When searching for the perfect white paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Shoji White SW 7042 and Natural Choice SW 7011 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, bright whites?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Shoji White vs Natural Choice 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 Natural Choice
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Shoji White and Natural Choice:
- Undertones – Shoji White is a cool white, Natural Choice is a warm white
- Light Reflectance – Shoji White has an LRV of 74, Natural Choice has an LRV of 73
- Use – Shoji White suits modern styles, Natural Choice fits traditional decor
- Rooms – Shoji White excels in bathrooms, Natural Choice shines in bedrooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Shoji White and Natural Choice more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Shoji White SW 7042
With its crisp, cool white appearance, Sherwin Williams Shoji White SW 7042 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.
Here are some details about Shoji White:
- LRV: 74
- Undertones: Cool white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black and white, wood tones
Shoji White is a hushed white with the slightest hint of blue undertone. In all lighting it maintains its understated neutral white appearance.
The 74 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too stark. Shoji White gives an open, breathable feel.
This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular Shoji White color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Chrome hardware accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Shoji White truly excels in these sleek, modern spaces:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
Shoji White’s versatility helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating contemporary styles.
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.
Comparing Shoji White vs Natural Choice
Now that we’ve examined Shoji White and Natural Choice independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Shoji White and Natural Choice have similar LRVs of 74 and 73 respectively. Shoji White will appear slightly brighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Shoji White is a cool white, while Natural Choice is a warm white.
Use & Rooms
Shoji White’s coolness excels in modern baths and kitchens. Natural Choice’s warmth is perfect for cozy bedrooms.
Availability
Both Shoji White and Natural Choice come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
Shoji White vs Natural Choice Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Shoji White SW 7042 | Natural Choice SW 7011 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 74 | 73 |
| Undertones | Cool white | Warm white |
| Use | Contemporary styles | Traditional styles |
| Rooms | Bathrooms, kitchens | Bedrooms, living rooms |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Modern | Traditional |
Real-Life Photos: Shoji White vs Natural Choice
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Shoji White and Natural Choice:
Sherwin Williams Shoji White
Sherwin Williams Natural Choice
While they can overlap, Shoji White generally appears crisper and cooler than the warm white tone of Natural Choice. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Shoji White or Natural Choice?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Shoji White or Natural Choice for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Shoji White SW 7042 if you want:
- A cool, crisp neutral white
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- An airy feel for kitchens and bathrooms
- To allow accent colors to pop
Choose Natural Choice SW 7011 if you want:
- A warm, inviting white
- A versatile color that works with traditional decor
- A cozy feel for bedrooms and living rooms
- To allow colors to pop subtly
Get samples of both Shoji White and Natural Choice. 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 neutral tones that suit varied styles.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Shoji White and Natural Choice paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Shoji White
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
Sherwin Williams Natural Choice
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Libraries
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, Shoji White and Natural Choice create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
Shoji White SW 7042 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Chrome hardware accents
Natural Choice SW 7011 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood finishes
- Brass hardware accents
Shoji White vs Natural Choice – Which is Better?
So which white paint color is better for your home – Shoji White or Natural Choice?
Consider Shoji White SW 7042 if you want:
- A cool, crisp neutral white
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- An airy feel for kitchens and bathrooms
- To allow accent colors to pop
Consider Natural Choice SW 7011 if you want:
- A warm, inviting white
- A versatile color that works with traditional decor
- A cozy feel for bedrooms and living rooms
- To allow colors to pop subtly
While Shoji White offers modern crispness, Natural Choice provides traditional warmth.
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 Shoji White and Natural Choice?
The main differences are their undertones. Shoji White is a cooler white, while Natural Choice is a warm white. Shoji White also has a slightly higher LRV.
What colors complement Shoji White?
Shoji White looks beautiful paired with deeper grays, black accents, chrome metallics, and natural wood tones for contrast. Avoid warm tones.
Can you use Natural Choice in a living room?
Yes, Natural Choice’s subtle warmth would work wonderfully in a living room paired with wood furniture and jewel tone accents for a welcoming feel.
Is Shoji White suitable for southern exposure?
Yes, with an LRV of 74 Shoji White is light enough for a south facing room without being too stark. Its cool undertone keeps it airy.
Does Natural Choice come in eggshell finish?
Yes, Natural Choice is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to eggshell to high gloss semi-gloss.
