Colorplan

Alabaster vs Strong White

Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008 compared with Farrow & Ball Strong White No.2001

Alabaster and Strong White 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 0.6) 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 Strong White on the right
Alabaster · Sherwin-WilliamsStrong White · Farrow & BallPhoto: Pipcke / Unsplash

ΔE 0.6 · 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, Alabaster reflects more light (LRV 83).

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Side by side

AlabasterStrong White
BrandSherwin-WilliamsFarrow & Ball
CodeSW 7008No.2001
LRV8381
Undertoneyellowyellow
FamilyWhiteWhite
HEX#EEEBE0#ECE9DF
Good forwhole-house walls, living roomswhole-house walls, living rooms

Questions

What is the difference between Alabaster and Strong White?

Alabaster and Strong White 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 0.6) 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 Strong White?

Alabaster is lighter, with an LRV of 83 against 81.

How does Alabaster compare to Strong White 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. Strong White may lean slightly gray in north light; check a sample on the north wall before committing.

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

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