Snowbound is a popular choice for a white paint color by Sherwin Williams. Whites are always tricky paint colors to get right, but Snowbound is a fickle mistress. She only looks good in certain outfits (lighting situations) and she’s careful who she associates herself with (other paint colors).
I love this paint color and I have it in multiple spaces in my house, so be prepared to see that. Also in this post you will see everything you need to know before deciding if Snowbound by Sherwin Williams is right for your home.
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Is Snowbound A Warm Or Cool White?
Snowbound by Sherwin Williams is a warm white paint color. Sherwin Williams classifies this color as a cool white, which I can see if paired next to an icy, cool paint color.
It has some undertones we need to talk about, but when next to the other white paint colors on the same color strip, they appear very subtle.
What Undertones Does Snowbound Have?
When Sherwin Williams calls Snowbound a cool white, the undertones may have something to do with that. The undertones for this paint color are a touch of gray, some green, and at times a wink of pink and purple.
These are undertones that most people want to avoid, but if you pair snowbound with a beigey taupe color, the undertones can compliment each other beautifully.
What Is The LRV For Sherwin Williams Snowbound?
Snowbound has an LRV of 83, just missing the range of the brighter whites 84-94. Nevertheless, it is still a gorgeous white that has this softness about it. This lower LRV means that when light hits Snowbound, it reflects less light than a brighter white like Pure White or High Reflective White.
What Colors Go With Snowbound Sherwin Williams?
Coordinating Colors suggested by Sherwin Williams to pair with Snowbound are Colonnade Gray and Autumn Orchid. These make up a a gorgeous warm neutrals palette. I always like to make my own color palette as well, so here are a few colors I think pair nicely with Snowbound by Sherwin Williams.
The colors I picked are influenced by the colors I have paired it with in my own home, Stone Hearth by Benjamin Moore, Peppercorn by Sherwin Williams and Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams.
Sea Salt is a popular color that has a spa like quality about it because of its muted hues. Pair it with Snowbound, a soft white, and the warmth and green undertones of the color come to light and make a stunning combination. Also a great combo for a beach or lake house.
Stone Hearth is a taupe color with violet undertones like Snowbound and these two colors play well off each other.
Peppercorn is a deep charcoal color that is so dark that it hardly has any noticeable undertones. The contrast of Peppercorn and Snowbound is what I love about this match.
Snowbound VS Alabaster
Like most of difference between paints, the difference in this pair comes down to the undertones. Alabaster is a touch darker than Snowbound, but has greige undertones that give the color its warmth and popularity. Snowbound has trickier undertones (remember, fickle mistress) that are more limiting.
Snowbound VS White Dove
White Dove is a popular warm white paint color from Benjamin Moore. I have this color in my daughter’s room, I love it as well as Snowbound. It is a super dreamy white with greige undertones. White Dove is a bit warmer than Snowbound which can lean cooler when compared side by side.
Because of the competing cool and warm tones in such similar light white paint colors, I would not recommend pairing these two colors together in the same room.
Snowbound VS Pure White
Pure White is a gorgeous bright white from Sherwin Williams. It is very close to Alabaster, but a bit brighter. I think these two paint color are similar, but I would not pair them together. Pure white and Snowbound are so similar that they may clash.
Trim Colors To Go With Snowbound
For this question, I recommend trying one of my painting “hacks” which is to paint the walls and trim the same color! This eliminates the frustration of finding whites that won’t compete, but compliment each other.
If you are going to do this, choose different sheens: semi-gloss or high gloss for trim, doors, and baseboards. Eggshell, Satin, or Flat (yuck) for the walls. Here is a paint finish guide to help:
If you want a different white color, here are some of my fave white paint colors to pair with Snowbound SW:
- Chantilly Lace BM
- High Reflective White SW
- Extra White SW (Ironic because of its finicky nature, Snowbound is “extra”) ok I’m done.
The Best Non White Trim Colors For Snowbound SW
Trim color doesn’t always have to be white. Colored trim looks amazing, is historic (didn’t I tell you I love it!), and really pops next to a white paint color like Snowbound by Sherwin Williams.
For colored trim ideas we can go back and look at the ideas for coordinating colors. A gorgeous blue or beige would look amazing, just take the undertones in mind. Here are a few of my favorite non white trim colors to pair with Snowbound by Sherwin Williams:
- Accessible Beige
- Topsail
- Indigo Batik
- Gauntlet Gray
Sherwin Williams Snowbound In Real Spaces
Here is Snowbound by Sherwin Williams in several spaces I have in my house. Our playroom is actually the dining room so looking past the toys, it would look great with a table and gorgeous art for above the board and batten.
Bathroom
Playroom
Office
Bedroom
What Is The Benjamin Moore Equivalent to Snowbound?
Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams each have their own unique formula for how they mix their paint bases and paint colors. The colors cannot be replicated or color matched exactly because the paint is not the same.
However, you can find similar colors across popular paint brands that will give the same feel. From Benjamin Moore, White Dove is often given as a close match to Snowbound, but I also think Dover White is equally similar and beautiful. You can’t go wrong with either choice.
FAQ About Sherwin Williams Snowbound
Here are some of the more Frequently Asked Questions about Snowbound by Sherwin Williams.
Does Snowbound Look Good On The Exterior?
YES! It won’t be for everyone, but it is a good choice for painting your home exterior. Snowbound is not a particularly bright white, so if you are looking to paint your home exterior white, this could be the perfect color. See my post on white paint colors for the exterior to find other white paint options.
How To Test Your Paint Colors?
If there is one thing I recommend you always do before choosing a paint color, it is to sample your paint color choice in your home. This way you can see it in all the different lighting situations and how it compares to existing paint colors and home decor.
Best Places To Use Sherwin Williams Snowbound?
The Best places to use Sherwin Williams are in a big open area with lots of natural light where Snowbound is used on the trim, ceiling, doors, cabinets, wall, everywhere. Don’t forget to use different sheens that are appropriate.
I think SW Snowbound looks good on the top portion of a wall with board and batten or bead board painted in coordinating color.
Final Thoughts
Snowbound by Sherwin Williams is a sometimes warm, sometimes cool white with finicky and tricky undertones. Because of this it is a more difficult white paint color to use, but that’s why I am here. I have already done the research and shown you where and how this paint color can shine.
Despite the difficulties, I love this white paint color, if you couldn’t tell from all the places I have used it in my house. I think Snowbound is one of the prettiest bright white paint colors on the market.
Til next time dudes,
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