The main difference between Oyster White and Shoji White is that Shoji White is slightly brighter, and Oyster White is slightly more neutral.
Off-white paint colors are extremely easy to work with and if used correctly, they can work in just about any space.
Oyster White and Shoji White share many of the same traits, but because they both have greige undertones, they may appear very different within the same spaces.
Why off-white paint colors are so popular
There is no doubt that light and airy neutral colors are timeless, classic choices which will work in almost any home.
However, while very bright white paint colors may work well on things like ceilings and trim, they can be a bit too stark for other applications.
This is why the softer, off-white counterparts have become such a popular choice. Off-white paint colors truly are some of the most versatile shades on the market.
Not only do they offer pretty much the same bright and clean look that you would get from an off-the-shelf white paint color, but they also work with a vast variety of design styles and come in a wide range of tones and hues.
Oyster White vs. Shoji White
Contrary to what the names Oyster White and Shoji White imply, both of these colors are actually off-white paint colors and not white.
While Oyster White and Shoji White might look similar at first, they are actually somewhat on opposite ends of the off-white spectrum.
One thing that oyster White and Shoji White have in common is that they are both infamously difficult to pinpoint and predict.
All off-white paint colors (and all paint colors in general) get their unique shade from a combination of various undertones which are mixed into the color to give it its interest and depth.
Both Oyster White and Shoji White have predominantly greige undertones. This means that they can both shift and change between slightly warm and slightly cool, depending on the lighting (and other elements) in the space.
This is the reason why Oyster White and Shoji White can actually end up looking quite different, even though they share similar qualities.
These variations are especially apparent when the shades are placed right next to each other, as follows:
| Oyster White – Sherwin Williams (SW 7637) | Shoji White – Sherwin Williams (SW 7042) |
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From this visual comparison, it is quite evident that even though these colors share many of the same undertones, Oyster White is usually the best option if you are looking for a darker, soft off-white shade, whereas Shoji White is a little creamier.
Comparing the LRVs of Oyster White and Shoji White
The closer the LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of a color is to 100, the closer the color is to reflecting 100 percent of the visual light that touches it, and the lighter it will appear.
Shoji White with its LRV of 74, is ever so slightly lighter than Oyster White, which has an LRV of 72.
Neither of these colors are quite light enough for you to get away with using them as trim colors, unless you are struggling to find a brighter white to compliment them.
But they can both work well as all-over wall colors if you want to brighten up your space.
Comparing Oyster White and Shoji White’s undertones
The main reason why Oyster White and Shoji White are often compared to each other is because they both share those chameleon greige undertones.
However, the chances are high that Oyster White will just look like a ‘not-quite gray and not quite beige’ light neutral in most homes, which is great if you want soft warmth.
Shoji White, on the other hand, also has a slight warmth. But when it is placed in cool lighting or near other warm-toned objects, it tends to lean slightly into its gray undertones, which can make it flash slightly green or pink.
Which color is best for exteriors?
Choosing between two colors for the exterior of your home introduces a whole new set of circumstances.
Fortunately, off-white colors like Oyster White and Shoji White are often great choices, because they tend to not get washed out by natural, direct sunlight the way that lighter colors will.
If you keep in mind that colors tend to look much less saturated in natural light, Shoji White will be the best choice if you want to achieve a particularly light and bright look, but you do not enjoy the stark look of a pure-white exterior.
Oyster White is perhaps the better choice if you are looking for a true-off white creamy color with lots of inviting warmth.
