This unassuming white paint is always trending – here's why designers love the timeless appeal of Sherwin-Williams' Shoji White

The world of white paint is vast, and the subtle differences between each shade can hugely impact the look and feel of a room. From warm whites to cooler whites, designers have their tried and trusted favorites, not least Sherwin-Williams' Shoji White.

Falling into the warm white category, Shoji White strikes the perfect balance between bright and cozy, so it's no surprise it's regarded as one of Sherwin-Williams' best white paints, and one of Sherwin-Williams' top 50 most popular interior paint colors.

Keen to find out what exactly makes this white paint so popular, we spoke to interior designers who weigh in on this unassuming yet impactful shade. Since warm whites are arguably the most on-trend way to incorporate this classic color into the home right now, Shoji White is one to have on your radar.

What color is Shoji White?

'Shoji White SW 7042 is a warm and creamy white from our Designer Color Collection, bordering on a greige, that adds a feeling of sophistication and comfort to any space,' explains Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams. 'It's great for bathrooms and kitchens that marry modern touches with clean and cozy features.'

While white paints can run the risk of appearing harsh with a lack of warm undertones, Shoji White as a warm white paint has a warming quality that helps create an inviting feel, while still allowing for that much-desired light and airy look.

'Shoji White exudes an incredibly welcoming ambiance,' adds designer Tiffany Matthews of Motif Homes. 'It radiates warmth due to its subtle green and greige undertones, and boasts a light reflective value (LRV) of 74 out of 100; LRV measures how much light is reflected from the color.'

Why designers love this white paint

There's plenty to love about Shoji White, thanks to its cozy yet pared-back appeal, and designers frequently turn to this paint color choice when seeking to create an understated, timeless backdrop for rooms.

'One of the things we love about Shoji White is how adaptable it is,' says designer Cheryl Clendenon, owner of In Detail Interiors. 'It can read as warm or cool depending on what you pair it with, making it a great backdrop for a variety of designs and styles. It also makes for a great exterior color on traditional style homes that want a fresh and modern look.'

White paints have been used time after time in all types of rooms within the home, and Shoji White is no different. Whether you use this white paint in the kitchen for a timeless look (as shown here across the kitchen cabinets teamed with Thunder Gray SW 7645 on the kitchen island) or in an entryway for a fresh welcome to your home, Shoji White is a great all-rounder.

While you really can use this white paint in any room, designers often recommend it for bathrooms. 'Shoji White is a beautiful warm white that I love to use in spa-like bathrooms,' explains designer Laura Williams of ATX Interior Design. 'It is softer than most whites and really elevates a space to feel clean and crisp yet inviting.'

If you decide to use this paint color in a bathroom, pair it with darker, warm-toned neutrals such as on-trend brown and warm-toned fixtures and fittings to lean into a welcoming feel. 'I’d apply this color broadly to all walls in a primary bath, pairing it with rich taupe, mushroom-colored cabinetry, and aged bronze metal finishes on lighting fixtures and hardware to enhance its warmth,' adds designer Rebecca Bobroff of Rebecca Bobroff Design.

In bedrooms, Shoji White makes a great choice if you're looking to create a calming feel with the soothing quality of decorating with neutrals.

In this relaxing bedroom designed by Motif Homes, Shoji White is used across the walls, teamed with neutral decor. While pure white paint could look stark in a bedroom, Shoji White subtly warms the space while not leaning too far into the realm of beige.

'I love using Shoji White in neutral rooms – it can feel incredibly elegant when paired with warm tones and deep browns,' says interior designer Thea Bloch-Neal of Curated by Thea.

Keep in mind, however, that Shoji White may not be the best white paint for pairing with colorful schemes. If your style leans toward maximalism and layers lots of saturated tones, a cleaner, crisper white like Pure White SW 7005 with less warm undertones may be better suited. 'It doesn’t play well with a lot of color,' explains Thea. 'If you’re looking to create a more vibrant, lively space, I’d recommend opting for a different shade of white.'

If you're looking for a white paint to refresh your space that maintains a fresh look while boasting subtle warmth for a cozy feel, Shoji White has you covered. Just make sure to try it first with swatches to see how it alters in different lighting conditions.