Colorplan

Pure White vs Polar Bear

Sherwin-Williams Pure White SW 7005 compared with Behr Polar Bear PPU18-08

Pure White and Polar Bear are very close, with only a subtle difference in undertone. Both have a warm yellow undertone. They're close enough (ΔE 1.0) that most people won't see a difference on a wall, so one can usually stand in for the other.

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

ΔE 1.0 · Very close

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

Pure WhitePolar Bear
BrandSherwin-WilliamsBehr
CodeSW 7005PPU18-08
LRV8384
Undertoneyellowyellow
FamilyWhiteWhite
HEX#EDEBE1#F0ECE2
Good forwhole-house walls, living roomswhole-house walls, living rooms

Questions

What is the difference between Pure White and Polar Bear?

Pure White and Polar Bear are very close, with only a subtle difference in undertone. Both have a warm yellow undertone. They're close enough (ΔE 1.0) that most people won't see a difference on a wall, so one can usually stand in for the other.

Which is lighter, Pure White or Polar Bear?

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

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

Pure White may lean slightly gray in north light; check a sample on the north wall before committing. Polar Bear's warm undertone keeps it soft rather than gray in north light, which makes it a good white for north rooms.

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

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