So which crisp white paint color is better for your home – Pure White or Extra White?

Consider Pure White SW 7005 if you want:

A slightly warm, versatile white
A welcoming cozy feel for bedrooms
A color that works across varied styles
A classic, timeless white

Consider Extra White SW 7006 if you want:

A true bright white for a contemporary look
Crisp, clean style for modern kitchens and baths
A bright feel for an open, airy space
Bold colors to stand out against the backdrop

While Pure White is warm and welcoming, Extra White has true clean brightness. Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful luminous Sherwin Williams white you choose will suit your home perfectly.