Shoji White vs Greek Villa: 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 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.