Natural Choice → Behr
The closest Behr matches for Sherwin Williams Natural Choice (SW 7011), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Behr Equivalent for Natural Choice
If you love Sherwin Williams Natural Choice but need a Behr alternative, you are not alone. This is one of the most common cross-brand paint matching searches, whether you are working with a painter who prefers Behr, your local store does not carry Sherwin Williams, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Natural Choice (SW 7011) is a light white with warm cream undertones. A warm cream off-white. Slightly darker than Alabaster with more body. To find a good Behr match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 79) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Natural Choice and every Behr color using the CIE2000 Delta E formula, which measures how different two colors look to the human eye. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart. Between 2 and 4, you might notice a difference in certain lighting. Above 5, the difference is clearly visible side by side.
The results are decent but not perfect. The closest Behr option is Cotton Knit (PPU7-15) with a Delta E of 3, which is a "good match" level match. Cotton Knit matches well. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Behr Matches for Natural Choice
Cotton Knit matches well.
| Natural Choice | Cotton Knit | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 79 | 81 |
| Hex | #E8E3D9 | #EBE5D9 |
| Undertone | Warm Cream | Warm Cream |
| Family | White | Off-White |
Undertone Comparison
Natural Choice has warm cream undertones. A warm cream off-white. Slightly darker than Alabaster with more body.
Cotton Knit has warm cream undertones. A soft, warm cream. Similar to Swiss Coffee but slightly lighter. Cozy and inviting.
These two colors share the same undertone family, which is a good sign for a cross-brand swap. The undertone similarity means they will behave similarly as lighting changes throughout the day, and they should coordinate well with the same accent colors, trim, and furnishings.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Natural Choice in Your Room
Warm and inviting. A rich warm white with visible cream.
Cotton Knit in Your Room
Warm and comforting in all rooms. The cream is gentle and never overwhelming.
LRV and Brightness
Natural Choice has an LRV of 79, while Cotton Knit has an LRV of 81. These two colors reflect a very similar amount of light, so you should not notice a significant difference in room brightness when switching between them. The room will feel approximately the same in terms of light and space, which makes this a smoother transition.
Best Rooms for Natural Choice
Sherwin Williams recommends Natural Choice for: whole house, living room, bedroom, hallway, trim. With an LRV of 79, this is a light color that reflects a lot of light and works well in any room, including smaller spaces where you want to maintain a bright, open feel. It is light enough for whole-house use without making rooms feel washed out or sterile.
Cotton Knit is recommended for: whole house, living room, bedroom, hallway, trim. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Cotton Knit in the same rooms you planned for Natural Choice.
Natural Choice in Other Brands
Looking for Natural Choice equivalents in other brands besides Behr? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Behr match for Natural Choice (SW 7011) is Cotton Knit (PPU7-15) with a Delta E of 3, which rates as a "good match" match. Cotton Knit matches well. Delta E measures perceptual color distance on a scale where under 2 means nearly identical, 2 to 4 means close with subtle differences, and over 5 means clearly noticeable.
No, they are not identical. Natural Choice is a Sherwin Williams color with warm cream undertones and an LRV of 79. Cotton Knit is a Behr color with warm cream undertones and an LRV of 81. With a Delta E of 3, the difference is subtle and mainly visible in direct side-by-side comparison. Paint formulations differ between brands, so even colors with similar values can look slightly different due to pigment concentration, binders, and finish.
With a Delta E of 3, these colors are close enough to use in separate rooms of the same house without a jarring difference. However, avoid painting them on adjacent walls in the same room, as even subtle differences become apparent at a hard edge where two paints meet. For the smoothest result, use one brand consistently within each connected space and reserve the other brand for rooms that are visually separated.
There are several practical reasons to look for a Behr equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Behr. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Behr work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.