Sherwin Williams Pure White vs Extra White (2024)

Looking for the perfect white paint color for your home? Let’s compare Pure White vs Extra White to see if one might be perfect for your space!

White paint colors remain popular! They provide a neutral backdrop for a room, perfect for any decor style. Whites pair well with other paint colors and virtually any finish.

However, there are so many whites out there! Warm whites can lean yellow or creamy. Cool whites can lean blueor gray.

Whites can range from stark, bright, dingy, creamy… even off-white! So how’s one to decide on a white?

By diving into the details! Undertones and LRV numbers are so important when picking a paint color for your home.

Today I want to compare two super popular shades of white paint – Pure White and Extra White.

Let’s talk about the difference between these two popular shades.

Read my full review of Pure White

Read my full review of Extra White

Pure White vs Extra White

Pure White and Extra White are both white paint colors, but they have some big differences, including LRV numbers and undertones.

What is similar about Pure White vs Extra White?

Both Pure White and Extra White are white paint colors. They fall in the true white category but are near the off-white dividing line, meaning they’re often easy to decorate with because they’re not too stark.

Pure White and Extra White are both great options for a whole house paint color. Both also work well for cabinets or trim.

What is different about Pure White vs Extra White?

Pure White is warmer and darker, and Extra White is cooler, lighter, and brighter. Extra White is more of a true white than Pure White.

Pure White has slight yellow undertones. Extra White is slightly cool with light blue/gray undertones.

Light Reflectance Value

Light Reflective Value is the measurement of how much light a color bounces around. This is on a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 being pure black and 100 being pure white.

Pure White has a LRV of 84, while Extra White boasts an LRV of 86. This means that Pure White is slightly darker than Extra White. Although difference is noticeable but not drastic.

Colors with an LRV above 82 are generally seen as true white. This means both Pure White and Extra White fit the bill, even though they might not be as bright as some others.

Because of their LRVs and different undertones, Extra White feels fresher and brighter compared to Pure White.

Undertones

Pure White has slight yellow undertones. However, it doesn’t usually read yellow but is slightly creamy – which keeps it from being cold or stark.

Extra White has slightly cool, light blue/gray undertones. Extra White usually reads as very neutral.

In south-facing rooms with lots of natural light, Pure White will feel warmer and creamier, and Extra White will feel more neutral.

In north-facing rooms that lack natural light, Pure White will look more neutral, and Extra White can feel quite cool, maybe even a touch blue.

How do I decide between these two colors?

If you want a crisp, clean white, Extra White is a good option.

If you want a soft white wall that will feel warm, cozy, and not too stark, then Pure White is a better option.

However, pay attention to a room’s lighting. In a north-facing room without much natural light, Extra White may read a bit blue, so Pure White may be the best choice.

Still not sure what paint color to choose?

My Paint Color Formula ebook walks you through the painless process of expertly testing paint swatches to ensure you have the perfect color for your home.

Learn more about the Paint Color Formula here!

Thanks for reading!