Looking for the perfect off-white paint color for your home? Let's compare Sanctuary vs Alabaster to see if one might be perfect for your space!
Off-white paint colors are incredibly versatile and stunning. They’re perfect when you want neutral walls that feel warm and inviting, without the starkness of bright whites.
But not all off-whites are created equal.
Some are so light they’re practically white, while others lean toward greige. Plus, off-whites can have either warm or cool undertones, adding to the variety.
Today, let’s dive into two of the most popular off-whites out there: Sanctuary and Alabaster. These shades are similar but have unique differences that set them apart.
Read my full review of Sanctuary
Read my full review of Alabaster
Sherwin Williams Sanctuary vs Alabaster
Sanctuary and Alabaster are both gorgeous shades of creamy off-white. They have some similarities, but they are not the same color!
What is similar about Sanctuary vs Alabaster?
Both Sanctuary and Alabaster are neutral, light, bright off-whites.
They’re neutral, light, and versatile—great choices for a whole house paint color. But they’re definitely not identical.
What is different about Sanctuary vs Alabaster?
Sanctuary is darker than Alabaster.
Sanctuary falls firmly in the middle of the off-white category, whereas Alabaster is the lightest an off-white can be. (Colors that are lighter than Alabaster are considered true whites.)
Alabaster is right on the border between off-white and white paint colors.
Also, Alabaster feels a bit creamier and more saturated, while Sanctuary is more muted with subtle beige and gray undertones.
| Sanctuary | Alabaster | |
| LRV | 76 | 82 |
| RBG | R: 230 G: 226 B: 217 | R:237 G:234 B:224 |
| Undertones | beige, hint of yellow and gray | warm beige |
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.
Sanctuary is noticeably darker than Alabaster, with an LRV of 76 vs 82.
Generally, anything with an LRV from 72-82 is considered off-white, with anything higher than 82 being true white.
This means both Sanctuary and Alabaster are off-whites, although Alabaster is right on the line between off-white and white.
Undertones
Sanctuary has beige undertones with a hint of yellow and gray, while alabaster has warm beige undertones.
In south-facing rooms with lots of natural light, warm undertones are more apparent. Both Alabaster and Sanctuary will appear creamier and warmer.
In north-facing rooms that lack natural light, colors appear cooler. Alabaster will look like a neutral white, and Sanctuary will lean more greige / gray.
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?
If you love the idea of a warm, creamy white or off-white, Alabaster is the choice for you!
If you're looking for something a bit darker, more muted, perhaps that leans a bit more greige, Sanctuary is perfect for you!
While both are great options, if you're really struggling to decide, Alabaster may be the best choice here. It's the more popular choice, which makes sense given that it's a bit lighter and brighter.
Sanctuary 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 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 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!
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.
