Looking for the perfect off-white paint color for your home? Let’s compare Incredible White vs Alabaster to see if one might be perfect for your space!
Off-whites are gorgeous colors. They offer a gorgeous neutral backdrop without the starkness of a bright white.
But here’s the thing – off-whites come in all kinds of shades. Some lean warm, some cool, and others sit right in the middle.
Before you commit, it’s worth diving into the details so you don’t end up with a color that’s too light, too dark, or just not what you imagined.
Today, I’m comparing two of the most popular off-white paint colors: Incredible White and Alabaster.
I’ve worked with both of these shades, and while they’re similar, they each bring something unique to the table.
Let’s break it down so you can decide which one fits your space best.
Read my full review of Incredible White
Read my full review of Alabaster
Incredible White vs Alabaster
Incredible White and Alabaster may both be off-white paint colors, but they have many differences!
What is similar about Incredible White vs Alabaster?
Both Incredible White and Alabaster are off-whites, which makes them light and super versatile.
You could easily use either as a whole house color if you want a bright, cohesive feel.
They both reflect a lot of light, which means they’ll make your rooms feel open and airy. Whether you’re painting walls, ceilings, or trim, these colors work beautifully throughout the house.
What is different about Incredible White vs Alabaster?
Incredible White is darker, almost a greige. Alabaster is lighter and warmer, much closer to the true white category of paint colors.
While both make great wall colors, Alabaster also makes a great trim color. Overall, Alabaster is a bit more versatile of the two.
| Incredible White | Alabaster | |
| LRV | 74 | 82 |
| RBG | R:227 G:222 B:215 | R: 237 G: 234 B: 224 |
| Undertones | off-white with gray / taupe undertones, often reads as a greige, can read slightly pink or purple | off-white with warm beige undertones, can read as a grayish cream |
Light Reflectance Value
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.
Incredible White is noticeably darker than Alabaster.
Generally, anything with an LRV from 72-82 is considered off-white, with anything higher than 82 being true white. With an LRV of 74, Incredible White is on the darker end of the off-white paint colors.
With an LRV of 82, Alabaster is the lightest an off-white paint color can be. It’s a light, warm (not overly warm) off-white.
Undertones
Incredible White and Alabaster have very different undertones.
Incredible White has cooler gray and taupe undertones, and sometimes you’ll see a hint of pink or purple depending on the lighting.
Alabaster has warm beige undertones, which gives it a creamy, soft look. I’ve used it in a south-facing room, and the natural light made it glow with warmth.
In darker, north-facing rooms, both colors will look cooler. So if you’re painting a room with less natural light, keep this in mind.
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!
How do I decide between these two colors?
It really depends on the vibe you’re going for.
If you want a slightly darker, moodier off-white, Incredible White is a solid choice.
But if you’re after a lighter, creamier shade without any unexpected undertones, Alabaster is the way to go.
Personally, I’d go with Alabaster for its versatility. It pairs well with almost any color and works great on both walls and trim.
But if you’re into cooler tones or love the greige look, Incredible White might be perfect for your space.
One last tip: if you’re worried about pink or purple undertones, skip Incredible White and choose Alabaster. It’s a safer bet for a warm, timeless look.
Sherwin Williams Incredible White 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 Alabaster 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.