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Sherwin-Williams Shell White (SW 8917) Paint (Real Life Photos)

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Shell White paint is a great white paint color choice for interior painting projects.  It was named Sherwin-Williams’ color of the month in 2018 and was a part of many color collections such as 2018 Sincerity, Living Well, Timeless White, and Finest White.  Shell White paint has become a favorite color for interior designers because it provides a clean look without being too stark or boring.

SW Shell White has a warm look and it looks great against the dark wood. Let’s look at a complete paint color review and real-life photos so you can determine if it will work for your space. 

Sherwin Williams Shell White
Sherwin-Williams Shell White

Is Sherwin-Williams Shell White warm or cool color?

Shell White (SW 8917) is a warm white color.

What undertones does Shell White (SW 8917) have?

Shell White has yellow and beige undertones.  

Sherwin Williams Shell White

FAQ:

What is LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of Shell White?

Light Reflectance Value of SW Shell White is 83 (for reference LRV of pure white would be 99-100).

What is lighter than Shell White?

SW 7103 Whitetail is very similar to Shell White and is lighter. Its LRV is 86

What is darker than Shell White?

SW 7012 Creamy (LRV 81) and SW 7568 Neutral Ground (LRV 74), have similar undertones to Shell White and are darker.  The less the LRV the darker the color will be.

Is Shell White right for me?

Because Shell White has warm, yellow undertones, it feels more traditional than cool whites.  If you want a soft white, with a traditional feel, then Shell White is for you.  Here is another warm white, that has fewer yellow undertones and looks more modern.

Sherwin-Williams Whites: Westhighland White (SW 7566)

Sherwin Williams Shell White

Will SW 8917 Shell White work for north-facing rooms?

Shell White is great for north-facing or low-light rooms because it has a high LRV and warm yellow undertones. 

Sherwin Williams Shell White

Complimentary color Scheme  

SW 7025 Backdrop

SW 9156 Gris Morado

SW 9153 Moonlit Orchid

SW Night Owl

Shell White Cabinets

Can Shell White be used for the exterior?

Yes, it can be used for the exterior.  It would be a great choice for exterior trim paint. 

Color comparison:

SW 8917 Shell White vs SW 7008 Alabaster

SW 7008 Alabaster has a similar LRV to Shell White, so it’s pretty close in how light it will be, but it has cooler gray undertones and will give your space a slightly more modern feel. 

A Guide to Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036)

A Guide to Sherwin-Williams Skyline Steel (SW 1015)

Popular Gray Paint Colors: Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray

Do you need help choosing your interior paint colors? I am here to help. You can book a consultation with me via my contact form or Etsy.

custom paint consultation interior designer

Conclusion: 

Sherwin-Williams has always been my go-to paint brand. I’ve never had a bad experience with their paints or brushes. Their paint is of great quality and affordable too.  If you decide to go with SW Shell White you will enjoy its warm glow for years to come. 


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