Finding the perfect exterior white can be surprisingly tricky. Some shades can look too bright and stark in full sunlight, while others can lean too creamy or yellow. After using Sherwin Williams Shoji White (SW 7042) on two different home exteriors, we can confidently say it’s one of our favorites.
Shoji White is a warm, creamy white that still reads fresh and timeless. It has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 74, which means it reflects quite a bit of light without being overly bright. When you first look at the sample you are going to think it is too tan to be a white, but trust us when we tell you to take the sample outside and look at it in the sunlight and the natural light. It truly is a great option for a white exterior and as you can tell from these photos, does not appear to be tan.
If you’re not familiar with LRV, it’s a scale from 0 to 100 that measures how much light a paint color reflects. A higher number means the color bounces more light (think bright whites), while lower numbers absorb more light (think darker tones). Shoji White sits in that sweet spot where it reflects light beautifully outdoors but doesn’t wash out in direct sunlight.
One subtle detail we love about Shoji White is that it carries a hint of red in its undertone, giving it a gentle warmth that works well with both stone and brick accents. It pairs beautifully with natural materials, wood tones, and even soft blacks or charcoals for contrast.
If you’re searching for a neutral exterior color that feels classic but not cold, Shoji White might be the one. It’s versatile, forgiving, and looks stunning year-round, especially when paired with darker trim or stained wood doors.
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