Looking for the perfect white paint color for your home? I compare Origami White vs Snowbound to help you find the right one.
White paint colors should be easy, right?! Wrong!
There are just too many beautiful shades of white and off-white out there.
It’s more complicated than it seems. Those sneaky undertones can completely change how a color looks on your walls.
And let’s not forget about how dark or light the color is, and whether it’s truly white or leaning into off-white territory.
I’ve been there, staring at a wall of paint swatches, feeling overwhelmed.
So today, we’re going to take a closer look at two of the most popular white paint colors — Origami White and Snowbound.
Read my full review of Origami White
Read my full review of Snowbound
Origami White vs Snowbound
While both Origami White and Snowbound are white paint colors, they have some pretty distinct differences!
What is similar about Origami White vs Snowbound?
Both Origami White and Snowbound are neutral white paints that work well in a variety of spaces.
They’re versatile enough to be used as a whole-house paint color, making them great options for creating a cohesive look.
What is different about Origami White vs Snowbound?
Snowbound is noticeably lighter than Origami White and has a bit more warmth to it.
Classified as a true white, Snowbound sits right on the edge of the white and off-white spectrum, often showing up as a soft, warm white on walls.
Origami White, on the other hand, is firmly in the off-white category. It has a touch more depth, so it reflects less light and brings a bit more color to a room.
| Origami White | Snowbound | |
| LRV | 76 | 83 |
| RBG | R: 229 G: 226 B: 218 | R: 237 G: 234 B: 229 |
| Undertones | cool violet undertones, often appears as a clean off-white | soft, warm undertones, leans a bit taupe (creamy, pink) or beige |
Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
Light Reflectance Value, or LRV, measures how much light a color reflects. It’s on a scale from 0 to 100, with 0 being pure black and 100 being pure white.
Origami White is a bit darker than Snowbound, with an LRV of 76 compared to Snowbound’s 83.
In general, paint colors with an LRV between 72 and 82 are considered off-white, while anything above 82 is classified as true white.
So, Origami White falls into the off-white category, while Snowbound just makes it into the true white range.
Undertones
Origami White has cool violet undertones, giving it a clean off-white appearance.
Snowbound, on the other hand, has soft, warm undertones, leaning a bit towards taupe or beige with a creamy, pinkish hue.
In south-facing rooms, both Origami White and Snowbound will look warmer, especially Snowbound.
In north-facing rooms, Origami White’s violet undertones will be more apparent.
Snowbound, meanwhile, will appear slightly darker and less warm, taking on more of a neutral white or off-white vibe.
It’s crucial to swatch these colors on your walls to see how they look in your space, both day and night, before making a final decision.
I always recommend trying removable peel-and-stick paint samples — they make it easy to see exactly how each color will work in your home.
How do you choose between these two colors?
If you’re drawn to a warm or lighter white, Snowbound might be just what you’re looking for!
But if a clean off-white or something a bit cooler is more your style, Origami White could be the perfect fit.
However, keep in mind that in north-facing rooms, Origami White’s violet undertones might show up more than you’d like. In that case, Snowbound could be a better option.
On the other hand, in south-facing rooms, Snowbound can lean a bit warm. You may want Origami White in these spaces.
Sherwin Williams Origami 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!
Sherwin Williams Snowbound 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.