My Favorite Sherwin-Williams White Paint Colors (With LRV + Undertones Explained)

White paint is one of the hardest choices because lighting, undertones, and even your flooring can completely change how a white looks. Understanding two things—LRV (Light Reflectance Value) and undertones—makes the process so much easier.

• LRV tells you how bright the color is (0 = black, 100 = pure white).

Why LRV Matters:

LRV (Light Reflectance Value) tells you how much light a paint color reflects. High LRV whites brighten a room and make it feel airy, while lower LRV whites feel cozy and soft. Choosing the right LRV ensures your walls look great in every light and keeps your space feeling balanced.

• Undertones tell you how that brightness will read: warm, cool, creamy, or gray.

Why Undertones Matter:

Choosing whites with undertones that complement your fixed elements keeps everything harmonious. If your floors are warm wood, a cool white may feel harsh. If your stone counters are gray, a warm white may clash. Undertones are the hidden key to making colors coordinate effortlessly.

Here are my favorite Sherwin-Williams whites, ordered from brightest to darkest to help you choose based on how much light you want your room to reflect:

1. Greek Villa (SW 7551)

LRV: 84

Undertone: Warm creamy white

Greek Villa is bright, warm, and incredibly inviting. It’s a high-LRV white that still feels soft and cozy thanks to its subtle creamy undertone. Never yellow, never stark—just classic warmth.

Why I love it: cozy brightness that works with warm wood and gold hardware.

Best rooms: bedrooms, kitchens, exteriors, soft neutral interiors.

2. Snowbound (SW 7004)

LRV: 83

Undertone: Cool gray

Snowbound is a crisp but soft cool white with a hint of gray. It brightens a space while maintaining a refined, modern feel. It’s especially beautiful with marble, cool flooring, and black accents.

Why I love it: clean, modern, elevated without being stark.

Best rooms: bathrooms, trim, offices, modern kitchens.

3. Origami White (SW 7636)

LRV: 76

Undertone: Warm gray with a hint of greige

Origami White is a balanced, versatile white that leans warm gray. It softens a room while still reading light and fresh. Its undertone makes it incredibly forgiving with flooring, stone, and tile.

Why I love it: the perfect middle-ground white for almost any home.

Best rooms: kitchens, living rooms, transitional or modern spaces.

4. Shoji White (SW 7042)

LRV: 74

Undertone: Soft beige with a touch of gray

Shoji White is warm, creamy, and timeless. It falls right between white and soft beige, giving rooms a gentle warmth without dipping into yellow. Beautiful in earthy or organic homes.

Why I love it: warm without being heavy—cozy and elegant.

Best rooms: entryways, dining rooms, exteriors, cozy living spaces.

5. Egret White (SW 7570)

LRV: 70

Undertone: Warm greige (gray + beige)

Egret White is a light greige that still lives in the “soft white” category. It’s warm, subtle, and calming—great for creating a neutral foundation that isn’t too bright.

Why I love it: cozy and grounding without looking beige.

Best rooms: bedrooms, living rooms, whole-home color.

6. Drift of Mist (SW 9166)

LRV: 69

Undertone: Cool greige

Drift of Mist is an airy greige that shifts beautifully throughout the day. It’s the darkest in this group (still light!), making it calming and versatile. It balances warm and cool undertones perfectly.

Why I love it: one of the easiest neutrals to use in any space.

Best rooms: open-concept layouts, hallways, transitional spaces.

Always sample first.

Paint your swatches on multiple walls and view them morning through evening. Whites shift more than any other color with lighting.

✨Want help picking the perfect white for your space?✨ Send me a photo of your room, and I’ll guide you to the shade that will look amazing for years to come.

Stay tuned for my next post on choosing trim colors that aren’t white—you might be surprised how much difference it can make!