Alabaster Variant → Valspar
The closest Valspar matches for Sherwin Williams Alabaster Variant (SW 7009), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Valspar Equivalent for Alabaster Variant
If you love Sherwin Williams Alabaster Variant but need a Valspar 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 Valspar, your local store does not carry Sherwin Williams, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Alabaster Variant (SW 7009) is a very light white with warm pearl undertones. A warm pearl white. Slightly cooler than Alabaster. To find a good Valspar match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 83) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Alabaster Variant and every Valspar 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 Valspar option is Swiss Coffee (VR086E) with a Delta E of 3.5, which is a "good match" level match. Swiss Coffee is the closest Valspar option at LRV 83. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Valspar Matches for Alabaster Variant
Swiss Coffee is the closest Valspar option at LRV 83. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison.
| Alabaster Variant | Swiss Coffee | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 83 | 83 |
| Hex | #EDEAE2 | #EFE9DC |
| Undertone | Warm Pearl | Warm Cream |
| Family | White | Off-White |
Undertone Comparison
Alabaster Variant has warm pearl undertones. A warm pearl white. Slightly cooler than Alabaster.
Swiss Coffee has warm cream undertones. Valspar's Swiss Coffee is a warm, creamy off-white with yellow-cream undertones. Like its BM and Behr namesakes, it delivers a cozy warmth that avoids looking stark while still reading as a white in most rooms.
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
Alabaster Variant in Your Room
Clean and warm. Between Alabaster and Pure White.
Swiss Coffee in Your Room
The cream warmth is consistent across lighting conditions. In south-facing rooms, the yellow undertone becomes more visible. In north-facing rooms, it reads as a warm neutral off-white. Under warm incandescent bulbs, the cream deepens. Under cool LEDs, it stays balanced and inviting.
LRV and Brightness
Alabaster Variant has an LRV of 83, while Swiss Coffee has an LRV of 83. 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 Alabaster Variant
Sherwin Williams recommends Alabaster Variant for: trim, ceilings, cabinets, whole house. With an LRV of 83, this is a very 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.
Swiss Coffee is recommended for: whole house, living room, bedroom, trim, cabinets. The recommended applications differ slightly between brands, but the color's properties should work in the same rooms regardless of which brand you choose. Trust the LRV and undertone data more than the specific room suggestions, and always test in your actual space.
Alabaster Variant in Other Brands
Looking for Alabaster Variant equivalents in other brands besides Valspar? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Valspar match for Alabaster Variant (SW 7009) is Swiss Coffee (VR086E) with a Delta E of 3.5, which rates as a "good match" match. Swiss Coffee is the closest Valspar option at LRV 83. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison. 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. Alabaster Variant is a Sherwin Williams color with warm pearl undertones and an LRV of 83. Swiss Coffee is a Valspar color with warm cream undertones and an LRV of 83. With a Delta E of 3.5, 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 3.5, the difference is enough that they should not be used on adjacent walls in the same room. You can use them in separate rooms of the same house, but be aware that walking from one room to the other may reveal the difference, especially if the rooms have similar lighting. For the most consistent look, pick one brand for all connected living spaces and reserve the other brand for visually separate rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms behind closed doors.
There are several practical reasons to look for a Valspar equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Valspar. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Valspar 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.