When choosing a paint color for your home, one of the most popular options is a shade of white. But not all whites are the same. Sherwin-Williams offers several different white paint colors to choose from, each with its own undertones and uses. One of their most popular whites is called Cool White. As the name suggests, this white has a slightly cool, bluish undertone. Keep reading to learn more about what makes Cool White different than other Sherwin-Williams whites and how to use it in your home.
What Is Cool White?
Cool White is one of Sherwin-Williams’ most popular white paint colors. It has a slightly cool undertone, meaning it has subtle hints of blue mixed in. This undertone gives it a crisp, clean look. Cool White reflects light well, making rooms feel open and airy. It’s a great choice for many applications around the home.
Some specifics on Sherwin-Williams Cool White:
– The color code is SW 7009
– LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 86
– It has a cool, bluish undertone
– Works well for interior walls, trim, doors, and ceilings
– Popular for bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms and more
How Cool White Compares to Other Sherwin-Williams Whites
Sherwin-Williams offers several other popular white paint colors besides Cool White. Here’s how some of their other top choices compare:
Extra White
Extra White (SW 7006) is one of Sherwin-Williams’ whitest paint colors. It has an LRV of 86 and only a very subtle warm undertone. It’s a great all-purpose white that works for nearly any room.
Pure White
Pure White (SW 7005) is a crisp, clean white with a barely noticeable cool undertone. With an LRV of 85, it reflects light extremely well. It can read as more sterile than warmer whites.
Alabaster
Alabaster (SW 7008) is a popular white with a slight warm, yellow undertone. It has an LRV of 86. The warm tone gives it a softer, more inviting look than Cool White.
Snowbound
Snowbound (SW 7004) is Sherwin-Williams’ whitest paint color. With an LRV of 87, it reflects the most light. It has a noticeable cool undertone.
So while all these Sherwin-Williams whites look fairly similar, Cool White stands apart with its light cool undertone. This gives it a cleaner, sharper appearance compared to warmer whites like Alabaster or Extra White.
Uses for Cool White
Cool White is versatile enough to use throughout most of your home:
Walls
Cool white is a popular wall color because of its clean, neutral appearance. It makes a great backdrop in any room and won’t compete with decor or furnishings. The cool undertones give it a slightly icy, stark look on walls, which works well for modern spaces.
Trim & Molding
For interior door and window trim, Cool White is an excellent choice. Its crisp tone complements most wall colors. It also pairs well with white cabinets to give a cohesive look.
Ceilings
Cool White is often used on ceilings to make rooms feel brighter and airier. Since light reflects well off it, it helps create the illusion of higher ceilings.
Cabinets
In kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms, Cool White makes a gorgeous cabinet color. It has a clean, timeless look. The cool undertones complement granite, marble, and other countertops beautifully.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms also benefit from the clean appearance Cool White provides. It feels fresh and brightens up the space. Pair it with contrasting colors and materials for interest.
Bedrooms
In bedrooms, Cool White provides a crisp backdrop for restful sleep. While some prefer warmer tones for bedrooms, the cool undertones also create a relaxing feel.
Entryways
For entryways, Cool White makes an excellent first impression. It’s simple, airy, and complements nearly any color scheme. Since it reads as clean and neutral, it works with a wide range of furniture and decor styles.
Tips for Using Cool White
If you’re thinking of using Cool White in your home, keep these tips in mind:
– Test it first – paint large swatches to see it in your space and lighting. It can read differently on walls than on a color chip.
– Pair it with contrasting hues and materials so it doesn’t feel too sterile and stark. Deep colors like navy, charcoal and emerald green work well.
– For more warmth and softness, pair it with natural wood tones. This balances out the cool undertones.
– In darker spaces, use plenty of lighting. Cool White can feel cold and dreary if the space lacks sufficient illumination.
– Combine it with warmer metals like brass and bronze rather than cool metals like silver or chrome. This creates balance.
– Don’t overdo it. Use Cool White in moderation, like on walls or cabinets rather than floors, furniture and accessories.
Pros and Cons of Cool White
Here’s an overview of some of the advantages and potential drawbacks of choosing Cool White for your home:
Pros:
- Crisp, clean appearance
- Reflects light well – makes rooms feel open and airy
- Timeless and versatile
- Neutral enough for any room
- Easy to pair with other colors
Cons:
- Can read as sterile if overused
- Not as warm and inviting as some whites
- Needs plenty of lighting to avoid feeling cold
- May show imperfections on walls/ceilings
As you can see, it has many more pros than cons for most situations. Just be mindful of lighting and add warmth when pairing it with other elements.
Alternatives to Cool White
If you’re looking for slightly different shades of white, consider these alternatives from Sherwin-Williams:
– Alabaster or Pure White for a warmer tone
– Extra White for a true, clean white
– Snowbound for an even crisper white
– Decorators White if you want an antique white with gray undertones
– White Dove for a very soft, welcoming white
Each of these provides a slightly different feel. Depending on the look you want and the room, another option may be better than Cool White.
Paint Sheens for Cool White
Cool White looks great in any paint finish. The sheen you choose can affect the overall look. Here are some tips:
– Matte – best for hiding imperfections, but can show more yellowing over time. Provides a flat finish.
– Eggshell – gives walls a soft glow while still hiding flaws. Washable and durable.
– Satin – easy to clean finish with a subtle sheen. Works well in high traffic areas.
– Semi-gloss – very washable and color stays true over time. Can create high contrast on trim.
Consider where you’re painting and the amount of cleaning the surface needs when choosing a sheen. Higher gloss paints are most durable but show imperfections more.
Cool White Color Combinations
Cool White is easy to pair with a wide range of colors since it acts as a neutral backdrop. Here are some combinations that work well:
– Navy blue – Crisp white against rich navy is a classic combination.
– Pale blue – For a more soothing feel, light sky blues complement Cool White nicely.
– Grays – From light gray to charcoal, gray and white pair timelessly.
– Greens – Deep emerald greens make Cool White feel fresh, while sage brings out its subtle cool tones.
– Wood tones – Mixing natural wood furniture and accents with Cool White adds warmth.
– Black and white – For modern spaces, a black and Cool White scheme feels current.
– Warm metals – Brass hardware and fixtures add nice contrast against Cool White walls or cabinets.
Get creative with your color pairings! The crisp neutral hue of Cool White works with just about any shade.
Cool White in Various Rooms
To give you some inspiration, here are examples of how Cool White can be used in different rooms:
Bathrooms: Cool White walls contrast beautifully with a black marble countertop and brass fixtures. Keep towels and accessories colorful for a punch of contrast.
Kitchens: Use it on cabinetry and the ceiling, pairing it with stainless steel appliances and a dark gray island for rich contrast.
Bedrooms: Layer plenty of soft, cozy textures in warm neutrals overtop Cool White walls for a welcoming feel. Add in some wood furniture pieces.
Offices: Cool White walls and ceiling make an office feel clean and focused. Pair it with bold accent walls, dark wood desks, and colorful artwork.
Living Rooms: Use Cool White on the fireplace mantel and bookshelves. Balance it out with tan leather furniture, antique woods, and jewel-toned pillows.
Get creative and have fun designing different room schemes with Cool White as your neutral base!
Conclusion
With its subtle cool undertone and clean appearance, Sherwin-Williams Cool White is a versatile shade for any home. While it reads as slightly crisp and stark on its own, pairing Cool White with contrasting colors, textures and materials helps warm up its look. Use this popular shade moderately throughout your home to open up smaller spaces and pair seamlessly with your existing color scheme and furnishings. Just be sure to see a large paint sample on your wall before committing to give you a sense of how it will work in your unique space.