Benjamin Moore White Dove…is it the right paint shade for your home? See it in 31 real homes and decide for yourself…
Benjamin Moore White Dove (AKA OC-17), is flying at you right now as our next color for this in-depth paint color series. Don’t pale at the thought of reading a whole post about a shade of white. This white paint is very widely used and popular.
Wonder why? Keep reading to as we help you to decide whether or not Benjamin Moore White Dove is the perfect paint color for your next home project.
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I have to tell you, white is one of those colors that can be unexpectedly complex. It seems so simple, right? Just get white! Yet, once you start to compare the shades, the differences are dazzling. Do you want grey undertones, blue undertones, pink undertones, or just that pure white look?
And before we dive into this paint color, I have a question for you. What do you know about choosing the right paint sheen? It’s an important part of the paint equation and one that a lot of people don’t truly understand. That’s why I created this simple guide!
Grab my free guide to choosing the RIGHT PAINT SHEEN for every paint project now! Click here or on the image below. I’ll send it right away!
To help us navigate this wide world of white paint, let’s jump into some details about White Dove itself, compare it to other shades, and then see it in actual homes!
Other Colors Covered in our Paint Exploration Series:
- Chantilly Lace (Benjamin Moore)
- Light Pewter (Benjamin Moore)
- Classic Gray (Benjamin Moore)
- Stonington Gray (Benjamin Moore)
- Gray Owl (Benjamin Moore)
- Repose Gray (Sherwin Williams)
- Agreeable Gray (Sherwin Williams)
- Simply White (Benjamin Moore)
- Sea Salt (Sherwin Williams)
- Revere Pewter (Benjamin Moore)
Here’s what Ben Moore has to say about their popular paint shade OC-17:
First, here’s the “numerical” details, or the LRV.
White Dove LRV = 85.38
LRV = Light Reflectance Value: Rated 0-100 with 0 being pure black, and 100 being pure white. Lighter paint shades REFLECT more light from them and therefore have a HIGHER LRV, and vice versa for darker shades). Below see White Dove (85.38) side by side with pure white (100):
The explanation of the color White Dove that Benjamin Moore provides seems very glamorous: “Unerring style defines this classic, softly shaded white. Light and luminous, it is a favorite choice for moldings and trim.”
Honestly, it doesn’t give us a whole lot of information yet the words instantly bring an elegant, well-lit room to my mind. Let’s keep going to see if that vision aligns with real-life rooms out there.
Don’t miss out on your free guide to choosing the proper paint finish! Click here or on the image below. I’ll send it right away!
Benjamin Moore White Dove Color Comparison:
To understand the White Dove undertones and overall color profile a bit more let’s look at White Dove next to several other popular Benjamin Moore colors. On the image below, you can see White Dove, Chantilly Lace, Cloud White, Decorators White, and Simply White.
White Dove vs. Chantilly Lace:
Chantilly Lace is a color that we have done a full deep dive into before. In our comparison here, it takes you as close to a pure white as we are going to get in this post.
Chantilly Lace comes in with a 92.2 LRV (remember, 100 is pure white). Meanwhile, the LRV for White Dove is 85.38. Still not dark, by any means, but definitely a teensy bit darker than Chantilly Lace.
While White Dove can read warm and a smidge greige-y, Ben Moore Chantilly Lace is definitely a shade of white that reads closer to a true white. If you are looking for a white that will be crisp and almost pure white, Chantilly Lace may be the shade you are looking for.
White Dove vs. Cloud White:
Cloud White is coming at us with a higher LRV of 87.35 versus White Dove’s LRV at 85.38. However, they are still both reading pretty white on the scale. The two colors actually look very close together in their cream/yellow undertones.
That means both these shades of white will warm a room up versus cool it down. However, if you are trying to pick between the two, the best way to choose is to decide if you want a little more of that yellow undertone to shine through or not. If you want a little more “color” in your white, go with White Dove due to its lower LRV.
White Dove vs. Simply White:
Simply White is another huge fan favorite and a go-to for many designers and homeowners.
Like Chantilly Lace, Simply White sits high on the LRV scale with a 91.7. Both Simply White and White Dove read warm. But Simply White has more yellowish undertones, while White Dove falls more in the gray-greige undertone category. See? I told you whites can get complicated!
White Dove vs. Decorators White:
Rounding out our white comparison is Decorators White, which is aptly named since many a decorator reaches for this paint color.
With an LRV of 84.61, it is the “darkest” of our white comparisons. However, that does not make it dark at all! Being in the 80’s is still mighty high for an LRV reading.
Decorators White is a white that has cool undertones, so if you are looking for a room that reads more blue or grey, this shade might be the perfect shade.
Still unsure? If picking paint is always a struggle, check out Paint Perfect! It’s my 6-step system for choosing a great paint color, every time! ⤵️:
Ok, it’s time to stop the comparison game with paint swatches and get a better feel for White Dove in real-life spaces under lots of different lighting situations and with lots of other “things” in the rooms (furniture, countertops, etc) that the paint can play on.
Remember that photos on a computer screen are in no way a substitute for seeing a real sample on your own wall, but I think it can be really helpful to at least rule colors “in” to buy samples for, or “out” to just scratch completely.
Benjamin Moore White Dove Kitchens and Dining Rooms:
1. @pleasantbaydesigns
We all know that planking is still having a big moment, however, I think the next big movement should be White Dove and planking together. I’m saying this entirely based on this room and how modern rustic this vibe is!
2. @bloomingdiyer
Here is our first look at kitchen cabinets painted in White Dove. We knew it was coming and this is just the example we were looking for. These cabinets definitely have a glaze on them which may be causing a slightly distorted view of White Dove. However, it gives a great example for those who may be looking at White Dove antiqued for your kitchen.
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3. @katherinejessicaid
Now this kitchen is WOWing me! First of all, can it be mine? Second of all, this is a great example of how White Dove can be very modern versus the antiqued look with the previous cabinets.
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4. @katherinejessicaid
Here is another kitchen from the same designer using Benjamin Moore’s White Dove on painted cabinets. It is a great way to showcase how White Dove is a warmer white. You can really see the contrast in the cool tones of the marble counter top, yet it all works together perfectly.
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5. @baydesignandbuild
Honestly, the caption on this picture says it better than I could – and it is the perfect way to round off the White Dove kitchen section.
6. Maison De Cinq
The before to after transition in this kitchen is really a jaw-dropper. The Benjamin Moore White Dove cabinets here really look amazing with the backsplash and stainless appliances.
Living Rooms Painted with Benjamin Moore White Dove:
7. @letaaustinfoster
Check out this cozy Maine living room. Again, this is another space where White Dove makes a space warm and inviting while still being bright and white!
8. @kylieminteriors
Ok, just stop here and drool with me a second. Look how beautifully bright this living/dining combination looks with White Dove. I love that you can go a bit more saturated and dramatic with the furniture and rugs in such a bright room.
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9. @classiccasualhome
White Dove helps to marry the fireplace with the wall in this beautifully done living room.
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10. @alcinteriors
Here is another living room painted in White Dove with a feature fireplace, just done in an ultra-modern way…and it still works perfectly. White Dove for the multi-style win!
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11. Studio McGee
White Dove helps make this beautiful living room look even more bright and airy than it otherwise would. It’s just such a crisp, clean white in bright light, like in this shot.
12. The Decorologist
Simply changing the paint in this family room made an amazing difference. It took this room from dark to warm, bright and very welcoming. Kristie’s amazing decorating and staging talent, of course, took it to another level.
Benjamin Moore White Dove Bathrooms & Laundry Rooms:
13. @thehummingbirddigs
This bathroom is giving me all the feels with the batten board going high on the wall in a dark color with a beautiful contrast of White Dove on top. The dark color really leads your eye up to the wall with White Dove, which acts as a resting place for your eye and lets itself become the backdrop against the other strong colors in the room.
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14. @jbinghamhair
Wow. I am going to just give you to appreciate the majesty that is this bathroom. I could soak in that tub for hours looking at the beautiful White Dove walls, trim work, and those gorgeous antique doors.
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White Dove in Hallways:
15. @classiccasualhome
Look at these dogs…I mean walls! This is a darker space and White Dove plays into it, making it kind of moody yet still not a dark cave of a hallway. Also, I’m leaving this caption in not necessarily because it speaks about the paint color but because it really just warmed my heart/made me tear up.
16. @kylieminteriors
Ok, THIS hallway is gorgeous, and I love the two-tone treatment with White Dove on the top. It lightens the hallway up while also giving it a dramatic air. Plus, the wood-toned mirror is absolutely gorgeous against this color.
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17. @skylynhouse
This is a hallway/ bedroom combination that has a very stately feel in a sophisticated household. Just like many hallways, this one is a darker space without a lot of natural light. However, White Dove really brightens the hallway up and lets details like a beautiful door and light fixture shine.
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18. Studio McGee
Bright, light paint colors work great in hallways. Especially narrow, otherwise dark halls. Now, this hallway by Studio McGee is quite the opposite with all that lovely natural light flooding in. But the wall color is gorgeous, regardless.
Benjamin Moore White Dove in Bedrooms:
19. @joidan82
This bedroom looks like one that we all need in our lives. It is cozy while still looking like a great place for sleeping with layers of neutrals and a pop of floral. The owner is definitely a fan of this color as she is about to go paint her other bedrooms Benjamin Moore White Dove too.
20. @whiteflowerfarmhouse
White on white on white and I am here for it! How is it that when you layer whites and wood tones you can create a moody space? This space most definitely does that while not being depressing.
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21. @clover.lane.home
This is a room that makes me so happy that I want to just walk into it and start singing and dancing! Does it make you feel that way too? No? Just me? Maybe it’s just because it seems bright and happy and that makes me want to star in my own personal musical at home…
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22. Joyfully Growing
White Dove is an awesome contrast with the planked wall in this beautiful, rustic bedroom.
Other White Dove Paint Sightings:
23. @ninacarbone
Ok, so when do I move in? Check out this loft space with White Dove on ceiling and walls perfectly complementing those gorgeous wooden beams. This looks like the definition of creamy white right now.
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24. @pristinepaintingfm
I love seeing White Dove on a fireplace, especially next to this gray brick. We’ve been mainly seeing spaces layering warm layers and textures with White Dove. I love the contrast here with the gray textured brick. Fun fact: the brick was actually whitewashed with White Dove too! Oh, how versatile this paint is!
25. @regeneratedfinds
Oh my! Look at this one! This is White Dove painted on a kitchen table with a contrasting dark brown on the top of the table and chairs. It is such a classic look. I like how the more you look at interiors with White Dove, the more distinct the paint color starts to look. Are you having an easier time identifying White Dove over other white shades yet?
White Dove Exteriors:
26. @vintagebrickhouse
Well if tiny houses weren’t cute enough, look at this little gem shining in White Dove! You can really see the warm undertones here that make this house seem so inviting while still bright and updated.
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27. @_ambertiller
In contrast to the tiny house we just saw, look at this grandiose beauty! Benjamin Moore’s White Dove looks dignified with the contrast against the black trim. Plus, this shows how well White Dove blends the mixed media of wood and brick on this exterior.
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28. @onkarasiklane
Wow, White Dove can clearly be used on any style home. Hold on a second as I’m about to jump on this bandwagon and paint my house White Dove. Kidding, kidding…I think.
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29. @liveaokfarmhouse
At this point you can basically picture me shouting “BE RIGHT BACK” with a paint brush and a can of White Dove in my hand as I attack my house. I mean, I just can’t get over how this magical paint color just makes every home look inviting and polished. This is what farm house dreams are made of. I mean, also, look at that chimney.
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30. Life on Virginia Street
If you haven’t seen my friend Sarah’s home, go check it out. She did a huge exterior makeover a while back…her pool is heavenly. And she and her husband chose White Dove as their primary exterior paint color.
31. Ador Homes
This home is already amazing, but the White Dove exterior really makes it even sharper, cleaner and more stunning.
And that brings us to the end of this color study! I hope that this has given you a bit more of a glimpse into whether or not White Dove is a color that you’d like to use in your own home!
Have more color questions? Check out our “Paint Perfect” Video course! It teaches you my 6-step, failproof method for choosing paint colors! As a homeowner 5 times over, a landlord for 15+ years and a real estate agent, I’ve had a LOT of experience choosing paint colors over the years!
I created this method to take the confusion and guesswork out of choosing paint for people. So if choosing paint is your Achille’s Heel, definitely give this a look right away!
Pin this exploration of White Dove paint for later!
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