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.
Does Shoji White have gray undertones?
No, Shoji White does not have obvious gray undertones. It maintains a true clean white appearance with only the subtlest warm hint.
Is Oyster White suitable for southern exposure?
Yes, with an LRV of 72 Oyster White reflects enough light even for rooms with lots of harsh southern sun exposure.
Can you use Shoji White in a bathroom?
Yes, Shoji White’s subtly warm white would complement marble, chrome accents, and white wood tones nicely in a crisp, bright bathroom.
Does Oyster White come in flat finish?
Yes, Oyster White is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to eggshell to high gloss semi-gloss.