Our Review of Pure White by Sherwin Williams

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When it comes to updating your exterior, there’s no shade more classic than white. This tried-and-true favorite is versatile enough for any style of home, transforming farmhouses, cottages, colonials, and everything in between.

But choosing the right white hue can be challenging. If you’re looking for a soft white with subtle undertones, Pure White by Sherwin Williams might be the shade for you. This chameleon-like color will instantly update any home for a look that is equal parts modern and traditional. Learn more about Pure White and why this shade is one of our favorites for exteriors.

If you want to explore a new color palette for your exterior, we’ve got you covered. Our virtual design services allow you to find the perfect paint color and easily visualize what it will look like using a photorealistic design rendering. We’ll also help you choose accent colors, finishes, and other design details for a cohesive overall combination that brings your dream home to life. Learn more about our virtual exterior design services. 

Our designers only use and recommend products that we know, love, or would use on our own properties. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. 

Home painted in Pure White by Sherwin Williams with stone and wood accents.

Sherwin Williams’ Pure White: The specs

With an LRV of 84, Pure White by Sherwin Williams is a bright option for any exterior. Unlike ultra-white shades, however, this color has slight yellow undertones to add a bit of warmth. It also has the tiniest hint of a black undertone to create a softer, more diffused shade.

While the yellow undertone looks more pronounced in southern exposures, it reads cooler in northern exposures to neutralize any yellow that shines through. No matter the lighting, Pure White is a light hue that is warm and welcoming — but never too creamy. 

This soft white shade is versatile enough to use on the base, trim, or accents of a home’s exterior. Keep in mind, however, that the brightness of the color will reflect what’s around it. If the house is surrounded by grass and trees, for example, Pure White may pick up hints of green. Alternately, if near paved driveways or roads, it may reflect a bit more black. These environmental factors can change the overall tone of Pure White and make it look slightly different from home to home.

WE ALWAYS RECOMMEND SAMPLING AND TESTING PAINT COLORS BEFORE COMMITTING. FACTORS SUCH AS NATURAL LIGHTING, UNDERTONES, AND YOUR PROPERTY’S FIXED ELEMENTS WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON HOW A COLOR WILL APPEAR ON YOUR EXTERIOR. OUR FRIENDS AT SAMPLIZE OFFER EXTRA-LARGE 9 X 14.75 INCH PEEL-AND-STICK PAINT SAMPLES OF THE COLORS WE LOVE FOR EXTERIORS. ORDER YOUR ‘REAL PAINT, NO MESS’ SAMPLES FROM SAMPLIZE HERE.

Single-story home painted in Pure White by Sherwin Williams.

Recommended applications for Pure White by Sherwin Williams

Pure White delivers a classic, timeless look for all home styles and exterior finishes. From brick to stucco, this light hue is a classic color that will never go out of style. 

This beautiful shade can also help you achieve nearly any aesthetic. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern style or a more traditional feel, including Pure White in your exterior color palette makes it possible. Mixing and matching your accent colors and finishes — like the warmth of wood and copper or the coolness of black metal and wrought iron — can give Pure White a whole new look.

Two-story home with Pure White siding and dark black accents.

Sherwin Williams’ Pure White color pairings

Pure White is nearly unparalleled in its versatility thanks to its subtle undertones. It pairs perfectly with a wide range of colors including black and grays, blues and greens, and even other neutrals like beige or brown.

White brick home with wooden accents.

In the rendering above, our designers transformed this brick home with Pure White, lightening and brightening the exterior to give it a new lease on life. We paired it with Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams as an accent color for a dark and earthy contrast that pairs well with Pure White’s subtle creaminess. 

Coastal-looking home with white vertical siding, gray shutters, and light wooden accents.

The home above features bright vertical siding rendered in Pure White, giving the exterior a casual, coastal feel. Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal is the ideal accent for a soft, neutral finish that complements the slate roof. Medium-toned wood and copper-colored gutters are the final touches that add welcoming warmth to this stylish exterior.

Two-story home painted in charcoal gray with accents in Pure White by Sherwin Williams.

This home is the perfect example of Pure White as an accent color. Used on the columns, eaves, soffit, and trim, it beautifully complements Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams to create a high-contrast color palette that elevates this home’s exterior into a bold, high-contrast, and modern style.

White, single-story home with a car port and wooden accents.

Pros and cons of Pure White by Sherwin Williams

PROS:

  • Because of its very subtle yellow and black undertones, Pure White works well on any texture and for homes with northern and southern exposures
  • The soft white look of Pure White is more welcoming and inviting than a stark white shade
  • You can pair this hue with nearly any other color or any type of exterior accent, like wood or metal, to bring your exterior vision to life

CONS:

  • Because of its high LRV, Pure White reflects its surroundings, which can change how the color looks depending on the environment
  • It’s not a particularly unique or bold shade, so it might not be the best option for those wanting a statement-making exterior

Pure White Alternatives

While Pure White is a tried-and-true classic, we understand it might not be the right fit for every exterior. Discover our other favorite whites that offer a similar look.

Home with an off-white exterior, dark wood accents, and a black garage door and window frames.

Sherwin Williams’ White Duck vs. Pure White

This off-white shade has an LRV of 74, making it a slightly darker option than Pure White. Sherwin Williams’ White Duck also has creamy undertones, creating a more beige overall look. Perfect for rustic farmhouses and cottages, White Duck is an extremely versatile and timeless alternative to Pure White.

Multi-story home with siding in Snowbound by Sherwin Williams.

Sherwin Williams’ Snowbound vs. Pure White

Snowbound by Sherwin Williams is another soft white to consider for your exterior color palette. With cream and pink undertones, it has a similar look to Pure White but has an LRV that’s slightly lower at 83. Cooler-toned hues, like gray, blue, or green, make the ideal pairing for this shade for a stylish and sophisticated color palette.

Classic two-story home with off-white painted brick and a stone entryway.

Benjamin Moore’s Seapearl vs. Pure White

There’s a reason that Seapearl by Benjamin Moore was named our exterior paint color of the year in 2021. This timeless shade is a creamy off-white color with gray undertones, allowing it to easily suit both modern and traditional exteriors. The warm shade has an LRV of 77, ensuring it isn’t too stark or sterile, and it easily complements any building material. 

The bottom line on Pure White

This soft white shade is a perfect match for nearly every exterior. With its softness and minimal undertones, it’s a welcoming white hue that makes any home feel warm and inviting. Pair it with various hues to create endless color palettes that fit nearly any aesthetic. No matter your preferred exterior style, this unmatched versatility allows you to bring your dream home to life with Pure White!

At brick&batten, we’re here to help you realize your home or your business’s full potential. From choosing your exterior color palette to selecting the smallest details, we’ll simplify the entire process. Reach out to our team today to take the first step toward making your dream home a reality! Get started today.

Author

Hannah is an experienced copywriter, journalist, and content writer who loves bringing brands to life. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from Boston University, Hannah spent a decade in New York City honing her skills by working on in-house creative teams for global brands like Estee Lauder, Douglas Elliman, Tiffany & Co., and Groupon. She also partners with small businesses across industries — from interior design to real estate to tech — to help bring their brands to life through print and digital content. Hannah recently relocated back to the greater Boston area, where she loves exploring the city’s different neighborhoods by way of new restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries.