Shoji White vs Oyster White: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect crisp white paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Shoji White SW 7042 and Oyster White SW 7637 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, bright whites?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Shoji White vs Oyster 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 Shoji White and Oyster White

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Shoji White and Oyster White:

Undertones – Shoji White is a warm white, Oyster White is a cool white
Light Reflectance – Shoji White has an LRV of 74, Oyster White has an LRV of 72
Use – Shoji White suits traditional styles, Oyster White fits modern decor
Rooms – Shoji White excels in kitchens, Oyster White shines in bathrooms
Availability – Both come in all sheens

Now let’s explore Shoji White and Oyster White more thoroughly.

Sherwin Williams Shoji White SW 7042

With its clean, warm white appearance, Sherwin Williams Shoji White SW 7042 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for accentuating traditional decor. This versatile neutral works in both formal and casual spaces.

Here are some details about Shoji White:

LRV: 74
Undertones: Warm white
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: All colors

Shoji White is a bright, vivid white with the faintest warm undertone. In all lighting it maintains its clean, neutral white appearance.

The 74 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too clinical. Shoji White gives an open, airy feel.

This adaptable neutral complements all colors beautifully. Popular Shoji White pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Naval
Sherwin Williams Online Blue
Black and white patterns
All wood tones and stains
Metallic finishes

While suitable anywhere at home, Shoji White truly excels in these crisp, classic spaces:

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Living Rooms
Offices
Hallways

Shoji White’s subtle warmth helps create a clean, traditional feel perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to really make colors pop.

Sherwin Williams Oyster White SW 7637

With its subtle cool white appearance, Sherwin Williams Oyster White SW 7637 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.

Here are some details about Oyster White:

LRV: 72
Undertones: Cool white
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Bold colors, blacks, metallics

Oyster White is a bright, clean white with a faint cool undertone. In all lighting it maintains its understated neutral white appearance.

The 72 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too stark. Oyster White gives an open, breathable feel.

This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from vibrant to muted. Popular Oyster White pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Naval
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
Black and white patterns
Polished chrome and stainless steel

While suitable anywhere at home, Oyster White truly excels in these sleek, contemporary spaces:

Bathrooms
Kitchens
Living Rooms
Offices
Hallways

Oyster White’s cool crispness helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating modern styles.

Comparing Shoji White vs Oyster White

Now that we’ve examined Shoji White and Oyster White independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Shoji White and Oyster White have similar LRVs of 74 and 72 respectively. Shoji White will appear slightly brighter.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Shoji White is a warm white, while Oyster White is a cool white.

Use & Rooms

Shoji White’s warmth excels in traditional kitchens. Oyster White’s coolness shines in modern baths.

Availability

Both Shoji White and Oyster White come in any sheen from matte to gloss.

Paint Color	Shoji White SW 7042	Oyster White SW 7637
LRV	74	72
Undertones	Warm white	Cool white
Use	Traditional styles	Modern decor
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Traditional	Modern

Real-Life Photos: Shoji White vs Oyster White

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Shoji White and Oyster White:

Sherwin Williams Shoji White

Sherwin Williams Oyster White

While they can overlap, Shoji White generally appears slightly warmer than the subtle coolness of Oyster White. But lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Shoji White or Oyster White?

So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Shoji White or Oyster White for your home? Here are a few tips:

Choose Shoji White SW 7042 if you want:

A clean, warm bright white
A versatile color that works with any style
An airy feel for traditional kitchens and baths
To make all colors look bold and vivid

Choose Oyster White SW 7637 if you want:

A cool, crisp bright white
A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
A sleek feel for contemporary baths and kitchens
To allow bold colors to pop

Get samples of both Shoji White and Oyster White. Paint large test sections to view at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the undertones read in your lighting.

You can also try decor pairings with each shade. Both offer beautiful crisp white tones.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Shoji White and Oyster White paint colors:

Shoji White SW 7042

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Living Rooms
Offices
Hallways

Oyster White SW 7637

Bathrooms
Kitchens
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, Shoji White and Oyster White create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:

Shoji White SW 7042 Pairings

Sherwin Williams Naval
Sherwin Williams Online Blue
Black and white patterns
All wood tones and stains
Metallic finishes

Oyster White SW 7637 Pairings

Sherwin Williams Naval
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
Black and white patterns
Polished chrome and stainless steel

Shoji White vs Oyster White – Which is Better?

So which white paint color is better for your home – Shoji White or Oyster White?

Consider Shoji White SW 7042 if you want:

A clean, warm bright white
A versatile color that works with any style
An airy feel for traditional kitchens and baths
To make all colors look bold and vivid

Consider Oyster White SW 7637 if you want:

A cool, crisp bright white
A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
A sleek feel for contemporary baths and kitchens
To allow bold colors to pop

While Shoji White offers an airy traditional feel, Oyster White provides sleek modern style.

Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful white from Sherwin Williams you choose will suit your home perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Shoji White or Oyster White? Here are answers to some common questions:

What are the main differences between Shoji White and Oyster White?

The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied styles. Shoji White is a clean, warm white while Oyster White is a cooler, brighter white.