White Dove by Benjamin Moore is hands down my absolute favorite WHITE paint colors, especially if you are looking for the cozy, farmhouse neutral tones that are currently on trend. It is a favorite wall color because it is classic, not yellow, and literally the best white paint color on the market. Here's why this is a favorite among homeowners and everything you want to know how BM White Dove looks like as a white paint color in a real home.
The most frequently asked question that I get about my house on the blog is a request on the color of my bedrooms. Our home uses a lot of neutrals in white, cream, and grays. One color that I always go back to as my absolute favorite is Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17.
I want to talk about what White Dove looks like in various lighting situations, different rooms, as well as what it looks like on cabinet and furniture.
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Popularity of Benjamin Moore White Dove
White Dove has been at the top of the list of favorite paint colors that people go back to year after year ever since it was introduced over a decade ago. Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 provides the versatility of not being too yellow and not being too stark. It's a beautiful color if you are looking to pair it with any other neutral color.
It truly is the absolute best blend of brightness and warmth of both a white and a cream.
There are so many places that you can use White Dove, from walls, to trim, and even painting furniture. It's often used as a base when making your own DIY chalk paint.
White Dove can be characterized as a warm white that is crisp, clean yet provides an inviting and cozy depth of color.
We used White Dove initially as a trim color in the kids playroom, and at the time, it seemed like a stark white. However, as we learned what color palette we were drawn to, which were neutrals, grays, and creams, we soon realized how much we loved that clean, neutral color that White Dove actually brings out.
When we painted our living room, we ended up picking a cream color because I had thought that White Dove would be too stark. I ended up regretting not using White Dove.
In this photo, we're using Simply Irresistible in our living room, which is a creamier white than White Dove.
Needless to say, if you want a white room without it looking to sterile, White Dove is one of the best paints that you can use because it is an ideal white for that cozy feeling inside a home. If you end up going to the store with a bunch of white paint strips that you are trying to compare, give this designer and popular homeowner paint favorite a chance.
I'm going to now share with you all the details of my favorite white paint colors.
All About White Dove by Benjamin Moore
White Dove by Benjamin Moore is a soft, warm white. It is not a stark or sterile white either. In any room, it will definitely brighten up the space providing a light and airy feeling.
Manufacturer for White Dove
Benjamin Moore makes White Dove OC-17.
Light Reflective Value of White Dove
Light Reflective Value, also referred to as LRV, is how much light a paint color reflects in a space. The brighter the color, the higher the number. Generally, white paint colors average in the range of 80 to 95 for LRV, but White Dove OC-17 has a 85.38 which makes it pretty bright!
For whites especially, the LRV is super important because white paints can be complex because of its ability to reflect colors from its surroundings and use it in the color.
LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, is a measurement commonly used by design professionals—such as architects and interior designers—that expresses the percentage of light reflected from a surface. LRVs range from 0-100, with 100 being pure white and 0 being absolute black.
Benjamin Moore White Dove Undertones
White Dove has creamy, gray undertones. When paired with darker tones, White Dove looks like a pure white When paired with light brown undertones, the gray undertones are prominent.
When you compare White Dove to a completely white paint, it may bring out the hint of yellow that makes it a creamy white. In some cases, it does have a light gray and often slightly green undertone that you might see during comparing different white paints.
It's important to paint swatches on your walls with any creams and grays because the lighting and the colors surrounding it will impact what the color will look like in the space.
Is White Dove a white or a cream?
White Dove by Benjamin Moore is a creamy, white. Meaning that it is not a true white, but it does have undertones. When compared with other whites, it does have a very subtle hint of yellow, but with gray undertones than yellow.
Comparing White Dove vs Dover White vs Dove White
There are three different paint colors that have very similar names. I do not want you to get confused by them. White Dove, Dove White, and Dover White are all three paint colors made by three different manufacturers that also have three different color undertones. Confusing right? I'm going to attempt to explain the differences. In short, between all of three of these, White Dove wins in terms of it's LRV and it's neutral undertones compared to the rest.
I'm here to demystify all of these white paint colors with similar names for you so you can make a decision based on which white you want by understanding the undertones.
Are White Dove, Dove White, and Dover White the same paint color?
White Dove, Dover White, and Dove White are three completely different paint colors made by different paint manufacturers. White Dove is made by Benjamin Moore, Dover White is made by Sherwin Williams, and Dove White is made by Glidden.
What are the number differences between White Dove, Dover White, and Dove White?
White Dove OC-17 is Benjamin Moore. Dover White S6385 is Sherwin Williams. White Dove is 10BB 83 / 020.
What are the color differences between White Dove, Dover White, and Dove White?
White Dove is a more soft, white with gray undertones as compared to Dover White's warmer creamy color because of it's yellow undertones. Dove White is a calm, bluer white than that of White Dove and Dover White.
Benjamin Moore White Dove Complementary Colors
The ability for White Dove as a creamy white paint color is it's ability to complement a large range of patones and colors. Because of it's gray undertones, White dove results in a low key, muted off-white color without any yellow that cream colors often exude.
Benjamin Moore Recommended Color Palette for White Dove
Benjamin Moore as a brand recommends the following color pairings for White Dove:
- Horizon Gray 2141-50 - a taupe
- Yukon Sky 1439 - a blue gray
- Silver Lake 1598 - a light gray
- Cheating Heart 1617 - a dark gray
Other Tried and True White Dove Paint Pairings
Here are the other pairings that I have seen around the web that have gone really well with White Dove. To be honest though, in my opinion, I think any color pairs well with White Dove because it really is that versatile.
Other Colors That Go Well with White Dove
The following colors pair well with Benjamin Moore White Dove:
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy, which is a navy with gray undertones
- Sherwin Williams Sea Salt, which is a sea foam with gray undertone
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter, which is a perfect light gray
Can White Dove be used for both walls and trim?
White Dove is a versatile enough color that it can be used both on trim and on the wall. Using a different sheen for the trim will allow it to look brighter against the wall.
What trim colors pair well with White Dove?
White Dove can be used as a trim color against a wall of the same color! In addition, dark tones that have a more gray hue goes well with White Dove.
What flooring works well with White Dove?
We have light brown shag carpet in our master bedroom, and it works beautifully there. I've seen White Dove work well on gray slate tile and yellow oak floors too.
Does White Dove coordinate with brown?
Yes, White Dove coordinates beautifully with brown because of it's versatility and neutral tones.
Benjamin Moore White Dove Paint in a Real House
I also wanted to show you how we used White Dove in various parts of our house.
White Dove Paint Used in Master Bedroom
We painted our master bedroom with White Dove and we have Khaki trim. We absolutely love how it turned out.
Related Post: Modern Farmhouse Master Bedroom Reveal
White Dove Paint Used On Cabinets and Cabinetry
If you are using White Dove in the kitchen, you'll want to pair it with either black or stainless steel kitchen appliances. If two whites are placed against each other, it may impact how strong the undertone appears.
We painted our kids craft space cabinets with White Dove without adding any sheen, and it turned out beautifully.
What Dove Paint Used on Trim
Our kids playroom areas have White Dove as the trim color in semi-gloss. We painted it against a black chalkboard paint color on bottom with a light blue color on top. We also painted our shutters that color as well!
Related Post: Playroom Makeover
What does White Dove look like when turned into chalk paint?
I use White Dove as my primary paint color when painting furniture. It turns out beautifully each time.
Related Posts:
What does White Dove exterior look like?
White Dove can instantly transform any home's curb appeal. It can instantly provide the clean, fresh look to provide that neutral tone that allows the landscaping and other accent colors of a house to stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions About BM White Dove
What is the model number for Benjamin Moore White Dove?
It is known as Benjamin Moore OC-17.
Is White Dove warm or cool?
White Dove is a white cream, so it generally has very creamy, and a hint of a yellow tone to make it warmer than paints that have a blue, cool tone.
Does White Dove look yellow?
White Dove does not have a yellow appearance or undertone nor is it a pure white. It stands as a soft, warm white with more of gray undertones than yellow.
White Dove can read differently in rooms based on lighting, furniture choice, and accent colors in a space. Ensuring that you test the colors by painting samples on the wall in various spots of the space will allow you to determine whether you will like the color once it is painted on.
Is White Dove a good paint trim color?
White Dove works well as a paint trim color when it is used in a semi-gloss sheen.
Is White Dove too white, too stark, or too sterile?
Benjamin Moore is warm when compared too pure white, and makes it a great soft, subtle white paint color that will allow it to be cozy, yet light and airy.
What is the best farmhouse neutral white paint color?
Benjamin Moore White Dove is the perfect neutral white paint color if you are looking for the cozy, farmhouse cottage style look. If you like the show Fixer Upper, White Dove is a beautiful color that will allow you to make a room light and airy and goes well with old antiques, moderm farmhouse decor, and even used on shiplap walls.
Is White Dove a good wall color?
White Dove OC-17 by Benjamin Moore is a good wall color choice because it is both a versatile and neutral color that has the ability to complement other colors without being too much of a stark white while allowing a space to become light and airy.
Comparing Other Benjamin Moore White Paint Colors
Benjamin Moore has an amazingly vast array of colors to choose from, especially in white. While all of these colors when paired with the right partner and decor can look great, White Dove stands hands down as the most versatile out of all of these.
If you are looking for options, there are several other popular white and cream colors that are popular in the Benjamin Moore paint collection. Here is how they compare:
- Simply White (OC-117) - Lighter white with less gray undertones
- Chantilly (OC-65) - Starker white with more blue tones
- Oxford White (CC-30) - Brighter white with more blue tones
- Cloud White (OC-130) - Creamy white with more yellow tones
- Decorator's White (CC-20) - Soft white with more blue undertones
Simply White versus White Dove
Simply White is a lighter white color, but has less gray undertones than White Dove. Simply White also has more yellow undertones, where as compared to White Dove's gray undertones when looked at side by side.
Chantilly Lace versus White Dove
Chantilly Lace is softer and a lighter white than White Dove. Chantilly Lace is less saturated color with more blue tones when compared to that of White Dove.
Oxford White versus White Dove
Oxford White is similar to White Dove in that it has hints of green undertones, but it is cooler in tone than compared to White Dove.
Cloud White versus White Dove
Cloud White is more creamy due to its more yellow undertones. It fringes on being a beige, so it can be used in rooms where there is need for warmer tones.
Decorator's White versus White Dove
Decorator's White is a softer white, but has subtle blue hues compared to White Dove's green hues when compared side by side.
Considerations When Selecting White and Cream Paint Colors
Below are a few considerations I would recommend when selecting white paint colors:
Considerations When Selecting White and Cream Paint Colors
Below are a few considerations I would recommend when selecting white paint colors
What color is your flooring?
A secret tip to making a room brighter or darker is making sure you pair the wall color that complements your flooring. Light can bounce from the floor to your walls. Also, if you have darker colors on your floor, it can also bounce to your walls, adding another tone if you didn't expect it.
What type of sheen do you want?
If you choose to add more sheen, it will add more reflection in the room allowing the space to appear whiter and brighter. Often, if you are using it in an all white room, you'll want to make sure that the trim is semi-glass with a flt or egg-shell wall.
What are the accent colors in your space?
If you are using accent colors in your space, you'll want to make sure that the paint you choose will compliment the undertones. Often, paint colors have subtle undertones that can be further accented if you choose the right color pairing.
What kind of light do you have in the room?
When deciding on a paint color, especially white colors, you'll want to take note of the different types of lighting throughout the day for the space. This can truly make a huge difference on how your paint color appears. Does it get more daylight? Is it darker during the day? The color of your paint can shift by a lot depending on the time of day.
What undertones does your ceiling have?
When choosing a white or cream paint color, you'll want to make note of your ceiling color. If you choose a white paint color that is too warm or too stark, it could make the room look disconnected.
What color are your furniture and appliances?
If you are using a color like white or black, the paint will be against these competing colors. The paint that you should choose should allow the appliance or furniture to stand on it's own without bringing out other hues.
Supplies to Perfect Your Room Painting Makeover with White Dove
In the last five years, we’ve painted almost all the rooms in our house, including a lot of them with White Dove. Here are awesome tools that we loved that made a tedious job a whole heck of a lot easier:
- Paint Brush Choice - High end brushes are worth their weight and gold. It makes it easy for the paint to cut in. This brand and this brand are our favorite brushes. Yes, they are $10 a pop, but if you take care of it, it will last you through multiple projects.
- Paint Rollers - Getting good rollers is important, especially for big spaces. You will be sorry if you don't (these are our favorites).
- Painter's Tape - Don’t skimp on taping. We use this tape religiously.
- Drop Cloth - Once you are done using these canvas drop cloths for paint, you can make outdoor cushions or even envelope pillows with them!
- Sanding Hand Pad - Save yourself some trouble during the sanding process by using hand pads that allow you to avoid scratching surfaces too much.
- Trim Guard - This tool is amazing if you want to paint without using painter's tape!
Summary and Verdict on White Dove as a Paint Color
If you were on the fence about using White Dove in your home, I can personally attest that this white is perfection. Seriously, my favorite shade to use inside my own house. White Dove is an incredible neutral that allows other furniture and accent pieces to take the center stage in any space.
Check Out My Other Paint Color Reviews
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter Review
- Benjamin Moore Best Cream Paint Color
- Benjamin Moore Antique Pearl (Lavender Paint Color)
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl Paint Color
- Farrow and Ball Porphyry Pink
Maria
Hi, I have some what of an open concept living room and kitchen. My hardwood floors are oak color in the kitchen with maple color cabinets and a cream color countertop I have carpet that I’m going to be replacing soon in my living room hoping to replace with a medium gray color. What color white paint will pair with oak floors in my kitchen and gray carpet in my living room? My trim in my house is also oak. Thank you
Tasha
Can u use dove white on the ceilings and walls in same room?
Courtney
Hello,
What paint color is the wall with the big clock on it?
Thanks!
Jessica Belsha
I LOVED this article and it has helped me SO much. I think I am set on painting my walls White Dove, however I am torn on what color to paint the trim and doors!! My kitchen cabinets are very close to BM Olympic Mountains (very slightly lighter), island is a dark slate blue/gray, floors are a light white oak tile but they are more natural with gray hues rather than honey colored. Island is a veiny gray and white quartzite called Super white leathered. I am torn on if I should use Chantilly Lace or Simply White on the trim. I don’t want the walls to look beige at all and we have an older Florida coastal home with lower ceilings. Do you agree that White Dove on the walls will be the best choice and what do you advise on trim? I don’t love the idea of matching it for some reason.
Amy Martin
I want to know the same thing! That is the exact effect I'm trying to get in my bedroom. I hope she will reply.
Amy
Chrissy Fox
This is the first time I have ever looked for a way to leave a comment on a blog post. I had to find a way to tell you this...
I have looked for the perfect white paint color for almost 6 months and finally have it narrowed down to the gorgeous White Dove. I feel like the "Goldilocks of Paint" because most whites were too cool, too warm and this one is just right! I have tried to confirm my thoughts and findings with people online and I have to tell you that your blog post is AMAZINGLY ACCURATE and full of great info!! Be proud of all your effort into this White Dove post because it really is the most helpful info-post on this color (and others) I have ever read in all my searching! Thank for sharing!