Looking for the perfect off-white paint color for your home? Let’s talk about Sherwin Williams Original White and if it might be right for your home!
If you can't decide between white or gray paint, today's post may be for you!
Sherwin Williams Original White is an off-white that can appear off-white or gray depending on a space's lighting.
And the best part? Unlike some stark whites or grays, Original White still offers some warmth!
This is a great color to choose if you want almost-white walls, but a touch of color and nothing too stark or cold.
Original White, Sherwin Williams, SW 7077
Original White is a pastel off-white, offering a bit more warmth and depth than similar shades.
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Original White
Color Family
Original White is in the purple family.
Light Reflectance Value
74
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.
With an LRV of 74, Original White is a light bright color, but its LRV is low enough that it is definitely NOT white but more of an off-white or gray.
RGB Colors
R: 226 G: 222 B: 219
RGB describes the amount of each color - red, green, and blue - present in a color. This is on a scale of 0 to 255 for each color. This is basically the color mix to make the color!
Hex Code
#E2DEDB
Undertones
Original White is soft off-white with gray, purple, beige, and even a hint of blush undertones.
In south-facing rooms with lots of natural light, Original White will appear warmer, lighter, and brighter.
In darker, north-facing rooms, Original White will appear cooler and its gray undertones will be more obvious.
It's very important to swatch colors on your wall to make sure they look good – day and night – in your actual space before committing.
Click here to get removable peel & stick paint samples to easily swatch with!
Best uses
Original White can work in a bedroom, living room, or kitchen. It's also good on the exterior of a house! Just test it in your space to be sure you like how it looks.
Because lighting affects Original White so much, I don't recommend it as a whole house paint color.
Similar Colors
- Sherwin Williams Snowfall
- Benjamin Moore Hampshire Rocks
- Behr Abalone Shell
- Sherwin Williams Ghosted
- Benjamin Moore A la Mode
- Behr White Opal
- Sherwin Williams Lunar Lite
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Original White
🤯 Too many color choices?
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Coordinating Colors
Original White pairs well with deep colors, including purples, browns, grays, blues, and other neutrals. It also looks great with cool, crisp whites.
Deep purples:
- Blackberry
- Merlot
- Deep Maroon
- Carnelian
- Marooned
Deep, warm neutrals:
- Hammered Silver
- Armadillo
- Poised Taupe
- Elephant Ear
- Sticks & Stones
Cool whites:
- Pure White
- Snowbound
- White Sand
- Natural White
- White Sail
Trim Colors
For trim colors, you have two options. One is to use Original White for walls AND trim.
Just pick a different sheen. I like eggshell for the walls and semigloss for trim. This provides a soft, tone-on-tone look.
For more contrast, stick to bright white trim. Creamy trim could clash with Original White.
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Sherwin Williams Extra White
- Behr Ultra Pure White
Original White color palette
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Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Original White
FAQS
Here are some frequently asked questions about Original White.
Is SW Original White warm or cool?
SW Original White is a warm off-white paint color.
Does SW Original White look yellow?
No, SW Original White does not look yellow. While it has some warmth to it, Original White most often appears as an off-white or a gray, depending on a space's lighting.
Does SW Original White look gray?
Yes, SW Original White can look gray, especially in darker, north-facing rooms.
However, Original White will appear brighter and warmer in brighter space, so it's important to swatch this color and review it as lighting shifts throughout the day before making a final decision.
What color trim goes with SW Original White?
For trim colors, you have two options.
For more contrast, stick to bright white trim. My favorites are Behr Ultra Pure White, BM Simply White, and SW Extra White.
Or, you can use Original White for both walls and trim. Just pick a different sheen. I like eggshell for the walls and semigloss for trim. This provides a soft, tone-on-tone look.
What's the difference: SW Original White vs Snowfall?
Original White and Snowfall share many similarities. However, no two paint colors are exactly the same.
Original White is very, very slightly lighter and more saturated, whereas Snowfall is a tiny bit darker and more muted.
Always swatch colors in your space before making a decision—especially when two colors are this close!
What's the difference: SW Original White vs Ghosted?
SW Original White and Ghosted are similar off-whites.
However, Original White is a tad darker, more purple, and more muted, whereas White Opal is very slightly lighter, more neutral, and more saturated.
These two are pretty similar, so it's helpful to swatch them side by side. Then you can see which one feels right in your space.
Before you go...
So, you've found the perfect paint color, but here's the thing - there's another big decision you have to make: picking the right paint sheen. Seriously, the level of glossiness can totally change how your color looks on the walls and how long the paint lasts!
Check out our complete guide to understanding paint sheens.
Still unsure which paint color is right for your space?
Choosing paint doesn’t have to be stressful! My free Paint Color Planning Quick Start Guide walks you through the exact steps to confidently choose the perfect color — without the overwhelm, second-guessing, or endless swatch testing.
👉 Click here to download the free guide!
DIYing Your Paint Job? Start Here.
Choosing a paint color is only half the equation — the tools you use matter just as much. I’ve rounded up the painting supplies we rely on for clean lines, smooth finishes, and less frustration overall.
My Paint Color Formula course walks you through the painless process of expertly testing paint swatches to ensure you have the perfect color for your home.
The best way to sample paint? Samplize!
Get peel-and-stick removable and reusable paint samples here!
Thanks for reading!
Meg Hemmelgarn is a freelance writer and home decor + DIY blogger who loves to talk about paint colors. She and her husband are currently renovating their third fixer upper. You can see their projects on her blog, Green With Decor.
