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Sherwin Williams Pure White (SW 7005) + Undertones and Coordinating Colors

Pure White Sherwin Williams is a soft white paint color that is perfect on walls, trim, exteriors, cabinets and more.

Sherwin Williams Pure White (color code SW 7005) is part of the Trendsetter, Dreamer, Pottery Barn – Fall/Winter 2020, Timeless Whites, 2020 Play, Acute Care Cool Foundations, ABC’s and 123’s, Inbe Tweens, Teen Space, 2021 Sanctuary, and Finest Whites collections from Sherwin Williams.

Basically, this means that it is extremely popular. It has been chosen by designers repeatedly as a no-fail white paint color.

If you are interested in a white paint color that is soft and versatile, check out this comprehensive review of SW Pure White 7005.

What Color is Sherwin Williams Pure White?

Sherwin Williams Pure White FAQs

Sherwin Williams Pure White is a versatile white paint color that is not overly crisp or stark. It is a softer white that is not too white, but also doesn’t lean in any particular color.

Let me explain that statement a little bit.

It can be hard to define white paint colors in terms of what they are, without also discussing what they are not.

For example, Pure White is not a bluish white, is not a creamy white, is not too stark, is not too cool, is not a soft white, and is not too warm.

I would guess that Sherwin Williams gave it the name Pure White because it is not any of those things.

It is, as the name suggests, purely white… almost.

Pure White Undertones

Sherwin Williams Pure White in living room

All white paint colors have undertones that give them the particular shade of white they have.

Pure White is a very white paint color, but it does have a hint of a gray undertone. This gray undertone grounds the paint color, and keeps it from being too stark.

Pure White also has just the slightest nod toward a yellow undertone. This makes it come off as slightly warm, but not in any perceptible way.

Basically, the yellow in the formula for Pure White keeps it from going cool. It will likely never look yellow on your walls or trim though (unless you have very yellowy lights in the room).

Sherwin Williams Pure White almost perfectly straddles the line between warm and cool. This is why you will see some websites say it is a cool color and other websites say it is a warm shade.

Because it is so bright, and not a soft white, many will say it is cool. But, because it has that hint of warm yellow, it actually lands in the warm category of paint colors.

But it is really ever so slightly warm. This is why I think it is the perfect white paint color that goes with everything.

Pure White has an LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, of 84. Since the LRV scale goes from 1-100, this means that Pure White reflects a ton of light, and is a pretty white white (yes, I know I said ‘white’ twice).

Sherwin Williams Pure White LRV

Sherwin Williams Pure White

Pure White has an LRV of 84.

Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is a measure of the amount of visible and usable light that is either reflected from or absorbed by a surface. The LRV scale goes from 0, which is absolute black and absorbs all light, to 100, which is absolute white and reflects all light.

If this is a bit confusing for you, don’t worry. Think of the LRV value as an indicator of how light or dark a paint color is.

So, since the LRV scale goes to 100, you can see that an LRV of 84 like Pure White has is pretty light.

But, it isn’t too high on the scale, which is why I call Pure White a softer white.

Where Should I Use Pure White?

In my opinion…

Pure White is the best Sherwin Williams white paint color for trim (also called baseboards). On trim, it looks crisp, clean and bright, but not blue, yellow or dingy.

Pure White, by Sherwin Williams, on trim.
Pure White Sherwin Williams, on Window Frame, Trim and Chair Rail

Because it doesn’t have much in the way of undertones, it goes perfectly with almost any wall paint color. In fact, I list it on this article about the best white paint colors for every surface as the best white paint color for trim.

Pure White paint color ranks as one of the most popular paint colors for trim, alongside Extra White and Super White.

In addition, Sherwin Williams Pure White can also be used on walls, ceilings, exteriors, and doors.

The White Paint Color Trend

Have you seen the white paint trend that is all over Pinterest right now? Many of these pictures are of a white paint like Pure White.

While I can’t say for certain that they actually Sherwin Williams’ Pure White, the white look they demonstrate, without being too cool or too warm, is similar to the color of Pure White.

Things People Often Wonder about Pure White

Sherwin Williams Pure White Door and Trim
Pure White, by Sherwin Williams, on Door and Trim. Alabaster on Walls.

Most people have a lot of questions about paint colors. Let’s look at some of the most frequently asked questions about Sherwin Williams Pure White.

Is Sherwin Williams Pure White too bright?

Sherwin Williams Pure White isn’t too bright if you want a paint color that looks white.

But, if you are looking for a warm white, a creamy white, or an off-white, Pure White may be too bright for you.

As mentioned above, Pure White looks pretty white on your walls and trim. This is especially true if you don’t have anything that is whiter in the room.

Put another way, if Pure White is the lightest white in the room, it will look bright and white.

When I’ve used Sherwin Williams Pure White on walls and trim, I have found it to be the perfect white paint color that isn’t too bright.

Is Sherwin Williams Pure White warm or cool?

Sherwin Williams Pure White

Sherwin Williams Pure White is a warm paint color. It has soft yellow undertones that make it a warm shade.

When you’re considering whether a warm paint color will work in your space, remember to think about the lighting in your room.

South facing rooms get warmer light, which will really bring out the warmth (yellow) in Pure White.

North facing rooms get cooler light, which will bring out the gray in Pure White. If you have a north facing room, you may want to consider a warmer white if you really want a creamy sort of shade.

Does SW Pure White look gray?

SW Pure White doesn’t look gray, but it does have just a hint of softness to it that comes from a gray undertone.

Is Sherwin Williams Pure White a soft white?

Soft white is a relative term. Compared to other bright white paint colors, such as High Reflective White or Chantilly Lace, Pure White is a softer white paint color.

But there are many more white paint colors that are much softer than Pure White. If you want a soft white, check out Greek Villa, Swiss Coffee or Alabaster.

Should you use Pure White on walls?

SW Pure White on walls

I love Sherwin Williams Pure White on walls. To me, it is the perfect white paint color that isn’t too bright or stark, but still looks white on your walls.

While other softer whites will look yellow or creamy, Pure White looks white.

Sherwin Williams Pure White is also great on exteriors, cabinets, and woodwork.

What is the Benjamin Moore Equivalent to Pure White?

There are no Benjamin Moore paint colors that are exactly the same as Sherwin Williams Pure White, but here are a few Benjamin Moore paint colors that are similar to Pure White to check out:

Can I Color Match Sherwin Williams Pure White?

All paint stores will color match paint colors from other companies.

So, yes, you can color match Sherwin Williams Pure White at any paint store and in most any paint product – but this doesn’t mean that you should!

Because paint companies use different colorants and formulations, you may not get a fully accurate paint match if you choose to color match a Sherwin Williams color at Home Depot or Benjamin Moore.

Additionally, paint products all have different sheens, and this can make the color look different as well.

The best way to get the truest paint color for Pure White is to go to your local Sherwin Williams.

Pure White Paint Color Comparisons

If you’re considering Pure White, there may be some other paint colors you should be looking at as well.

This can help you determine if Pure White is right for your home, or if you should go with a different paint color instead.

Pure White vs. Extra White

Pure White vs. Extra White

For our first color comparison, let’s look at Pure White and Extra White.

Pure White and Extra White are some of the most popular white paint colors for trim. And, both are great, but for different rooms.

While Pure White is has a touch of gray in it, Extra White carries a soft bluish undertone. This hint of blue puts Extra White firmly in the cool category of paints.

In a room with warm colors, I would also go with Pure White over Extra White.

In a room with cool colors, I find that either Pure White or Extra White work. But, you want your room to have that crisp, clean look, you may want to choose Extra White.

Extra White will look brighter than Pure White due to the cooler undertone. The blue undertone gives Extra White a starker, brighter look than Pure White.

Check out a review of Extra White here.

Pure White vs. Alabaster

Pure White vs. Alabaster

For our next comparison, take a look at Pure White vs. Alabaster.

Alabaster is one of Sherwin Williams’ most popular paint colors. Click on this link to learn more about the paint color Alabaster.

As you can see from the picture, both Pure White and Alabaster have hints of gray in them, but Alabaster has a lot more yellow or beige in it than Pure White does.

This makes Alabaster come off as softer, warmer and much less crisp than Pure White. Pure White is brighter than Alabaster.

Alabaster is a great trim or wall color if you want to warm up a room, but it won’t go as well in a room with cool accents.

In addition, if you want your trim or walls to look like a crisp white, you will want to paint them Pure White over Alabaster.

In some ways, Alabaster is similar to Benjamin Moore White Dove. But, Pure White is brighter than White Dove too.

Pure White vs. High Reflective White

Pure White vs. High Reflective White

Next, take a look at Pure White vs. High Reflective White.

High Reflective White is one of the whitest white paint colors you can pick. It doesn’t have really any undertones, and it is bright bright bright.

In case you think that this means it is the perfect white, hold on.

I have been told that it doesn’t cover very well. I haven’t tried it on my own, so I can’t verify, but you may want to ask at Sherwin Williams before you purchase a big can of it.

Click here for a full paint color review on High Reflective White.

Pure White vs. Snowbound

Pure White, by Sherwin Williams, vs. Snowbound

For one last color comparison, let’s look at Pure White and Snowbound.

Snowbound is a cool white with gray and pink/purple undertones. It has an LRV of 83 (Pure White’s LRV is 84), and is a very similar depth of paint color to Pure White.

Sherwin Williams Pure White is a whiter paint color than Snowbound though. Snowbound has more color to it than Pure White.

Snowbound is a very popular paint color for walls and trim, and they are actually pretty similar colors. Where they differ is that Pure White has that touch of yellow, where Snowbound has a hint of pink/purple.

If you want a soft white that doesn’t have any yellow in it, Snowbound might be a good choice for you.

Click here to read more about Sherwin Williams Snowbound.

What Colors Compliment Pure White?

Pure White is an amazing versatile paint color that goes with just about any other paint colors. That is my number one reason for using it on trim in homes where people want a softer white trim shade.

Palladian Blue Door, Pure White Trim

Some great coordinating colors for Pure White are:

If you want some additional suggestions of paint colors that go with Sherwin Williams Pure White, check out my Pure White curated paint palette.

If you are planning to use Sherwin Williams Pure White on your walls, the best colors for your trim are:

Because Pure White is so light, it needs a lighter white paint color to set it off. Chantilly Lace and High Reflective White are very white paint colors and will give just a hint of contrast on your trim.

Another option is to paint your trim in Pure White in a higher sheen than the walls. Higher sheens reflect more light, and look lighter than the same color in lower sheens.

Painting your walls in Pure White in a satin and the trim in Pure White in a semi-gloss will ensure the walls and trim go together perfectly, but that the trim looks just slightly brighter.

Trim Colors for Pure White Sherwin Williams

Final Thoughts on Sherwin Williams Pure White Paint Color

Pure White is one of my favorite Sherwin Williams paint colors because of its versatility. It is a great color for trim, crown molding, walls, exteriors, cabinets, furniture, and more.

I’ve used Pure White on walls and trim with zero regrets. It goes with everything, and never comes off as dull.

Plus, it can coordinate with either warm or cool paint color and accents, because it really straddles the line between warm and cool.

When you want a no-fail white paint color, strongly consider Pure White for your home.

Wondering How To Pick the Perfect Paint Color?

I have the best solution for you!

Samplize sells peel and stick paint samples in almost every paint color.

These no-mess, peel and stick sheets are made from real paint, so they will show you exactly what the paint color will look like.

Simply place them on your walls next to your trim, furnishings or fixed elements, and easily see which paint color works best in your space and with your lighting.

Then, peel the sheet off your wall and reapply it somewhere else if you like. You can try several different paint colors with no mess, no fuss and no cleaning paint brushes.

SAMPLIZE Peel and Stick Paint Samples

Oh, and you can have them in your home by tomorrow with OVERNIGHT shipping!

As a bonus, be sure to use the code LoveRemodeled10 at check out to get an extra 10% off! Samplize sheets are cheaper than a sample can of paint, and way less work.

They are the easiest (and fastest!) way to try a paint color in your home, with no hassle.

Sherwin Williams Pure White 7005

Have a question? Leave me a comment! Remember to check back for a response – it may take me up to a week or two depending on how busy I am, but I’ll be sure to get back to you!

Want to show off your project? Join the discussion in Love Remodeled’s Facebook group!

Thanks for sharing!

Margaret

Friday 6th of October 2023

I really like Pure White, but after seeing them and reading about them both, I'm not sure that there is much of a difference between it and BM White Dove. Would it be a matter of cost then, to make a decision?

Dena

Thursday 27th of July 2023

I'm not sure if you will see this, but I really enjoyed your article. We are remodeling our house and are using Pure White for our custom paneling, cabinets, trim and ceiling ...pretty much anything "wood" and ceiling. I am looking at using Reserve White on the sheetrock walls in the common areas. Will the Pure White Cabinets look okay next to the Reserve White sheetrock walls? Thank you so much!

Lauren

Friday 28th of July 2023

Hi Dena! Thank you so much! Pure White cabinets will definitely work with Reserve White walls. It'll be gorgeous!

Melissa

Wednesday 14th of September 2022

I am thinking of painting my kitchen cabinets pure white. My countertop is granite with browns, golds, and beiges. I want to make sure the pure white will blend in with the warmer tones that I have now.

Lauren

Monday 19th of September 2022

Hi Melissa! Pure White will work with your warm tones, but I wouldn't exactly say it will blend with them. It is going to look white. When I think of a white color that blends with browns, golds, and beiges, I may pick a shade like Alabaster or Greek Villa. Check those out and see what you think!

Gustavo

Tuesday 13th of September 2022

We are building a new home and trying to choose paint colors for the interior. We want to go with white on the trim and walls but still like a little contrast with the trim to make it pop. We were looking at Alabaster for the walls, do you think Pure White trim in a semigloss next to Alabaster walls (matte) would look weird? Or maybe just sticking with the same color (alabaster or pure white) on trim, walls, and ceiling just in different sheens. We also like gray, but are trying to do something different as our last house was gray and white.

Lauren

Thursday 6th of October 2022

Hi Gustavo! Pure White semi-gloss next to Alabaster walls won't look weird, it just won't give too much variation. Its a fine option, especially if you plan on repainting someday. Pure White is a great trim color, and will give you a lot of options for wall colors in the future if you use it. I actually have a picture of Alabaster walls next to Pure White trim on my Alabaster post, so check it out and see what you think. Another great option is going with all the same color in different sheens. If you want to see a picture of this, check out my Facebook group and search "Alabaster". There is an awesome picture on there where someone painted their walls, ceiling, trim and cabinets all in Alabaster in different sheens. You can see how the different sheens look different but it all blends perfectly. Good luck!

Natalie

Saturday 20th of August 2022

New build here. We are planning to do Pure White for cabinets & trim. I am looking for a white color for the walls that would compliment the Pure White, and have gray undertones. Would Ice Cube work? (We painted the outside of our home Ice Cube so that is the only other SW white I know.) Also, would you suggest the cabinets, trim, and room doors all be the same color? What color should the ceiling be? Last question, what sheen do you suggest for cabinets, trim, room doors, ceiling, and walls? Thank you in advance for answering all of these questions :)

Lauren

Sunday 4th of September 2022

Hi Natalie! Yes, Ice Cube will work with Pure White. I would definitely do your trim and doors in Pure White in a semi-gloss, and the ceiling in Pure White in a flat. For the cabinets, you could go with Pure White in a semi-gloss, or with another shade you like. Walls should be flat or eggshell. Chantilly Lace is another good option for trim and walls with Ice Cube walls. Before you settle on Ice Cube though, you may want to consider whether you want a really cool off-white, like Ice Cube, or more of a warm off-white, such as Shoji White. Alternatively, a good option is Balboa Mist, which is warm white but with a purple undertone instead of a yellow. If you want to talk about this more, feel free to join my Facebook group and we can chat all about it!