Our Review of Shell White by Sherwin Williams

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Shell White by Sherwin Williams stands out in a seemingly endless sea of white exterior paint colors. This shade is a beautiful warm white described by Sherwin Williams as “graceful.” No matter your home style or paint color preferences, we’re sure our recommendations for application, color pairing ideas, and design examples will have you considering Shell White for your home exterior.

Not sure where to begin with all of the exterior paint color options that are out there? Let us help! The design experts at brick&batten will narrow down your choices and show you how they look on your home. From paint colors to sunroom ideas, we’re here to guide every facet of your exterior update decision-making process. Learn more about what we do.

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. 

virtual rendering of farmhouse with cedar columns, lime washed brick, and wood lintels

Sherwin Williams’ Shell White: The specs

Shell White isn’t stark by any means, but with an LRV of 83, it is bright. (Curious about LRV? Learn more here, including why LRV is so important to keep in mind when choosing the perfect paint color for your home.)

It’s also worth noting that Shell White has peachy undertones, according to Sherwin Williams.

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.
ranch style home with wood cladding, modern garage doo, stone and paver walkway, and black windows.

Recommended applications for Shell White

Shell White can shine as the main hue on a home, or it can complement other shades as an accent color. We’ve used Shell White on all types of cladding, including stucco and brick. We’ve even used it on design elements like breeze block walls. Wood elements, black accents, copper fixtures, and bright-colored doors all look lovely with Shell White. Additionally, it works well on a variety of home styles.

Light and airy cottage with wood accents rendered in Shell White by Sherwin Williams

Shell White color pairings

Shell White may have peachy undertones, but it’s actually quite versatile. We’re going to show you three different ways to use Shell White on three very different home styles.

The exterior of the quaint home above beautifully shows Shell White as the central hue, Simply White by Benjamin Moore on the windows, and Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams on the eaves. Simply White is a great choice for an accent color to Shell White because of its warm undertones and slightly brighter appearance.

The brick in this rendering is limewashed to tone down its presence and add texture and depth without stealing the show. Browns from copper lighting tie right in with wood elements, giving this home a warm and inviting curb appeal.

A contemporary home rendered in Shell White by Sherwin Williams and Storm by Benjamin Moore

Above, our designers used Storm by Benjamin Moore and Shell White on this contemporary home in the woods. Andiron by Sherwin Williams, one of our top Sherwin Williams exterior paint colors of 2023, can be seen on the eaves and railing. The almost-black green is a nod to the surrounding environment. Further, the stone skirting is subtle and minimal, letting the color-blocking lead. This is a stunning color combination among the trees, and we’re imagining this same scene with snow around!

mid-century modern home with a flat roof, yellow door, breeze block flanked entrance, and stone and pave walkway

With its flat roof with wood cladding on the eaves, large flagstone walls, and geometric elements on the garage door, walkway, and brick, the home above is mid-century modern perfection. The central color of the design is Skyline Steel by Sherwin Williams, a warm gray that complements the earthy tones in the flagstone and Shell White. Even Sherwin Williams suggests pairing the two hues together.

Shell White was applied to the breeze block of the façade. The brighter color against the flagstone and Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams draws the eye to the center of the home where the entrance is located. Speaking of the entrance, that pop of color on the front door is provided by Sherwin Williams’ Alchemy. Quintessential mid-century characteristics and a fresh color palette gave this home the upgrade it needed.

A small home exterior rendered in Shell White by Sherwin Williams

Pros and cons of Shell White by Sherwin Williams

PROS:

  • Can brighten a home without being stark
  • Color pairing options are plentiful
  • Suits many home styles

CONS:

  • May be too warm and not “white” or “crisp” enough for some

Alternatives to Shell White

If you like Shell White but aren’t sure it’s the perfect option for your home, check out these alternatives.

modern farmhouse exterior with wood look garage doors, cedar porch columns, and black windows.

Benjamin Moore’s White Dove

White Dove is a neutral white that our designers love because of its versatility. We’ve applied this hue to urban homes and farmhouses alike. With similar color pairings to Shell White, you can still achieve an updated, modernized look with White Dove. For example, the design above shows the hue paired with wood accents and Deep River by Benjamin Moore, one of our 17 best exterior house colors of 2022.

traditional home with dormers and herringbone pattern brick walkway

Benjamin Moore’s Seapearl

Seapearl — our exterior paint color of 2021 — is a creamy white with the slightest hint of gray. We have yet to find a style of home that Seapearl doesn’t look good on. Its neutral undertones make it a great choice for any environment as well. Seapearl can lean coastal when paired with Boothbay Gray by Benjamin Moore, traditional when paired with Benjamin Moore’s Baby Fawn shown in the rendering above, and more.

A large modern home rendered in Shell White by Sherwin Williams

The bottom line on Shell White

Shell White has everything we’re looking for in a warm white exterior paint color. It can stand alone as the central color, and it works well as an accent hue. Additionally, color pairings are more available than you might have thought given its undertones. Furthermore, it looks great on a variety of architectural styles and works in a wide range of environments. Overall, Shell White is a wonderful choice to consider for your home exterior upgrade.

At brick&batten, we’re experts at recommending the right paint colors for your home and its environment. We take into account your desired style, preferred/existing accent colors, and more to ensure we pick the perfect hue for your home. Answers to a few short questions and photos of your home are all we need to get going. With this information, we will produce a virtual design of your home with our suggested paint colors and design elements. You’ll also receive a clickable resource list that helps you execute the upgrade. What are you waiting for? Let’s make your dream reality. Get started here.

Author

Originally from Tennessee, Ami currently lives in South Carolina, which has been home since leaving the military in 2016. Interior and exterior design has always intrigued Ami, especially the styles and characteristics seen in other countries as an avid traveler and photographer. She lives for the renewal of older or historic homes that maintain their character, and regularly creates her own mood boards and virtual designs for inspiration or to help others with their spaces. Having always had a passion for design and following their work for years prior, Ami was excited to be brought onto brick&batten’s team of writers. Her writing endeavors actually started in an academic/scientific setting, then in a regulatory aspect. Writing about paint colors, emerging or current trends in exterior design, and so much more revolving around something she’s always enjoyed was a fun and welcomed change!