I was looking for a perfect white for a long time. And after repainting my home walls with several other whites, simply white vs alabaster are the two colors that stood out the most.
But each color behaves completely differently depending on the space. I learned this when I committed to a white without properly testing it, and spent three weeks trying to correct the mistake that I could have avoided.
So before anything you need to understand the LRV, undertone and how each color responds to lighting in your specific space. Whether you’re thinking walls, trim, cabinets or the full exterior, these two whites are NOT interchangeable. They’re close in appearance but look very different on walls.
I’m going to walk you through everything so you don’t repeat the mistakes that I did.
Also Read:-
Simply White vs Swiss Coffee
White Stucco House With Black Trim
Westhighland White vs Greek Villa
Color Overview of Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117)
Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117) is one of the most popular warm whites available.
It’s bright and clean. It has a freshness that never crosses into that harsh and clinical white territory that most people are trying to avoid.
The LRV sits at approximately 89.52, which means it reflects a lot of light back into the room. It is not a true white, but it leans closer to one than most warm whites.
The undertone is soft yellow. It is neither aggressive nor overwhelming but warm enough to feel inviting rather than sterile.
In south-facing rooms, Simply White takes on a slightly buttery and golden glow. North-facing spaces cool it right down which reads crisper and almost studio-white. At night, under warm 2700K bulbs it shifts fully warm and cozy.
Benjamin Moore named it Color of the Year in 2016
Color Overview of Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008)
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) is a completely different white which is Softer, Creamier and more layered.
The LRV is 82 which is noticeably lower than Simply White. This gap means Alabaster absorbs more light and appears warmer, richer and more intimate because of this difference.
The undertones are a blend of creamy yellow, beige, and a subtle greige influence. This combination is what keeps it from looking flat or washed out in low-light rooms. It looks warm… but in a settled and organic way rather like an obvious yellow
In south-facing rooms, it glows like warm linen while in north-facing rooms bring out more of its beige-gray quality which still looks beautiful. Under warm artificial lighting, it stays creamy and inviting and under cool LEDs the greige note is more visible.
Sherwin-Williams named Alabaster their Color of the Year in 2016 as well which is the same year as Simply White, which says everything about where both of these whites stand in the design world.
Simply White vs Alabaster: Comparing Important Differences
On a color chip, both the whites look almost identical. I made this same mistake and held both up under bad lighting and thought that they are the same colour which was not the case.The LRV gap is nearly 10 points and The undertones behave differently under every lighting condition.
Their personalities serve completely different design aesthetics and once you understand the key differences like LRV, undertones, lighting behavior, and style suitability then you start choosing paint for your home with actual confidence. Let me walk you through each one properly.
LRV
LRV (Light Reflectance Value) measures how much light a color bounces back into a room.
Simply White comes in at LRV 89.52 while Alabaster sits at 82. That’s a gap which is visible on the walls. Simply White feels open, airy and bright while Alabaster feels softer, warmer and more grounded.
In a smaller or dimmer room, Simply White appears while Alabaster makes the same space feel cozier which is right for some people and completely wrong for others.Always check the LRV first because everything else builds from that number.
Undertones
This is where most people get tripped up.
Simply White carries a primary yellow undertone. It is warm, golden and clean and during good lightning, it appears quite crisp. Alabaster is more layered with yellow, beige, and a touch of gray-beige greige. The gray component tones down the yellow and makes it feel more complex and settled.
I once put both side by side on the same wall and Simply White looked warm and clean while Alabaster looked almost antique, richer and more organic in character. If you want clean and fresh, then use Simply White but If you want warmth with depth,then Alabaster wins.
Lighting Behaviour
Lighting can completely CHANGE what you see on the walls.
In a south-facing room, Simply White’s yellow undertone gets amplified and during Strong afternoon sun it can push it to almost buttery. Alabaster in that same room goes soft and feathery, like warm cream.
In a north-facing room, Simply White cools down significantly with sometimes reading stark or cold. Alabaster holds its warmth better, settling naturally into its beige-gray tones.
Under warm artificial bulbs (2700K), both shift towards warmth while under cool LEDs (4000K–5000K), Simply White neutralizes and Alabaster’s greige side becomes more visible.
Test in YOUR room lightning and not in the store lightning
Style and Uses
Both whites are versatile but each attract a very different design identity.
Simply White belongs in modern, coastal, Scandinavian and transitional spaces. Simply White thrives in quartz countertops, Carrara marble and matte black hardware.
Alabaster feels most at home in farmhouse, traditional, rustic, and warm contemporary interiors. Natural wood, brass, linen, jute, earthy stone are materials made up to pair with Alabaster.
I used Simply White in my home office because I needed something clean and focused while In my bedroom, I went to Alabaster. There’s something about warmth that just fits.
Comparison Table: Simply White vs Alabaster
| Feature | Simply White (OC-117) | Alabaster (SW 7008) |
| Brand | Benjamin Moore | Sherwin-Williams |
| LRV | 89.52 | 82 |
| Undertone | Soft yellow | Yellow, beige, greige |
| Feel | Bright and clean | Creamy and cozy |
| Best Light | South-facing rooms | North or south-facing |
| Design Style | Modern, coastal, Scandinavian | Farmhouse, traditional, rustic |
| Best Surfaces | Walls, trim, cabinets | Walls, trim, exterior |
Room Suitability: Simply White vs Alabaster
This is where the decision gets personal because both whites are versatile. But each room has its own relationship with light, proportion, purpose and the changes which white really performs. I’ve watched people paint an entire home in one color and then wonder why one room looks perfect while another feels completely off. The answer is lighting and room orientation. Here’s how I’d approach it room by room, based on what I’ve tested and applied
Bedroom
For bedrooms, Alabaster is my recommendation every time.
Bedrooms need to feel restful. The creamy and muted warmth that Alabaster provides wraps a room in comfort rather than energizing it.
Simply White can work in a bedroom with warm-toned furniture, soft textiles and warm lighting. But in east-facing windows and strong morning light it can make Simply White feel a bit jarring as the first thing in the day.
Alabaster stays soft across changing light conditions. Every time I’ve recommended someone to Alabaster for their bedroom, their response has been the same and it feels like a real retreat.
Exterior
For exteriors, both hold up well but create different curb appeal.
Simply White appears fresh and clean on a facade and strong on homes with black shutters, natural stone accents and modern architectural lines. Alabaster reads warmer outside and almost storybook-like. It pairs beautifully with aged wood, brick, terra cotta and warm-toned landscaping elements.
Alabaster’s lower LRV means it looks more off-white outdoors than it does indoors because in direct sunlight, that creaminess becomes quite visible. Test your sample OUTSIDE. Your exterior lighting appears different from what’s inside.
Living Room
Living rooms are tricky because they’re used for socializing, relaxing and sometimes working with the light shifting throughout the day.
Simply White in a living room feels bright, open and connected. It works beautifully in open-concept layouts where natural light flows freely.
Alabaster creates something more intimate and grounded. It looks better for rooms with darker woods, heavier furniture and warmer accent colors.
I used Simply White in my open-concept living-dining area and it worked really well because the space felt larger and light moved around naturally. With less light available, I would have used Alabaster.
Kitchen
Kitchens need to feel functional and welcoming together and your white choice affects both.
Simply White on cabinets looks fresh and sharp. It pairs well with quartz, stainless steel, subway tile and matte black hardware which makes the space look very clean and current. Alabaster on cabinets gives a warmer and organic feel,
Especially when paired with warm wood countertops, brass hardware or natural stone. It is less crisp, but more comfortable. One mistake I keep seeing is mismatched whites on cabinets and trim. If your trim is Simply White and cabinets are Alabaster… then the contrast reads dirty and not intentional. Sample them together before committing to either.
Bathroom
Bathrooms need to feel clean and fresh.
For most bathrooms, Simply White is the reliable choice because the high LRV helps smaller spaces feel bigger and brighter. It reads clean which is exactly the right energy.
Alabaster in a bathroom can be stunning in spa-style setups with warm wood vanities, matte gold fixtures and natural stone tile.
But in a small bathroom with limited light, Alabaster can feel heavy and dim. If you’re not sure,then go with Simply White. You can always add warmth through accessories and lighting later. It is not necessary to use paint color that shrinks your bathroom.
Simply White vs Alabaster and Other Similar Alternatives
Comparing both colors side by side is the most useful thing you can do when narrowing down your choice. There are some good alternatives that land between these two and go slightly warmer or offer something different to shift your thinking. I’ve tested most of these comparisons of which some surprised me while some confirmed what I already knew. Either way, knowing your options before buying is always helpful.
Pure White vs Simply White
Sherwin-Williams Pure White (SW 7005) vs Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117) is closer than most people realize at first glance.
Pure White has an LRV of 84 which is brighter than Alabaster, but noticeably softer than Simply White’s LRV of 91.7.
The undertones in Pure White are subtle with a faint hint of beige and very little yellow. If Simply White feels too warm or golden for your space,then Pure White tones are considered.
Simply White has more warmth and visible glow while Pure White is more neutral and less likely to pull yellow. Both are solid colours that carry different personalities on the wall.
Simply White vs Greek Villa
Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa (SW 7551) has an LRV of 84 with warmer undertones than Simply White and a faint pinkish-cream quality that appears in certain lighting conditions.
When compared side by side, Greek Villa looks muted and warmer while Simply White looks fresher and brighter.
If you prefer something between Alabaster’s creaminess and Simply White’s clean brightness… then Greek Villa is worth testing. But it’s NOT as neutral as Simply White. In some spaces, the pink-cream influence becomes surprisingly noticeable and can feel unexpected if you weren’t anticipating it in your space.
Swiss Coffee vs Alabaster
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (OC-45) is warm and works quite differently from Alabaster.
Swiss Coffee carries a subtle green undertone which is very less likely visible. Use it next to Alabaster and Swiss Coffee can read slightly more yellow-green, particularly under warm artificial light.
Alabaster appears beige-cream while Swiss Coffee reads more like off-white with a yellow-green character. In earthy and organic interiors Swiss Coffee appears beautiful. But if you’re expecting the same creamy richness in Alabaster then they’re not the same. Don’t swap one for the other without sampling both in your space.
Pure White vs Alabaster
Both look like similar colours but appear very different on walls.
Pure White (LRV 84) vs Alabaster (LRV 82) are barely two points apart in reflectance. But the undertone difference is where everything separates.
Alabaster is richer, creamier and more layered while Pure White is cleaner, simpler and more neutral in character.
If you love Alabaster but feel it’s a touch too creamy for your space then Pure White gives you similar warmth at slightly higher brightness. It is a good middle-ground colour worth considering when Alabaster feels like too-much.
White Dove vs Simply White
Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17) is probably the most natural alternative to Simply White.
Its LRV around 83 is softer and muted than Simply White’s brightness. It is from the same yellow undertone family, but White Dove carries it in a quieter and warmer way.
If Simply White feels too crisp or bright for your taste,then White Dove is the preferred choice. I’ve used it in a bedroom and found it much more forgiving under artificial lighting and less likely to pull a yellow cast in the evening as compared to Simply White.
Comparison Table: Simply White, Alabaster, and Alternatives
| Color | Brand | LRV | Undertone | Character |
| Simply White OC-117 | Benjamin Moore | ~91.7 | Soft yellow | Bright, warm, clean |
| Alabaster SW 7008 | Sherwin-Williams | 82 | Yellow, beige, greige | Creamy, cozy |
| Pure White SW 7005 | Sherwin-Williams | 84 | Subtle beige | Neutral warm |
| Greek Villa SW 7551 | Sherwin-Williams | 84 | Cream, pink-warm | Warm and muted |
| Swiss Coffee OC-45 | Benjamin Moore | 81.91 | Yellow-green | Warm off-white |
| White Dove OC-17 | Benjamin Moore | 83 | Soft yellow | Muted and gentle |
Pros and Cons: Simply White vs Alabaster
Both whites are excellent colours and both are capable of disappointing you if you put them in the wrong space with the wrong lighting and fixed elements. I’ve watched beautiful colors fail because of mismatched conditions. So before you commit, know where each colour performs well and where each one falls short. Here’s the honest breakdown.
| Simply White (OC-117) | Alabaster (SW 7008) | |
| Pros | • LRV ~91.7 brightens spaces powerfully | • Rich, layered warmth and creaminess |
| • Fresh, clean, and airy feel | • Performs well in low-light rooms | |
| • Works across walls, trim, and cabinets | • Pairs beautifully with warm materials | |
| • Great for modern and coastal styles | • Lower risk of looking stark or cold | |
| • South-facing rooms look stunning | • Excellent on exteriors and trim | |
| Cons | • Can pull strongly yellow under warm bulbs | • Lower LRV can feel heavy in small spaces |
| • May look stark in north-facing rooms | • Can look too creamy next to bright whites | |
| • Risky when placed next to true whites | • Greige becomes visible under cool lighting | |
| • Strong sunlight is noticeably golden tone | • Not ideal when a crisp white look is the goal |
Tips to Keep in Mind When Choosing Simply White or Alabaster
There are things I wish someone had told me before I painted an entire bedroom only to realize the color was wrong for that space and lighting. Instead I learned most of it through expensive and time-consuming mistakes, and so here’s the actual list of the things that would have saved me from real trouble if I’d known them earlier.
- Sample on a large board and not only on chip: A 2-inch color chip tells you nothing. Use a big canvas, stick it on the wall and live with it for at least a full day.
- Check the color at MULTIPLE times of day: Check both the colours at different times of the day from morning light to afternoon sun and till artificial light in evening.
- Don’t put Simply White and Alabaster on adjacent surfaces: use for trim in one and cabinets for others because that mismatch appears dirty rather than layered.
- In north-facing rooms, Alabaster holds warmth better: this happens because of cooler and gray natural light.
- In south-facing rooms, Simply White performs beautifully: watch for strong yellow pull in peak afternoon hours.
- Consider your fixed elements first: Cool gray floors in Simply White feel cohesive while for warm wood floors Alabaster is the natural match.
- Hardware matters: for Brass and warm metals use Alabaster and for Matte black and chrome use Simply White.
- Use Samplize peel-and-stick samples: if you want to test properly without the mess of brush-on patches.
Conclusion
After all the repaints and comparisons between simply white vs alabaster, here is my honest take:
If you want a warm white that appears bright, clean and fresh then Simply White is your color. It opens spaces up and gives energy without being stark or cold.
If you want something that wraps your room in warmth, has real depth, feels settled and organic then Alabaster is the preferred choice.
Don’t pick based on what’s trending but what suits your light, furniture and space.
Sample both colours in your room and under your actual lighting Because this single step will tell you more than any comparison ever could. Both whites deserve a place in the conversation, it depends on what you’re suitable with in your space.
FAQs
Avoid Simply White in rooms with little natural light that rely on warm incandescent or LED bulbs because the yellow undertone intensifies and can start appearing like pale yellow rather than warm white. Also avoid placing it directly next to a true white like Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace on trim or cabinets because that contrast makes Simply White look yellow and dirty rather than warm and clean.
It looks dingy in rooms with poor lighting. Simply White loses its brightness and the yellow undertone starts appearing muddy rather than warm. If your space doesn’t get good natural light, then Alabaster or White Dove handles such lower-light conditions gracefully because they were built for that kind of warmth.
Yes, under certain conditions. Strong south-facing afternoon sunlight and warm 2700K bulbs at night are both capable of pulling the yellow undertone noticeably. If you’re expecting a crisp and clean white, then that shift will surprise you. Always test it under your room lighting before making the decision.
It sits in a rare spot because it is not cold, stark and yellow. It provides enough warmth to feel inviting and adequate brightness to stay clean. It works across walls, trim, cabinets and ceilings without requiring a different color for each surface. Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year has pushed it into the spotlight along with its own versatility.
