Sometimes you want a light and warm paint color balanced between cream and greige but can’t seem to decide. Or maybe you want a white with more depth and has some greige to it. Sherwin Williams Shoji White meets all of these criteria, and you should check it out.
Despite the white in its name, SW Shoji White has much more to offer than brightness and warmth. Most of the time, folks get surprised when they discover other exciting details about the popular neutral.
Table of Contents
What Color is Sherwin Williams Shoji White (SW 7042)?
Sherwin Williams Shoji White is an off-white paint color balanced between cream and greige. It has a cozy and modern feel that never seems to go out of style. Trends have generally been shifting towards neutrals, and the ones with more depth have started gaining more popularity.
This is why it came as no surprise to me when Sherwin Williams Shoji White won the August 2022 Color of the Month. It simply has what it takes to become a favorite, and this shows in the fact that the off-white is one of the top-selling ones from Sherwin Williams.
| Manufacturer | Sherwin Williams |
| Paint Color | Shoji White |
| LRV | 74 |
| RGB | R: 230 G: 223 B: 211 |
| Hex Value | #e6dfd3 |
| Color Collections | Living Well (Inspire), Top 50 Colors, Colormix Forecast 2022 (Method), Finest Whites & Neutrals (Finest Whites) |
| Color Family(s) | White |
RGB of Sherwin Williams Shoji White (SW 7042)
Encycolorpedia states the RGB value of Sherwin Williams Shoji White and the percentages as follows.
Red: 230 (90.2%) Green: 223 (87.45%) Blue: 211 (82.75%).
Also, it has a saturation of 28% and a lightness of 86%.
LRV of Sherwin Williams Shoji White (SW 7042)
Sherwin Williams Shoji White has an LRV of 74. While that doesn’t make the brightest paint color out there, it puts it in the off-white range.
LRV means Light Reflectance Value, and it helps professionals determine how strongly a color reflects or absorbs light. It is a crucial property of every paint color, and as such, you should get familiar with it.
The value runs on a numerical scale of 0 – 100, with 0 indicating true black and 100 representing true white. With respect to that, colors with lower LRVs reflect less light and absorb more, making them unsuitable for dark spaces.
On the other hand, colors with high LRVs reflect more light and absorb less.
Sherwin Williams Shoji White has a high enough LRV to do well in both dark and bright spaces.
Is Sherwin Williams Shoji White a Warm or Cool Color?
Sherwin Williams Shoji White is a warm off-white. Its greige (beige and gray) is largely responsible for making it read warm but also prevents it from looking too creamy.
However, the paint color can pair well with other cool ones, so you have more options to explore.
It is important to note that you can easily get a paint color’s reading with a simple step. Compare said paint color with another one, and you will recognize which one is warm or cool.
What Are The Undertones?
Generally, Sherwin Williams Shoji White has mainly beige and gray (greige) undertones. The warm off-white belongs to the yellow hue family but has enough gray to prevent it from looking completely yellow.
Using Sherwin Williams Shoji White on exterior walls does reveal a subtle green undertone. Most of the time, the surrounding vegetation brings out this undertone, catching some folks by surprise.
However, it ends up adding a more natural, modern, and homely look to the walls. You just might end up falling in love with this paint color in such settings.
Sherwin Williams Shoji White Color Strip
Members of the same color strip have variations of the same formula, and as such, look somewhat similar. As a result of this, the strip generally adopts a theme and can even form a monochromatic palette.
The following paint colors belong to the same strip as Sherwin Williams Shoji White. However, each one varies in RGB value, LRV, saturation, and lightness.
Sherwin Williams Greek Villa (SW 7551)
With an LRV of 84, Sherwin Williams Greek Villa is the first and brightest member of the strip. The beautiful soft off-white pairs exceptionally well with SW Shoji White and has amazing versatility.
Described as a sunny white paint color, it works excellently as a trim for colors. Sherwin Williams Greek Villa has an RGB value of R: 240, G: 236, and B: 226, a saturation of 32%, and a lightness of 91%.
Sherwin Williams Pearly White (SW 7009)
Sherwin Williams Pearly White is a bright white paint color with gray undertones and some hidden green. It has a gentle elegant look that can do well on its own and also pair nicely with colors from darker hues.
With an LRV of 77, it is lighter than Sherwin Williams Shoji White. SW Pearly White has an RGB value of R: 232, G: 227, and B: 217, a saturation of 25%, and a lightness of 88%.
Sherwin Williams Ivory Lace (SW 7013)
Sherwin Williams Ivory Lace is a creamy white paint color with subtle pink undertones. It has an LRV of 79, making it significantly lighter than Sherwin Williams Shoji White and reads warm. Most times, experts recommend the paint color for bedrooms and to be paired with a darker neutral.
It has an RGB value of R: 236, G: 229, and B: 216, a saturation of 34%, and a lightness of 89%.
Sherwin Williams White Duck (SW 7010)
Sherwin Williams White Duck has the same LRV as SW Shoji White, which makes them reflect light at equal strength. The bright creamy white works particularly well in exterior spaces and as accents throughout the home.
It has an RGB value of R: 229, G: 223, and B: 210, a saturation of 27%, and a lightness of 86%.
Sherwin Williams Natural Choice (SW 7011)
Sherwin Williams Natural Choice is a cool creamy off-white paint color, with an LRV of 73. It does well in both interior and exterior spaces, with better performance in the latter.
SW Natural Choice has yellow and orange undertones that make it read warm depending on other factors, lighting, and surrounding decor.
It has an RGB value of R: 227, G: 222, and B: 208, a saturation of 25%, and a lightness of 85%.
Sherwin Williams Oyster White (SW 7637)
Sherwin Williams Oyster White is another creamy white paint color with an LRV of 72. While it reflects less than other members of the strip, it still falls on the light side of the spectrum. The gentle paint color has soft beige and green undertones that make it a more natural neutral compared to others like SW Pearly White.
It has an RGB value of R: 226, G: 221, and B: 208, a saturation of 24%, and a lightness of 85%.
Sherwin Williams Shoji White Color Palette
Sherwin Williams Shoji White Coordinating Colors
As expected, the manufacturer highlights three Sherwin Williams Shoji White Coordinating Colors. These paint colors pair exceptionally well with the warm off-white and are suitable for both interior and exterior spaces.
Apart from these three, I will throw in some honorable mentions, as well as some complementary colors.
It is important to note that members of the same color strip can complement each other. This is particularly true if you want a monochromatic palette.
Sherwin Williams Pure White
Although it has an LRV of 84, Sherwin Williams Pure White doesn’t look stark, thanks to the tiny bit of yellow in it. The paint color is very versatile, both as a wall color and as a trim for other paint colors.
It pairs well with Sherwin Williams Shoji White, especially as a trim color.
Sherwin Williams Fawn Brindle
With an LRV of 36, Sherwin Williams Fawn Brindle is several shades darker than SW Shoji White. It is a warm greige paint color with gray and subtle green undertones. SW Fawn Brindle reads cool and can add a subtle touch of grass green when paired with SW Shoji White.
Both paint colors pair well in both bright and dark spaces.
Sherwin Williams Perle Noir
Sherwin Williams Perle Noir is a deep shade of purple that looks almost black. It has an LRV of 8, which makes it do an excellent pairing job with SW Shoji White. The dark paint color adds a sophisticated feel to any space when paired with brighter white shades.
Honorable Mention
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze
This is another dark paint color that pairs nicely with Sherwin Williams Shoji White. It has an LRV of 8 and adds a humble but sophisticated vibe to a home. Sherwin William Urbane Bronze is a dark brownish-gray that can work wonders alongside a significantly brighter paint color.
Sherwin Williams Oyster White
If you want to make a monochromatic palette for Sherwin Williams Shoji White, you can include SW Oyster White. Although it has a high LRV, it still reflects less light compared to the other members of the strip.
This attribute makes it more grounded and helps SW Oyster White complement SW Shoji White.
Sherwin Williams Porpoise
This dark blend of gray and bronze has a dreamy vibe and looks luxurious on walls. It pairs nicely with lighter colors like Sherwin Williams Eider White and Shoji White. SW Porpoise reads warm regardless of the lighting in the area and will sometimes flash brown undertones.
Sherwin Williams Amazing Gray
Despite its name, Sherwin Williams Amazing Gray is technically a warm greige paint color. It also has beige, gray, and green undertones like SW Shoji White. However, both paint colors differ in terms of LRV, with SW Amazing Gray having a much lower value of 47.
The paint color is impressively versatile and will almost certainly fit into any decor that suits SW Shoji White.
Sherwin Williams Amazing Gray Complementary Colors
The following paint colors complement Sherwin Williams Amazing Gray, among others.
Sherwin Williams Outerspace
Sherwin Williams Outerspace is a deep mysterious blue paint color with an LRV of 12. It has a gray undertone and contrasts well with SW Shoji White. It adds a brooding vibe which SW Shoji White’s warm coziness balances out.
Even though it reads cool, the paint color pairs nicely with lighter whites, regardless of whether they read warm or cool.
Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray
With an LRV of 17, Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray is several shades darker than SW Shoji White. The dark gray has warm greige (beige and gray) undertones that help it to explore your desire for a dark palette.
Coupled with SW Shoji White, the paint color can go in dark areas of the home. It’s beauty really surfaces in places like the bathroom and kitchen.
Sherwin Williams Krypton
Sherwin Williams Krypton is a cool shade of atmospheric blue, with an LRV of 52. The medium-toned paint color has an airy feel and slate gray undertones. Most homeowners use it in the bedroom because of its relaxing feel.
It can fit into an aquatic decor on its own or pair up with Sherwin Williams Shoji White for something different but lovely.
Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray is a warm gray paint color with an LRV of 48. It works well in large spaces and will pop with lighter colors like Sherwin Williams Shoji White. The medium shade of gray has some beige in its undertones, but most people believe the gray is more.
What Trim Colors Go With Sherwin Williams Shoji White?
While you absolutely don’t need to use trim colors, they can add more style to your overall look and finish. Sherwin Williams Shoji White makes a good trim for several paint colors, and you can also use some suitable trims for it.
You can use two types of trims for your main color, and they are white and dark trims. The former is more popular and versatile, while the latter has a tendency to look more mysterious and impressive.
For Sherwin Williams Shoji White, you can use the following white trims.
Sherwin Williams Pure White
It seems this paint color can do no wrong, either as a main color or a trim. Sherwin Williams Pure White has no issues with SW Shoji White’s undertones and goes well with most decor. Feel free to use it for a desired creamy finish.
Sherwin Williams Greek Villa
Although it belongs to the same color strip as Sherwin Williams Shoji White, SW Greek Villa does a good trimming job for it too. The paint color has a higher LRV and can also give a creamy finish to your room or spaces.
Sherwin Williams Shoji White Color Comparisons
Alabaster vs Shoji White
With an LRV of 82, Sherwin Williams Alabaster is lighter than SW Shoji White. The warm balanced white won the Color of the Month for April 2022 because of its soft lovely vibe. Sherwin Williams Alabaster also won the 2016 Sherwin Williams Color of Year.
Compared to SW Shoji White, it looks less creamy because of its stronger neutral base.
| Sherwin Williams Paint Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
| Shoji White | 74 | R: 230 G: 223 B: 211 | #e6dfd3 |
| Alabaster | 82 | R: 237 G: 234 B: 224 | #edeae0 |
Swiss Coffee vs Shoji White
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee is a warm white paint color that doesn’t look too yellow. It has an LRV of 81.91, which is higher than Sherwin Williams Shoji White. The manufacturer describes it as an essential white with just the right amount of warmth.
It looks similar to SW Shoji White at first glance, but on closer inspection, it appears less grounded.
| Sherwin Williams Paint Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
| Shoji White | 74 | R: 230 G: 223 B: 211 | #e6dfd3 |
| Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee | 81.91 | R: 238 G: 236 B: 225 | #eeece1 |
White Duck vs Shoji White
Sherwin Williams White Duck has the same LRV as SW Shoji White but does a better job as hiding its undertones. It belongs to the White and Pastel Paint Color Family and works great as a neutral.
The paint color reads warm and looks decently creamy but never too yellow.
| Sherwin Williams Paint Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
| Shoji White | 74 | R: 230 G: 223 B: 211 | #e6dfd3 |
| White Duck | 74 | R: 229 G: 223 B: 210 | #e5dfd2 |
Oyster White vs Shoji White
Sherwin Williams Oyster White belongs to the same color strip as SW Shoji White but has a slightly lower LRV. It has a creamy feel with a blend of green and beige undertones.
The paint color also pairs well with SW Shoji White, even as a trim.
| Sherwin Williams Paint Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
| Shoji White | 74 | R: 230 G: 223 B: 211 | #e6dfd3 |
| Oyster White | 72 | R: 226 G: 221 B: 208 | #e2ddd0 |
White Dove vs Shoji White
Benjamin Moore White Dove is a warm white paint color with greige (beige and gray) undertones. Although it looks creamy, the greige base grounds it enough to prevent it from looking yellow. With an LRV of 83.16, it reflects slightly more light than Sherwin Williams Shoji White but has a little less versatility.
| Sherwin Williams Paint Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
| Shoji White | 74 | R: 230 G: 223 B: 211 | #e6dfd3 |
| Benjamin Moore White Dove | 83.16 | R: 240 G: 237 B: 228 | #f0ede4 |
Pure White vs Shoji White
Sherwin Williams Pure White is the most popular white from the manufacturer, and for good reason. It has amazing versatility, undertones that don’t interfere with other colors, and also does a good trim job.
The paint color has an LRV of 84, but its subtle undertones prevent it from looking stark.
| Sherwin Williams Paint Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
| Shoji White | 74 | R: 230 G: 223 B: 211 | #e6dfd3 |
| Pure White | 84 | R: 237 G: 236 B: 230 | #edece6 |
Accessible Beige vs Shoji White
Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige is a medium-toned beige that looks great in earthy-themed decor. It has an LRV of 58 and gray undertones that increase its versatility. The soft neutral reads warm and does well in interior and exterior spaces.
| Sherwin Williams Paint Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
| Shoji White | 74 | R: 230 G: 223 B: 211 | #e6dfd3 |
| Accessible Beige | 58 | R: 209 G: 199 B: 184 | #d1c7b8 |
Aesthetic White vs Shoji White
Both paint colors might look very similar at first glance, however, they have a number of differences. Unlike SW Shoji White, Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White reads cool and has violet undertones.
The soft neutral also adds a sense of calm to spaces, making it more common in bedrooms.
| Sherwin Williams Paint Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
| Shoji White | 74 | R: 230 G: 223 B: 211 | #e6dfd3 |
| Aesthetic White | 73 | R: 227 G: 221 B: 211 | #e3ddd3 |
Agreeable Gray vs Shoji White
Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray is the most popular gray from the manufacturer. The medium-light shade has an LRV of 60 and a beige undertone. As its name implies, Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray complements just about any decor.
| Sherwin Williams Paint Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
| Shoji White | 74 | R: 230 G: 223 B: 211 | #e6dfd3 |
| Agreeable Gray | 60 | R: 209 G: 203 B: 193 | #e3ddd3 |
Greek Villa vs Shoji White
Sherwin Williams Greek Villa belongs to the same color strip as SW Shoji White. It has an LRV of 84, making it significantly lighter than the other paint color. SW Greek Villa complements Shoji White for a monochromatic palette and even as a trim.
| Sherwin Williams Paint Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
| Shoji White | 74 | R: 230 G: 223 B: 211 | #e6dfd3 |
| Greek Villa | 84 | R: 240 G: 236 B: 226 | #f0ece2 |
Shoji White Benjamin Moore Version
If you want an exact replica of Sherwin Williams Shoji White from Benjamin Moore, you will not find one. The reason is that manufacturers use different formulas for their paint products, and you will only find something close or similar.
For SW Shoji White, you can check out Benjamin Moore White Down for something similar.
Benjamin Moore White Down
BM White Down is a warm cozy white paint color with gray and beige (greige) undertones. While you might spot a hidden yellow undertone, it stays mostly hidden, thanks to the gray. This paint color looks good in interior spaces, especially bedrooms.
Benjamin Moore White Down has an LRV of 76.7, making it slightly brighter than SW Shoji White. However, it doesn’t look stark because of its gray undertones.
How Does Light Affect It?
As with every other paint color out there, light affects Sherwin Williams Shoji White in two ways. The first interaction has to do with its LRV, which, in this case, is 74. With that brightness level, SW Shoji White reflects way more light than it absorbs. However, the paint color doesn’t reflect enough to wash out in bright light.
The second interaction has to do with its general reading depending on the lighting. Its undertones also relate to the lighting in any space you choose to use it. In North-facing rooms, the light is generally cool; however, it will do little to change the color’s reading.
Sherwin Williams Shoji White will still read warm in such rooms.
On the other hand, South-facing rooms have warmer lights that will strengthen the creamy white’s beige undertone. This is why the paint color will appear warmer in such rooms.
Best Rooms to Paint SW Shoji White
Sherwin Williams Shoji White Living Room
Sherwin Williams Shoji White Kitchen
Sherwin Williams Shoji White Bedroom
Sherwin Williams Shoji White Bathroom
Final Thoughts
Sherwin Williams Shoji White is a lovely, cozy white paint color with impressive versatility. However, don’t expect it to be stark white or without considerable depth. The paint color reads warm, has strong beige and gray undertones, and has a creamy look.
It goes great in both light and dark spaces in the home because of its high LRV.
Make sure to sample it first to get used to its undertones, including the hidden green, and you are good to go!
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