Choosing the right white paint for your interior can be a daunting task. It’s like finding the ideal little black dress for a party.
With many shades and undertones available, you need to understand the distinctions between popular choices like High Reflective White and Extra White.
In this guide, I’ll break down the differences, applications, and considerations for each. I’ll also help you make an informed decision for your next painting project.
So join me in this paint color review as I get into the details of High Reflective White vs Extra White.
High Reflective White Vs Extra White: What is the Difference?
High Reflective White and Extra White are two popular white paint choices, each with its unique characteristics. High Reflective White is known for its exceptional light reflectivity with an LVR of 93. Extra White, on the other hand, offers a pure, neutral white with minimal undertones, with an LVR of 86.
About High Reflective White
HEX code: #F0F0F0
HEX color name: White
RGB decimal: (240, 240, 240)
RGB float: (0.94, 0.94, 0.94)
CMYK percentage: (0%, 0%, 0%, 6%)
High Reflective White is a bright and airy shade of white. It’s a part of Sherwin-Williams’ extensive color palette that maximizes light reflectivity.
This makes it a favored choice among homeowners and designers who want to create luminous and inviting spaces. It also has a high ability to adapt to various lighting conditions.
The distinguishing factors of high-reflective white include exceptional light reflectivity, versatility, cool undertones, luminous atmosphere, timeless appeal, and adaptability.
About Extra White
HEX code: #EFEFEF
HEX color name: White
RGB decimal: (239, 239, 239)
RGB Float: (0.94, 0.94, 0.94)
CMYK percentage: (0%, 0%, 0%, 7%)
Extra White, another remarkable white paint offered by Sherwin-Williams, is a pure and neutral white. It has minimal undertones, providing a clean and crisp aesthetic.
Its versatility makes it a popular choice for a wide range of interior design projects. It has a slightly lower LRV compared to High Reflective White and offers a balance between illumination and contrast in well-lit spaces.
Whether used on walls, trim, or ceilings, Extra White’s timeless and classic appeal enhances various design styles and aesthetics.
Extra White stands out among other white paint options due to several distinguishing features. These include its clean and crisp aesthetic, versatility, reflectivity, balanced LVR and its timeless appeal.
High Reflective White vs Extra White: Know The Differences
In this head-to-head comparison, I’ll unravel the disparities between High Reflective White and Extra White. I’ll also assist you in selecting the ideal shade for your spaces.
1. High reflective white vs extra white: Light reflectance value
High Reflective White and Extra White differ in their Light Reflectance Value (LRV).
High Reflective White boasts a higher LRV of 93, making it reflective and capable of brightening even the darkest spaces. Extra White, while still quite bright, has an LRV of 86, offering slightly less reflectivity.
This means High Reflective White excels in creating luminous, airy rooms and is well-suited for areas with limited natural light.
On the other hand, Extra White provides a clean, neutral canvas, ideal for spaces with ample warm natural light, maintaining a balance between illumination and contrast.
2. Extra white vs high reflective white: Undertones
There is a subtle but notable difference between Extra White and High Reflective White.
Extra White, true to its name, leans toward a pure and neutral white. It also has minimal discernible undertones, offering a pristine and clean appearance.
In contrast, High Reflective White carries cooler undertones. It has a touch of brightness and freshness in it, making it a great choice for spaces where a cooler, crisper ambiance is desired.
These nuances in undertones give Extra White its timeless versatility, while High Reflective White’s cooler undertones enhance its adaptability to various lighting conditions.
3. SW high reflective white vs extra white: Versatility
When it comes to versatility, High Reflective White and Extra White both offer unique advantages.
High Reflective White excels in creating bright and airy spaces. Its versatility makes it suitable for rooms with different light sources, from natural to artificial.
Extra White’s pure and neutral character allows it to serve as a versatile canvas for various design styles and color schemes. While it may not have the same level of adaptability to lighting conditions as High Reflective White, it is a versatile choice for a wide range of interior design projects.
4. High reflective white or extra white: Lighting Conditions
High Reflective White and Extra White respond differently to various lighting conditions.
High Reflective White, with its exceptional light reflectivity, is the go-to choice for spaces with limited natural light. It maximizes brightness, making dim rooms feel more open and inviting.
Extra White is ideal for spaces with ample natural light, where it maintains a clean and crisp appearance without becoming too bright. It strikes a balance between illumination and contrast in well-lit areas.
Your choice should consider the specific lighting conditions in your space to achieve the desired atmosphere.
5. Extra white or high reflective white: Use and rooms
When choosing between Extra White and High Reflective White, consider the intended use and the type of rooms you’re painting.
Extra White’s neutral and untinted appearance makes it versatile for modern living rooms, kitchens, and well-lit spaces, maintaining a clean and minimalist aesthetic.
In contrast, High Reflective White excels in rooms with limited natural light, like basements or north-facing spaces, where it maximizes brightness and creates an inviting atmosphere.
All in all, the choice hinges on the lighting conditions and the desired ambiance for your specific rooms.
6. High reflective white and extra white: Availability
Both High Reflective White and Extra White are readily available from Sherwin-Williams. This is a reputable paint manufacturer with a wide distribution network.
These shades are part of Sherwin-Williams’ standard paint color offerings. So, they are accessible at most Sherwin-Williams retail locations, authorized dealers, and online.
That means you should have no trouble finding either of the colors. Availability may however vary slightly depending on your location.
High Reflective White vs Extra White – Which is Better?
Determining whether High Reflective White or Extra White is better depends on your specific needs and preferences for your project.
High Reflective White shines when you need exceptional light reflectivity and a brilliant, luminous space. It adapts well to various lighting conditions and can create an inviting ambiance.
On the other hand, Extra White offers a pure and neutral white versatile canvas for a wide range of design styles and color schemes. It’s a top choice for well-lit spaces where a clean and crisp aesthetic is desired.
The better option hinges on factors like the lighting conditions, desired atmosphere, and personal taste. Assess your project’s requirements to make an informed choice between these two shades.
Table: Key Differences Between High Reflective White and Extra White
| Features | High reflective white | Extra white |
| Light reflectance value | Exceptional (LVR 93) | Moderate (LVR 86) |
| Undertones | Bright and cool paint colors | Pure and neutral |
| Versatility | Exceptionally versatile | Moderately versatile |
| Lighting conditions | Suitable for areas with limited natural light | Suitable for areas with ample natural light |
| Use and rooms | Basements and north facing spaces | Living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens |
| Availability | Easily available | Easily available |
| Codes | HEX code: #F0F0F0 HEX color name: White RGB decimal: (240, 240, 240) RGB float: (0.94, 0.94, 0.94) CMYK percentage: (0%, 0%, 0%, 6%) | HEX code: #EFEFEF HEX color name: White RGB decimal: (239, 239, 239) RGB Float: (0.94, 0.94, 0.94) CMYK percentage: (0%, 0%, 0%, 7%) |
Color Combinations with High Reflective White
High Reflective White pairs beautifully with a variety of paint colors. Here are a few ideas:
1. High reflective white and navy blue. This classic combination creates a timeless and sophisticated look. Use High Reflective White as a backdrop for navy blue accents, furniture, or trim to achieve a balanced and elegant feel.
2. High reflective white and soft gray. For a serene and calming atmosphere, pair High Reflective White with soft gray tones. This pair is perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms, creating a soothing and inviting space.
3. High reflective white and vibrant coral. To add a pop of color and energy to your space, pair High Reflective White with vibrant coral. This combination works well in living rooms and dining areas.
4. High reflective white and rich wood tones. This blend creates a warm and inviting contrast. The white acts as a clean backdrop that highlights the natural beauty of the wood.
5. High reflective white and mint green. For a fresh and airy look, pair High Reflective White with mint green. You will love it for your kitchens and bathrooms as it gives your space a crisp and rejuvenating vibe.
6. High reflective white and charcoal gray. To achieve a modern and sophisticated look, try this pair. This contrast creates a bold and dramatic effect in various rooms, from home offices to dining rooms.
Color Combinations with Extra White
Extra White, being a pure and neutral white, pairs seamlessly with a wide range of colors. Here are some appealing color combinations to consider with extra white:
Extra white and navy blue. This combination will create a timeless and sophisticated look that will work well in living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices.
Extra white and soft pastels. For a soft and soothing atmosphere, pair Extra White with pastel shades like pale pink, baby blue, or mint green. This pair is perfect for nurseries, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
Extra white and charcoal gray. To achieve a modern and sleek aesthetic, use extra white as a backdrop for charcoal gray elements. You will love it in your kitchens, dining rooms, and home theaters.
Extra white and warm wood tones. To create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, combine Extra White with warm paint colors. This pairing works well in rustic and farmhouse-style interiors.
Extra white and vibrant accents. Make a bold statement by using extra white as a neutral backdrop for vibrant accents like red, yellow, or turquoise. This combination adds energy and personality to any room.
Extra White and black. For an ideal and contemporary design, incorporate black accents or furnishings to your extra white.
Extra White and metallics. Pairing Extra White with metallics like gold, silver, or copper adds a touch of glamor and elegance to your space. Consider metallic accents in lighting fixtures, decor, or hardware.
Should I Choose High Reflective White or Extra White?
The choice between High Reflective White and Extra White depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the characteristics of your space.
Choose High Reflective White if;
- You have limited natural light
- You want a luminous atmosphere
- Cooler undertones appeal to you
Choose Extra White if;
- You prefer a clean, neutral canvas
- Your space has ample natural light
- You want versatility
Is High Reflective White Warm or Cool?
High Reflective White is a cool white paint color. It has cooler undertones, which can lend a crisp and refreshing appearance to spaces.
These cooler undertones help balance warm lighting conditions in a room, making it a versatile choice for a variety of design styles and lighting situations.
Alternatives to High Reflective White
There are several alternatives to High Reflective White. These include:
- Behr ultra pure white
- Alabaster
- Decorator’s white
- Snowbound
- Dover white
- Aesthetic white
- High hide white
Extra White Vs Bright White
Extra White and Bright White are both popular white paint options, each with its distinct characteristics.
Extra White is a pure and untinted white. It serves as a clean and neutral canvas for various design styles.
With minimal undertones, extra white is a versatile choice, complementing both warm and cool colors. It’s ideal for spaces where a crisp, minimalist look is desired.
In well-lit areas, Sherwin Williams Extra White maintains its fresh and open feel without becoming too bright. This makes it suitable for a range of interior design projects, from contemporary to traditional.
Bright White, on the other hand, lives up to its name by offering a brilliant and vibrant white. It often has a slightly cooler undertone compared to Extra White.
Bright White’s exceptional brightness can create a striking contrast when used with other colors. This makes it a popular choice for trim color, moldings, and cabinets.
FAQs
Does extra white go with high reflective white?
Yes, Extra White and High Reflective White can complement each other well in the same space. You can use extra white as a clean backdrop for white walls, and high reflective white for trim, moldings, or ceilings to create a subtle contrast.
Is high reflective white the same as ultra white?
No, High Reflective White is not the same as ultra white. High Reflective White offers exceptional light reflectivity, making spaces exceptionally bright. Ultra White, on the other hand, is a pure and untinted very white paint color.
What does high reflective white paint mean?
High Reflective White paint means the ability of a paint to reflect light. It maximizes the brightness in a room and creates a luminous, airy atmosphere. High Reflective White achieves this by having a high Light Reflectance Value (LRV).
What is the difference between Sherwin Williams pure white and highly reflective white?
SW Pure White is a clean and bright white paint with minimal undertones. It provides a neutral and versatile backdrop. Highly Reflective White offers exceptional light reflectivity and makes spaces bright. (Find out more on the process of making white paint in our comprehensive article.)
Conclusion
Selecting between High Reflective White and SW Extra White for your interior paint is like choosing the perfect brushstroke to complete a masterpiece.
High Reflective White, with its radiant light-reflecting abilities, elevates dim spaces into vibrant retreats. Meanwhile, extra white presents itself as a pure and neutral canvas.
Your ultimate preference should align with the unique lighting conditions and ambiance you wish to curate.
Whether you lean toward High Reflective White or Extra White, both hues have earned their spot in the spectrum of interior design.
So, embrace your creative intuition and experiment with paint samples. After all, the right choice is the one that encapsulates your individuality.
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