When searching for the perfect white paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar bright shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices White Flour SW 7102 and Alabaster SW 7008 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two crisp, clean whites?
In this guide, we’ll analyze White Flour vs Alabaster in-depth to help you determine the ideal bright 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 Flour and Alabaster
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ White Flour and Alabaster:
- Undertones – White Flour is a clean white, Alabaster is a hint warm
- Light Reflectance – White Flour has an LRV of 87, Alabaster has an LRV of 82
- Use – White Flour suits modern styles, Alabaster fits traditional decor
- Rooms – White Flour excels in bathrooms, Alabaster shines in kitchens
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore White Flour and Alabaster more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams White Flour SW 7102
With its ultra bright white appearance, Sherwin Williams White Flour SW 7102 creates a clean backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.
Here are some details about White Flour:
- LRV: 87
- Undertones: Clean white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black and white
White Flour is a straight, icy white without any warm undertones. In all lighting it maintains its clean, neutral white appearance.
The 87 light reflectance value makes this an ultra bright white. White Flour gives an airy, ethereal feel.
This crisp white complements both cool and warm bold colors nicely. Popular White Flour color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Black accent pieces
- Bright accent colors
- Chrome hardware accents
While suitable anywhere at home, White Flour truly excels in these modern spaces:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
White Flour’s brightness helps create a fresh backdrop, perfect for making colors pop in contemporary styles.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008
With its bright white appearance, Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008 creates a clean backdrop well-suited for varied styles. This versatile neutral works across many spaces.
Here are some details about Alabaster:
- LRV: 82
- Undertones: Hints of warm
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black and white
Alabaster is a crisp white with the faintest hint of beige. In all lighting it maintains its mostly neutral white appearance.
The 82 light reflectance value makes this a bright white without being too clinical. Alabaster gives an airy, open feel.
This versatile white complements both cool and warm colors nicely. Popular Alabaster color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Black accent pieces
- Wood tones
- Brass hardware accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Alabaster truly excels in these spaces:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
Alabaster’s brightness helps create a clean backdrop, perfect for allowing colors to pop in varied styles.
Comparing White Flour vs Alabaster
Now that we’ve examined White Flour and Alabaster independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
White Flour and Alabaster have different LRVs of 87 and 82 respectively. White Flour will appear brighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. White Flour is clean white, while Alabaster has hints of warm undertones.
Use & Rooms
White Flour’s coolness excels in modern bathrooms. Alabaster’s hint of warmth shines in kitchens.
Availability
Both White Flour and Alabaster come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
White Flour vs Alabaster Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | White Flour SW 7102 | Alabaster SW 7008 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 87 | 82 |
| Undertones | Clean white | Hints of warm |
| Use | Contemporary styles | Varied styles |
| Rooms | Bathrooms, kitchens | Kitchens, bathrooms |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Modern | Traditional, Contemporary |
Real-Life Photos: White Flour vs Alabaster
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between White Flour and Alabaster:
Sherwin Williams White Flour
Sherwin Williams Alabaster
While they can overlap, White Flour generally appears crisper and brighter than Alabaster’s subtle warmth. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose White Flour or Alabaster?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ White Flour or Alabaster for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose White Flour SW 7102 if you want:
- An ultra bright, clean white
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- A bold, airy feel for bathrooms
- To make colors dramatically pop
Choose Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:
- A bright white with hints of warmth
- A versatile color that works across styles
- A clean but approachable feel for kitchens
- To allow colors to pop
Get samples of both White Flour and Alabaster. 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 crisp white tones that suit varied styles.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to White Flour and Alabaster paint colors:
Sherwin Williams White Flour
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
Sherwin Williams Alabaster
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
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 Flour and Alabaster create clean backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
White Flour SW 7102 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Black accent pieces
- Bright accent colors
- Chrome hardware accents
Alabaster SW 7008 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Black accent pieces
- Wood tones
- Brass hardware accents
White Flour vs Alabaster – Which is Better?
So which bright white paint color is better for your home – White Flour or Alabaster?
Consider White Flour SW 7102 if you want:
- An ultra bright, clean white
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- A bold, airy feel for bathrooms
- To make colors dramatically pop
Consider Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:
- A bright white with hints of warmth
- A versatile color that works across styles
- A clean but approachable feel for kitchens
- To allow colors to pop
While White Flour offers bold modern brightness, Alabaster provides subtle traditional warmth.
Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful crisp Sherwin Williams white you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between White Flour and Alabaster?
The main differences are their undertones and light reflectance. White Flour is an ultra clean, bright white while Alabaster is slightly warmer and less bright.
What colors complement White Flour?
White Flour looks beautiful with bold blacks, blues, grays, and bright accent colors like red and yellow. Avoid pairing with warm wood tones.
Can you use Alabaster in a kitchen?
Yes, Alabaster’s bright white with only a hint of warmth works wonderfully in kitchens paired with stainless steel appliances and wood cabinetry.
Is White Flour suitable for southern exposure?
Yes, White Flour’s 87 LRV provides enough brightness for a south facing room without appearing glaring. Its crispness prevents harsh glare.
Does Alabaster come in semi-gloss finish?
Yes, Alabaster is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to semi-gloss to high gloss.
