White houses are appealing for their polished visuals and the pristine feel it leaves on people.
It remains popular for the clean and spacious mood it depicts for those who want an immaculate or minimalist home.
From an ensemble of whites by Sherwin Williams, we will task ourselves with learning and decoding the best use of the color white through a comparison of Sherwin williams pure white vs extra white.
The warmer tone of Sherwin Williams pure white 7005 and the cooler tone of Sherwin Williams extra white 7006 will compliment your home in similar yet different ways.
In the following discussion, we will understand and compare which of the two between Sherwin Williams pure white vs extra white will stand the test of time in your home.
Sherwin Williams Pure White 7005
Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005 is a warm white with a gentle touch of yellow.
You can choose this shade to give your home a softer tone of white that feels warm and welcoming.
It is the perfect white for your interior walls and will pull the look of your home together without looking too stark.
Let us look at the following table to get a better understanding of its particulars:
| Sherwin Williams Pure White 7005 | Details |
| Color Family | White |
| LRV | 84 |
| Hex Value | #EDECE6 (pale, almost white) |
| HSL | 51°, 16%, 92% |
| Wavelength | 572.54 nm |
| Undertone | Subtle Yellow |
| Best Used As | Exterior, interior walls, trims, cabinets |
| RBG | 237, 236, 230 |
Sherwin Williams Extra White 7006
On the other hand, Sherwin Williams Extra White SW 7006 is a cool tone of white that gives a crisp feel to your home.
You can pick sherwin williams extra white for a striking look that pops against other cooler hues.
It shows the best outcome when used for trims or cabinets since its look is clean and bright.
Let us look at the following table to get a better understanding of its particulars:
| Sherwin Williams Extra White 7006 | Details |
| Color Family | White |
| LRV | 86 |
| Hex Value | #EEEFEA (mild yellow-green) |
| HSL | 72°, 14%, 93% |
| Wavelength | 567.63 nm |
| Undertone | Cool Gray-Blue |
| Best Used As | Trims, ceilings, cabinets, exterior, interior |
| RBG | 238, 239, 234 |
Pure White vs Extra White Sherwin Williams: Key Differences Explained
When I started work on my home, I realized that I was working with two colors that had a personality of their own.
It became a curious battle of Sherwin Williams Pure White vs Extra White before I could start anything. On one hand, SW Pure White was like a gentle hug filled with warmth.
On the other side, Extra White SW was akin to the sharp look of an ironed shirt on a strict commander.
The former welcomed me with cozy comfort, and the latter made me stand at attention.
It took me a while to understand the effects and moods they depicted under different lighting, the manner in which they affected the look of the home, and how they best showed their natural appeal.
Let us have a further look in the discussion below.
LRV
It is to be expected that whites will have high LRVs but let us see if there’s any variance between Sherwin Williams Pure White vs Extra White.
Pure White SW 7005 has an LRV of 84, which means it is highly reflective and will easily brighten the space you use it in.
Be it your walls, ceilings, cabinets or trims, pure white will compliment both cool and neutral color combinations.
Extra White SW 7006 is just as highly reflective with an LRV of 86 and can lighten up your space when used with complimentary neutrals and cool colors.
It is a tone brighter than pure white and can be considered a bright white that often looks stark in comparison.
Undertone
The differences in undertone create different moods for colors of the same family. This is also true when we consider Sherwin Williams pure white vs extra white.
Pure White SW 7005 exhibits a balance of yellow and gray undertones which is so mild you cannot exactly witness it unless in specific lighting.
It is an ideal warm white which does not show as creamy due to the mild gray undertones and stands without looking too sharp or stark on the eyes.
Extra White SW 7006 is the opposite with its cool neutral, blue and gray undertones.
It is a bright white that is stark and does not depict any yellow or creaminess under any lighting.
Lighting
White colors are likely to behave differently under different lighting and we will look at how Sherwin Williams pure white vs extra white compare.
For a cheerful and lively atmosphere, Pure White SW 7005 is the answer.
It has a soft warmth and refreshing feel in spaces that get direct natural light like south and west facing rooms.
Conversely, it tends to dull and gives off its gray undertones in north facing rooms that get less natural light.
It essentially makes rooms feel wider and breathable while making dull corners bright.
For a cool neutral that isn’t creamy, Extra White SW 7006 should be your pick.
It has all the crispness of bright white linen under the sun in spaces that get direct natural light.
The blue undertones come through in spaces without good natural light, which creates a more closeted feel.
The direction of the room decides how light peeks in through the windows and affects the tone of color in your home, so it is necessary to consider these when using Sherwin Williams pure white vs extra white.
| Compass Directions | Pure White SW 7005 | Extra White SW 7006 |
| East | Soft and neutral feel | Gives a cold feel |
| West | Comes off without looking too yellow or golden | Cool hue balances with warm light |
| North | Gary hue throughout the day | Blue hue throughout the day |
| South | Comes off without looking too yellow or golden | Cool hue balances with warm light |
Best Use Cases for Sherwin Williams Pure White vs Extra White
Colors that shift dramatically under different lighting need specific focus when considering its use.
Sherwin Williams pure white vs extra white are such that it is necessary to note where they work well and what we should consider when using them.
The slight warmth of pure white is best when you don’t want to be overwhelmed with too much cream on your walls.
It easily works as a wall or ceiling topcoat in brightly lit rooms since it stands without looking too golden or yellow in warm light.
You can also pair it with cool or warm colors to use it as trims and mouldings.
If you want a white that does not come off as yellow, extra white is the one you should pick since its hints of blue and gray cancel out the glow of warm lights.
It is a balanced white that makes rooms feel bigger when used on walls, but should be used as cabinets, trims or shelves in colder spaces that get less light.
To get a better idea of Sherwin Williams pure white vs extra white, I have provided a Side by side comparison table below.
| Color | Pure White SW 7005 | Extra White SW 7006 |
| LRV | 84 | 86 |
| Undertone | Mild Yellow and Gray | Neutral Blue and Gray |
| Feel | Warm and Soft | Cool and Crisp |
| Natural Light | Warm in bright light and Balanced Neutral in soft light | Stark Appearance in either bright or soft light |
| Artificial Light | Mild under warm bulbs | Cold under LED bulbs |
| Best Used As | Walls, ceilings, trims, mouldings, cabinets | Ceilings, trims, cabinets, shelves |
| House Design | Transitional, Modern Farmhouse, Traditional | Modern, Contemporary, Scandinavian |
Sherwin Williams Pure White vs Sherwin Williams Extra White Room-by-Room Comparison
During the process of matching colors to the rooms, I recognised a few things that took on a pattern when working with Shwerwin Williams pure white vs extra white.
The undertones play a crucial role in setting the mood of the entire room depending on how you end up using it.
From lighting to location to design, let us see how Sherwin Williams pure white compares to extra white.
Exterior
We all have different requirements for the vision of our house.
Taste decides the look and Sherwin Williams pure white vs extra white depict polar visual interests while being of the same color family.
Pure white delivers a softer look for the exterior with its mild yellow and gray undertones, often able to pick up colors from its surroundings.
It is a visual feast in the right setting as a dominant color for the house, and serves just as well as trims, pillars, arches and frames.
Extra white has a look of crisp snow against the blue horizon with mild tones of gray.
As a dominant exterior, it can come off too stark for those who prefer milder visuals.
The impact of its visual needs to be complimented with bolder colors for the trim, arches or mouldings to avoid making it seem too icy.
It is the definite choice if you wish for a light, modern look.
For Trim
The use of white for trims is something we are all familiar with.
Relying on taste and design that require high or low contrast, we can use either Sherwin Williams pure white vs extra white for trim.
A soft leaning balanced design calls for pure white which is relatively versatile in comparison to extra white since it can compliment both warm and cool colors.
If your space has wood furnishings, floors and other warmer decor, pure white is your desired pick.
Since it does not yellow, it gives a perfectly low contrast for your warm leaning home.
If you want a trim that pops, extra white is just right.
With a higher contrast and bright crispness, extra white works well with cool to neutral wall colors and makes your trim stand out.
You can add in aesthetic elements to give it a modern feel and draw the picture together.
Kitchen Cabinets
Sherwin Williams pure white vs extra white kitchen cabinets creates a contrasting visual which can satisfy various tastes and designs.
If you want something traditional and rustic or something commonly transitional, pure white kitchen cabinets offer a note of sublime warmth that invites you in.
You can pair it with warm woods, metals like gold and brass, and beige colors with ease to nurture a soft mood for your kitchen that feels welcoming and comfortable.
On the other hand, extra white is bright and stark which is perfect for attaining a clean, modern look which is common in minimalist designs.
You can pair your extra white kitchen cabinets with cool grays, blacks and marble to create a sharp look that feels icy and modern.
For Ceiling
Let us consider Sherwin Williams pure white vs extra white for ceilings.
From my experience, both colors work well for ceilings but with specific requirements.
As pure white pairs well with both warm and cool palettes, it is preferable in comparison to extra white.
Its subtle yellow and gray undertones complement warm designs which gives a welcome feel to the space while being less stark.
Of the two colors, pure white is more versatile and easily coordinates with a number of wall colors and decor.
Extra white is best for getting a contemporary feel due to its stark visuals that tends to stand out under direct or bright light.
Its blue and gray undertone creates a bright look when used as a ceiling topcoat so it is the preferred choice when you want to make a room look luminous.
Sherwin Williams Pure White vs Extra White vs Other Popular Whites
Other white colors can give you similar results though with their own specifications.
If you want to look at more whites other than Sherwin Williams pure white vs extra white, I have provided the following discussion for your benefit.
Sherwin Williams Pure White vs Extra White Vs Snowbound
Pure White SW 7005 with its subtle warm undertones of yellow and gray is best for giving you a comfortable softness without being too stark or yellow.
It has an LRV of 84, which makes it highly reflective and suitable for walls, ceilings or trims.
Extra White SW 7006 is sharper with its icy undertones of blue and gray which best serves as ceilings, accent walls, cabinets or trims for a standout look that brightens well lit spaces.
It has an LRV of 86 which makes it more stark in comparison to pure white.
Snowbound SW 7004 is a creamier white than the other two with hints of pink and gray that lends to a softer touch which contrasts the muted yellow warmth of pure white and the icy starkness of extra white.
It has an LRV of 83 which also makes it a reflective white but it can easily come off as pink in dimly lit spaces.
Sherwin Williams Pure White vs Extra White Vs Alabaster
The bright off white of Alabaster SW 7008 has a touch of beige that is creamy and welcoming.
With an LRV of 82, it blends well with complimentary whites or colors that are warm, cool and neutrals which lends it a versatile quality.
If you’ve set your heart on transitional designs, you can go with pure white as it is considered flexible due to its quality to balance itself with other colors and settings.
Extra white is that pop of boldness you would benefit from if you want something contemporary and modern.
For a cozy feel that saturates you in warmth, Alabaster will be your answer and it compliments rustic Tuscan designs beautifully.
When comparing the three colors, Alabaster has the warmest and softest feel in comparison to Pure White that is mildly warm and Extra White that is stark and cool.
Sherwin Williams Pure White vs Extra White Vs Benjamin Moore Ultra White
If you’re looking for a color that looks stark but even bluer than extra white, Benjamin Moore Ultra White CC-10 might be what you’re looking for.
It is markedly muted and darker in comparison to extra white with an LRV of 83.46.
If you want a modern look that is clean and a touch more icier, Ultra white is certainly a good choice.
While pure white is meant for softer vibes with a tone of warmth for your space, extra white and ultra white are best for that contemporary feel you want accompanying your modern designs.
We have to note here that the bluish hue of ultra white is higher than extra white, which will make it look more stark and cooler.
| Color | SW Pure White 7005 | SW Extra White 7006 | SW Snowbound 7004 | SW Alabaster7008 | BM Ultra White CC-10 |
| Color Family | White | White | White | White | White |
| LRV | 84 | 86 | 83 | 82 | 83.46 |
| Undertone | Mild Yellow and Gray | Mild Blue and Gray | Mild Pink and Gray | Off White Beige | Blue and Gray |
| Warm/Cool | Slightly Warm | Cool | Warm | Warm | Cool |
| Hex Value | #EDECE6 | #EEEFEA | #EDEAE5 | #EDEAE0 | #ECEEEB |
| RGB | 237, 236, 230 | 238, 239, 234 | 237, 234, 229 | 237, 234, 224 | 237, 239, 237 |
| Look | Cozy and warm | Cool in dim lightingNeutral in good lighting | Creamy white that looks pink in cool lightingLooks gray in dim lighting | Saturates in warmth and soft feel | Icy look due to its bluish hue |
| Best Use | Walls, trims, cabinets | Trims, ceilings, cabinets | Walls, cabinets | Walls, trims, cabinets | Walls, trims, ceilings |
| Design | Transitional | Contemporary, modern | Modern | Rustic,Tuscan | Modern |
Coordinating Colors
To have a better understanding of Sherwin Williams pure white vs extra white, we will look at the colors that compliment them.
It is important that we sample each color in person against one another to get a clear understanding of how it will look when applied.
We already know the effect of lighting on the design and overall look, so it is necessary that we create a color palette that suitably blends together to give us that particular ambiance we desire.
We will first look at colors that compliment Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005.
Sherwin Williams March Wind 7668
March wind is a cool gray with hints of purple and violet which blends well against Sherwin Williams pure white.
It has an LRV of 49 and can be used for full rooms, kitchen and exterior walls with pure white as trims, cabinets, mouldings and ceilings.
It pairs well with whites to deliver a serene ambiance without looking too warm or yellow.
If you don’t want your room to look too purple, avoid using March wind in areas with low natural light.
Sherwin Williams Perle Noir 9154
Perle Noir has a depth of charcoal that is highlighted by hints of purple or aubergine.
If you want a stand out look, perle noir with an LRV of 8 is the perfect color to compliment the comforting warmth of Sherwin Williams pure white.
You can achieve a classic and dramatic visual by using it as an accent wall in your living or dining rooms, studies and entryways.
It works wonderfully as an accent wall and cabinets with pure white walls.
You do need to avoid pairing it with strong yellows or blues as it makes the purple pop.
Therefore, Pure white is the right compliment for such a dramatic color.
Sherwin Williams Krypton 6247
The light blue and dull gray of Sherwin Williams Krypton turned out breathtaking for my guest bedroom.
Paired with pure white, it created a refreshing coziness which I wanted my overnight visitors to enjoy.
It has an LRV of 52 so it makes the room look cool blue while the understated warmth of pure white adds to the calming appeal.
You can use it for full or accent walls in your bedrooms, bathrooms and also as kitchen islands.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65
Whiter than Pure white, Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65 has an LRV of 90.04 which looks more crisp and clean when used as a trim or ceiling.
It goes well with pure white, especially for bathrooms.
It’s given mine a spacious and refreshing ambiance with its good light reflection while making the mild warmth of pure white stand out.
Both colors have no hidden undertones, which is an absolute delight.
Under warm light they altogether create a cosy vibe without reflecting any undertones of yellow.
| Color | SW March Wind 7668 | SW Perle Noir 9154 | SW Krypton 6247 | BM Chantilly Lace OC-65 |
| Family | Neutral | Purple | Blue | White |
| LRV | 49 | 8 | 52 | 90.04 |
| Undertone | Cool gary and mild purple/violet | Charcoal and Purple | Light blue and stale gray | Soft blue and gray |
| Hex Value | #BAB9B6 | #4F4D51 | #B8C0C3 | #F4F6F1 |
| RGB | 186, 185, 182 | 79, 77, 81 | 184, 192, 195 | 244, 246, 241 |
| Best Use | Wall, cabinet, trim | Walls, cabinets, doors, accents | Walls, cabinets, accents | Trims, cabinets, doors, ceilings |
Next, let’s have a look at what colors compliment Sherwin Williams Extra White 7006.
Sherwin Williams Smoky Azurite 9148
When working on the study room I wanted to achieve a tranquil ambiance without it getting overwhelmingly crisp or too dark.
Let us note that Smoky azurite has an LRV of 25 which is illuminated by extra white’s LRV of 86.
The cool denim blue of Smoky azurite when paired with Sherwin Williams extra white created the perfect contrast to make my study room look both mature and comforting.
It works best as an accent wall, on cabinets and vanity, and especially built in shelves.
Sherwin Williams Charcoal Blue 2739
Sherwin Williams extra white beautifully frames the luxurious depth of Sherwin Williams charcoal blue when used as a trim or moulding.
The almost black navy of charcoal blue has cool gray undertones with an LRV of 6 and works best as an accent wall, as cabinets and makes a wonderful backdrop to wood or metal furnishings.
With extra white as ceiling and charcoal blue on the walls, it creates a cozy atmosphere that is both sophisticated and mysterious.
Lighting can change the effects of the look, from a brightly lit tone of blue that feels like a hug to the dim grays of quiet solitude.
Sherwin Williams Rainwashed 6211
The calming effects of a spa like room, be it bedroom or bathroom, can be achieved through the combination of Sherwin Williams extra white and Sherwin Williams rainwashed.
Rainwashed has an LRV of 59 with undertones of blue and green made neutral by hints of grey and it works well for all walls and cabinets.
Since I wanted a calm and refreshing vibe for my kitchen, I used extra white to trim and cover my ceiling while using rainwashed for the walls and cabinet doors.
Overall, it appears great with wood finishes and metal accents which has brought a nature like atmosphere to my space.
Sherwin Williams Greek Villa 7551
For a warm off white that delights under direct natural light, Sherwin williams greek villa is your ideal pick.
With a high LRV of 84, it has mild undertones of yellow and beige which dramatically change under different lighting.
It makes for a striking shutter with Sherwin Williams extra white trims and also holds up as a room color without appearing too yellow against the starkness of extra white in a well lit room.
It tends to change dramatically under different lighting where it appears creamier in warm light and looks balanced without looking too blue in dim light.
| Color | SW Smoky Azurite 9148 | SW Charcoal Blue 2739 | SW Rainwashed 6211 | SW Greek Villa 7551 |
| Family | Blue | Blue | Green | White |
| LRV | 25 | 6 | 59 | 84 |
| Undertone | Mild yellow and blue | Dark gray and deep navy | Cool bluish green | Mild yellow and beige |
| Hex Value | #708D9E | #3D4450 | #C2CDC5 | #F0ECE2 |
| RGB | 112, 141, 158 | 61, 68, 80 | 194, 205, 197 | 240, 236, 226 |
| Best Use | Wall, cabinet, accent | Wall, cabinet, accent | Wall, accent | Wall, trim, ceiling |
When To Use Sherwin Williams Pure White And Extra White
After discussing the particulars of Sherwin Williams pure white vs extra white, I’m confident that we can easily ascertain when to dip our brushes in either color.
The decision to choose between Sherwin Williams pure white or extra white is dependent on the design you pick and the atmosphere you long for in your personal space.
So understand your color, establish your design and start working.
When To Choose Pure White
The mellow warmth of Sherwin Williams pure white 7005 is rather versatile and easily compliments warm and cool hues.
It has a high LRV of 84 where hints of yellow and gray show through in different lighting.
You should pick pure white if you desire a soft, warm and inviting ambiance for your space.
It feels cozy since it isn’t sharp on the eyes and will create a muted atmosphere as a backdrop to wood, metal or modern furnishings.
If you want extra warmth, use it in your south and west facing rooms.
It will offer you a soft and neutral feel in your east facing room while coming off as muted gray in your north facing room which makes it feel cooler.
When to choose Extra White
The cool touch of Sherwin Williams Extra white 7006 with its high LRV of 86 works best as trims and ceilings.
For a look that feels clean for your modern design, this bright white is the one you should pick.
Its subtle undertones of blue and gary come through in dim lighting.
For example, it looks cooler in north and east facing rooms.
On the other hand, it appears crisp and stark in south and west facing rooms without showing any hints of yellow.
Conclusion
On the particulars of Sherwin williams pure white vs extra white, we have established their specific details, where it best shows results and how it appears in differing lights.
We now understand that pure white is warm while extra white is cool.
We have also discussed the difference and similarities between Sherwin Willimas pure white and extra white by considering its coordinating colors and a comparison between similar whites to see how it shows when applied.
With that out of the way, I’m sure you now know which between the two will best help your cause.
But remember this, you should always sample the colors first before committing to them.
FAQs on Sherwin Williams Pure White vs Extra White
What Sherwin Williams white doesn’t look yellow?
Sherwin Williams Extra White 7006 doesn’t look yellow given its mildly blue and gray undertone which makes it look stark and crisp in comparison to creamier whites. You can opt for Extra White if you want a cool atmospheric vibe for your home.
Can sherwin williams pure white and extra white work together?
You can certainly make pure white and extra white work together through particular considerations. First, you can focus on sheen or finish where you use flat or matte for the walls and semi-gloss or satin for the trims. Second, you can do Sherwin williams pure white walls with extra white trim since the latter is starker than the former. Finally, sample the combination under different lighting and use them together as backdrops while applying accents for focus.
Does sherwin williams pure white look dingy?
Sherwin Williams pure white can look dingy if contrasted with a stark white like Sherwin Williams extra white. The dinginess can be affected by particularly dim lighting, so ensure that it is utilized in a well lit room to avoid such mishaps.
What is Sherwin Williams’ most popular white?
Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008 is considered the most popular white due to its versatile almost creamy shade that goes well on trims, cabinets, walls and exteriors. It is preferred since it does not hint hues of yellow. Similarly, Pure White 7005 and Extra White 7006 are also considered for their lack of yellow undertone.
Is extra white too white for walls?
Although Extra White SW 7006 is known to be clean and crisp, it does not look too white since it has enough undertones to not make an interior wall too stark. On the other hand, it can be stark and harsh on the eyes as an exterior since it gets direct light.
