Alabaster vs Snowbound
A side-by-side comparison of Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) and Sherwin Williams Snowbound (SW 7004).
| Sherwin Williams Alabaster | Sherwin Williams Snowbound | |
|---|---|---|
| Code | SW 7008 | SW 7004 |
| Hex |
#EDEAE0
|
#EDEAE4
|
| RGB | 237, 234, 224 | 237, 234, 228 |
| LRV | 82 | 83 |
| Undertone | Warm Cream | Warm Pink-White |
| Family | White | White |
| Best Rooms | Whole House, Trim, Cabinets, Living Room, Bedroom | Whole House, Trim, Cabinets, Living Room, Bedroom |
LRV Comparison
Light Reflectance Value measures how much light a color reflects. Alabaster has an LRV of 82 (very light) and Snowbound has an LRV of 83 (very light). These two colors reflect a similar amount of light, so the brightness of a room will feel comparable with either choice.
The Full Comparison
Two of Sherwin Williams' most popular whites, often confused but with distinct personalities. Alabaster is warm and creamy with yellow undertones. Snowbound is warmer with pink-gray undertones. In rooms with cool blue or gray walls, Snowbound's pink warmth creates a softer contrast than Alabaster's yellow cream. For kitchen cabinets with warm countertops, Alabaster's cream blends better. For cabinets with cool marble, Snowbound's neutral warmth is more harmonious. Both are excellent whole-house whites, but their undertone difference becomes apparent when paired with strong accent colors.
Alabaster Undertones
A warm, creamy white that's one of the most popular paint colors in America. Not stark, not yellow, just comfortably warm.
Snowbound Undertones
A warm white with subtle pink-gray undertones. Softer and pinker than Alabaster, but still reads as a white in most rooms.
Lighting Behavior
Alabaster: Looks warm and inviting in nearly every lighting condition. In very bright south-facing light, the cream undertone becomes more apparent. Under cool light, it reads as a soft neutral.
Snowbound: The pink shows in cool, north-facing rooms. In warm light, it reads as a soft, warm off-white. Pairs beautifully with cool grays and blues.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Alabaster (Sherwin Williams) and Snowbound (Sherwin Williams) are not the same color. They're in the same family (white), but they differ in undertone, LRV, and how they behave in different lighting. Alabaster has warm cream undertones, while Snowbound has warm pink-white undertones. Always compare physical samples before choosing.
Snowbound is lighter with an LRV of 83, compared to Alabaster's LRV of 82. LRV (Light Reflectance Value) measures how much light a color reflects on a scale from 0 (black) to 100 (white).
That's a popular combination. Using the darker Alabaster (LRV 82) on walls and the lighter Snowbound (LRV 83) on trim creates a classic contrast that makes the trim pop.