When searching for the perfect white paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices White Duck SW 7010 and Shoji White SW 7042 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, crisp whites?
In this guide, we’ll analyze White Duck vs Shoji White 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 White Duck and Shoji White
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ White Duck and Shoji White:
- Undertones – White Duck is a warm white, Shoji White is a cool white
- Light Reflectance – White Duck and Shoji White both have an LRV of 74
- Use – White Duck suits traditional styles, Shoji White fits modern decor
- Rooms – White Duck excels in bedrooms, Shoji White shines in bathrooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore White Duck and Shoji White more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams White Duck SW 7010
With its subtle warm white appearance, Sherwin Williams White Duck SW 7010 creates a clean, inviting backdrop well-suited for traditional styles. This versatile neutral works across classic spaces.
Here are some details about White Duck:
- LRV: 74
- Undertones: Warm white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Navy blues, blacks, wood tones
White Duck is a crisp white with the slightest hint of cream. In all lighting it maintains its welcoming, softened white appearance.
The 74 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being clinical. White Duck gives an open, breathable feel.
This adaptable white complements both warm and cool accents beautifully. Popular White Duck color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Black accent pieces
- Wood furniture stains
- Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures
While suitable anywhere seeking a cottage feel, White Duck truly excels in these classic spaces:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Foyers
White Duck’s subtle warmth helps create an inviting, traditional backdrop perfect for most rooms. Use it to allow accent colors to shine.
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 seeking an airy look, 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.
Comparing White Duck vs Shoji White
Now that we’ve examined White Duck and Shoji White independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
White Duck and Shoji White have the same LRV of 74. They will appear equally as bright.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. White Duck is a warm white, while Shoji White is a cool white.
Use & Rooms
White Duck’s warmth excels in cozy bedrooms. Shoji White’s coolness shines in modern bathrooms.
Availability
Both White Duck and Shoji White come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
White Duck vs Shoji White Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | White Duck SW 7010 | Shoji White SW 7042 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 74 | 74 |
| Undertones | Warm white | Cool white |
| Use | Traditional rooms | Modern spaces |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Traditional | Contemporary |
Real-Life Photos: White Duck vs Shoji White
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between White Duck and Shoji White:
Sherwin Williams White Duck
Sherwin Williams Shoji White
While they can overlap, White Duck generally appears warmer than the slight cool tone of Shoji White. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose White Duck or Shoji White?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ White Duck or Shoji White for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose White Duck SW 7010 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
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
Get samples of both White Duck and Shoji White. 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 White Duck and Shoji White paint colors:
Sherwin Williams White Duck
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Foyers
Sherwin Williams Shoji White
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Offices
- Hallways
- Laundry Rooms
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, White Duck and Shoji White create airy backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
White Duck SW 7010 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Black accent pieces
- Wood furniture stains
- Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures
Shoji White SW 7042 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains
- Satin nickel lighting
White Duck vs Shoji White – Which is Better?
So which white paint color is better for your home – White Duck or Shoji White?
Consider White Duck SW 7010 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
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
While White Duck offers subtle warmth, Shoji White provides cool brightness.
Get samples before deciding. Either versatile Sherwin Williams white you choose will suit your home beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between White Duck or Shoji White? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between White Duck and Shoji White?
The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. White Duck is a warm, inviting white while Shoji White is a cooler, crisper 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 White Duck in a bathroom?
Yes, White Duck’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 White Duck come in flat finish?
Yes, White Duck is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to eggshell to high gloss semi-gloss.
