In trying to help my grandmother renovate her single story home, I have gone through quite the challenge of deciding between Sherwin Williams Greek Villa vs Alabaster.
Trying to be a reliable grandchild has never felt more taxing.
Since she had an open floor plan, it meant that trying to liven up one part made the others look too dull.
Therefore, I had to consider the whole layout to make sure one color did not contrast another to a jarring degree.
Between the subtle depth of greek villa and the warmth of alabaster, we have sailed a rather unexpected journey.
In the following discussion, we will be understanding the effects of greek villa vs alabaster to see what worked and what didn’t.
But first, let us have a look at the colors we are comparing.
Sherwin Williams Greek Villa 7551
The pleasant way in which SW greek villa draws you in is suggestive to sipping warm soup made by your grandmother.
It is a soft off white that invites you in with its mellow tones of beige under the effect of the morning light.
Now, you may argue that it comes off too bright under the glaring rays of the sun but that’s an exterior conversation we will have later.
The high LRV of 84 makes it a desirable color for exterior, walls and trim.
This reflective characteristic meant that there were certain design elements that affected how the space looked when light filtered in.
Let us have a look at the specific features of Sherwin Williams Greek Villa first.
| Details | Sherwin Williams Greek Villa 7551 |
| Color Family | White |
| LRV | 84 |
| RGB | 237, 234, 224 |
| Hex Value | #F0ECE2 |
| HSL | 43°, 32%, 91% |
| Undertone | Yellow, Beige and mild Gray |
| Wavelength | 575.1 nm |
| Best Used As | Ceilings, trim, cabinets, walls |
| Feel | A stroke of warmth in the bright daylight A touch of neutral as the sun fades |
Sherwin Williams Alabaster 7008
The hint of almost gray and almost beige yellow gives Alabaster SW 7008 an off white look that invokes a neutral vibe.
This makes it look more drab against a whiter trim when used as a wall.
Its warmth becomes muted in certain lighting which leads to a more grayish look that cools down the room.
Its LRV of 82 makes it highly reflective but without the beige warmth of Greek Villa SW 7551.
It invokes a neutral serenity in indirect daylight and holds its own without becoming too yellow.
The soft white of alabaster is not very stark and not very yellow.
Therefore, alabaster sw is the right pick for a subdued look.
Here are its details for your better understanding.
| Color | Sherwin Williams Alabaster 7008 |
| Color Family | White |
| LRV | 82 |
| RGB | 237, 234, 224 |
| Hex Value | #EDEAE0 |
| HSL | 46°, 27%, 90% |
| Undertone | Mild Yellow and Neutral Greige |
| Wavelength | 574.06 nm |
| Best Used As | Ceilings, cabinets, trims, walls |
| Feel | A creamy serenity in the warm daylight A soft neutral white as the light wanes |
What is the difference between Sherwin Williams Greek Villa and Alabaster?
When working with whites, it is especially hard to work around the color contrast that shows through if you are not careful with the undertones.
To the untrained eye, Sherwin Williams Greek Villa vs Alabaster white may appear the same that seem closer to ivory.
For me, the differences were very notable, especially with the shifting light between day and night.
Greek villa and alabaster white create different impressions.
You can consider them as split while belonging to the same world.
The former is a touch creamier and depicts a softer, more welcoming ambiance compared to the latter.
Alabaster portrays a more relaxed vibe with its neutral warmth that expresses a more cool ambiance.
Let’s have a look at how one compares to the other in the following discussion of greek villa vs alabaster paint.
LRV
Are you confused about what an LRV is? To simplify, it is the light reflectance value of a color.
With higher numbers, Greek villa vs alabaster SW both have very close LRVs which make them highly reflective.
Sherwin Williams greek villa is tinge brighter than Sherwin Williams alabaster with an LRV of 84 against the latter’s LRV of 82.
Placed side by side, I could infer the lighter feel of greek villa when compared to alabaster which had a deeper shade.
If you want warmth but something that isn’t too stark, Sherwin Williams greek villa is the preferred choice.
For a cleaner and more neutral white, Sherwin Williams alabaster is the perfect color to cover your space with.
Undertone
In the beginning, I didn’t quite understand the effect of undertones.
It was when I compared the samples of Sherwin Williams greek villa vs alabaster paint that I understood the implications of using either color without proper consideration.
Greek villa SW 7551 is warmer with undertones of yellow and beige melting together.
It comes off as a toned down white that feels cozy and bright without seeming clinical.
I would suggest you go with Greek Villa if you want your home to look inviting.
Alabaster SW 7008 felt softer while carrying more depth due to its undertones of yellow and greige.
It is slightly darker than greek villa and has a cooler, more neutral warmth which makes for a complex combination.
Go with alabaster for a more mellow warmth.
Lighting
I have come to the realization that whites behave almost like kindred souls that are separated by the hue and depth of their spirits.
Both natural and artificial light depict Sherwin Williams greek villa vs alabaster white in contrast yet similar homeliness.
Due to its mild yellow undertone Sherwin Williams Greek villa didn’t look too stark in the light and led to a great outcome when I used it for the house exterior.
I’ll have you know that the creamy warmth of greek villa in the afternoon light is spectacular.
While Sherwin Williams alabaster carried a more neutral warmth due to its undertone of greige.
It worked well for the interior space when paired with other colors and didn’t come off looking too yellow.
I have provided the following table for more clarity.
| Compass Directions | Greek Villa SW 7551 | Alabaster SW 7008 |
| East and North | A neutral and warm feel with light that is not too bright | Almost gray undertones come through |
| West and South | A balanced warmth that does not look stark | The creaminess is overstated under warm bulbs Looks closer to white under cool bulbs |
Best Situations to Use Greek Villa vs Alabaster Sherwin Williams
After a thorough sampling and appraisal of Sherwin Williams greek villa vs alabaster, I have found that both whites present you with a warmth that differs in the undernotes of its feel under the light.
The key was to note how they worked with the lighting.
Greek villa SW 7551 conveys a natural warmth that will make your home look welcome and domestic without being too antique.
Its yellow isn’t darb and overwhelming, so working it on your less lighted rooms can make it seem bigger without seeming too sallow.
It is the one you can choose if you seek a soft refined white that does not look harsh on the eyes.
If you want something tranquil, then alabaster 7008 with its muted yellow and grayish undertones provides the right amount of creaminess without looking too luminous.
The placid serenity of alabaster goes well on your ceilings and trim when paired with soft neutrals.
The comparison table below will give you a better idea on when to pick between greek villa vs alabaster.
| Color | Greek Villa SW 7551 | Alabaster SW 7008 |
| LRV | 84 | 82 |
| Undertone | Yellow, Beige | Yellow, Greige |
| Feel | Natural warmth that welcomes you in | A clean and serene white with depth |
| Natural Light | It looks luminous and sunny | It looks soft and creamy |
| Artificial Light | Warm lights bring out the slight yellow Looks washed out in dim lighting | Warm lights make it creamier Cool light mutes the yellow and makes it look closer to white |
| Best Used As | Trim, cabinet, wall, ceiling | Trim, walls, ceiling, cabinets |
| House Design | Minimalist, modern, classic | Traditional, contemporary |
Greek Villa vs Alabaster SW: Interior and Exterior Applications
Having seen the distinction between greek villa vs alabaster through a lengthy review of the samples, I found myself wondering how to get the best out of these colors.
It became a step by step process of figuring out what worked and where.
I focused on pairing design plus environmental elements to make the most of these warm colors.
We will explore the nooks and crannies of my grandmother’s two bedroom, open plan home to evaluate the results of my endeavour in elevating her home.
On Exterior
An exterior look does not mean only the walls of your house.
The use of color can range from trim, pillars or doors.
You can have greek villa vs alabaster exterior as the primary color of your whole house or limit it to a backdrop.
The choice remains yours but only after you ascertain what works for your home design.
Greek villa compliments modern homes with minimalistic elements.
It comes off as a bright white under direct sunlight and is a good choice for those who want a less crisp yet welcoming white house.
On the other hand, alabaster tends to come off a little grey and creamy off white under the sun.
It looks extremely warm in the light of the setting sun and is an enviable choice for those who want a clean and serene looking home.
The thing with exterior paint is that the surrounding landscape can either add to or subtract from the whole look.
So it becomes generally important to look at what elements pair well with what color you use.
We will see what pairs well with greek villa vs alabaster though the help of a table at the end of this section.
In Kitchen
The effect of light changes inside the home and Sherwin Williams greek villa vs alabaster interior express themselves differently as light shifts throughout the day.
Greek villa has a creamier look that turns tones warmer depending on the light of day.
Alabaster on the other hand is a note more darker though one would argue that they look the same in good lighting.
The open plan of my grandmother’s home is such that the kitchen is west facing which meant that the glow of the afternoon sun added quite the golden glow.
If you prefer a cozy glow for your kitchen, greek villa on your walls or cabinets will satisfy you without a doubt.
Beige is a popular option for a lot of people who want lighter homes.
Therefore, Alabaster can give you a creamy beige with a dash of gray that cozies up your entire kitchen.
If you want to create that sweet comfort from an afternoon of baking, this color can serve you best.
As Cabinets
The visual appeal of cabinets around the home can be highlighted with the proper white.
Sherwin Williams greek villa vs alabaster cabinets can light up the look of your space if you know how to incorporate it.
Sherwin Williams greek villa is an ideal choice for a warm and exquisite look for your cabinets, be it kitchen, bedroom or bathroom.
You can pair it with a darker trim to pull a classic look in spots with good lighting.
Sherwin Williams alabaster is softer with a contemporary feel that stands out.
It has been an exquisite addition as cabinets for the bathroom to the veritable delight of my grandmother.
So, it certainly won’t fail you as a cabinet color.
As Trim
Sherwin Williams greek villa works well as a trim that compliments warm and neutral colors.
It can envelope your home with a warm hue as trim while highlighting bolder walls or doors.
Sherwin Williams alabaster is another warm white that you can use to create an inviting and sophisticated feel.
It is best to pair alabaster with warm neutrals or darker colors since pairing it with a lighter color can make it appear more yellow.
It is recommended that you pair and consider the effect of lighting for your overall space by using paint samples on your walls.
| Color | Greek Villa SW 7551 | Alabaster SW 7008 |
| Warm or Cool | Warm | Warm |
| Home designs | Modern farmhouse, transitional, traditional, minimalist, organic modern, coastal | Modern farmhouse, transitional, traditional, minimalist, organic modern, bohemian |
| Pairs with | Goes well with warm wood and red brickIron and charcoal accentsBrass hardwareStone countertops | Goes well with blonde floors and patterned tilesBrass and gold accentsNatural textiles and earthy decor plus accents |
Sherwin Williams Greek Villa vs Alabaster vs Other White Paints
I am aware that it is easy to become conflicted over choosing the correct white for your home.
After considering Sherwin Williams greek villa vs alabaster, if you are still experiencing a lack of clarity, we can look at other hues of white that mirror greek villa vs alabaster.
The goal of this content is to help you discover what will look best for your space.
So take a deep breath and don’t be too quick to decide. Let us explore your options.
Pure White SW 7005
Sherwin Williams pure white is a warm white like greek villa SW with an LRV of 84.
This high reflective value allows it to adapt well to different lights while establishing an airy feel for any space you use it in.
It can go on whole walls, ceilings and trim to give your house a naturally clean and open vibe.
While either greek villa or alabaster will create a welcome warmth for your home, pure white has an adaptable quality due to its undertone.
It has a touch of yellow with gray that makes it appear less stark and helps compliment neutral grays, blues and greens without clashing.
Between greek villa vs pure white vs alabaster, pure white has a less creamier look than greek villa that will add a feathery touch of luminous warmth without looking too cold.
Against the two alabaster is a tone darker and pulls a depth of sophistication out.
BM Swiss Coffee OC-45
Benjamin Moore swiss coffee is an off white with just the right balance of warmth that makes it look creamy.
The LRV of 81.91 gives it a good reflective characteristic that will light up any space with a pristine vibe.
You can use it for trim, walls, cabinets and ceilings as it pairs well with warm neutrals and darker hues alongside earthy tones.
Between greek villa vs alabaster vs swiss coffee there are mild variations in their feels due to their undertones.
Greek villa Sherwin Williams is appropriate for achieving a warm look without becoming too dull due to its slight yellow undertone.
Alabaster will give you a serene calm without looking too yellow due to its added depth of gray.
Finally, BM swiss coffee has a dash of yellow that is muted by an invisible green that makes it appear more tan than alabaster.
It emulates an opulence in your home while remaining elegant due to its creamy hue.
Creamy SW 7012
Sherwin Williams Creamy as the name suggests is a creamy white with subtle yellow undertones that makes it appear beige.
Between greek villa vs alabaster vs creamy, Sherwin Williams creamy has a lower LRV of 81.
This makes it have more depth than greek villa and is the better choice for one who wants a warmer look.
Alabaster is a touch more neutral than greek villa and creamy, so it best suits modern designs that seek a calming ambiance.
For a warmer look, your choice lies between greek villa and creamy.
Go for creamy if you want a deeper feel of coziness that remains bright and inviting.
Creamy is good for a whole house color and pairs well with neutrals, grays, blues and greens.
You can apply it on your cabinets, walls and ceilings.
It is not stark so you will want a starker white for your trims if you want your creamy walls to stand out.
BM White Dove OC-17
Benjamin Moore white dove appears true white in luminous lighting.
It has undertones of yellow that is muted by a touch of gray that keeps it from appearing creamy.
Between greek villa vs white dove, the LRVs are almost neck to neck with the former having a value of 84 and the latter a value of 83.16.
Between greek villa vs alabaster vs white dove, Sherwin william greek villa vs alabaster are warm leaning and create a comforting vibe.
But for a warm white that does not look stark or creamy, white dove is just the right amount of white for color drenching your walls, trims and ceilings.
You can pair it with deep and soft neutrals plus blues and greens to express a peacefulness known only to true whites without becoming too cold and clinical.
Snowbound SW 7004
Sherwin Williams snowbound stands out for its soft balance of white with a dust of pink in it.
If you are someone who values a brush of liveliness in your home, snowbound will greatly satisfy you.
It looks particularly bright with an LRV of 83 and often appears white under direct light.
Between greek villa vs alabaster vs snowbound, the former two are warm whites that will produce an inviting setting for your home.
Snowbound on the other hand is a cool white with a mellow elegance to it.
It stands out against greek villa and alabaster due to its sneaky hints of gray and pink.
This means that it shifts its appearance depending on the lighting.
You can pair it with cool greens, grays and soft neutrals to produce a cozy set up by using it on your walls, ceilings, cabinets and exterior.
Shoji White SW 7042
Sherwin Williams shoji white has a darker feel as compared to greek villa vs alabaster with an LRV of 74.
It inches into your sight with a neutral warmth due to its greige undertone.
If Greek Villa is an inviting hug and Alabaster a breath of fresh air, Shoji White is akin to subtle sophistication.
It pairs well with cleaner whites, neutrals, muted greens and blues.
It can go on walls, ceilings, exterior and trims to compliment natural stone or wood elements.
You can employ bronze or brass accents to gently uplift its warmth.
Eventually, your choices will reflect the end goal of your vision.
Be it overall design, your pick of accents or the multitude of whites available.
| Color | Greek Villa SW 7551 | Alabaster SW 7008 | Pure White SW 7005 | BM Swiss Coffee OC-45 | Creamy SW 7012 | BM White Dove OC-17 | Showbound SW 7004 | Shoji White SW 7042 |
| LRV | 84 | 82 | 84 | 81.91 | 81 | 83.16 | 83 | 74 |
| Undertone | Yellow, Beige and mild Gray | Mild Yellow and Neutral Greige | Subtle yellow and gray | Subtle yellow and beige | Yellow and beige | Yellow and gray | Mild gray and pink or purple | Griege |
| Hex Value | #F0ECE2 | #EDEAE0 | #EDECE6 | #EDEAE0 | #EFE8DB | #F0EDE4 | #EDEAE5 | #E6DFD3 |
| RGB | 237, 234, 224 | 237, 234, 224 | 237, 236, 230 | 237, 234, 224 | 239, 232, 219 | 240, 237, 228 | 237, 234, 229 | 230, 223, 211 |
| HSL | 43°, 32%, 91% | 46°, 27%, 90% | 51°, 16%, 92% | 46°, 27%, 90% | 39°, 38%, 90% | 54°, 24%, 92% | 37°, 18%, 91% | 38°, 28%, 86% |
| Family | White | White | White | White | White | White | White | White |
| Wavelength | 575.1 nm | 574.06 nm | 572.54 nm | 574.06 nm | 576.54 nm | 571.89 nm | 576.92 nm | 576.94 nm |
| Best Use | Ceilings, trim, cabinets, walls | Ceilings, cabinets, trims, walls | Wall, trim, ceiling, cabinets | Trims, cabinets, walls | Wall, cabinet, exterior | Walls, trim, ceiling | Walls, cabinets, ceilings, exterior | Walls, cabinets, exterior, trim, ceilings |
Greek Villa vs Alabaster Sherwin Williams Reviews and Opinions
To help with the work on my grandmother’s home, I referred to the internet for more clarity when considering greek villa vs alabaster.
It filled me with a sense of fellowship when people struggled the same as I did.
I looked at the greek villa vs alabaster Reddit review and saw that others had the general experience I had since the two whites seemed so similar.
One user noted that “Alabaster and Greek Villa are barely discernible from one another.”
Another also said the same thing in this Reddit post “For all practical purposes they are the same color.”
I found that alabaster pairs well with lighter wood as two Reddit users also noted the following for a greek villa vs alabaster review, “My floors are more blonde and my cupboards were kinda orange. The alabaster tones them down pretty decent” and “Alabaster goes great with my honey oak cabinets.”
Coordinating Colors Greek Villa SW 7551 And Alabaster SW 7008
Aside from all the variations of whites we have looked at, there is one important thing we have to consider after we decide on a white.
It begins with the question “What works best with my color?”
Sherwin Williams Greek Villa vs Alabaster are warm whites that work with a variation of colors that add appeal and conformity.
Let us have a look at what blends well with Sherwin Williams Greek Villa.
What color pairs well with SW Greek Villa?
Illusive Green SW 9164 and In The Navy SW 9178 blend effortlessly with Greek Villa SW 7551.
To start with, illusive green is a cool and relaxing color with a union of gray, green and blue undertones.
Its LRV of 29 gives an added depth when used as cabinets and island for the kitchen with greek villa walls.
The contrast of colors complemented each other to give my grandmother’s kitchen a natural and calming ambiance.
In The Navy SW 9178 is a deeper cool blue with hidden grays that worked impressively as an accent wall in the bedroom.
The drama and impact it created with its low LRV of 4 made me want it for my own home.
It further highlighted the warm beige of greek villa when used as inbuilt shelves and vanity.
I have reveled in the serene maturity of this palette’s cozy embrace in the faded light of her bedroom.
| Colors | Illusive Green SW 9164 | In The Navy SW 9178 |
| Family | Neutral | Blue |
| LRV | 29 | 4 |
| Hex Value | #92948D | #283849 |
| RGB | 146, 148, 141 | 40, 56, 73 |
| HSL | 77°, 3%, 57% | 211°, 29%, 22% |
| Undertone | Gray, green, blue | Deep blue, mild gray |
| Use | Walls, cabinets, accent | Accent wall, accent door, exterior |
What color pairs well with SW Alabaster?
Townhall Tan SW 7690 and Dakota Wheat SW 9023 are colors that outstandingly compliment Alabaster SW 7008.
With an LRV of 42, Townhall Tan has a layered warmth that pulls you in against the luminous touch of alabaster.
My grandmother’s south facing bathroom was noticeably warmer with the townhall tan as an accent wall with alabaster cabinets and trim.
Dakota Wheat sw 9023 is a touch lighter with an earthy look that makes you revel in fall ambiance when paired with alabaster.
The second bedroom has an airy autumn feel with alabaster walls and trim with dakota wheat cabinets and accents making the room carry a glow of warmth.
As earthy colors, Townhall tan has a touch of depth while Dakota wheat is lighter and more vibrant in comparison.
| Colors | Townhall Tan SW 7690 | Dakota Wheat SW 9023 |
| Family | Yellow | Yellow |
| LRV | 42 | 54 |
| Hex Value | #C3AA8C | #E1BD8E |
| RGB | 195, 170, 140 | 225, 189, 142 |
| HSL | 33°, 31%, 66% | 34°, 58%, 72% |
| Undertone | Golden beige, brown, slight gray | Yellow, beige, gray |
| Use | Exterior, walls, accent, cabinets | Exterior, walls, accent, cabinets |
When To Choose Greek Villa vs Alabaster Sherwin Williams
We have come a long way in our exploration of Greek Villa vs alabaster.
Hence, I am positive you now have a better understanding of these warm whites.
You are aware that greek villa and alabaster have soaring LRVs of 84 and 82 respectively.
This should tell you all about their luminosity and where you can employ them for optimum results.
If you are still unsure, let’s talk about it a little more.
When to Choose Greek Villa
You can stimulate a gentle and inviting embrace full of warmth through Greek Villa SW 7551.
For a bright white that does not come off too yellow, greek villa is the right option.
It has an LRV of 84 with a vision of creaminess that looks beige.
It changes with lighting and takes on subtle tones of cream or neutral depending on the time of day.
The cool glow of daylight in north facing rooms gives it a balanced look of white.
When facing direct light or south facing rooms, it reflects its creaminess and feels comfy.
It opens up cramped and dimly lit spaces to make it feel more relaxing.
If you want to enrich your home with a welcoming glow, greek villa is your ideal pick.
When to Choose Alabaster
Alabaster SW 7008 is not too creamy and not too white. It is ideal for you if you don’t enjoy stark looking whites.
You will find its dash of gray only in very dimly lit rooms as it has a high LRV of 82 and is visibly a soft white.
The light of day makes its beige tones come through with a glow of sneaky yellow in your south facing rooms.
The cool light in your northern rooms will make it appear white as the tones of blue neutralize the yellow in it.
If you want a glow of serenity and natural softness, alabaster is for you.
Conclusion
In the above content, I have communicated the particulars of Sherwin Williams greek villa vs alabaster.
We have looked at their details, what colors are comparable to them and colors that compliment them.
I can say with surety that we are now knowledgeable about these two warm whites and how they can best reflect the ambiance you seek.
Between the warm welcome of greek villa and the serene sophistication of alabaster, I am certain that you will be able to make the right choice for every space and every nook and cranny of your home.
Keep in mind that you must sample your colors before you begin your task.
Now go and start planning!
FAQs on Greek Villa Vs Alabaster
Is greek villa or alabaster more yellow?
Between greek villa and alabaster, the latter is more yellow. They are both warm whites with yellow undertones but greek villa is a touch brighter with an LRV of 84 against alabaster’s LRV of 82. While greek villa holds a more beige tone, alabaster leans more yellow.
Is Greek Villa or Alabaster better?
Preference is the main deciding factor here since greek villa and alabaster are similar warm whites with undertones that make all the difference. Greek villa sw 7551 is more beige with a drop of yellow that radiates warmth. Alabaster sw 7008 has a hint of gray in its yellow that makes it more muted and has an overall look of neutral white that feels serene.
Is alabaster or greek villa warmer?
Greek villa and alabaster sw are both warm whites. Therefore the question of ‘warmer’ between the two depends on their undertones and how it appears in different lighting. We can consider greek villa warm for its creaminess due to its beige and yellow undertone. It glows with a sunny radiance under direct daylight. On the other hand, alabaster has a muted yellow warmth with an additional undertone of gray that makes it look duller than greek villa.
Is greek villa or alabaster less yellow?
Greek villa sw 7551 is less yellow as it leans more beige. Alabaster sw 7008 appears more yellow despite the gray in it making it look more neutral. The effect of lighting changes the vibe of greek villa as it retains a sunny warmth under direct light while alabaster has a creamier note of yellow.
