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Not all whites are created equal—and Extra White proves that subtle undertones can make or break your space.
If you’re hunting for a crisp, clean white that feels modern and fresh—without going icy or clinical—Sherwin Williams Extra White (SW 7006) might be just what you’re looking for. This bright white is one of Sherwin Williams’ most popular trim and cabinet colors, but it also has surprising versatility as a wall or even exterior shade.
In this review, I’ll break down the undertones, real-life applications, best trim pairings, and how it compares to similar shades like Pure White, Alabaster, and Chantilly Lace.
What Color Is Sherwin Williams Extra White?
Despite its name, Extra White isn’t the brightest white in Sherwin Williams’ lineup (that title goes to High Reflective White). However, with an LRV of 86, it’s still incredibly bright—and one of their cleanest whites with a slightly cool undertone.
It’s a go-to for trim, cabinetry, and ceilings, especially when paired with cool or neutral wall colors.
LRV of Extra White: Why It Matters
Extra White’s Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is 86. That puts it firmly in the high-reflectance category, meaning it will bounce a lot of light around a room. But it also has a tiny bit of depth, which helps it avoid looking sterile like some ultra-bright whites.
In a nutshell:
- LRV 86 = bright, reflective white
- Not stark, but noticeably cooler than creamy whites
- Looks crisp and clean without feeling clinical
If you want to understand how LRV impacts color choices, I have a full guide explaining everything you need to know about LRV.
Extra White Undertones: What You Need to Know
Extra White has a subtle blue-gray undertone, which makes it feel cool but not cold. In south-facing or warm-lit rooms, this undertone is barely noticeable. In north-facing or low-light rooms, it may read a little gray or even slightly blue—especially when paired with cooler furniture or finishes.
Important note: Extra White can vary slightly depending on paint formula.
- Wall paints: Slightly cooler finish due to the base formula
- Trim/cabinet paints: Slight warmth can appear from the yellow tint in the base
This subtle shift is one reason I recommend using the same finish on walls and trim (or at least sampling both finishes before committing).
Where Extra White Works Best
Extra White is one of the most versatile whites—especially for cool-toned palettes or modern spaces. Use it for:
- Exteriors: Works well with cool-toned siding or brick and factory-finished whites
- Trim and doors: Clean and crisp
- Ceilings: Especially effective in rooms with gray or blue walls
- Cabinetry: A sleek, high-contrast option in modern or transitional kitchens
- Walls: Best in bright spaces or homes with predominantly cool finishes
- Closets and pantries: Keeps smaller spaces feeling bright, open, and clean—even with limited or artificial lighting.
Where It Might Not Be the Best Fit
- If your home has a lot of warm wood tones or beige walls, Extra White may look too stark or blue by contrast.
- Avoid pairing it with warm whites like Alabaster, White Dove, or Swiss Coffee—they’ll highlight its coolness.
- In very dark, north-facing rooms, it might look dingy or gray.
Best Trim and Ceiling Pairings for Extra White
- Same Color, Different Sheen: Use Extra White on both walls and trim but in different finishes. I recommend eggshell or matte for walls and satin or semi-gloss for trim. This gives subtle contrast without undertone clashing.
- High Reflective White: If you want even brighter trim, this ultra-white shade offers a crisp contrast.
- Pure White: A slightly warmer alternative that blends more easily with both warm and cool palettes.
Extra White vs. Other Popular Whites
Sherwin Williams Extra White vs. Pure White
Pure White (SW 7005) is slightly warmer than Extra White. It has a touch of yellow and gray, giving it a softer, more versatile feel. Extra White is crisper and cooler, and may show more blue or gray undertones in certain lighting. Pure White is a better choice if you’re working with mixed warm and cool tones.
Verdict: Pure White is softer and more versatile; Extra White is cooler and crisper, better for modern palettes.
SW Extra White vs SW Alabaster
Alabaster (SW 7008) is a creamy, warm white with a soft beige undertone. Compared to the cool, crisp Extra White, Alabaster feels much cozier and is better suited for traditional or warm-toned spaces. These two are not good pairings for trim and walls unless strong contrast is desired.
Verdict: Alabaster is warmer and creamier; better suited for traditional or cozy spaces. Extra White feels brighter and more modern.
Sherwin Williams Extra White vs. High Reflective White
High Reflective White (SW 7757) is Sherwin Williams’ brightest white, with an LRV of 93 compared to Extra White’s 86. It’s more neutral with fewer undertones, while Extra White can lean blue in cooler lighting. High Reflective White is best for ultra-modern, high-contrast looks.
Verdict: High Reflective White is the brightest and most neutral white SW offers; Extra White is a touch softer and slightly cooler.
Sherwin Williams Extra White vs. Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Chantilly Lace (BM OC-65) is a clean, neutral white that’s slightly brighter than Extra White. While both can work in modern spaces, Chantilly Lace is more flexible across lighting conditions due to its near-zero undertones, making it a safer choice if you don’t want the risk of blue flashing.
Verdict: Chantilly Lace is more neutral and flexible across lighting; Extra White may show cool undertones in low light.
Sherwin Williams Extra White vs. Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White
Decorator’s White (BM OC-149) has noticeable cool violet-gray undertones and an LRV of 82.64, making it darker and moodier than Extra White. It’s a nice alternative if you want a cooler white with a bit more depth and softness.
Verdict: Decorator’s White is darker and moodier with stronger gray-violet undertones; Extra White is brighter and cleaner.
Coordinating Colors for Extra White
Pair Extra White with cool, crisp shades for a fresh and cohesive palette:
- Natural woods or light oak – to warm it up without clashing
- SW Smoky Azurite – deep, moody blue
- SW Ice Cube
- SW Charcoal Blue
- SW Rock Candy – icy gray-blue
- SW Passive – soft cool gray
- SW Sea Salt – green-gray with coastal vibes
- SW Iron Ore – dramatic charcoal contrast
Frequently Asked Questions
Not in bright or south-facing rooms. In darker rooms, it may feel too cool or flat unless you balance it with warm furnishings.
Yes! Just use different sheens—matte or eggshell for walls, satin or semi-gloss for trim—for subtle dimension.
Rarely. It’s one of the least likely to go yellow, even in warm lighting.
Extra White is cooler and cleaner. Pure White is slightly warmer and softer.
Absolutely. It reflects a lot of light and gives that seamless “barely there” ceiling look.
Yes, especially paired with black shutters or navy doors. Just keep in mind it can look cooler outdoors.
Don’t Forget…
Don’t forget – no matter what you’ve read or photos you’ve seen online, it’s really important to sample paint colors in your home before committing!
Samplize provides real paint samples that are easy to move around your home, and cheaper than buying a gazillion paint pots! It’s the only way I buy paint samples.
Final Thoughts
Sherwin Williams Extra White is a crisp, clean, cool white that works beautifully in modern and coastal homes—or any space with a cool color palette. While not the brightest white in the lineup, it delivers a striking contrast against mid-tone colors and remains a favorite for trim, cabinets, and beyond.
I want to paint my house and ceiling SW Repose Gray @ 50% Flat and use Pure White Semi Gloss Trim/Cabinets. Do you think I should use Pure White or Extra White?
Either will work, but Extra White is a cool white while Pure White is warmer. Depends on which you want.
If you choose extra white for walls in an egg shell finish, it would not look chalky right?
No, not at all! Even the matte doesn’t look chalky…it looks soft and silky.