When selecting a light, airy paint color for your home, two popular options from Sherwin Williams are Whitetail SW 7103 and Alabaster SW 7008. At first glance, these two off-whites may seem very similar. But upon closer inspection, there are noticeable differences between Whitetail and Alabaster that impact the overall look and feel of a space.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll compare Sherwin Williams Whitetail vs Alabaster paint colors. We’ll examine undertones, LRV levels, real photos of rooms painted in Whitetail and Alabaster, and the best applications for each color. By the end, you’ll understand how Whitetail and Alabaster differ and which creamy off-white is the ideal choice for your home.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Whitetail and Alabaster
Before diving into all the details, here is a brief overview of how Sherwin Williams Whitetail and Alabaster differ:
- Undertones: Whitetail is a warm off-white, Alabaster is a cool off-white.
- LRV: Alabaster has a higher LRV of 82, Whitetail is slightly darker at 86 LRV.
- Use: Whitetail works well whole-home, Alabaster best for accents.
- Rooms: Whitetail excels in living spaces, Alabaster shines in bathrooms.
Now let’s explore the comparison between Sherwin Williams Whitetail SW 7103 and Alabaster SW 7008 more closely!
Sherwin Williams Whitetail SW 7103
Whitetail SW 7103 is a beautiful warm ivory off-white paint color with relaxing, welcoming vibes. It provides flexibility as a versatile neutral.
Here are some key details about Whitetail:
- LRV: 86
- Undertones: Warm off-white, hint of ivory
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, offices, dining rooms
- Pairs Well With: Tans, grays, blues, greens
Whitetail is a light cream-colored off-white with faint undertones of warm ivory. The subtle warmth gives it an inviting, cozy feel without strong contrast.
With an LRV of 86, Whitetail reflects a significant amount of light to prevent a space from feeling dark or closed in. The ivory warmth maintains an open, airy ambiance.
This adaptable off-white complements various color combinations. Pleasing pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Sherwin Williams Sea Salt
- Sherwin Williams Silverstrand
While suitable anywhere in a home, this welcoming ivory off-white truly shines when used as the main wall color in living areas, bedrooms, home offices, and dining spaces.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster SW 7008 is a gorgeous cool off-white paint color with widespread popularity. Its crisp versatility allows it to work in any style home.
Here are some key details about Alabaster:
- LRV: 82
- Undertones: Cool off-white, hint of gray
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, trims, accents
- Pairs Well With: Grays, blues, greens, wood tones
Alabaster is a clean white with the faintest undertones of cool gray. While it reads as a true white, the subtle gray gives it a slightly sharper, more defined edge.
With an LRV of 82, Alabaster reflects a large amount of light to avoid feeling flat or dull. The barely-there grayness adds a touch of crisp freshness.
Some pleasing color combinations with Alabaster include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray
- Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
- Sherwin Williams Naval
While fitting for any room when used correctly, this cool clean off-white truly excels when strategically placed in bathrooms, kitchens, on trim, doors, and accent walls throughout a home.
Directly Comparing Whitetail vs Alabaster Paint Colors
Now that we’ve looked at Whitetail SW 7103 and Alabaster SW 7008 separately, let’s directly compare the two Sherwin Williams paint colors:
Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
Whitetail has an LRV of 86, while Alabaster has an LRV of 82. This means Alabaster reflects a bit more light than Whitetail. However, both reflect ample light and avoid feeling dark or dingy.
Undertones
Here is the biggest difference between the two off-whites. Whitetail has subtle warm ivory undertones, giving it a cozy welcoming vibe. Alabaster has faint cool gray undertones, providing a sharper, brighter feel.
Best Room Applications
Thanks to its versatility, Whitetail works beautifully throughout an entire home, especially in main living areas. Meanwhile, Alabaster excels when used strategically as an accent color due to its hint of cool crispness.
Paint Finishes
Both Whitetail and Alabaster come in any sheen from matte to high-gloss. They can provide soft, elegant finishes or add definition through gloss.
Whitetail vs Alabaster Comparison Chart
Here is an at-a-glance overview of their major differences:
| Paint Color | Whitetail SW 7103 | Alabaster SW 7008 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 86 | 82 |
| Undertones | Warm off-white, ivory hint | Cool off-white, gray hint |
| Use | Whole-home color | Accent color |
| Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
Real Rooms Painted Whitetail and Alabaster
To better visualize the contrast between cozy Whitetail and crisp Alabaster, let’s look at real rooms painted in the two off-white colors:
Whitetail SW 7103
Alabaster SW 7008
The images demonstrate the noticeable difference in warmth between Whitetail and Alabaster. Whitetail has an ivory creaminess, while Alabaster is a cooler, sharper white. But their similar lightness can make them seem comparable at first glance.
Should You Choose Whitetail or Alabaster?
So how do you decide between cozy Whitetail or cool and crisp Alabaster for your home? Here are some tips:
Pick Whitetail SW 7103 if you want:
- A warm off-white with subtle ivory warmth
- A welcoming color suitable for whole-home use
- Cozy sophistication for living rooms and bedrooms
- Inviting tranquility without strong contrast
Choose Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:
- A cool off-white with a hint of sharpness
- Subtle bright contrast for baths, kitchens, and trim
- A clean alternative to creamy whites
- A defined, refreshing white for accents
If you’re still on the fence, get samples of both paint colors and test them out. View the swatches in all lighting conditions before deciding.
Either refined off-white you choose will provide beauty, lightness, and versatility. But their slight differences mean one likely better fits your personal style and goals.
Ideal Room Applications
Here are the rooms that tend to suit Whitetail SW 7103 and Alabaster SW 7008 best:
Whitetail SW 7103
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Entryways
Alabaster SW 7008
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Doors and Trim
- Accent Walls
- Hallways
Both can work well throughout an entire home. But the above applications maximize each paint color’s unique strengths.
Design Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Whitetail and Alabaster create airy, elegant backdrops. Combined with other paint colors and materials, they can make truly stunning interiors:
Whitetail SW 7103 Color Combinations
- Sherwin Williams Pure White (trim/ceilings)
- Sherwin Williams Peppercorn (accent wall)
- Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray (furniture)
- Oak wood floors
Alabaster SW 7008 Color Combinations
- Sherwin Williams Extra White (trim/molding)
- Sherwin Williams Naval (accent wall)
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray (furniture)
- Marble countertops
Whitetail vs Alabaster – Which is Best for You?
When selecting between Whitetail and Alabaster, keep your own design preferences and goals in mind:
Pick Whitetail SW 7103 if you want:
- A warm ivory off-white suitable for whole-home use
- Subtle welcoming warmth with a cozy vibe
- A soothing oasis for living rooms and bedrooms
- Inviting creaminess without strong contrast
Choose Alabaster SW 7008 if you want:
- A cool white with a hint of sharpness
- Crisp, subtle brightness for accents
- Beautiful definition on trims, cabinets, and walls
- A clean, airy feel with a touch of gray
While the two off-whites share some similarities, their minor differences likely make one a better fit for your particular space and needs. Get samples before deciding on Whitetail vs Alabaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to determine between cozy Whitetail or cool Alabaster? Below are answers to some common questions:
Does Alabaster work well in living rooms?
Definitely! When used strategically on an accent wall or ceiling trim, the subtly sharp Alabaster adds nice definition without overwhelming a living space.
What colors go with Whitetail walls?
Whitetail pairs nicely with light blues, grays, tans, and deeper greens. Crisp white trim and a navy accent wall help add depth to its cozy feel.
Which off-white paint color is lighter?
Alabaster has a slightly higher LRV of 82 vs the 86 LRV of Whitetail. However, the difference is minor and both reflect ample light.
Can you use Whitetail in a bathroom?
Yes, Whitetail can work well in bathrooms paired with white tile and neutral flooring. Its creamy ivory tone provides a soothing, spa-like ambiance.
Is Alabaster suitable for kitchen cabinets?
Definitely! The subtly crisp Alabaster looks gorgeous against white countertops. Its hint of gray adds definition without feeling too cold.
Conclusion
When comparing Sherwin Williams’ Whitetail SW 7103 and Alabaster SW 7008 paint colors, the main differences come down to undertones and aesthetics:
- Whitetail is a warm ivory off-white suitable for whole-home use, providing a cozy, welcoming vibe.
- Alabaster is a cool off-white that excels as an accent, adding subtle brightness and definition.
While the two off-whites have similarities, their unique undertones help one likely better suit your goals. Carefully consider your needs when deciding between cozy Whitetail and crisp Alabaster paint colors. Getting samples will ensure you select the perfect sophisticated off-white for your home!
