Searching for the perfect off-white paint color? I compare two popular options—City Loft vs Egret White. Let’s see which one could be the best fit for your home.
White is a classic paint color for a reason. But, if you want a light and bright room that doesn’t feel cold and sterile, a warm off-white might actually be what you are looking for.
Warm off-whites offer the best of both worlds: neutral and clean, but still cozy and comfortable. I’ve used them in spaces where I wanted that fresh look, but with a little extra warmth.
That said, with so many warm off-whites to choose from, it helps to really dig into the details.
So today, I’m breaking down City Loft and Egret White—two popular shades that could be perfect for your home.
Read my full review of City Loft
Read my full review of Egret White
City Loft vs. Egret White: What’s the Difference?
City Loft and Egret White definitely have a lot in common. They’re both warm, neutral whites with the same LRV, which means they reflect light similarly.
But even with those similarities, there are always little differences that can make one stand out over the other!
What’s Similar About City Loft vs Egret White?
City Loft and Egret White are both warm off-whites that work beautifully in most spaces.
With an LRV of 70, they reflect and absorb light the same way, landing them in that perfect mid-tone range—not too light, not too dark.
Both shades are neutral enough to fit into a variety of rooms, making them versatile choices for your home. But we’ll get into more details on that below!
What is different about City Loft vs Egret White?
City Loft has a soft, peachy greige vibe that adds a bit of warmth and character.
Egret White, on the other hand, is more of a warm off-white.
| City Loft | Egret White | |
| LRV | 70 | 70 |
| RGB | R: 223 G: 218 B: 209 | R: 223 G: 217 B: 207 |
| Undertones | Warm-toned with beige and red undertones | Warm-toned with stone undertones, touch of pink and purple |
Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures how much light a paint color reflects, on a scale from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white).
Both City Loft and Egret White have an LRV of 70, meaning they reflect and absorb light equally. This makes them mid-toned colors—right in that sweet spot of not too light, but not too dark.
They’re perfect for spaces where you want some contrast without overwhelming the room with brightness or heaviness. You get the warmth and depth without either color feeling too intense.
Undertones
Both Egret White and City Loft have warm undertones, but the way they appear in different lighting can vary quite a bit.
In south-facing rooms with plenty of natural light, both colors will feel warmer and cozier. But in north-facing rooms or spaces with less natural light, you’ll notice they can lean cooler.
Egret White has subtle pink and purple undertones that really come out when paired with green or yellow accents.
But be careful— in low-light rooms, like interior spaces or north-facing ones, it can look more beige than white, sometimes giving off a slightly dingy feel.
City Loft, on the other hand, has beige and red undertones, which give it a peachy-greige appearance. It stays consistently warm and neutral, even in different lighting situations.
I’ve seen firsthand how lighting can completely change the feel of a paint color, so it’s always smart to swatch them in your space.
How Do You Choose Between City Loft and Egret White?
Egret White and City Loft share a lot of similarities, but the choice really comes down to the vibe you’re after.
If you’re looking for a warm greige, City Loft is your best bet. On the other hand, if you prefer a warm white or soft off-white, Egret White is a solid pick.
That said, there are two times when you might want to avoid Egret White:
- If you’re using green or yellow accents, Egret White can sometimes pull a bit pink or purple. But hey, if you love those colors, it might be perfect!
- In low-light spaces like north-facing rooms or interior rooms, Egret White can come across as a little beige or even dingy.
Sherwin Williams City Loft Paint Color Palette
Want to use this paint color in your home? Instantly upgrade your home’s aesthetic with our exclusive paint color palette. Unlock the perfect trim color and six stunning accent colors, a combination of neutrals and bold hues for an instantly harmonious space!
Get your perfect paint color palette by clicking here!
Sherwin Williams Egret White Paint Color Palette
Want to use this paint color in your home? Instantly upgrade your home’s aesthetic with our exclusive paint color palette. Unlock the perfect trim color and six stunning accent colors, a combination of neutrals and bold hues for an instantly harmonious space!
Get your perfect paint color palette by clicking here!
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.
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.