Alabaster Behr Equivalent: Find the Perfect Match
Struggling to find the perfect white paint for your home? Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster is a popular choice, but did you know Behr has several whites that come close? While their names might be similar, each has its own unique tone and undertone.
In this post, I’ll help you compare the best Alabaster Behr Equivalent with Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster. You’ll learn how they differ and how lighting and room type affect their appearance.
By the end, you’ll know which white works best for your space.
Getting to Know Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams
Alabaster (SW 7008) falls in the middle of the warm-white spectrum. It’s light and cozy without leaning yellow, making it a top choice for both modern and classic interiors.
Basic Color Profile
- HEX code: #EDEAE0
- LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 82
- Color family: Soft off-white with warm undertones
Alabaster belongs to Sherwin-Williams’ neutral collection. It’s known for its warm, creamy base that makes any space feel bright but not harsh.
Undertones Explained
Alabaster has soft beige and greige undertones that change slightly depending on the light in your space.
These undertones are subtle. They help the color stay warm and inviting without looking too creamy.
- In natural daylight, Alabaster reads clean and warm without going too yellow.
- Under soft white bulbs, you’ll see more of its creamy beige warmth.
- Against cool finishes, it can take on a slightly greige appearance.
That’s why many people love it. It adapts to different rooms and lighting. But it’s still smart to test it on your own walls before committing.
Closest Behr Equivalents to Alabaster
Several Behr whites come close to Sherwin-Williams Alabaster. Each one has its own tone and feel, so the best match depends on your lighting and design style.
1. Behr Silky White (PPU7-12)
Undertones: Subtle beige with a hint of gray
Warmth level: Soft warm white
Silky White is the closest match to Sherwin-Williams Alabaster. It has a similar creamy warmth that feels inviting without being too yellow.
In real rooms, Silky White gives off the same calm and soft look that Alabaster is known for. It works well on walls, trim, and cabinets. If you want a nearly identical feel using Behr, this is your best bet.
2. Behr Blank Canvas (DC-003)
Undertones: Balanced warm white
Warmth level: Warmer and creamier than Silky White
Choose Blank Canvas if you want something a little richer and more classic-looking than Silky White. It pairs well with warm wood tones and cozy decor.
Under bright daylight, it looks clean and soft. But in lower light, it feels warmer than Alabaster. Use it when you want a slightly stronger warm-white presence.
3. Behr Snowy Pine (HDC-NT-21)
Undertones: Cool white with gray hints
Warmth level: Soft, cool white
Snowy Pine has a cooler feel than Alabaster. It’s better suited for north-facing rooms that already lean cold. It can balance out warmth in heavily lit or warmer-toned spaces.
This shade is good if you want a crisp look that isn’t too stark.
4. Behr Swiss Coffee (12 Swiss Coffee)
Undertones: Creamy beige
Warmth level: Rich warm white
Swiss Coffee is deeper and warmer than Alabaster. It works best in large, bright rooms where you want extra warmth on the walls.
It may feel too yellow or creamy in dim rooms. But if your goal is a cozy, rich look, this one’s a solid pick.
LRV and Undertone Comparison Table
Each paint color’s LRV (Light Reflectance Value) and undertones are key in choosing the right match.
Here’s a quick comparison of Behr’s closest matches to Sherwin-Williams Alabaster, so you can easily see how they measure up in brightness and undertone:
| Paint Color | LRV | Undertones | Hex Code | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behr Silky White | 83 | Soft beige with subtle gray | #EEEBE2 | Walls, trim, and cabinets in modern, cozy spaces |
| Behr Blank Canvas | 84 | Balanced warm white with a creamy feel |
#F1EDE1 |
Open spaces, living rooms, and areas needing a rich, warm tone |
| Behr Snowy Pine | 86 | Cool white with gray hints | #F0EFE3 | North-facing rooms or areas needing a crisp, cool feel |
| Behr Swiss Coffee | 84 | Rich creamy beige with slight yellow | #F1EDE0 | Large rooms, kitchens, and living spaces need extra warmth |
How These Colors Look in Real Rooms
Understanding how these Behr paint colors look in real spaces is essential for making the best choice. The lighting in a room plays a big role in how a color appears, especially when it comes to whites and neutrals.
Below is a breakdown of how each color performs in various settings, including the impact of both warm and cool lighting.
Behr Silky White
Best for: Living rooms, kitchens, trim, and cabinets.
Warm lighting: Under soft white or yellow bulbs, Silky White appears soft and creamy with a slight beige undertone, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Cool lighting: It maintains its warm, subtle grayish hue, offering a balanced feel without becoming too cold.
Behr Blank Canvas
Best for: Open spaces like large living rooms and dining areas.
Warm lighting: In rooms with warm bulbs, Blank Canvas looks inviting and rich, almost like a classic off-white.
Cool lighting: It retains a creamy, neutral tone, but may look slightly warmer than intended, especially in rooms with lots of natural light.
Behr Snowy Pine
Best for: North-facing rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Warm lighting: Snowy Pine leans cool and soft, providing a calm, clean effect that doesn’t overwhelm the space.
Cool lighting: The cool undertones stand out, making this shade appear crisp and fresh, perfect for spaces that need a lighter, cooler feel.
Behr Swiss Coffee
Best for: Larger rooms, kitchens, and areas where you want a warm, inviting look.
Warm lighting: Under warm lights, Swiss Coffee deepens in tone and brings out its creamy beige undertones, making a space feel cozy and welcoming.
Cool lighting: It becomes more neutral with a slight yellow tint, but the warmth can still shine through, giving it a richer, more textured feel.
How to Pick the Right Shade for Your Home
Choosing the perfect shade can feel overwhelming, but with these simple tips, you can make an informed decision.
Consider the lighting in your room: Test how each color reacts to both warm and cool lighting in your space. Colors may look different depending on natural or artificial light.
Use sample pots and swatches: Always test your options on the wall before committing. Paint large swatches in a few areas to see how they look at different times of day. Small sample pots let you cover a decent-sized area without committing to a whole gallon.
Think about your room’s purpose: For living rooms and open spaces, consider a softer, neutral white like Behr Silky White or Blank Canvas for a warm, welcoming vibe. For rooms like kitchens and bathrooms, Behr Snowy Pine works well to keep the space feeling fresh and crisp.
Consider interior vs. exterior use:
- Interior: Choose softer tones like Silky White or Swiss Coffee for walls, trim, and cabinetry to create warmth and harmony.
- Exterior: Opt for a slightly cooler tone like Snowy Pine for a clean and crisp look that pairs well with nature.
Keep undertones in mind: Warm-toned whites (like Swiss Coffee) work well in rooms with rich wood tones, while cooler whites (like Snowy Pine) work best in spaces with more neutral or gray elements.
Test with a variety of finishes: The sheen (matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss) can affect how the paint looks. Test a small section of the wall with your chosen color in different sheens.
By following these steps, you can confidently choose the Behr shade that will complement your space.
Where to Buy These Behr Alternatives
You can easily find these Behr paint colors at major retailers and online stores. Here are some places to purchase them:
- Home Depot: Visit Home Depot’s website to order your Behr paint online or pick it up in-store. They often have discounts and promotions.
- Behr’s Official Website: Head to Behr.com for a complete selection of Behr paints. You can find detailed information about each shade, as well as virtual tools to help you plan your project.
Sheen Recommendations
When choosing the right sheen for your paint, consider how the surface will be used:
- Eggshell: Ideal for walls in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. It has a soft, low-luster finish that hides imperfections well.
- Satin: Great for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Satin is durable, easy to clean, and provides a soft sheen.
- Semi-Gloss: Perfect for trim, cabinets, and doors. It’s easy to clean and highly reflective, adding a sleek, shiny finish.
Choose the finish that best suits the functionality and aesthetic of your space.
Behr Alabaster vs. Sherwin-Williams Alabaster
Confusion alert: Behr also has a color named “Alabaster,” but it’s not the same as Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster (SW 7008). While the names are similar, the two paints have distinct differences in tone, undertones, and appearance.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Behr Alabaster | Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) |
|---|---|---|
| HEX Code |
#E8E2D3 |
#EDEAE0 |
| LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | 76 | 82 |
| Undertones | Slightly warm with beige | Warm, soft white with a hint of gray |
| Warmth Level | Warm, soft beige | Warm, creamy with a subtle grayish tone |
| Best Use Cases | Living rooms, kitchens, trim | Modern farmhouse, coastal decor, exteriors |
Even though both shades are soft, warm whites with a similar LRV, the undertones set them apart.
Behr’s Alabaster has a slightly warmer beige tone, while Sherwin-Williams Alabaster is a purer, creamier white with a slightly cooler feel.
Be sure to test samples before committing, as lighting and room size can influence the final look.
Conclusion
Choosing the right white paint for your space can be tricky, but now you have a better understanding of the Alabaster Behr Equivalents and how they compare to Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster.
Remember, lighting plays a big role in how paint colors appear, so always test samples in your space before making a final decision.
Whether you want a warmer or cooler tone, the right white can create the perfect atmosphere in your room.
If you found this post helpful, check out my other blogs for more painting tips and home improvement advice.