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 Snowbound SW 7004 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, crisp whites?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Shoji White vs Snowbound 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 Snowbound
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Shoji White and Snowbound:
- Undertones – Shoji White is a cool white, Snowbound is a warm white
- Light Reflectance – Shoji White has an LRV of 74, Snowbound has an LRV of 83
- Use – Shoji White suits modern styles, Snowbound fits traditional decor
- Rooms – Shoji White excels in bathrooms, Snowbound shines in bedrooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Shoji White and Snowbound more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Shoji White SW 7042
With its subtle cool white appearance, Sherwin Williams Shoji White SW 7042 creates a clean, airy 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, offices, hallways
- Pairs Well With: Bold colors, gray tones, black
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 clinical. Shoji White gives an open, breathable feel.
This adaptable white complements both warm and cool accent colors beautifully. Popular Shoji White color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains
- Satin nickel lighting
While suitable anywhere at home, Shoji White truly excels in these sleek, modern spaces:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Offices
- Hallways
- Laundry Rooms
Shoji White’s versatility helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating contemporary styles.
Sherwin Williams Snowbound SW 7004
With its subtle warm white appearance, Sherwin Williams Snowbound SW 7004 creates a clean, airy backdrop well-suited for traditional styles. This versatile neutral works across classic spaces.
Here are some details about Snowbound:
- LRV: 83
- Undertones: Warm white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Navy blues, grays, black
Snowbound is a crisp white with the slightest hint of beige. In all lighting it maintains its welcoming, softened white appearance.
The 83 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being clinical. Snowbound gives an open, breathable feel.
This adaptable white complements both warm and cool accent colors beautifully. Popular Snowbound color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Black accent pieces
- Wood furniture stains
- Antique brass lighting
While suitable anywhere at home, Snowbound truly excels in these classic spaces:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Foyers
Snowbound’s subtle warmth helps create an inviting, traditional backdrop perfect for most rooms. Use it to allow accent colors to pop.
Comparing Shoji White vs Snowbound
Now that we’ve examined Shoji White and Snowbound independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Shoji White and Snowbound have quite different LRVs of 74 and 83 respectively. Snowbound will appear brighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Shoji White is a cool white, while Snowbound is a warm white.
Use & Rooms
Shoji White’s coolness excels in modern baths and kitchens. Snowbound’s warmth is perfect for cozy bedrooms.
Availability
Both Shoji White and Snowbound come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
Shoji White vs Snowbound Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Shoji White SW 7042 | Snowbound SW 7004 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 74 | 83 |
| Undertones | Cool white | Warm white |
| Use | Modern spaces | Traditional rooms |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Contemporary | Traditional |
Real-Life Photos: Shoji White vs Snowbound
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Shoji White and Snowbound:
Sherwin Williams Shoji White
Sherwin Williams Snowbound
While they can overlap, Shoji White generally appears crisper and cooler than the warm white tone of Snowbound. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Shoji White or Snowbound?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Shoji White or Snowbound for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Shoji White SW 7042 if you want:
- A cool, crisp bright white
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- An airy feel for bathrooms and kitchens
- To allow bold colors to pop
Choose Snowbound SW 7004 if you want:
- A warm, inviting white
- A versatile color suitable for traditional spaces
- A cozy backdrop for bedrooms and living rooms
- A soft, welcoming ambiance
Get samples of both Shoji White and Snowbound. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the tones read in your environment.
You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful, versatile white tones.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Shoji White and Snowbound paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Shoji White
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Offices
- Hallways
- Laundry Rooms
Sherwin Williams Snowbound
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Foyers
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 Snowbound create airy backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
Shoji White SW 7042 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains
- Satin nickel lighting
Snowbound SW 7004 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Black accent pieces
- Wood furniture stains
- Antique brass lighting
Shoji White vs Snowbound – Which is Better?
So which white paint color is better for your home – Shoji White or Snowbound?
Consider Shoji White SW 7042 if you want:
- A cool, crisp bright white
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- An airy feel for bathrooms and kitchens
- To allow bold colors to pop
Consider Snowbound SW 7004 if you want:
- A warm, inviting white
- A versatile color suitable for traditional spaces
- A cozy backdrop for bedrooms and living rooms
- A soft, welcoming ambiance
While Shoji White offers cool brightness, Snowbound provides subtle warmth.
Get samples before deciding. Either versatile Sherwin Williams white you choose will suit your home beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Shoji White or Snowbound? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Shoji White and Snowbound?
The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. Shoji White is a cool, bright white while Snowbound is a warm, welcoming white.
What colors complement Shoji White?
Shoji White looks beautiful paired with grays, blacks, bold colorful accents, and wood tones for modern contrast.
Can you use Snowbound in a bathroom?
Yes, Snowbound’s soft white would work wonderfully in a bathroom paired with navy accents and marble textures for a relaxing oasis.
Is Shoji White suitable for southern exposure?
Yes, Shoji White’s 74 LRV is bright enough to stand up to a south-facing room without appearing dingy.
Does Snowbound come in semi-gloss finish?
Yes, Snowbound is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to semi-gloss to high gloss.
