Colorplan

Alabaster vs Polar Bear

Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008 compared with Behr Polar Bear PPU18-08

Alabaster and Polar Bear are practically the same color; most people can't tell them apart on a wall. Both have a warm yellow undertone. They're close enough (ΔE 0.8) that most people won't see a difference on a wall, so one can usually stand in for the other.

Living room painted Alabaster on the left and Polar Bear on the right
Alabaster · Sherwin-WilliamsPolar Bear · BehrPhoto: Pipcke / Unsplash

ΔE 0.8 · Nearly identical

How different the two colors look. Under 2.5 is very hard to tell apart on a wall; over 5 is clearly different.

Which to choose

For a small or dim room, Polar Bear reflects more light (LRV 84).

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Side by side

AlabasterPolar Bear
BrandSherwin-WilliamsBehr
CodeSW 7008PPU18-08
LRV8384
Undertoneyellowyellow
FamilyWhiteWhite
HEX#EEEBE0#F0ECE2
Good forwhole-house walls, living roomswhole-house walls, living rooms

Questions

What is the difference between Alabaster and Polar Bear?

Alabaster and Polar Bear are practically the same color; most people can't tell them apart on a wall. Both have a warm yellow undertone. They're close enough (ΔE 0.8) that most people won't see a difference on a wall, so one can usually stand in for the other.

Which is lighter, Alabaster or Polar Bear?

Polar Bear is lighter, with an LRV of 84 against 83.

How does Alabaster compare to Polar Bear in a north-facing room?

Alabaster's warm undertone keeps it soft rather than gray in north light, which makes it a good white for north rooms. The same goes for Polar Bear.

Based on published color values. Screens vary, so always check a physical sample before buying.

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