Looking for the best white paint color for your home? Read my comparison of Greek Villa vs Pure White to see if one fits your space!
White paint is a classic choice. It’s like a blank canvas that can work with just about any style you throw at it. But, as you might have noticed, not all whites are created equal!
There are a ton of white paints out there, and they all have their own personality.
Some are warm and cozy, others are cool and crisp, and then there are those that flirt with a little cream or gray.
So today, I’m breaking down two popular shades to help you figure out which one might be your perfect match.
I’ve chosen Greek Villa and Pure White, both by Sherwin Williams, to do a comparison.
These two white paint colors both have yellow undertones, and they can appear differently depending on the space!
Read my full review of Greek Villa
Read my full review of Pure White
Greek Villa vs Pure White
Greek Villa and Pure White are both fantastic white paint colors, but they each have their own vibe.
Let’s see what makes them similar — and what sets them apart!
What is similar about Greek Villa vs Pure White?
Greek Villa and Pure White have a lot in common.
They both have an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 84. This means they will reflect and absorb the same amount of light in a room.
Both have yellow undertones, which I’ll explain more about below.
And they’re also both light, bright, and neutral enough to work as whole-house paint colors.
What is different about Greek Villa vs Pure White?
Greek Villa is warmer and creamier. Pure White, on the other hand, is cooler and more neutral.
Greek Villa’s yellow undertones are a bit stronger and warmer, making it feel inviting and soft.
Pure White’s yellow undertones are super subtle — just enough to keep it from feeling too stark.
When you put them side by side, Pure White can sometimes look almost gray, but don’t worry — it still reads as a white on your walls.
| Greek Villa | Pure White | |
| LRV | 84 | 84 |
| RBG | R:237 G:234 B:224 | R: 237 G: 236 B: 230 |
| Undertones | warm – yellow/beige | slight yellow undertones, which keep this bright white from being too stark |
Light Reflectance Value
LRV measures how much light a paint color bounces around your room.
It’s on a scale from 0 to 100, with 0 being pure black (think, no light reflection at all) and 100 being pure white (reflecting all the light).
Both Greek Villa and Pure White have an LRV of 84. That means they’re bright paint colors, perfect for making your space feel light and open.
Since their LRVs are above 82, Greek Villa and Pure White both count as true white paint colors.
So, if you’re aiming for that clean, crisp look, you’re in the right zone with either of these shades.
Undertones
Even though Greek Villa and Pure White both have yellow undertones, they show up in different ways.
Greek Villa leans into warm yellow and beige undertones, giving it a creamy, inviting vibe.
On the other hand, Pure White has just a hint of yellow—enough to keep it from feeling too stark but still reading as a soft, neutral white.
You’ll notice that both of these whites, especially Greek Villa, tend to look creamier and warmer in south-facing rooms with plenty of natural light.
In contrast, in north-facing rooms that don’t get as much natural light, both colors will appear cooler and whiter.
Greek Villa, in particular, will seem brighter and less creamy in these spaces compared to rooms that are flooded with sunlight.
Before you commit, I always recommend grabbing some swatches and testing them out in your space. Light can change everything!
How do I decide between these two colors?
Choosing between two colors can be tricky, but I’ve got you covered! Here are a few tips to help you decide between Greek Villa and Pure White.
If you’re painting a south-facing room and want something closer to a true white, Pure White is your best bet. Greek Villa might come off a bit creamy in that light.
On the other hand, if you’re after a warm white, Greek Villa is the way to go. This is especially true if you have a south-facing room and like the idea of a color that can feel a little creamy.
If you want more of a neutral white, go with Pure White.
Sherwin Williams Greek Villa 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 Pure 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!
Click here to get our Pure White pre-made paint color palette.
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.