Looking for the perfect warm white paint color for your home? Sherwin Williams Shoji White SW 7042 might be just what you need. This versatile paint color is a beautiful blend of cream and beige with warm greige influences, making it neither purely white nor beige but something wonderfully in between. It creates a soft, cozy atmosphere while still keeping spaces light and airy.
Shoji White has become increasingly popular in recent years, even earning the title of Sherwin Williams Color of the Month in August 2022. Its flexibility makes it ideal for various rooms and lighting conditions. You’ll find this color works well in living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and even exterior applications where you want warmth without the starkness of a bright white.
Key Takeaways
- Shoji White SW 7042 is a warm, creamy white with greige undertones that creates cozy yet light spaces in your home.
- This versatile color changes subtly based on lighting conditions, appearing more beige in dim light and whiter in bright spaces.
- You can pair Shoji White with various trim colors and coordinating shades for a cohesive, designer-approved look throughout your home.
What Color Is Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042?
Shoji White SW 7042 is a versatile neutral that blends cream and beige tones, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in any space.
Color Family
Shoji White doesn’t fit neatly into one color family. It’s best described as a warm off-white that borders on greige (a mix of gray and beige). This paint color has warm undertones that give it a cozy feel without being too yellow or brown.
Many designers consider it a chameleon color because it can appear differently depending on lighting conditions. In bright natural light, Shoji White looks more like a soft white. In dimmer settings, its greige qualities become more pronounced.
The color’s versatility makes it popular for both modern and traditional spaces. You’ll find Shoji White works well throughout your home, from living areas to bedrooms and kitchens.
Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)
To help you match Shoji White with other colors or digital designs, here are the specific color codes:
Hex Code: #ECE9E0
RGB Values: R: 236, G: 233, B: 224
The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Shoji White is approximately 74. This relatively high LRV means it reflects a good amount of light, making it excellent for brightening spaces while still providing warmth and depth unlike stark whites.
When choosing this color, remember that its warm undertones will interact with your lighting and surrounding elements. It pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood and stone.
Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042 Undertones
Shoji White has complex undertones that give it depth and character. This warm, creamy white borders on greige, making it a versatile choice for many spaces in your home.
The primary undertones in Shoji White are beige and gray. These create that greige effect that’s so popular in modern homes. You might notice the color shifts slightly throughout the day as lighting changes.
There’s also a subtle green undertone that emerges in certain lighting conditions. This green is very faint but can become more noticeable when paired with true whites or cooler colors.
In north-facing rooms, Shoji White may appear more gray. In warm, south-facing spaces, the beige undertones become more prominent, making the color feel cozier.
When selecting coordinating colors, consider:
- Grays with blue-green undertones
- Medium to dark greens
- Blue-green paint colors
The LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of Shoji White affects how the undertones appear. In brighter spaces, it reads as a soft white, while in dimmer areas, the greige qualities become more apparent.
Testing this color in your space is important since its undertones can shift based on your specific lighting conditions and existing decor elements.
How Does Lighting Affect Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042?
Lighting dramatically changes how Shoji White appears on your walls, transforming it from a warm off-white to a color that borders on greige depending on the light conditions.
Natural Lighting
In rooms with lots of sunshine, Shoji White shows its true warm undertones. Morning light brings out its creamy qualities, making spaces feel cozy and inviting. During midday, when sunlight is strongest, the color appears lighter and more neutral.
As the sun moves across the sky, you’ll notice Shoji White shifting subtly throughout the day. North-facing rooms make this paint appear slightly cooler and more greige-like. South-facing spaces enhance its warmth and creaminess.
In east-facing rooms, Shoji White looks brightest in the morning hours. West-facing rooms showcase its warmest tones during evening hours as the sunset casts golden light across your walls.
Artificial Lighting
Your choice of light bulbs greatly impacts how Shoji White looks after dark. Warm white bulbs (2700-3000K) enhance its creamy, cozy feeling and bring out yellow undertones. This creates a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere perfect for living rooms and bedrooms.
Cool white bulbs (3500-4100K) push Shoji White toward its greige side, making it appear more neutral. This lighting works well in kitchens and bathrooms where cleaner, crisper light is often preferred.
LED lighting tends to highlight Shoji White’s versatility. Under bright LED lights, you might see subtle hints of its greige undertones becoming more prominent.
Dimmer switches give you control over how the color appears. At full brightness, the color looks lighter, while dimmed lighting brings out its depth and warmth.
Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042 LRV (Light Reflectance Value)
Shoji White has an LRV of approximately 73.42, placing it firmly in the off-white category with warm undertones that border on greige.
What Is LRV?
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures how much light a color reflects. The scale runs from 0 to 100, where 0 is absolute black (absorbing all light) and 100 is pure white (reflecting all light).
When you’re choosing paint colors, understanding LRV helps you predict how a color will look in your space. Higher LRV colors make rooms feel larger and brighter because they bounce more light around.
Lower LRV colors absorb more light, creating cozier, more intimate spaces. The amount of natural light your room receives greatly affects how the paint color appears on your walls.
Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042 LRV Range
Shoji White’s LRV of 73.42 places it in the light color category, just shy of being a true white. This means you’ll get good light reflection without the harshness of a bright white.
In rooms with lots of natural light, Shoji White will appear almost white but with a soft, warm quality. In darker spaces or rooms with northern exposure, its greige undertones become more prominent.
You might notice Shoji White shifts throughout the day as lighting changes. Morning light brings out its warmth, while evening light may emphasize its greige qualities.
This versatile LRV makes Shoji White perfect for open concept spaces where you want brightness without glare.
Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042 Coordinating Colors
Shoji White pairs beautifully with several colors that enhance its warm, creamy undertones while creating balanced and harmonious spaces. These coordinating colors can help you create depth and visual interest in your home.
Fawn Brindle SW 7640
Fawn Brindle is a medium-toned greige that works wonderfully with Shoji White. This color creates a subtle contrast that adds depth without overwhelming the softness of your space.
The warm gray undertones in Fawn Brindle complement the creamy aspects of Shoji White, making them natural partners. You can use this pairing in open floor plans where you want connected spaces to flow together while still having definition.
Try using Shoji White on your main walls with Fawn Brindle as an accent wall or on kitchen cabinets. This combination works especially well in living rooms and bedrooms where you want a calming, sophisticated atmosphere.
Perle Noir SW 9154
Perle Noir offers a dramatic contrast to Shoji White with its deep, soft black tones. This rich color creates striking visual interest when paired with the light warmth of Shoji White.
You can use this bold combination for modern farmhouse or contemporary designs. Perle Noir works beautifully for door and window trim, furniture pieces, or as an accent color against Shoji White walls.
The contrast between these colors helps architectural details stand out. Consider using Perle Noir for kitchen island bases, bathroom vanities, or interior doors while keeping Shoji White as your primary wall color. This pairing creates a timeless look that feels both fresh and grounded.
Pure White SW 7005
Pure White provides a clean, crisp partner to Shoji White when you need a true white in your color scheme. This pairing allows you to maintain warmth while adding brightness to your space.
Use Pure White for trim, ceilings, and millwork alongside Shoji White walls. The subtle difference creates definition without harsh transitions. This combination works particularly well in spaces with limited natural light.
In kitchens, try Shoji White cabinets with Pure White walls, or vice versa. The result is a fresh, airy feel that remains inviting rather than stark. This duo also excels in bathrooms, creating a spa-like atmosphere that feels clean yet comfortable.
Trim Colors for Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042
Choosing the right trim color to pair with Shoji White can enhance your space’s overall look. White trim creates a clean contrast that highlights architectural details while maintaining the warm, cozy feel that Shoji White provides.
Extra White SW 7006
Extra White is a crisp, bright white with cool undertones that creates a beautiful contrast against Shoji White’s warm tones. This pairing works especially well in modern and contemporary spaces where you want clean lines and definition.
The contrast level is moderate but noticeable, helping to define doorways, baseboards, and window frames. You’ll find this combination particularly effective in rooms with abundant natural light, as it highlights the subtle warmth of Shoji White.
For best results, use Extra White in a semi-gloss or satin finish for your trim. This slight sheen difference from your matte or eggshell walls creates additional visual interest and makes cleaning easier in high-traffic areas.
Ceiling Bright White SW 7007
Ceiling Bright White offers a softer contrast with Shoji White than Extra White does. This gently luminous white has minimal undertones, making it a versatile ceiling and trim option that won’t compete with your wall color.
When you use Ceiling Bright White with Shoji White walls, you’ll create a subtle definition that feels cohesive and intentional without stark transitions. This pairing works beautifully in traditional homes and spaces where you want a softer, more classic look.
The slight brightness of Ceiling Bright White can help reflect light throughout your space, making rooms feel larger and more airy. It’s particularly effective in rooms with limited natural light, as it helps brighten the space without creating harsh contrasts.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster is a warm, soft white that creates a harmonious, low-contrast partnership with Shoji White. This creamy white trim option maintains the warm ambiance of your space while still providing subtle definition to architectural details.
You’ll find this pairing especially attractive in farmhouse, rustic, or traditional spaces where you want cohesion rather than contrast. The similar warmth in both colors creates a soothing, unified look throughout your home.
For a truly custom look, consider using Alabaster in different sheens—perhaps semi-gloss on trim with eggshell Shoji White walls. This creates textural interest even with minimal color contrast. This combination works well in spaces where you want to maintain a cozy, inviting atmosphere without stark color transitions.
Real World Examples of Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042 in Different Spaces
Shoji White adapts beautifully to various spaces in the home, showing its versatile nature as a warm, creamy white that can shift between beige, tan, and greige depending on lighting and surrounding elements.
Living Rooms
In living rooms, Shoji White creates a welcoming atmosphere that feels both fresh and cozy. When painted on walls with northern exposure, it offers a soft warmth that counteracts cool light. In south-facing rooms, it appears lighter and more neutral.
Perfect Pairings: Shoji White looks stunning with natural wood tones, especially medium to dark woods like walnut or oak. The contrast highlights both the warmth of the paint and the richness of wood furniture.
Many homeowners pair it with navy blue or forest green accent pieces for a balanced look. The creamy undertones work beautifully with textured elements like woven baskets, natural fiber rugs, and linen upholstery.
For a cohesive look, try using Shoji White on both walls and trim with a subtle sheen difference between the two.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms painted in Shoji White exude tranquility and comfort. This color creates a peaceful sanctuary without feeling stark or clinical like brighter whites might.
In master bedrooms, it provides a neutral backdrop that works with various bedding colors and styles. The warm undertones complement both cool and warm accent colors.
Morning vs. Evening: Interestingly, Shoji White shifts throughout the day in bedrooms. Morning light brings out its creamy qualities, while evening lamp light emphasizes its cozy beige notes.
For kids’ rooms, it creates a versatile backdrop that grows with changing tastes and decor. Teen rooms benefit from its sophisticated neutrality that isn’t too childish or too serious.
When used with natural textiles and minimal decor, it creates a calming, almost spa-like retreat perfect for restful sleep.
Kitchens
Kitchens featuring Shoji White cabinets have a timeless appeal that bridges traditional and modern styles. This color works exceptionally well in farmhouse-inspired kitchens but also complements contemporary designs.
Cabinet Transformation: When used on cabinets, Shoji White offers a softer alternative to bright white that won’t show dirt and fingerprints as easily. It pairs beautifully with both light and dark countertops.
Many homeowners use it for a two-tone kitchen, with Shoji White upper cabinets and darker lowers for visual interest. It also works wonderfully with marble or quartz countertops that have warm veining.
For walls, it creates a subtle backdrop that makes other elements pop. Wood open shelving or range hoods stand out beautifully against this warm white.
The color also reflects light well, helping smaller kitchens feel more spacious without being blindingly bright.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms painted in Shoji White feel clean and fresh while maintaining warmth. Unlike stark whites that can feel clinical, this color creates an inviting spa-like atmosphere.
In bathrooms with limited natural light, it prevents the space from feeling dark or cave-like. The warm undertones ensure the room still feels cozy despite limited sunlight.
Tile Coordination: Shoji White works beautifully with various tile choices – from subway tile to natural stone. It particularly complements marble with warm veining or travertine tiles.
For vanities, this color provides a soft contrast to chrome or brushed nickel fixtures. White porcelain sinks blend seamlessly with Shoji White cabinets for a cohesive look.
Many homeowners report that this color helps create a relaxing atmosphere perfect for long baths or morning routines.
Home Offices
Home offices benefit from Shoji White’s ability to create a focused yet comfortable environment. This color offers enough warmth to feel inviting without being distracting.
The color’s neutrality makes it ideal for video conference backgrounds, providing a professional look without drawing attention away from you. It photographs well in varying light conditions.
Productivity Benefits: Many users report feeling more productive and less stressed in Shoji White offices compared to stark white or bold colored spaces. The subtle warmth creates a gentle, supportive environment.
It pairs excellently with wood desks and bookshelves, allowing the natural beauty of the wood to stand out. Metal accents like desk lamps or drawer pulls also pop nicely against this backdrop.
For small home office nooks, this color helps the space feel connected to adjacent rooms while still defining the work area.
Exteriors
On home exteriors, Shoji White creates a sophisticated, welcoming façade that stands out without being stark or blinding. It reads as a soft off-white with subtle warmth that varies with natural light.
Trim and Accent Colors: Black shutters and doors create dramatic contrast with Shoji White siding. For softer looks, deep navy blue or forest green accents complement its warm undertones.
Many homeowners appreciate how it disguises dirt and doesn’t show weathering as quickly as brighter whites. On larger homes, it provides visual interest without overwhelming the landscape.
In different regions, it adapts well – in northern climates, it maintains warmth despite cooler light, while in sunny southern areas, it doesn’t appear too yellow or harsh.
For modern farmhouse styles, it’s become particularly popular as a main exterior color paired with black windows and natural wood accents.
Comparing Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042 to Similar Colors
Choosing between similar white and off-white paint colors can be tricky since their subtle differences often only become apparent when applied to your walls. Shoji White has unique warm undertones that set it apart from other popular whites.
Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042 vs Natural Choice SW 7011
Shoji White and Natural Choice are both popular warm off-whites, but they have distinct differences. Shoji White has stronger greige undertones with hints of orange, while Natural Choice leans more yellow.
When you place these colors side by side, you’ll notice that Natural Choice appears slightly brighter and more neutral. It works beautifully in spaces that receive lots of natural light.
Shoji White feels cozier and more organic, making it perfect for creating warmth in north-facing rooms. It pairs wonderfully with wood tones and creates a soft transition between walls and trim.
In different lighting conditions, Natural Choice maintains its neutrality while Shoji White can reveal more of its warm undertones. Both colors work well with Benjamin Moore whites for trim.
Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042 vs Creamy SW 7012
Creamy is significantly yellower than Shoji White, giving it a more traditional warm look. Where Shoji White has greige undertones, Creamy embraces its yellow base without hesitation.
You’ll find Creamy works best in spaces where you want a definitively warm appearance. It pairs beautifully with antique furniture and traditional décor elements.
Shoji White offers more versatility with modern furnishings and cooler accent colors. It won’t compete with other elements in your space the way Creamy might.
When compared to Benjamin Moore White Dove, Shoji White is warmer while Creamy is even warmer still. In north-facing rooms, Creamy can help counteract cool light, while Shoji provides a more balanced warmth.
Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042 vs Accessible Beige SW 7036
Accessible Beige is noticeably darker and more saturated than Shoji White. It firmly sits in the beige category, while Shoji White remains primarily an off-white.
When you paint with Accessible Beige, you’ll get a definite color statement on your walls. It has stronger gray undertones than Shoji White, making it less likely to read yellow in certain lights.
Shoji White offers a more subtle approach, brightening spaces while still providing warmth. It works better in smaller rooms where Accessible Beige might feel too heavy.
Both colors pair beautifully with white trim, especially Benjamin Moore Simply White for a crisp contrast. Accessible Beige creates more definition between wall and trim colors compared to the softer transition Shoji White provides.
Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042 vs Irish Cream SW 7537
Irish Cream has stronger yellow-gold undertones compared to Shoji White’s more balanced greige base. It creates a distinctly warmer and more traditional feel in your space.
You’ll notice Irish Cream has a higher intensity that makes it more of a light beige than an off-white. In direct sunlight, it can appear quite golden.
Shoji White maintains its versatility across different lighting conditions. It won’t shift as dramatically as Irish Cream when the light changes throughout the day.
For trim pairings, Shoji White works with more white options, while Irish Cream looks best with warmer whites like Benjamin Moore White Dove to prevent stark contrasts.
Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042 vs Westhighland White SW 7566
Westhighland White appears lighter and creamier than Shoji White. It has more pronounced yellow undertones without the greige influence that Shoji White possesses.
When you use Westhighland White, you’ll get a brighter, more traditional warm white. It works beautifully in kitchens and bathrooms where you want a clean but not stark appearance.
Shoji White feels more grounded and sophisticated. Its subtle greige undertones make it more compatible with a range of décor styles from farmhouse to modern.
In spaces with limited natural light, Westhighland White will help brighten the room more effectively than Shoji White. Both pair nicely with Benjamin Moore whites for trim work.
Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042 vs Antique White SW 6119
Antique White is significantly creamier and more yellow-toned than Shoji White. It embraces its vintage inspiration with stronger yellow undertones that create a distinctly warm feel.
You’ll find Antique White works best in traditional spaces or where you want to create a deliberate warm, vintage appearance. It pairs beautifully with antique wood furniture.
Shoji White offers more flexibility across different design styles. Its balanced undertones won’t feel dated or too trendy.
For trim combinations, Antique White looks best with equally warm whites, while Shoji White can work with both warm and slightly cooler whites like Benjamin Moore Simply White for a fresh look.
Complementary Colors to Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042
Finding the right color combinations for Shoji White can transform your space. This warm, creamy off-white with greige undertones pairs beautifully with many colors to create balanced, inviting rooms.
Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042 with Intellectual Gray SW 7045
Intellectual Gray creates a sophisticated pairing with Shoji White. This medium-toned gray has subtle warm undertones that complement Shoji White’s creamy nature perfectly.
You can use Intellectual Gray as an accent wall with Shoji White on remaining walls for a gentle contrast that doesn’t overwhelm. This combination works exceptionally well in living rooms and home offices.
For furniture, consider natural wood tones to enhance the organic neutral palette. Black metal fixtures add definition against these soft colors.
In kitchens, try Shoji White cabinets with Intellectual Gray walls, or vice versa. The depth difference creates visual interest while maintaining a cohesive look.
Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042 with Repose Gray SW 7015
Repose Gray offers a versatile partner for Shoji White. This cool-leaning gray creates a serene balance when paired with Shoji White’s warmth.
In open floor plans, you might paint main areas Shoji White with Repose Gray in connecting spaces. The transition feels natural without hard contrast.
For trim and ceilings, consider using Snowbound SW 7004 instead of Shoji White when working with Repose Gray, as suggested in the search results.
This combination suits bedrooms particularly well. The cool/warm balance promotes restfulness while providing enough contrast to define the space.
Natural textures like linen, cotton, and jute enhance this pairing by adding dimension to the subtle color story.
Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042 with Agreeable Gray SW 7029
Agreeable Gray partners beautifully with Shoji White to create a soft, harmonious atmosphere. Both colors have warm undertones that play well together.
You might paint most walls Shoji White with Agreeable Gray as an accent. The effect is subtle but adds depth to your room design.
This combination works wonderfully in dining rooms and entryways where you want a welcoming feel without bold statements.
For cabinetry, consider Shoji White with Agreeable Gray walls for a kitchen that feels both clean and cozy. Add brass hardware to enhance the warmth.
In bathrooms, this pairing creates a spa-like atmosphere, especially when complemented with natural stone elements and white fixtures.
Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042 with Fleur de Sel SW 7666
Fleur de Sel brings a cooler gray tone to balance Shoji White’s warmth. This creates a refreshing contrast while maintaining an overall neutral scheme.
You can use this combination in modern farmhouse designs. Try Shoji White on walls with Fleur de Sel for trim and cabinetry.
In bedrooms, this pairing creates a tranquil retreat. Add textured bedding in ivory or pale blue to enhance the serene quality.
For home exteriors, Shoji White siding with Fleur de Sel trim offers elegant contrast that highlights architectural details without being stark.
This combination also works well in bathrooms, creating a clean, bright space that still feels warm and inviting.
Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042 with Lattice SW 7654
Lattice brings a gentle, pale gray-beige quality that complements Shoji White beautifully. This subtle pairing creates depth without contrast.
You might use these colors in a tone-on-tone approach. Paint walls Shoji White with Lattice for trim and built-ins.
In nurseries or children’s rooms, this soft combination provides a neutral backdrop that works with any accent colors you might add later.
For furniture, consider using Lattice for larger pieces against Shoji White walls. The subtle difference adds dimension without creating visual heaviness.
This pairing works especially well in spaces with abundant natural light, where the subtle differences between the shades become more apparent.
Shoji White by Sherwin Williams SW 7042 with Gossamer Veil SW 9165
Gossamer Veil offers a dreamy, light gray-beige that pairs effortlessly with Shoji White. Together they create a layered neutral palette with visual interest.
You can use these colors in adjacent rooms for a flowing transition throughout your home. Each space will feel distinct yet connected.
In living areas, try Shoji White walls with Gossamer Veil on built-ins or fireplace surrounds for subtle definition.
For kitchens, Shoji White cabinets with Gossamer Veil walls create a soft, elegant look. Add natural wood accents to warm the space further.
This combination suits contemporary and transitional styles particularly well, offering enough contrast for visual interest while maintaining a serene atmosphere.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.