Choosing the perfect shade of white paint can feel overwhelming. Two popular contenders often top the list: Benjamin Moore's Alabaster and Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster. While sharing a name, these paints offer subtly different undertones and appearances that can dramatically impact the look and feel of your space. This in-depth comparison will help you decide which Alabaster is the best fit for your project.
Understanding Undertones: The Key Difference
The most significant difference between Benjamin Moore's Alabaster and Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster lies in their undertones. This subtle difference can drastically alter how the paint looks in various lighting conditions and with different surrounding colors.
Benjamin Moore Alabaster: Often described as having warm, creamy undertones, Benjamin Moore's Alabaster leans slightly towards beige or yellow. This warmth makes it incredibly versatile and flattering in a wide range of spaces, from traditional to contemporary. It's known for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster: While also a warm white, Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster exhibits a more subtle, grayed undertone. This cooler nuance gives it a cleaner, crisper appearance compared to its Benjamin Moore counterpart. It can appear brighter and more modern in some settings.
Which Alabaster is Brighter?
This is a common question, and the answer depends on the lighting and surrounding colors. In direct sunlight, Sherwin-Williams Alabaster might appear slightly brighter due to its cooler undertones reflecting light more readily. However, in low-light conditions, Benjamin Moore Alabaster's warmer tones can feel more luminous and less stark. The "brighter" paint is subjective and dependent on your specific environment.
How Do They Look in Different Rooms?
Both paints work beautifully in various rooms, but their undertones can influence the overall aesthetic:
- Bedrooms: Benjamin Moore Alabaster's warmth creates a restful and calming atmosphere perfect for a bedroom.
- Living Rooms: Both work well, but Sherwin-Williams Alabaster's cleaner look might suit a modern living room better, while Benjamin Moore Alabaster could enhance a more traditional design.
- Kitchens: Both can work, but consider the cabinetry and backsplash. Alabaster's warmer tone complements warmer wood tones, while Sherwin-Williams Alabaster can pair better with stainless steel appliances and crisp white cabinets.
- Bathrooms: The cooler undertones of Sherwin-Williams Alabaster might create a more spa-like feeling in a bathroom, while Benjamin Moore Alabaster adds a touch of comforting warmth.
Which Alabaster is Best for North-Facing Rooms?
North-facing rooms often lack direct sunlight, appearing cooler and potentially darker. In such rooms, the warm undertones of Benjamin Moore Alabaster can help counteract the coolness and prevent the room from feeling too stark. However, the subtle gray in Sherwin-Williams Alabaster might still work beautifully, depending on the desired effect.
Which Alabaster is Easier to Work With?
Both paints are known for being relatively easy to apply, offering good coverage and a smooth finish. The ease of application depends more on the painter's skill and the preparation of the surface than the specific paint brand.
What About LRV (Light Reflectance Value)?
The LRV, a crucial factor in paint selection, indicates how much light a color reflects. While both Alabasters have high LRVs, indicating brightness, the exact values may vary slightly depending on the batch and how the measurement is taken. Check the specific LRV for each paint before making your decision, as this will impact the overall brightness of your room.
Conclusion: The Best Alabaster for You
Ultimately, the best Alabaster for you depends on your personal preference, the existing decor of your home, and the specific lighting in your space. Consider testing samples of both paints on your walls under different lighting conditions before making a final decision. This will provide the most accurate representation of how each paint will look in your home. Remember, the seemingly small difference in undertones can make a significant impact on the overall mood and appearance of your room.
