SW Alabaster: The Ultimate Guide to Sherwin-Williams’ Most Popular Neutral Paint

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. What Is SW Alabaster?

3. Why Alabaster Is a Best-Selling Sherwin-Williams Color

4. SW Alabaster vs. Similar Whites (Comparison Chart)

5. Where to Use SW Alabaster: Room-by-Room Ideas

6. SW Alabaster Undertones Explained

7. SW Alabaster in Different Lighting Conditions

8. SW Alabaster in Exterior Applications

9. Best Trim and Ceiling Pairings with SW Alabaster

10. Complementary Colors for SW Alabaster

11. SW Alabaster and Interior Design Styles

12. Real Homes Using Alabaster (Case Studies & Inspiration)

13. SW Alabaster vs. Benjamin Moore White Dove

14. Cost and Availability

15. Expert Tips for Using Alabaster Paint

16. Final Thoughts

17. FAQs

1. Introduction

Choosing the perfect white paint can be surprisingly difficult—some whites are too cool, others too warm. That’s why Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) has gained a reputation as one of the most versatile, soft, and elegant whites on the market. Whether you're refreshing your living room, planning a minimalist kitchen, or repainting your home’s exterior, SW Alabaster might be exactly what you need.

This blog explores everything you need to know about SW Alabaster, including how to use it, what colors go best with it, and why so many designers and homeowners love it.

2. What Is SW Alabaster?

• Paint Code: SW 7008

• LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 82

• RGB Values: R: 237 G: 234 B: 224

• HEX Code: #edeae0

• Finish Options: Flat, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-gloss, Gloss

SW Alabaster is a soft, warm off-white with subtle beige undertones. It's warmer than pure white but doesn’t veer too yellow. Think of it as a creamy white that works almost anywhere.

3. Why Alabaster Is a Best-Selling Sherwin-Williams Color

Sherwin-Williams named Alabaster their Color of the Year in 2016, and it hasn't left the spotlight since. Here's why it's so popular:

• Timeless and sophisticated

• Works with both warm and cool color palettes

• Pairs beautifully with wood tones and neutral décor

• Ideal for open floor plans and whole-house color schemes

• Doesn’t feel too stark or sterile

4. SW Alabaster vs. Similar Whites (Comparison Chart)

Color Name	Code	Undertone	LRV	Cooler/Warmer
SW Alabaster	7008	Warm beige	82	Balanced warm
SW Pure White	7005	Slightly cool	84	Neutral
BM White Dove	OC-17	Creamy yellow	85	Warm
SW Greek Villa	7551	Slightly yellow	84	Warm
SW Snowbound	7004	Pinkish-gray	83	Cool

Conclusion: Alabaster sits perfectly in the middle—not too yellow, not too gray.

5. Where to Use SW Alabaster: Room-by-Room Ideas

A. Living Room

Warm and welcoming, Alabaster is perfect for family rooms. Add texture with jute rugs, beige sofas, or a wood coffee table.

B. Kitchen

Pair Alabaster walls with shaker-style white cabinets or even use it for the cabinets themselves. It works beautifully with marble and butcher block countertops.

C. Bathroom

Use it with brass fixtures and subway tiles for a spa-like retreat.

D. Bedroom

Create a calming vibe with layered neutrals, linen fabrics, and taupe or greige accents.

E. Hallways and Stairwells

Its high LRV bounces light and can brighten dark hallways.

6. SW Alabaster Undertones Explained

Alabaster has warm undertones, leaning towards beige and greige. It avoids the yellow creaminess found in some warm whites and steers clear of the starkness found in cooler whites.

It’s neutral enough to work with:

• Gray tones

• Light wood finishes

• Brass or black hardware

• Earthy greens and browns

7. SW Alabaster in Different Lighting Conditions

• North-facing rooms: Can appear slightly cooler; consider using warmer accents.

• South-facing rooms: Shows its full creamy warmth.

• East-facing rooms: Soft and warm in the morning, cooler in the evening.

• West-facing rooms: Warm and golden during sunset hours.

Tip: Always test a swatch on your wall before committing.

8. SW Alabaster in Exterior Applications

Alabaster is one of Sherwin-Williams’ most recommended white exterior paints.

Popular Exterior Uses:

• Siding for farmhouse-style homes

• Exterior trim on brick homes

• Garage doors and front porches

Pair it with:

• Tricorn Black (SW 6258) for shutters and doors

• Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) for earthy contrast

• Repose Gray (SW 7015) for soft contrast on trim

9. Best Trim and Ceiling Pairings with SW Alabaster

To keep the look cohesive, many designers use SW Alabaster on both walls and trim—just in different finishes:

• Walls: Eggshell or satin

• Trim: Semi-gloss

• Ceiling: Flat finish

Other trim pairing ideas:

• SW Pure White (if you want slightly more contrast)

• SW Greek Villa (for a warmer, creamier look)

10. Complementary Colors for SW Alabaster

Purpose	Color	Code	Tone
Accent wall	SW Accessible Beige	7036	Warm greige
Trim	SW Pure White	7005	Clean white
Contrast	SW Iron Ore	7069	Charcoal gray
Soft neutral	SW Repose Gray	7015	Light gray
Natural tone	SW Evergreen Fog	9130	Muted green

These colors create harmonious palettes for both contemporary and traditional homes.

11. SW Alabaster and Interior Design Styles

A. Modern Farmhouse

The go-to white for the “Chip and Joanna Gaines” aesthetic.

B. Transitional

Bridges classic and modern, especially with natural wood tones.

C. Scandinavian

Minimalist, clean, and warm when paired with pale woods and greenery.

D. Boho

Pair it with textures like rattan, jute, and rich terracotta hues.

12. Real Homes Using Alabaster (Case Studies & Inspiration)

• Case Study 1: A suburban Chicago home painted entirely in SW Alabaster. The homeowners used black fixtures and white oak floors to create a balanced, light-filled interior.

• Case Study 2: A Southern craftsman-style bungalow with Alabaster exterior siding, black shutters, and red brick accents.

• Case Study 3: A minimalist studio apartment in NYC used Alabaster for all walls, making a 600 sq ft space feel more expansive.

13. SW Alabaster vs. Benjamin Moore White Dove

Feature	SW Alabaster	BM White Dove
Undertone	Beige/Greige	Yellow/Cream
LRV	82	85
Warmth	Balanced warm	Slightly warmer
Best Use	Interiors & exteriors	Interiors

Both are great choices, but Alabaster is more flexible for exterior use and less likely to turn yellow over time.

14. Cost and Availability

• Price Range: $45–$75 per gallon depending on finish

• Where to Buy: Sherwin-Williams stores, Lowe’s, and online

• Finishes Available:

  • SuperPaint

  • Emerald

  • Duration Home

  • Cashmere

  • ProMar 200 for commercial use

Pro Tip: Watch for Sherwin-Williams 30–40% off sales, which happen several times a year.

15. Expert Tips for Using Alabaster Paint

• Always test in multiple lighting conditions before painting an entire room.

• Use high-quality primer on new drywall or over dark colors.

• For best results on trim and cabinets, choose Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel.

• Avoid pairing with very cool grays, as it may clash with Alabaster’s warm tones.

16. Final Thoughts

Sherwin-Williams Alabaster is more than just a paint color—it’s a design foundation. Its versatility, warmth, and elegance make it a timeless choice that continues to inspire interior designers, builders, and homeowners alike.

Whether you’re aiming for a modern minimalist vibe or a cozy farmhouse look, SW Alabaster delivers unmatched sophistication with softness. It's the neutral that’s anything but boring.