Picking the right white paint can make a big difference in how your home looks and feels.
Among Sherwin Williams’ most popular choices, Pure White SW 7005 and Greek Villa SW 7551 are top picks for many homeowners.
Both colors create beautiful spaces, but they have different qualities that make them work better in certain rooms and lighting conditions.
This guide looks closely at Pure White and Greek Villa, comparing their features, strengths, and best uses.
By understanding what makes each color special, you’ll feel more confident about choosing the perfect white for your walls, trim, or cabinets.
Sherwin Williams Pure White vs. Greek Villa: An Overview
Sherwin Williams Pure White (SW 7005)
SW’s Pure White is a clean, bright white with minimal warmth.
It has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 83.96%, meaning it reflects a lot of light back into your room.
Its hue rating is 51, with a saturation of 16, making it a more neutral option.
While technically warm, it stays true to what most people think of as “white” without strong yellow tints.
Sherwin Williams Greek Villa (SW 7551)
SW Greek Villa is a soft white with noticeable warmth.
Its LRV is 84.22%, very close to Pure White in brightness.
However, it has a hue rating of 43 and higher saturation at 32, giving it more color depth.
This creates a gentle, creamy look that’s still clearly white but with added warmth.
Key Differences
- Pure White is more neutral and clean-looking
- Greek Villa shows more warmth and creaminess
- Greek Villa has double the saturation of Pure White
- They reflect almost the same amount of light
- Pure White stays more consistent in different lighting
- Greek Villa changes more with lighting conditions
Color Breakdown: Comparing Pure White (SW 7005) and Greek Villa (SW 7551)
| Characteristic | Pure White | Greek Villa |
|---|---|---|
| Hue | A clean, straightforward look that’s close to “true white.” Stays neutral without looking too stark or cold. Creates a fresh, open feeling that works well in modern homes. | Adds a soft touch of warmth to walls. Similar to warm cream rather than yellow – it’s subtle but makes spaces feel more welcoming. Creates relaxed and comfortable rooms. |
| Saturation | Lower saturation (16 on the scale). Looks clean and fresh, perfect for spaces needing a pure, uncomplicated white. | Higher saturation (32 on the scale). This extra richness adds more character while staying firmly in the white family. |
| Light Reflectance Value (LRV) | 83.96% LRV – reflects most light, making rooms feel bigger and brighter. Particularly helpful in small spaces or rooms with limited natural light. | 84.22% LRV – slightly higher light reflection. Equally effective at brightening spaces and making rooms feel open and airy. |
| Temperature | Cool and clean, ideal for modern spaces. Perfect for rooms needing a fresh, crisp look without yellow hints. | Brings natural warmth to spaces. Particularly suited for living rooms and bedrooms where comfort is priority. |
Which Color is Better for Your Space
When Pure White Works Best
Pure White creates a clean backdrop that helps other colors stand out. It keeps spaces looking bright without adding extra warmth, making it perfect for rooms that already have enough warm elements.
- Modern kitchens, especially with stainless steel and cool-toned finishes
- Bathrooms that need a clean, fresh look
- Home offices where you want a clear, focused feeling
- Trim and doors that need to stay bright white
- Rooms with north-facing windows that get cooler light
- Spaces with gray, black, or silver design element
When Greek Villa Works Best
Greek Villa adds a gentle warmth that helps make spaces feel more lived-in and comfortable. It works especially well in rooms where people gather or spend time relaxing.
- Living rooms meant for relaxing
- Bedrooms where you want a soft, restful feel
- Dining rooms that need a welcoming mood
- Spaces with lots of wood elements
- Rooms with south-facing windows
- Areas with warm lighting fixtures
- Homes with traditional or farmhouse style
Greek Villa vs. Pure White: Pros and Cons
Looking at the advantages and drawbacks of each paint separately will help you make an informed choice that fits your home instantly.
Here’s a simple table comparing the Pros and Cons of Pure White paint.
| Pros of Pure White | Cons of Pure White |
|---|---|
| Makes rooms look fresh and clean | Might feel too cold in rooms without much sun |
| Teams up well with any other colors you choose | Can look flat in spaces with only artificial light |
| Stays true white without turning yellow | Shows marks and dirt more easily |
| Works great for kitchen cabinets and trim | Needs good lighting to look its best |
| Helps make art and furniture stand out | Can make some rooms feel less cozy |
| Keeps looking good as light changes through the day | Might clash with cream-colored fixtures |
Here’s a clear comparison table for the Pros and Cons of Greek Villa paint color.
| Pros of Greek Villa | Cons of Greek Villa |
|---|---|
| Creates a friendly, welcoming feeling | Can look more cream-colored next to bright whites |
| Looks great with wood and natural stone | Might seem too warm in sunny, south-facing rooms |
| Makes spaces feel more relaxed | Changes more as lighting shifts |
| Hides small marks better than pure whites | Not the best choice for ultra-modern designs |
| Adds subtle warmth without being too yellow | Could look too yellow with certain light bulbs |
| Works well in traditional and modern homes | Needs careful matching with white fixtures |
Lighting Considerations: How Light Affects Pure White and Greek Villa
Natural Light Effects
Direct Sunlight
- Pure White stays bright and clear, keeping its true white look
- Greek Villa gets warmer and shows more of its cream tints
- Morning sun brings out the best in both colors
- Afternoon sun can make Greek Villa look more yellow
Cloudy Days
- Pure White might look a bit gray or flat
- Greek Villa helps keep rooms feeling warm
- Both colors still reflect good light into the room
Artificial Lighting
LED Lights
- Pure White looks best with 3000K-4000K bulbs
- Greek Villa works better with 2700K-3000K warm bulbs
- Both can look different under cool white (5000K+) lights
Why Room Size Matters
Small Rooms
When dealing with small rooms, the right color choice can significantly affect how spacious the area feels.
Pure White is an excellent option as it maximizes light reflection throughout the space, making the room brighter and more open.
Greek Villa offers a similar space-enhancing effect while adding a touch of warmth to the room.
Both colors create an illusion of more space without making the room feel cramped or closed in.
Large Rooms
Large rooms need careful color choices to make the most of their space.
Pure White paint creates an open feeling, making rooms feel spacious and full of light.
When working with big areas, Greek Villa adds warmth while helping different parts of the room feel connected.
Both paint colors work especially well in spaces with high ceilings, making the vertical space feel balanced and intentional.
These shades create a perfect foundation for any large room design.
Conclusion
Testing paint samples in your space is key to choosing between Pure White and Greek Villa.
Each room has unique lighting and features that affect how these whites look.
Put samples on different walls, check them at various times of day, and see how they work with your furniture and fixtures.
Pure White and Greek Villa are excellent options that make your space look beautiful.
Pure White creates a fresh feeling, while Greek Villa adds gentle warmth.
Your final choice is the mood you want and how the color works in your specific space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between Greek Villa 7551 and Pure White 7005?
Greek Villa 7551 has warm, cream undertones and creates a cozy feeling, while Pure White 7005 is a cleaner white with minimal undertones that maximize brightness and space.
Which paint color hides wall imperfections better, Greek Villa 7551 or Pure White 7005?
Greek Villa 7551, with its subtle warm undertones, is better at hiding minor wall flaws and imperfections than Pure White 7005.
Which color works best for modern homes, Greek Villa 7551 or Pure White 7005?
Pure White 7005 is ideal for modern homes due to its clean, crisp appearance and minimal undertones that create a contemporary look.
