When it comes to home renovations and DIYing your way through a room, the color white is one of the colors that comes into your mind.
It comes in all manner of shades and I will be helping you choose the correct choice of white by working out a comparative study between Sherwin Williams Snowbound vs Pure White.
Whites can be fickle depending on their undertones and where you place them.
They tend to either warm up or cool down a room.
So it is important that you know their aspects and how certain conditions of lighting, room arrangement and opposing colors will affect them.
My goal is to walk you through an understanding of Sherwin-Williams Snowbound vs Pure White by discussing their details, colors similar to them and the palette that matches them.
This will help you determine what white you can best work with and when.
Sherwin Williams Snowbound 7004 Decoded
Snowbound SW 7004 gently embraces you with its cool off white color as it brightens your home with an LRV of 83.
This cool white is touched with muted hues of gray and pink, sometimes violet undertones.
The subtle gray keeps it from appearing too creamy and yellow while the pink restrains green hues from its surroundings.
It tends to change under different lighting and is often dubbed a ‘chameleon color’.
The warmth in it emerges in south facing rooms while it stays neutral and cool in north facing rooms.
You can pair it with colors bearing gray undertones and more.
You can liven up your bedroom, living room and exterior with it but make sure you consider your surrounding environment as its undertones are fickle.
| Snowbound SW 7004 | Details |
| Color Family | White |
| LRV | 83 |
| Hex Value | #EDEAE5 |
| HSL | 37°, 18%, 91% |
| Wavelength | 576.92 nm |
| Undertone | Subtle gray, pink, violet |
| Best Used As | Bedroom, living room, exterior |
| RBG | 237, 234, 229 |
Sherwin Williams Pure White 7005 Explained
Pure White SW 7005 has an LRV of 84 with a dash of yellow and gray that gives it an off white appearance.
The subtle warmth of it prevents it from seeming too cold and sterile under bright light.
It makes a great trim or whole house color with how versatile and neutral it looks.
It is regarded as a versatile white since lighting can affect how it appears.
The yellow in it emerges more in south facing rooms while it has a balance of cool freshness in north facing rooms.
You can pair it with both cool and warm colors as it maintains its character in most settings and designs.
You can depend on Pure White to open up your rooms and the spaces you use it in with its soft white glow.
| Pure White SW 7005 | Details |
| Color Family | White |
| LRV | 84 |
| Hex Value | #EDECE6 |
| HSL | 51°, 16%, 92% |
| Wavelength | 572.54 nm |
| Undertone | Subtle yellow, gray |
| Best Used As | Whole house, trim, cabinets |
| RBG | 237, 236, 230 |
What is the difference between Snowbound and Pure White Sherwin Williams?
The decision between Sherwin Williams Snowbound vs Pure White can seem puzzling as they are both very bright whites.
A brief look at both colors cannot help determine which would be more suitable for your home so you must understand where and how they differ.
In the following discussion, we will explore the behaviour of the two whites to get a better idea about how they appear and represent themselves.
These minute seeming gaps and variations can distinctly separate the vibe and mood of both colors.
Let us begin so that you can decide between Sherwin Williams Snowbound or Pure White.
LRV
Light Reflectance Value of a color shows the level of light that it can reflect.
Sherwin Williams Snowbound White vs Pure White differ with a single value of LRV which makes the first appear more muted while the latter a touch brighter.
Snowbound SW 7004 has a high LRV of 83 which carries an airiness unique to its cool white appearance.
While Pure White SW 7005 brightens with an LRV of 84 and has a warm neutral look without the creaminess.
For a soft off white that feels gentle and calm without being artificial or clinical, Snowbound is the correct pick.
Meanwhile the subtle coziness of Pure White will draw you in while giving you a cheerful vibe.
Undertone
While LRVs determine brightness, undertones shift the whole mood and feel of whites.
Therefore, you must sample these whites before making a commitment.
SW Snowbound 7004 has gray and pink undertones.
It gets its cool appeal from the gray that keeps it from looking too warm or yellow.
Its blend of pink or violet emerges under conditioned lighting and the surrounding environment.
Whilst SW Pure White 7005 has gray and yellow undertones.
It is airy and bright without crispness due to the yellow in it.
This warmth is balanced by a drop of gray that turns it neutral and elevates its subtle warmth.
Snowbound is the perfect choice if you want a white that does not show any yellow.
However, you can work with pure white if you want a color that does not lose its character no matter its surroundings.
The risk of pink saturating your rooms is high, so make sure to check how snowbound appears in your home.
Lighting
The shifting vibe of Sherwin William Snowbound versus Pure White can be observed in varying light.
I observed that Snowbound SW 7004 shows off its muted gray undertone in cool light and dulls as the light dims.
It has a lighter and more gentle feel in warm light which subtly draws out a level of creaminess or beige.
On the other hand, Pure White SW 7005 is a more stable white than Snowbound which means that it successfully maintains its freshness in cool or dim lighting.
It appears warm without getting saturated in yellow in warm light and feels inviting.
Best Use Of Sherwin Williams Snowbound vs Pure White
You will find that Snowbound SW 7004 will give you an ambiance that soothes the mood like the soft embrace of a warm breeze.
The serenity it creates will lighten the vibe of your bedrooms and living rooms.
While Pure White SW 7005 is a balanced white that is stable and consistent which works magnificently as a whole house color.
You can rely on it as it does not have hidden undertones and works seamlessly as both wall, trim, ceiling and cabinets.
You can use Sherwin Williams Snowbound to get a lively look for your exteriors as it will compliment your home without being too crisp and clinical.
Or you can opt for Sherwin Williams Pure White on your exterior to get an elegant look that remains polished and ageless.
| Color | Snowbound SW 7004 | Pure White SW 7005 |
| LRV | 83 | 84 |
| Undertone | Gray, pink, violet | Yellow, gray |
| Feel | Serene, breezy, comfortable | Stable, fresh, elegant |
| Natural Light | Appears slightly gray in north facing light Appears slightly creamy in south facing light | Bright in north facing light A subtle yellow in warm south facing light |
| Artificial Light | Warm bulbs making it cozier LED lights makes its more crisp | Warm bulbs make its more inviting LED lights keeps it looking bright |
| Best Use | Walls, cabinets, trim | Walls, cabinets, ceilings, trim |
Where Sherwin Williams Snowbound vs Pure White Work Best?
As we are working on navigating the fickle nature of white paints, we can continue to understand them a bit more by seeing how they appear when used.
Sherwin Williams Snowbound and Pure White will surprise you with the way they manifest in a home to create different vibes and moods.
The following discourse is curated to depict how each Sherwin-Williams white paint can balance the brightness of your home while complimenting your designs.
To determine the right pick between Sherwin Williams Snowbound or Pure White, let us see how they work best.
Trim
Snowbound SW 7004 has an LRV of 83 which makes it a bright white but the underlying touch of gray and pink makes it a harder color to work with as trim.
It is best used as a seamless color for both wall and trim with different finishes.
You can pair it with cooler whites for contrast while avoiding more yellow toned whites.
Pure White SW 7005 with an LRV of 84 has an undertone of yellow that draws it back from looking too crisp.
It is the perfect recommendation for trim due to its consistent characteristic.
You can pair it with both warm and cool colors without the risk of them clashing.
You can compliment the two within a room with Sherwin Williams Snowbound with Pure White trim for a contrasting modern look.
But be mindful that the reverse of Pure White with Snowbound trim will create an unappealing contrast.
Cabinet
The unpredictable undertone of Snowbound SW 7004 makes it a curious choice for cabinetry.
You can choose it to fulfill the specific goal of getting that soft ambient feel unique to it.
It is a sensitive color that compliments cool blues and greens but is best suited for a seamless look on both walls and cabinets.
It will go nicely with natural wood accents and is best left alone if you are mindful of its pink tones.
Sherwin Williams Pure White 7005 is the better alternative due to its versatile consistency.
You can go with it for its polished and light feel that compliments most colors and materials.
It easily pairs with white quartz, marble, natural stone and polished accents of gold, nickel or black.
You can rely on it to convey a classic and modern vibe that remains refreshing in any light.
Wall & Ceiling
Sherwin Williams Snowbound 7004 makes for a magnificent seamless color for walls, ceiling and trim.
It is often hard to coordinate as it acts like a chameleon color with its hidden hues.
Therefore, it is important to understand the condition of your room and lighting before making use of Snowbound.
It will provide a cozy feel to your room although it acts like a cool white.
Sherwin Williams Pure White 7005 can be used seamlessly and pairs with any trim color while adding luminosity to your space.
The muted yellow and gray in it stops it from looking too harsh and makes it a reliable choice for being a white that compliments most designs.
It is appealing and ageless as a whole house color and the stable characteristic allows it to match with various accents.
Exterior
Whites are a popular choice for the primary exterior of many homes and these dominating palette of whites bear varying looks.
Therefore, it is important to recognize the difference between Sherwin Williams snowbound vs pure white exterior.
Sherwin Williams Snowbound exterior is for those who seek a gentle white that refuses to look clinical and stark.
You can pair it with organic wood tones and natural stone that gives a warm touch to its surroundings.
It has a depth that is perfect for modern and transitional styles.
Those who want a true white look can go with a Sherwin Williams Pure White exterior.
It pairs with dark shutters and accent doors with its clean visual.
For a white that does not become too yellow, pure white will serve you best with its balanced hue and brighten up the look of your home effortlessly.
SW Snowbound vs Pure White vs Others: The Right White
Let us say you feel a rising conflict between Sherwin Williams Snowbound vs Pure White and have little clue which white to go with.
With this in mind, I find that the best way to navigate the realm of white hues is to see what other choices are available.
I will introduce an array of colors within the white family while noting how they appear, their undertones and how they compare to Sherwin Williams Snowbound or Pure White.
With this I hope that you can measure, compare and contrast what white can be best suited to the design of your home.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster SW 7008 is a warm white that holds a creaminess with subtle yellow undertones that makes it an ideal color for invoking warmth.
It is an off white that conveys an inviting homeliness when paired with warm accents and natural wood hues.
So use it in your bedrooms and living rooms where you want to create the most comfort.
Between Snowbound vs pure white vs alabaster, alabaster holds itself as a softer white with the least LRV of 82.
If you consider Sherwin Williams snowbound vs alabaster, snowbound is a cooler and cleaner white with an LRV of 83 while the other is a warmer beige.
Let us note that Pure White with an LRV of 84 is the airiest of all three with a luminous look that manifests a sunny warmth.
Extra White SW 7006
Extra White SW 7006 has a touch of blue and gray in it that gives it a cool white look.
It is a true white that brightens with a crispness that is neutral and modern.
You can use it as trim and ceilings to make wall colors stand out.
The chill of extra white can be remedied through abundant natural light and soft accents.
Among Sherwin Williams pure white vs extra white vs snowbound, extra white is the brightest with an LRV of 86.
When looking at SW snowbound vs extra white, it is easy to determine that snowbound is the warmer of the two which is perfect for generating homeliness while extra white carries an almost clinical look.
You can lean on pure white since it has a stable brightness that is not too warm and not too sterile.
Greek Villa SW 7551
Greek Villa SW 7551 lulls you with its off white gentleness that seems a touch beige due to the yellow hidden in it.
Its creamy look invites you in like the last embers of a cozy fire in your bedroom or living room.
You will see that it tends to shift into yellow in dimmer rooms while sparking heat in abundant light.
When you compare Sherwin Williams snowbound vs greek villa vs pure white, greek villa stands as the warmest of the three.
Its LRV of 84 mirrors pure white but you should note that the differing tempers of the two make one a warm beige while the latter a bright white.
Snowbound is just as luminous but with a hue of pink that is perfect for a serene and polished aesthetic.
Shoji White SW 7042
Shoji White SW 7042 is a color that builds a subtle tenderness that is neither too cold nor too warm.
It has an LRV of 74 that keeps it from becoming too washed out in luminous spaces.
You will find that it matches well with woody hues and is ideal for adding comfort to your living spaces and bedrooms.
With Sherwin williams snowbound vs shoji white vs pure white, the saturated appeal of shoji white creates a clear contrast among the three.
Snowbound works best as a seamless color for modern spaces with cooler accents.
While Shoji has a traditional beige that is complimented by pure white trim for a soft contrast.
You can go with pure white for polished gentleness, snowbound for serene elegance and shoji white for tender warmth.
BM White Dove OC-17
Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 is an off white with a hint of yellow that makes it appear creamy and almost beige.
It appears soft and docile with a traditional touch that compliments both north and south facing rooms.
You can pair it with organic wood to highlight its warmth in your living rooms and bedrooms.
Looking at SW Snowbound vs BM White Dove, the latter’s LRV of 83.16 is almost the same as Sherwin Williams snowbound.
But do note that it carries a warmth that contrasts snowbound’s pinkish chill.
SW pure white is the brightest among these whites and is a balance of versatility that will not fail you.
I suggest you sample the colors thoroughly before making a choice, since snowbound can be quite fickle while white dove and pure white also shift slightly with lighting.
| Color | Alabaster SW 7008 | Extra White SW 7006 | Greek Villa SW 7551 | Shoji White SW 7042 | BM White Dove OC-17 |
| Color Family | White | White | White | White | White |
| LRV | 82 | 86 | 84 | 74 | 83.16 |
| Undertone | Beige, often noted as greige | Gentle blue and gary | Yellow, beige | Greige, yellow, green | Creamy yellow, gray |
| Warm/Cool | Warm | Cool | Warm | Warm | Warm |
| Hex Value | #EDEAE0 | #EEEFEA | #F0ECE2 | #E6DFD3 | #F0EDE4 |
| RGB | 237, 234, 224 | 238, 239, 234 | 240, 236, 226 | 230, 223, 211 | 240, 237, 228 |
| Lighting | Appears almost gray or neutral in north facing or dimly lit rooms Appears creamier in south facing rooms | Appears a little blue in north facing or dimly lit rooms Appears a balanced white in south facing rooms | Appears a soft neutral in dimly lit spaces by making it airier Becomes a touch more yellow and creamy in southern light | Depth of greige shows in dimly lit or north facing rooms A washed out white with a creamy look in bright, north facing spots | A muted white in dimly lit or north facing rooms Warm south facing rooms make it appear slightly creamy |
| Best Use | Cabinets, trims, walls | Trim, moldings, baseboards, doors, cabinets, ceilings | Cabinets, trims, exterior siding | Trims, cabinets, accent wall, exterior | Cabinets, trims, walls |
Sherwin Williams Snowbound vs Pure White: What do people say?
My interest in learning more about Sherwin Williams Snowbound vs Pure White led me to discover the point of view of people online.
The most striking information I got from a Facebook post was the importance of scheduling a free 30 minute online consultation with Sherwin-Williams “…regarding my home exterior. Very helpful and learned a ton about selecting a white exterior depending on how the sun rises and falls, UV lighting and how so many whites pull yellow.”
Now let us have a better look at what the consensus is online.
The Talk On Facebook
In a Facebook post about choosing between Sherwin Williams Snowbound or Pure White, a user commented “I’d definitely do SW Pure White. It’s very neutral and soft with just a hint of warmth. SW Snowbound is extremely tricky with pink and gray undertones that come out often with shifting light. It’s also not warm at all…”
Another had painted their entire home pure white and said “It’s a beautiful soft and neutral white with no unwanted undertones.”
“Pure white takes on the color of your lighting…” This user pointed out that pure white does best in abundant natural light.
It is of note that Snowbound worked well as an exterior but the user was troubled since “…but tried it in the interior of our new home and it picked up a really dull looking grey.”
The Talk On Reddit
A Reddit user helpfully pointed out that “Sheen, sunlight, and angle all make a difference to how colours look.” For light off whites, they stated that “If you do the same colour with all different sheen, just know that the colour can “look” different to the naked eye.”
A different redditor said “We did a house in snowbound. Flat on walls and ceiling. Semi gloss on doors and trims… Pure white is too white for the interior in my opinion.” Where another echoed that “Yes that was my concern with pure white! I don’t want it to be too hospital looking.”
SW Snowbound vs Pure White: Coordinating Colors
Since we have discussed a wide array of whites, we can next come to the glaring question of what fits with Sherwin Williams Snowbound vs Pure white.
These are two whites with varying tempers where Snowbound SW 7004 is a cool white that best fits cool blues and neutrals.
On the other hand, Pure White SW 7005 is substantially more flexible and goes well with both warm and cool hues without losing itself.
To get a better idea, let us have a look at these coordinating pallets officially provided by Sherwin-Williams.
What Colors Coordinate SW Snowbound 7004?
Sherwin-Williams Snowbound Coordinating colors include Colonnade Gray SW 7641 and Autumn Orchid SW 9157.
These two tastefully mingle with Snowbound SW 7004 to form a sophisticated visual that looks both modern and serene.
Colonnade Gray SW 7641 has an LRV of 53 that makes it ideal for a base color.
You can note that it is perfect as a dominant hue to contrast against Snowbound’s LRV of 83.
Its gray undertone mirrors that of snowbound, creating a pleasant difference that comes together beautifully.
Autumn Orchid with an LRV of 29 is a bold purple carrying gray undertones that pops as an accent wall.
It lingers against the pink tone of Snowbound and creates a vibrant look for a wonderful visual impact.
The combination of these colors make for a sophisticated allure that is both soft and chill.
| Colors | Colonnade Gray SW 7641 | Autumn Orchid SW 9157 |
| Family | Neutral | Purple |
| LRV | 53 | 29 |
| Hex Value | #C6C0B6 | #9D9093 |
| RGB | 198, 192, 182 | 157, 144, 147 |
| HSL | 37°, 12%, 75% | 346°, 6%, 59% |
| Undertone | Greige with slight green | Smoky gray |
| Use | Living rooms, hallways, bedrooms, doors, cabinets | Accent wall, bedrooms, cabinets, trim |
What Colors Coordinate SW Pure White 7005?
March Wind SW 7668 and Perle Noir SW 9154 come together to form a charming harmony with Sherwin Williams Pure White 7005.
Let us note that Pure White is bright and balanced with an LRV of 84 which makes it suited to most color combinations.
The depth of March Wind works optimally as a neutral base or secondary wall color with an LRV of 49 against the luminous breeziness of pure white.
They blend together to form a calming warmth where the purple hue of March Wind sets against the crisp white of Pure White.
Perle Noir SW is a moody purple with an LRV of 8 which works best as an accent color.
It carries a sophistication of almost midnight black against the clean freshness of Pure White.
The deep contrast of these colors manifest a lingering elegance that looks bold while feeling cozy.
| Colors | March Wind SW 7668 | Perle Noir SW 9154 |
| Family | Neutral | Purple |
| LRV | 49 | 8 |
| Hex Value | #BAB9B6 | #4F4D51 |
| RGB | 186, 185, 182 | 79, 77, 81 |
| HSL | 45°, 3%, 72% | 270°, 3%, 31% |
| Undertone | Subtle purple, yellow | Almost charcoal purple |
| Use | Walls, cabinets, exterior siding | Accent wall, cabinets, vanities, doors, trims |
Sherwin Williams Snowbound vs Pure White: When To Choose?
We have come far in our discourse over whites and I believe that you now find yourself with a better grip of what you want.
The talk on Sherwin Williams Snowbound vs Pure White has been put together so that you can pick the white best suited to your home.
You have learned that Snowbound 7004 is a cool off white with an LRV of 83 while Pure White 7005 is a warm off white with an LRV of 84.
But when can you pick which for your home?
Let me help clear your doubts.
When To Choose SW Snowbound
You can go with Sherwin Williams Snowbound 7004 for a white that invites you into a comfort that is saturated with a tranquil modernity.
Its pink hue resists the green of the foliage outdoors so it works as an exterior without becoming swallowed by it.
Use it to add homeliness to your bedrooms and living rooms.
But be mindful that it does not work as a whole house color due to its hidden undertones.
You must sample and measure how saturated its pink can get before incorporating it into your space.
It is perfect for you if you want to work with a muted white that does not feel too warm.
The beauty of Snowbound is in how polished yet gentle it seems while bringing lightness where it is used.
When To Choose SW Pure White
Sherwin Williams Pure White 7005 will suit your neutral palette with the hint of yellow and gray in it.
It will be a reliable companion as a whole house color that invites cheeriness and warmth into your surroundings.
You can opt for it if you want a stable white that does not feel too warm or too cold.
It balances itself in most lighting conditions and compliments almost all designs plus accents.
But note that it can appear creamier in very warm lighting.
It is the optimal white that will never fail to match with other colors and will create a harmonised look.
The power of Pure White lies in how well suited it is as a backdrop that elevates any particular ambiance you wish to generate.
Conclusion
In this discussion, we have seen through the particulars of Sherwin Williams Snowbound vs Pure White.
To help your choices, I have detailed other whites for comparison and we have also learned about their official coordinating colors.
The choice between Sherwin Williams Snowbound or Pure White, where one is cool and the other is warm, is up to your judgement.
That said, we have followed a close study of these two whites to understand how they work and now know when to choose between the two.
I have also provided the discourse online that sheds light on how the colors have worked for different people living in different homes.
With that, I can say confidently that you are now more aware of the unpredictable nature of white hues.
So sample away and begin your task!
FAQs on Sherwin Williams Snowbound VS Pure White
What color is Sherwin Williams Snowbound?
Snowbound SW 7004 is an off white with a unique undertone of gray and pink. It is a cool white with an LRV of 83 that shows pink in certain lighting conditions. The blend of its undertones keep it from being too in the eye and work as a contrasting color to dark palettes. Snowbound will appeal to you if you prefer a white that is not too stark nor too yellow.
Is Sherwin Williams Snowbound a warm white?
Snowbound SW 7004 is a cool white that carries a soft warmth in the right conditions. Its mix of gray and pink undertones keep it from being too stark and yellow which lends it a versatile look that can look cozy in warm lighting. The subtlety of its warmth is highlighted when used as an exterior color since the direct sun gives it a creamier glow. You can use warm interiors and wood hues with snowbound for an inviting ambiance.
Which is whiter, Snowbound or Pure White?
Sherwin Williams Pure White 7005 is whiter since it glows with a more crisp and polished look when compared to Snowbound SW 7004. Pure White has an LRV of 84 as compared to Snowbound’s LRV of 83. This slight variance makes it a brighter white, especially with regard to its undertones. While both have subtle grays in them, Snowbound has an additional pink that makes it more muted than Pure White.
When to not use Pure White paint?
You should avoid Pure White SW 7005 when the conditions of your surroundings are too icy or too green. Pure White will present its gray undertones more prominently in dimly lit rooms and often appears chilly in north facing rooms. Contrasting this, in abundant bright light it can look washed out and crisp. It tends to reflect surrounding colors so it will reflect the green foliage around your home when used as an exterior. In the end, the choice of Pure White relies on your taste and preference.
