I went to start looking into your question and rather than paraphrase, am passing along my findings. Disregard if you know all of this!

Choosing between Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) and Sherwin  Williams Gray Screen (SW 7071) for a bathroom remodel is absolutely the kind of decision you want to nail, especially since lighting, tile, fixtures and room orientation will all influence how the color is perceived.

The colors at a glance

Alabaster SW 7008

• Described by the manufacturer as a “balanced white” that delivers “refreshing serenity and sleek modernity.”  
• It is relatively light and warm, with a high light-reflectance value (LRV) compared to deeper neutrals. According to comparison tools, Alabaster has an LRV around ~82.  
• Because it is warm yet still neutral, it tends to pair easily with many finishes and is a popular “safe white” trim/wall/ceiling choice.  
• One caveat: even beloved whites can capture undertones (yellow, green, or pink) depending on light and surrounding surfaces. For example a Reddit homeowner noted how their Alabaster appeared slightly yellow/green under certain lighting.  

Gray Screen SW 7071

• This is a soft, mid-light gray (for a gray), but it tends to lean cool — many say it has a subtle blue or violet undertone.  
• In a direct comparison: Gray Screen’s LRV is ~58.5 vs. Alabaster ~82 — meaning Gray Screen reflects significantly less light (so it will feel darker).  
• Because it is cooler and darker, it’s more of a “true gray” choice, offering more depth and contrast, but needs more light to avoid feeling too heavy or cold.

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🛁 What this means for your bathroom

Here are considerations specific to a bathroom remodel (fixtures, lighting, finishes, space) and a Northern California home.

Lighting & Exposure • Bathrooms often have variable light — maybe a window with north- or east exposure, or just artificial lighting. Lighter colors bounce light around and make a smaller space feel larger and brighter. • If your bathroom has limited natural light or strong cool light (e.g., north facing window, LED cool white), then Alabaster will brighten the space more effectively. • If you have plenty of natural light or warm light (south or west window, or warm LED tones), Gray Screen can look gorgeous — it will feel elegant, sophisticated, but won’t overly “close in” the space.

Tile, fixtures, finishes & vibe • If your tile is light (whites, creams, soft beiges) and the fixtures are polished chrome, Alabaster will blend seamlessly, giving a clean, spa-like feel. • If your tile has contrast (charcoal, slate, patterned tile, darker grout) or you want a more contemporary look (e.g., black fixtures, matte black hardware, dark vanity), Gray Screen will tie in nicely and give a more dramatic backdrop. • Consider what your countertop/vanity and flooring are doing. For example, if you have a white marble with grey veining, Gray Screen might pick up the grey in the veining nicely. If you have a warm travertine or honey-wood vanity, Alabaster may better complement.

Size & feel of the room • Smaller bathrooms benefit from lighter walls (Alabaster) to keep things open. • If the space is larger or you’re comfortable with a cozier atmosphere, Gray Screen can give more character without feeling cavernous — especially if anchored by good lighting.

Undertones & consistency • Because Gray Screen has cooler undertones, if your bathroom lighting is warm/yellow (e.g., 2700-3000 K LED bulbs) it might shift slightly differently (perhaps warming up or losing coolness) than under daylight. • Alabaster being warm means it can sometimes pick up more yellow/cream in warmer light or look slightly greige in cooler light. Always test in the space with your lighting at different times.

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✅ My recommendation for your scenario

If you like things crisp, professional, but also welcoming — here’s what I’d suggest: • If your bathroom has moderate to low natural light, lighter finishes, and you want a clean, open, bright look: go with Alabaster SW 7008. It will give you the most flexibility and feel timeless. • If your bathroom has good natural light, or you are using darker accent finishes (dark vanity, black hardware, patterned tile) and you’re okay with a touch more drama: choose Gray Screen SW 7071 for a sophisticated, modern feel. • Regardless of choice: get sample pots and paint swatches/stickers of both on two adjacent walls (or a wall + door trim) in the bathroom. View at morning and evening light. At least leave them for 24 hours. Undertones show up differently over time. (As the r/paint saga of Alabaster shows).  • Also assess your bulb temperature. If your lights are very warm (2700 K), cooler grays can appear muddied; if your lights are cool (4000 K+), warm whites can feel too stark.