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 Shoji White SW 7042 and Greek Villa SW 7551 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, bright whites?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Shoji White vs Greek Villa 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 Shoji White and Greek Villa
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Shoji White and Greek Villa:
- Undertones – Shoji White is a warm white, Greek Villa is a true white
- Light Reflectance – Shoji White has an LRV of 74, Greek Villa has an LRV of 84
- Use – Shoji White suits traditional styles, Greek Villa fits any decor
- Rooms – Shoji White excels in kitchens, Greek Villa shines anywhere
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Shoji White and Greek Villa more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Shoji White SW 7042
With its clean, warm white appearance, Sherwin Williams Shoji White SW 7042 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for accentuating traditional decor. This versatile neutral works in both formal and casual spaces.
Here are some details about Shoji White:
- LRV: 74
- Undertones: Warm white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: All colors
Shoji White is a bright, vivid white with the faintest warm undertone. In all lighting it maintains its clean, neutral white appearance.
The 74 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too clinical. Shoji White gives an open, airy feel.
This adaptable neutral complements all colors beautifully. Popular Shoji White pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Sherwin Williams Online Blue
- Black and white patterns
- All wood tones and stains
- Metallic finishes
While suitable anywhere at home, Shoji White truly excels in these crisp, classic spaces:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
Shoji White’s subtle warmth helps create a clean, traditional feel perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to really make colors pop.
Sherwin Williams Greek Villa SW 7551
With its clean, true white appearance, Sherwin Williams Greek Villa SW 7551 creates an understated backdrop suitable for any design style. This versatile neutral works across all spaces.
Here are some details about Greek Villa:
- LRV: 84
- Undertones: True white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Anywhere
- Pairs Well With: All colors
Greek Villa is an ultra-bright, vivid white without strong undertones. In all lighting it maintains its clean, neutral white appearance.
The 84 light reflectance value provides maximum illumination without being clinical. Greek Villa gives an expansive, airy feel.
This adaptable neutral complements every color beautifully. Popular Greek Villa pairings include:
- All Sherwin Williams colors
- Black and white patterns
- Wood tones and finishes
- Metallic and matte accents
While suitable everywhere at home, Greek Villa truly excels when used:
- As an all-over color
- On ceilings
- For trims and moldings
- On accent walls
- For exterior homes
Greek Villa’s true white tone provides a clean, expansive feel perfect for any design style. Use it to make colors pop.
Comparing Shoji White vs Greek Villa
Now that we’ve examined Shoji White and Greek Villa independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Shoji White and Greek Villa have LRVs of 74 and 84 respectively. Greek Villa will appear much brighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Shoji White is a warm white, while Greek Villa is a true white.
Use & Rooms
Shoji White’s warmth excels in traditional kitchens. Greek Villa’s versatility shines anywhere.
Availability
Both Shoji White and Greek Villa come in any sheen from matte to gloss.
Paint Color | Shoji White SW 7042 | Greek Villa SW 7551 |
---|---|---|
LRV | 74 | 84 |
Undertones | Warm white | True white |
Use | Traditional styles | Any decor |
Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
Style | Traditional | Versatile |
Real-Life Photos: Shoji White vs Greek Villa
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Shoji White and Greek Villa:
Sherwin Williams Shoji White
Sherwin Williams Greek Villa
While they can work together, Greek Villa generally appears brighter and crisper than the subtle warmth of Shoji White. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Shoji White or Greek Villa?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Shoji White or Greek Villa for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Shoji White SW 7042 if you want:
- A clean, warm bright white
- A versatile color that works with any style
- An airy feel for traditional kitchens and baths
- To make colors look bold and vivid
Choose Greek Villa SW 7551 if you want:
- An ultra-bright, vivid true white
- A versatile all-purpose neutral suitable anywhere
- A clean, expansive feel throughout home
- To really make colors pop
Get samples of both Shoji White and Greek Villa. Paint large sections to see the brightness and undertones.
You can also visualize them with your existing decor. Both provide beautiful, fresh white tones.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms and applications ideally suited to Shoji White and Greek Villa paint colors:
Shoji White SW 7042
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
Greek Villa SW 7551
- All-over color
- Ceilings
- Trim and moldings
- Accent walls
- Exterior homes
While both work anywhere, the above uses highlight each white’s strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Shoji White and Greek Villa create fresh backdrops. Complement them with colors and textures for gorgeous spaces:
Shoji White SW 7042 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Sherwin Williams Online Blue
- Black and white patterns
- All wood tones and stains
- Metallic finishes
Greek Villa SW 7551 Pairings
- All Sherwin Williams colors
- Black and white patterns
- Wood tones and finishes
- Metallic and matte accents
Shoji White vs Greek Villa – Which is Better?
So which white paint color is better for your home – Shoji White or Greek Villa?
Consider Shoji White SW 7042 if you want:
- A clean, warm bright white
- A versatile color that works with any style
- An airy feel for traditional kitchens and baths
- To make colors look bold and vivid
Consider Greek Villa SW 7551 if you want:
- An ultra-bright, vivid true white
- A versatile all-purpose neutral suitable anywhere
- A clean, expansive feel throughout home
- To really make colors pop
While Shoji White offers a warm traditional white, Greek Villa provides true, vivid brightness.
Get samples before deciding. Either versatile white from Sherwin Williams you choose will look beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Shoji White or Greek Villa? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Shoji White and Greek Villa?
The main differences are their undertones and versatility. Shoji White is a warm white that works well in traditional styles, while Greek Villa is a true bright white suitable for any decor.
Does Greek Villa have yellow undertones?
No, Greek Villa does not have obvious yellow undertones. It appears as a clean, vivid white without color bias.
Is Shoji White too dull for trim?
While Greek Villa would provide brighter trim, Shoji White’s 74 LRV still provides enough vividness for crisp, clean white trims with subtle warmth.
Can you use Greek Villa on a ceiling?
Yes, Greek Villa’s ultra-bright white is ideal for ceilings as it will reflect ample light and create an expansive feel.
Does Shoji White come in semi-gloss finish?
Yes, Shoji White is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to eggshell satin to high gloss semi-gloss.