Best Complimentary Colors Collection for Whites by Sherwin-Williams

Choosing the right shade of white is more than just picking a neutral—it’s about creating the perfect backdrop for your home. Whites can make a space feel open, bright, and timeless, but pairing them with the right complimentary colors is what truly brings them to life.

Whether you’re designing a cozy retreat or a sleek, modern interior, Sherwin-Williams offers an incredible range of whites, each with its own unique undertone and character.

By pairing these whites with carefully selected complimentary colors, you can elevate your rooms to reflect both your style and the mood you want to create.

With the right combination, your space will feel cohesive, inviting, and thoughtfully designed.

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Why Whites Matter in Interior Design

White has long been a favorite among designers for its versatility and ability to create a clean and balanced look. It serves as a canvas, allowing other design elements to shine, from furniture to art and even architectural details.

According to a 2023 survey by Houzz, over 60% of designers say white is their go-to for modern interiors because it adapts to any style, from minimalist to traditional.

Whether you’re looking for crisp and bright whites or softer, warmer tones, choosing the right one can completely transform how a room feels. Adding complimentary colors to the mix helps bring depth and personality to the space, creating a truly custom look that reflects your taste.

Now, let’s explore 16 Sherwin-Williams whites and their ideal pairings to inspire your next project.

SW 7757 – High Reflective White

This is one of Sherwin-Williams’ brightest whites, perfect for modern spaces that need an ultra-clean and luminous feel.

It’s best used in contemporary kitchens, bathrooms, or any room where natural light is abundant.

Complimentary colors:

1. SW 6258 Tricorn Black – A bold, high-contrast partner.
2. SW 7022 Alpaca – Soft and warm for a cozy balance.
3. SW 7069 Iron Ore – Adds depth and grounding.
4. SW 6351 Whole Wheat – Warm and earthy, ideal for accents.
5. SW 7616 Breezy – Brings in a calming blue touch.
6. SW 7732 Lemongrass – Injects a subtle pop of energy.
7. SW 7008 Alabaster – A gentle white pairing for layered neutrals.
8. SW 6278 Cloak Gray – A muted tone for understated sophistication.

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SW 7562 – Roman Column

Roman Column has a creamy undertone that feels warm and inviting, making it perfect for bedrooms or living rooms where comfort is key.

Complimentary colors:

1. SW 7019 Gauntlet Gray – A rich gray for striking contrast.
2. SW 7570 Egret White – Soft and subtle pairing.
3. SW 9148 Smoky Azurite – Adds a hint of coolness.
4. SW 6206 Oyster Bay – A muted green for natural charm.
5. SW 7586 Adventure Orange – A bold, warm accent.
6. SW 7553 Fragile Beauty – Soft peach tones for elegance.
7. SW 9131 Verde Marrón – An earthy green for a cozy vibe.
8. SW 7674 Peppercorn – Deep and dramatic for accents.

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SW 7102 – White Flour

White Flour exudes warmth with a soft, creamy texture, ideal for dining areas or spaces that call for a welcoming atmosphere.

Complimentary colors:

1. SW 7043 Worldly Gray – A muted neutral for balance.
2. SW 6345 Baguette – A rich, golden hue for warmth.
3. SW 7658 Gray Clouds – Cool and calming.
4. SW 7733 Perennial Sage – Adds earthy elegance.
5. SW 6508 Secure Blue – Soft blue for a peaceful vibe.
6. SW 7550 Rustic Beige – An inviting accent.
7. SW 7671 On the Rocks – Subtle gray for versatility.
8. SW 7637 Oyster White – Layered white for depth.

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SW 7006 – Extra White

This is a clean and neutral white that works beautifully in high-tech or minimalistic interiors, such as home offices or sleek, modern living spaces.

Complimentary colors:

1. SW 6252 Ice Cube – A cool grayish-blue.
2. SW 7005 Pure White – Layered whites for subtle depth.
3. SW 7673 Pewter Cast – Grounding with a modern touch.
4. SW 9057 Aquastone – Fresh and energetic teal.
5. SW 7011 Natural Choice – Warm beige for contrast.
6. SW 7747 Recycled Glass – Green with a modern edge.
7. SW 6301 Red Bay – A vibrant accent for energy.
8. SW 7064 Passive – A soft gray for understated elegance.

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SW 7566 – Westhighland White

With a slightly creamy undertone, Westhighland White feels timeless and works wonderfully in traditional or farmhouse-style interiors. Use it in kitchens, entryways, or dining rooms.

Complimentary colors:

1. SW 7510 Chateau Brown – Deep and earthy.
2. SW 6204 Sea Salt – A soft greenish-blue.
3. SW 7028 Incredible White – A subtle neutral layer.
4. SW 6127 Ivoire – Golden warmth for accents.
5. SW 7638 Jogging Path – A sophisticated gray.
6. SW 9005 Coral Clay – A rich and warm orange tone.
7. SW 7711 Pueblo – Adds rustic charm.
8. SW 7065 Argos – Cool gray for contrast.

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SW 7551 – Greek Villa

Greek Villa is soft and warm, with an inviting quality that makes it perfect for open-concept spaces or any area where you want to create a sense of flow.

Complimentary colors:

1. SW 7044 Amazing Gray – A perfect neutral pairing.
2. SW 6458 Restful – A gentle green.
3. SW 7672 Knitting Needles – Clean, light gray.
4. SW 7633 Taupe Tone – Adds warmth and sophistication.
5. SW 6349 Chrysanthemum – A rich orange accent.
6. SW 7671 On the Rocks – Soft and versatile.
7. SW 7647 Crushed Ice – A subtle gray complement.
8. SW 7674 Peppercorn – Deep and dramatic.

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SW 7005 – Pure White

Pure White offers a versatile and neutral backdrop, ideal for any space where you want flexibility with accents. It shines in living rooms, bathrooms, and even as a whole-home paint choice.

Complimentary colors:

1. SW 6258 Tricorn Black – A classic high-contrast pairing.
2. SW 7648 Big Chill – A cool and subtle gray.
3. SW 7011 Natural Choice – Warm and creamy for balance.
4. SW 7048 Urbane Bronze – Deep and grounding.
5. SW 6220 Interesting Aqua – Adds a pop of cool color.
6. SW 7567 Natural Tan – Soft, earthy warmth.
7. SW 7553 Fragile Beauty – A light peach for an elegant touch.
8. SW 6123 Baguette – Rich golden accents.

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SW 7004 – Snowbound

Snowbound has a slight gray undertone, making it a wonderful choice for spaces that lean toward cool, modern aesthetics. It’s excellent in kitchens or as a trim color.

Complimentary colors:

1. SW 7029 Agreeable Gray – A soft, versatile neutral.
2. SW 9130 Evergreen Fog – Adds a subtle, earthy green.
3. SW 6253 Olympus White – A cool, airy gray.
4. SW 7659 Gris – Perfect for modern accents.
5. SW 6127 Ivoire – A touch of golden warmth.
6. SW 7613 Aqua-Sphere – Light and refreshing.
7. SW 9178 Inky Blue – Deep and moody.
8. SW 7005 Pure White – Layers beautifully with other whites.

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SW 7007 – Ceiling Bright White

This white is crisp and clean, specifically designed for ceilings but also excellent as a wall color in spaces needing extra brightness, such as small rooms or basements.

Complimentary colors:

1. SW 7655 Stamped Concrete – A medium gray for balance.
2. SW 9133 Jasper Stone – Earthy green for contrast.
3. SW 7006 Extra White – A subtle layering partner.
4. SW 6204 Sea Salt – Brings in a coastal feel.
5. SW 6348 Armagnac – A warm and spicy orange.
6. SW 7614 Swimming – A cheerful light blue.
7. SW 6143 Basket Beige – Adds warmth and grounding.
8. SW 7628 Windfresh White – Soft and understated.

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SW 6385 – Dover White

Dover White is warm and creamy, perfect for spaces where you want a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. It’s ideal for bedrooms, family rooms, or as cabinetry paint in traditional kitchens.

Complimentary colors:

1. SW 7009 Pearly White – A soft, subtle contrast.
2. SW 6356 Anjou Pear – A rich golden hue.
3. SW 6247 Krypton – Cool blue for balance.
4. SW 6150 Universal Khaki – A warm, earthy accent.
5. SW 6636 Husky Orange – Adds energy and vibrancy.
6. SW 7012 Creamy – Enhances its cozy undertone.
7. SW 7657 Tinsmith – Cool gray with a hint of blue.
8. SW 7036 Accessible Beige – Soft and neutral.

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SW 7008 – Alabaster

Alabaster is a soft, warm white with timeless appeal, making it perfect for living spaces, bedrooms, or any area you want to feel calm and inviting.

Complimentary colors:

1. SW 7042 Shoji White – A subtle neutral pairing.
2. SW 7057 Silver Strand – Adds a hint of cool gray.
3. SW 6175 Sage – A fresh green for natural vibes.
4. SW 7048 Urbane Bronze – Deep, grounding contrast.
5. SW 6352 Soft Apricot – Warm and cheerful.
6. SW 7020 Black Fox – Dramatic and bold.
7. SW 6204 Sea Salt – Breezy and soothing.
8. SW 7037 Balanced Beige – Perfect for subtle warmth.

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SW 7001 – Marshmallow

Marshmallow has a subtle pink undertone that adds a delicate softness, making it perfect for nurseries or bedrooms.

Complimentary colors:

1. SW 7066 Gray Matters – Cool gray for balance.
2. SW 9150 Endless Sea – A deep, rich blue.
3. SW 7043 Worldly Gray – Neutral and calming.
4. SW 7701 Cavern Clay – A warm, earthy red-orange.
5. SW 7632 Modern Gray – Soft and versatile.
6. SW 9025 Hinting Blue – A gentle blue accent.
7. SW 6142 Macadamia – A creamy beige complement.
8. SW 7615 Sea Serpent – Deep and dramatic.

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SW 7012 – Creamy

Creamy lives up to its name with a warm, inviting tone that works beautifully in kitchens or sunrooms, creating a light, cheerful feel.

Complimentary colors:

1. SW 7015 Repose Gray – Cool and balanced.
2. SW 6208 Pewter Green – Earthy and rich.
3. SW 7732 Lemongrass – Subtle energy and warmth.
4. SW 6156 Ramie – A soft, sandy beige.
5. SW 7631 City Loft – Modern and light.
6. SW 6224 Mountain Air – Adds a breezy blue.
7. SW 9007 Polished Concrete – A sleek, neutral gray.
8. SW 7694 Dromedary Camel – Warm and grounding.

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SW 7013 – Ivory Lace

Ivory Lace is an elegant, soft white that works best in formal spaces such as dining rooms or foyers. It brings a classic, timeless feel.

Complimentary colors:

1. SW 7044 Amazing Gray – Versatile and neutral.
2. SW 6222 Riverway – A sophisticated teal.
3. SW 7637 Oyster White – Layers seamlessly.
4. SW 6347 Chrysanthemum – Adds vibrant warmth.
5. SW 7649 Silverplate – Cool, modern gray.
6. SW 6451 Nurture Green – Soft and natural.
7. SW 6184 Austere Gray – Muted and sophisticated.
8. SW 7604 Smoky Blue – Deep and calming.

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SW 6252 – Ice Cube

Ice Cube is a cool, crisp white with a bluish undertone, ideal for contemporary spaces, particularly bathrooms or modern kitchens.

Complimentary colors:

1. SW 7017 Dorian Gray – Adds depth with a cool edge.
2. SW 6253 Olympus White – A perfect monochromatic partner.
3. SW 6203 Spare White – Light and airy.
4. SW 7621 Silvermist – Soft greenish-gray.
5. SW 7070 Site White – Clean and subtle.
6. SW 9171 Felted Wool – Adds rich contrast.
7. SW 6219 Rain – Brings a touch of cool blue.
8. SW 7074 Software – A sleek, modern gray.

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SW 7009 – Pearly White

Pearly White offers a soft, grayish undertone, making it a great neutral choice for hallways or transitional spaces where subtle color variations are desired.

Complimentary colors:

1. SW 7019 Gauntlet Gray – A bold accent.
2. SW 6204 Sea Salt – Fresh and coastal.
3. SW 7058 Magnetic Gray – Cool and muted.
4. SW 7021 Simple White – Layers beautifully.
5. SW 6211 Rainwashed – A soft aqua-green.
6. SW 7632 Modern Gray – Light and versatile.
7. SW 7005 Pure White – Clean and crisp.
8. SW 7045 Intellectual Gray – Adds a grounded feel.

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How to Choose Complimentary Colors Effectively

When selecting complimentary colors for whites, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure your space looks cohesive and beautiful.

These tips will help you pair whites with accents and secondary colors like a pro.

1. Consider the Undertone of Your White

Not all whites are the same. Some have warm undertones (yellow, cream, or beige), while others have cool undertones (blue or gray).

• Warm whites work best with earthy tones, soft pastels, and rich, warm hues like terracotta or mustard.
• Cool whites pair beautifully with blues, greens, and sleek grays for a more modern feel.

2. Take Lighting Into Account

Natural and artificial light can significantly affect how colors appear.

• In north-facing rooms, cooler whites may look stark, so opt for warm tones to add coziness.
• In south-facing rooms, bright light can enhance warm whites, so consider balancing it with cooler accents.
• Use dimmers to control how the colors interact throughout the day.

3. Choose Based on Room Size

• Smaller rooms benefit from lighter, more neutral palettes. A bright white with pastel accents can make the space feel larger.
• In large rooms, you can experiment with deeper or more dramatic complementary colors to anchor the space.

4. Use the 60-30-10 Rule

To create balance, follow this classic design principle:

• 60%: Dominant color (white or a light neutral).
• 30%: Secondary color for balance (like soft grays or muted greens).
• 10%: Accent color for a pop (bold blues, reds, or oranges).

5. Test Before You Commit

Before painting an entire room, test your chosen colors together in your space. Sherwin-Williams offers peel-and-stick samples, which are an easy way to visualize how the colors interact.

Bringing It All Together

Whites are incredibly versatile and provide the perfect canvas for creating your dream interior. Whether you prefer the crispness of High Reflective White or the warmth of Creamy, the right complementary palette can transform your space into something truly special.

Expert Insight: I’ve found that pairing whites with layered neutrals or bold accents can help define the personality of a room.

For instance, combining Dover White with soft greens and golds creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, while Snowbound with moody grays feels sleek and contemporary.

Finally, don’t hesitate to experiment! Every home is unique, and playing with colors is part of the fun.

With these Sherwin-Williams whites and their carefully curated palettes, you can craft spaces that are not only beautiful but also feel like home.

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