When choosing a crisp, clean white paint color, two of the most popular options from Sherwin Williams are White Duck SW 7010 and Alabaster SW 7008. At first glance, these two whites may appear very similar. But looking closer, there are noticeable differences between them that impact the aesthetics of your space.
In this in-depth comparison article, we’ll examine White Duck vs Alabaster undertones, LRV, real photos, and best room applications. By the end, you’ll understand how these classic whites differ and which paint color is the ideal choice for your home.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between White Duck and Alabaster
Before diving into the details, here is a brief overview of how White Duck and Alabaster differ:
- Undertones: White Duck is a crisp, pure white. Alabaster has faint warm undertones.
- LRV: White Duck has a higher LRV of 74. Alabaster is slightly darker at 82 LRV.
- Use: White Duck excels for modern, crisp interiors. Alabaster suits traditional, relaxed spaces.
- Rooms: White Duck shines in bathrooms, kitchens, and trim. Alabaster flatters bedrooms and living areas.
Now let’s explore White Duck vs Alabaster more closely!
Sherwin Williams White Duck SW 7010
White Duck SW 7010 is a clean, bright white paint color with widespread popularity. Its versatility allows it to work in any style home.
Here are some key details about White Duck:
- LRV: 74
- Undertones: None. Crisp, pure white.
- Sheen: Available in all finishes.
- Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, trim, doors, offices.
- Pairs Well With: Greys, blues, blacks.
White Duck is a true white without any noticeable undertones. Its purity gives interiors and architectural details a crisp, sharp look.
With an LRV of 74, White Duck reflects a high amount of light. It avoids feeling clinical or stark white. The tone is bright and clean rather than dingy.
Some pleasing color pairings with White Duck include:
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Sherwin Williams Rainwashed
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Sherwin Williams Naval
While suitable anywhere, White Duck excels as an interior white and for trim, cabinets, doors, and ceilings. It gives a clean backdrop in kitchens, baths, and offices.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster SW 7008 is a slightly warm, inviting white paint color. It provides flexible neutrality.
Here are some details about Alabaster:
- LRV: 82
- Undertones: Warm white.
- Sheen: Available in all finishes.
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms.
- Pairs Well With: Beiges, grays, blues.
Alabaster reads as a crisp white but has the faintest hint of warm cream undertones. The barely perceptible warmth keeps it inviting and cozy.
With an LRV of 82, Alabaster reflects plenty of light to avoid feeling dark or dingy. The soft warmth maintains sufficient brightness.
Some pleasing color combinations with Alabaster include:
- Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
While suitable anywhere, Alabaster excels as the main wall color in bedrooms, living rooms, and dining spaces.
Comparing White Duck vs Alabaster
Now that we’ve looked at White Duck and Alabaster separately, let’s directly compare the two whites:
Light Reflectance
With LRVs of 74 and 82 respectively, White Duck and Alabaster reflect very similar amounts of light. Both avoid looking dark or shadowy.
Undertones
Here is the main difference. White Duck is a pure, crisp white without undertones. Alabaster has faint warm creaminess.
White Duck’s purity gives it a clean, sharp look. Alabaster’s subtle warmth provides a soft cozy feel.
Rooms
White Duck’s crispness makes it perfect to accent kitchens, baths, and trim. Alabaster’s warmth excels in bedrooms, living rooms, and dining spaces.
Paint Finishes
Both White Duck and Alabaster come in any sheen from flat to high-gloss. They give clean white finishes.
White Duck vs Alabaster Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of their major differences:
| Paint Color | White Duck SW 7010 | Alabaster SW 7008 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 74 | 82 |
| Undertones | None, clean white | Faint warm |
| Use | Kitchens, baths, trim | Bedrooms, living rooms |
| Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
Real Rooms Painted White Duck and Alabaster
To better visualize White Duck vs Alabaster, let’s look at real rooms painted in the two crisp whites:
White Duck SW 7010
Alabaster SW 7008
The images showcase White Duck’s cool crispness vs Alabaster’s faint warmth. White Duck suits modern spaces, while Alabaster excels in traditional decor. But their similar lightness can make them seem comparable.
Should You Choose White Duck or Alabaster?
So which crisp white paint color is the better option for your space – pure White Duck or subtly warm Alabaster? Here are some tips to help decide:
Choose White Duck SW 7010 if you want:
- A true clean white without any undertones
- Bright, modern style with sharp contrast
- Crisp backdrops for kitchens, baths, and trim
- Bold, graphic interiors and accents
Pick Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:
- A white with a hint of inviting warmth
- Subtle coziness for bedrooms and living areas
- A flexible neutral for traditional spaces
- Soft, relaxed feel rather than stark contrast
If still uncertain between the two whites, get samples and paint large swatches on your walls. View throughout different lighting before deciding.
Either versatile white you choose will provide beauty. But their minor differences mean one likely better suits your particular style and space.
Ideal Room Applications
Here are some rooms that tend to suit White Duck and Alabaster best:
White Duck SW 7010
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Trim/molding
- Doors
- Closets
- Offices
Alabaster SW 7008
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Hallways
- Libraries
- Studies
Both can work well throughout any home. But the above applications maximize their individual strengths.
Design Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, White Duck and Alabaster create clean elegant backdrops. Paired with other paint colors and materials, they make stunning interiors:
White Duck Color Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray walls
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black accents
- Sherwin Williams Rainwashed cabinets
- Marble counters and backsplash
Alabaster Color Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige walls
- Sherwin Williams Peppercorn accent wall
- Sherwin Williams Naval cabinets
- Wood floors and furniture
White Duck vs Alabaster – Which is Best for You?
When choosing between White Duck and Alabaster white paint colors, keep your goals and style in mind:
Pick White Duck SW 7010 if you want:
- A true bright white without any undertones
- Crisp, bold contrast for modern spaces
- Sharp backdrops for baths, kitchens, and trim
- Graphic pop in minimalist interiors
Choose Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:
- A white with a hint of soft warm undertones
- Subtle cozy feel for bedrooms and living rooms
- Flexible neutrality for traditional decor
- Relaxed warmth rather than stark contrast
While very similar, the minor warmth differences mean one likely better suits your particular space and style vision. Samples will ensure you select the perfect white!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between White Duck vs Alabaster? Here are answers to some common questions:
Which white paint color is warmer?
Alabaster SW 7008 has faint warm undertones, while White Duck SW 7010 is a pure crisp white. So Alabaster reads as slightly warmer.
Can you use White Duck in a bedroom?
Definitely! White Duck looks beautiful in bedrooms when used thoughtfully, like on an accent wall or crisp white bedding. Provides modern contrast.
Does Alabaster work well for kitchen cabinets?
Yes! Alabaster’s subtle warmth looks amazing on kitchen cabinets. It contrasts nicely with countertops and backsplashes without being too stark.
What color paint goes well with White Duck?
White Duck pairs beautifully with sharp contrasting colors like black, navy blue, and dark greys. Crisp Repose Gray is a popular combination.
What colors match with Alabaster walls?
Alabaster complements soft neutrals like beige, light grey, and warm white. Try Accessible Beige or Naval for a cohesive wall-to-trim look.
Conclusion
When comparing Sherwin Williams’ White Duck and Alabaster paint colors, the main differences come down to undertones and aesthetics:
- White Duck SW 7010 is a clean, pure white that excels for modern spaces and crisp contrast.
- Alabaster SW 7008 is a subtly warm white that suits traditional cozy interiors.
While very similar whites, the faint undertone variations make one likely better suit your goals. Consider your style and needs when deciding between crisp White Duck and warm Alabaster. Getting samples on your walls can ensure you select the perfect white paint color!
