When I first started looking for the right white paint, I wanted something soft and not too bright. That’s when I found Origami White by Sherwin-Williams (SW 7636).
It’s not a stark white – it has a gentle, slightly warm undertone that makes rooms feel calm and cozy.
I like how it works with both modern and traditional styles. It’s great on walls, cabinets, or trim without feeling cold or boring.
If you want a white that feels fresh but still has character, Origami White is worth a look.
In this blog, I’ll share what I’ve learned about this popular color and why it might be the perfect pick for your home, too.
Origami White Paint: Color Info, LRV, and More
Origami White belongs to the Sherwin-Williams white and off-white paint color family. Its Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is 76, which means it reflects a significant amount of light without being stark.
This makes it a strong contender for rooms that need brightness without going overly cool or clinical.
Key Specifications:
- LRV: 76
- RGB: 229, 226, 218
- HEX: #E5E2DA
- Undertones: Violet-gray with hints of taupe
- Finish Options: Flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, gloss
- Interior/Exterior Use: Suitable for both
Due to its understated and reflective qualities, Origami White works well in almost any room or outdoor setting, providing a neutral base that complements a wide range of palettes.
How Origami White by Sherwin-Williams Looks in Real Homes
Origami White by Sherwin-Williams changes subtly based on the lighting in your space.
In homes with plenty of natural sunlight, this off-white paint tends to show its warm, creamy undertones.
In a south-facing room, it feels soft and inviting, adding warmth without appearing yellow.
In north-facing rooms, the light is cooler, so Origami White may lean a bit grayer, offering a calm and muted look.
In rooms with artificial lighting, the type of bulb used can also affect the appearance.
Warm bulbs will enhance its softness and bring out its warmth, while cooler daylight bulbs can highlight the paint’s subtle gray base.
Because of its flexible nature, Origami White works well across different rooms and lighting conditions, always staying neutral, calm, and easy on the eyes.
Best Rooms and Surfaces for Origami White
Origami White by Sherwin-Williams is versatile and works beautifully across many spaces and surfaces. Its soft, warm undertone makes it easy to pair with both cool and warm accents.
Recommended Rooms
- Living Rooms: Creates a cozy, welcoming backdrop without feeling stark
- Bedrooms: Softens the space and pairs well with natural textures or calming colors
- Dining Areas: Adds warmth and elegance, especially with warm wood furniture
- Home Offices: Feels clean and focused while avoiding harshness
- Hallways and Entryways: Brightens narrow or dim areas without overwhelming them
- Exteriors: Looks crisp with dark shutters or warm wood accents
Ideal Surfaces
- Interior Walls: Great for open-concept layouts or individual rooms
- Ceilings: Works well for a subtle, cohesive look throughout the home
- Trim and Moldings: Pairs well with slightly brighter whites like Pure White for contrast
- Kitchen Cabinets: Offers a fresh, soft alternative to pure white
- Built-Ins and Shelving: Keeps the look polished and modern
Where to Buy Origami White by Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams makes purchasing Origami White straightforward, whether you’re starting with a sample or buying enough for a full project. Here are your main options:
- In-Store at Sherwin-Williams: Visit any Sherwin-Williams paint store and ask for Origami White (SW 7636). Staff can help you select finishes, base types, and calculate how much paint you’ll need based on your project’s square footage.
- Order Online at Sherwin-Williams.com: You can buy full gallons, quarts, or sample sizes directly through the Sherwin-Williams website. Online orders allow you to choose finish types, pickup at a store, or have it shipped.
- Peel-and-Stick Samples: For a cleaner testing experience, you can order stick-on color swatches of Origami White. These samples apply to the wall without mess and can be repositioned in different lighting conditions.
- Ask About Paint Lines: Origami White can be tinted into Sherwin-Williams’ premium lines like Duration Home, SuperPaint, Emerald, and Harmony, each offering different levels of durability, scrubbability, and sheen.
- Bulk or Contractor Orders: For large projects, Sherwin-Williams offers contractor pricing and larger packaging options. Be sure to ask about project estimates and discounts in-store.
Origami White: Color Pairings and Accent Options
Origami White can work with a wide range of color families. Here are some ideas for complementary colors and accent pairings:
| Category | Recommended Options |
|---|---|
| Whites for Trim |
Pure White by Sherwin-Williams |
| Accent Neutrals | Repose Gray Anew Gray Accessible Beige |
| Bolder Accent Colors | Naval Pewter Green Iron Ore Tricorn Black |
| Metallics & Textures | Brushed Brass Matte Black Fixtures Warm Wood Tones Natural RattanLight Oak |
This flexibility allows Origami White to shift from cool and minimal to cozy and grounded depending on the other finishes used around it.
Origami White vs Other Whites
Here’s how Origami White compares to other popular Sherwin-Williams whites:
| Color Name | LRV | Undertones | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origami White | 76 | Violet-gray, taupe | Soft and subtle, balanced |
| Alabaster | 82 | Creamy beige | Warmer and more traditional |
| Pure White | 84 | Slightly warm | Crisp and bright, great for trim |
| Snowbound | 83 | Slight pink-gray | Cool and modern |
| Aesthetic White | 78 | Greige | Slightly darker, earthier |
Origami White stands out because it avoids looking too yellow or stark, which makes it easier to use as a whole-house color or main backdrop.
Tips for Testing the Color
Before fully committing, try the following steps:
- Test Large Swatches: Paint large test areas on different walls to observe how light affects the color throughout the day.
- Compare Trim Options: Place your trim color next to Origami White to see if you like the level of contrast or subtlety.
- Watch Lighting Conditions: Expect cooler tones in north-facing rooms and warmer reflections in southern light.
- Pair with Natural Materials: Use wood, stone, and linen to bring out the color’s subtle depth.
- Stick to a Harmonious Palette: Soft neutrals and muted tones enhance its best qualities.
Final Thoughts
Origami White by Sherwin-Williams is a dependable and flexible off-white.
It’s not too bright, not too yellow, and carries just the right amount of softness to feel calm and polished in any setting.
If you’re painting your bedroom, revamping your kitchen cabinets, or giving your home exterior a refresh, it delivers lasting beauty and wide appeal.
Its undertones make it perfect for pairing with both cool and warm colors, and its adaptability makes it ideal for open-concept homes.
If you’re searching for a white that looks custom without being fussy, Origami White is worth strong consideration.
This color is one of Sherwin-Williams’ most versatile choices and one that continues to appear in beautiful, well-designed spaces across the country.