Learn all about Benjamin Moore White Dove, plus see 21 real homes that use it!
When was the last time you tried to pick out a shade of white paint? I know from my own experience just how challenging picking out white paint can be.
I have to tell you – white is one of those colors that can be unexpectedly complex. It seems so simple, right? Just get white! If only it were that easy. Once you start to compare the various shades of white, the differences are dazzling (and a little dizzying).
Do you want gray undertones, blue undertones, pink undertones, or just that pure white look?
That’s exactly why I have been writing this in-depth paint color series! I want to share with you some of the nuances that you need to be aware of for each shade. My hope is that having some of that insider knowledge will make the overall process much easier.
Benjamin Moore White Dove (AKA OC-17) is flying at you right now as our next color for this paint color series. Don’t pale at the thought of reading a whole post about a shade of white because there are some important tidbits you’ll want to know.
This white paint is very widely used and is one of Ben Moore’s most popular shades. Wonder why? Keep reading as we help you to decide whether or not Benjamin Moore White Dove is the perfect paint color for your next home project.
FAQs about White Dove
What color is Benjamin Moore White Dove?
BM White Dove is a warm, creamy off-white with mild gray undertones to soften the color and prevent it from reading overly yellow.
Does White Dove look yellow?
If you put White Dove next to other white paint colors, it will tend to look more yellow than most of them will. However, if you just use White Dove, it will look like a soft white without yellow undertones.
Is Benjamin Moore White Dove cool or warm?
White Dove is a warm-toned off-white that feels soft and warm without coming across as too creamy or yellow.
Where should I use BM White Dove?
This shade can be the right choice for any room in your home! Try White Dove for your:
Kitchens
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Living rooms
Trim
Cabinets
Doors
Exteriors
What’s more…this creamy white shade is perfect for any style of home too!
Benjamin Moore White Dove Undertones
Undertones are a fact of life when it comes to paint colors, and there’s no avoiding them since they are the direct result of the paint-mixing process.
While many people may prefer to bury their heads in the sand and hope the undertones just go away, I believe that knowing a paint’s undertones makes the process of picking a new color for your home more efficient.
Let’s take a look at BM White Dove’s undertones. This hue lives in the off-white family, but it has slight gray and green undertones. The green undertones take the place of yellow undertones to lend a warm tint to the color. As a result, when you place White Dove next to pale gray paint colors, it’ll appear to be greige.
NOTE: Because no paint colors will look the same at varying times of the day or in two different places, use paint samples to help you know exactly how your lighting and surrounding decor will affect the way your favorite colors appear.
As far as sampling goes, I highly recommend these mess-free, re-usable, re-positionable peel and stick paint samples ⤵
How Different Types of Lighting Affect BM White Dove
Different lighting situations play with undertones in varying ways. Here’s a basic idea of how you can expect White Dove to read based on natural lighting.
- North-facing light – northern light is blue-tinted and cool, which will tone down the warmth this color projects and make White Dove read more gray.
- South-facing light – warm light from the south will play with the warmth in this shade to make it show off its creamy side.
- East-facing light – eastern light is a warm yellow light in the morning and cool light in the afternoon. That lighting combination will cause White Dove to read creamier in the morning, then shift to a cooler white with hints of gray later in the day.
- West-facing light – western light is the opposite of east-facing light because it’s cool and shadowy in the morning, then ultra-warm in the evening. White Dove will appear more like a crisp white in the early part of the day until the rich, red-tinged western light draws out its warm creamy tendencies later in the day.
Before we dig in, if you are the type of person who never feels completely confident in choosing paint colors, then grab a free copy of “5 Massive Paint Picking Mistakes” to help you avoid the pitfalls! Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
Great Coordinating Colors for White Dove
This beautiful and popular shade plays well with many shades throughout the color spectrum. If you’re searching for some specific colors to pair with Benjamin Moore White Dove, check out:
- Hale Navy
- Silver Lake
- Kendall Charcoal
- Sea Haze
- Chantilly Lace
- Cheating Heart
- Revere Pewter
- Pink Damask
- Yukon Sky
- Chocolate Fondue
- Chelsea Gray
- Stonington Gray
- Edgecomb Gray
LRV of Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17)
Looking at paint involves many subjective interpretations based on how shades change due to nearby influences. Let’s briefly cover an objective method for evaluating paint colors.
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is a number on a scale between 0 and 100 that each color has assigned to it based on how much light it REFLECTS. A lower reflective value number means the color reflects less light, while a higher number means it reflects more light. (0 = absolute black; 100 = pure white)
The LRV of BM White Dove = 85.38
White Dove is in the “light” range, and since it’s over 80, I consider it to be in the white (rather than slightly darker off-white) family.
It’s light enough that it will often appear as white, but in rooms with little to no light, you’ll see its minimal saturation peek through.
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.” Nice, right?
Honestly, it doesn’t give us a whole lot of information, yet the words instantly bring an elegant, well-lit room to my mind. So let’s keep going to see if that vision aligns with real-life rooms out there.
LRV…what? Don’t worry, I’ve got you! Grab a FREE copy of my new guide to avoid the paint color picking mistakes people make! Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 Color Comparison
To understand the White Dove undertones and overall color profile a bit more, let’s look at White Dove next to some of the most popular and best white paint colors on the market.
White Dove vs. Chantilly Lace
Benjamin Moore 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 (Benjamin Moore OC-117) 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 ’80s 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.
Benjamin Moore White Dove vs. Sherwin Williams Alabaster
Alabaster has a slightly lower LRV of 82, so it will appear darker than White Dove, which could be beneficial if your room is awash with natural light.
On its own or when compared against other whites, you will just see its soft, creamy nature. However, when comparing SW Alabaster to White Dove, Alabaster shows hints of pink undertones against White Dove’s gray undertones.
Are you already feeling a little lost? Let me help you get back on track. Grab a free copy of my guide to help you avoid the same paint color picking mistakes most people always make!
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.
My favorite way to sample is using these non-messy, re-positionable, re-usable, peel and stick paint samples from Samplize ⤵
More Colors to Consider
I totally understand how challenging it can be to choose new paint colors! If you aren’t ready to jump on the White Dove bandwagon yet, check out these other similar shades. I know at least one of them will win you over. 😉
- Swiss Coffee (Benjamin Moore) – OC-45 is an off-white with rich, creamy undertones.
- Silver Satin (Benjamin Moore) – a gray-tinted off-white
- Classic Gray (Benjamin Moore) – a timeless neutral on the warmer side of gray; leaning brown-beige
- Dover White (Benjamin Moore) – a warm, creamy off-white
- Super White (Benjamin Moore) – a bright, neutral shade of white
- Silver Drop (Behr) – a pale gray with a hint of beige
- Pure White (Sherwin Williams) – warm white that can lean slightly greige
- Snowbound (Benjamin Moore) – a slightly cool, yet very livable, white
- Decorator’s White (Benjamin Moore) – almost pure white with a slight cool, blue undertone
- Ballet White (Benjamin Moore) – a light, neutral off-white paint color
- Seapearl (Benjamin Moore) – versatile, warm off-white with slight gray undertones
- 5 FAVORITE Benjamin Moore whites
21 Real Homes Using BM White Dove Paint
Ok, the “boring” informational part is over! Let’s get to the fun part and see how gorgeous Benjamin Moore White Dove looks in different homes. Here are 21 real houses that use Benjamin Moore White Dove paint in all the right ways.
Benjamin Moore White Dove Kitchens
A quick note here: don’t forget to consider sheen! We have an in-depth explanation of choosing sheens here. For kitchens, an eggshell finish is a good choice.
1. Classic White Kitchen Cabinets
Now, this kitchen is WOWing me! First of all, can it be mine? Second of all, this space from KJ Interior Design is a great example of how White Dove can be very modern versus the antiqued look with the previous cabinets.
2. Coastal Farmhouse Feel
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 from @pleasantbaydesigns and how modern rustic this vibe is!
3. An Antique Look for White Dove
Here is our first look at kitchen cabinets painted in White Dove. We knew it was coming, and this kitchen from Blooming DIYer 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.
4. Beautiful All White Cabinet Color
The before-to-after transition in this kitchen by Maison De Cinq is really a jaw-dropper. The Benjamin Moore White Dove walls and cabinets here really look amazing with the backsplash and stainless appliances.
5. Classic Kitchen Color
Designer Sherry Hart chooses a classic color combination for this traditional kitchen: White Dove perimeter cabinetry with a punchy island color, in this case, SW Urbane Bronze. That black and white tuxedo look never goes out of style, and instead of a cold, stark white, White Dove presents itself as a warm and inviting white option.
Living Rooms Painted with Benjamin Moore White Dove
Sheen note: For living rooms and family rooms, you can choose a flat finish, but I usually recommend at least an eggshell sheen to help with cleanability.
6. Chic and Casual
White Dove helps to marry the fireplace with the wall for a very cohesive look in this beautifully done living room by Classic Casual Home.
And hmmm…isn’t White Dove a GREAT shade for shiplap? (Pssst…if you want to see LOTS of great shiplap ideas, we’ve got them!)
7. Works with Modern Decor
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 in this home design by ALC Interiors!
8. Flawless in the Sunlight
White Dove helps make this beautiful living room by Studio McGee look even more open and airy than it otherwise would. It’s just such a crisp, clean white in natural lighting – like in this shot.
This room is great evidence of just how much the overall amount of light in a room can affect how light or dark the paint looks on the wall. Here, in this bright room, OC-17 looks like a bright white. In darker spaces, the story of this shade is more nuanced.
9. The Perfect Warm White Paint Color
Simply changing the paint in this family room from The Decorologist made an amazing difference. It took this room from dark to warm, bright, and very welcoming.
Kristie’s exceptional decorating and staging talent, of course, took it to another level.
Benjamin Moore White Dove Bathrooms
Don’t forget the finish! For bathrooms, opt for an eggshell or satin sheen. Why? We’ll tell you in this post about paint sheen.
10. Fresh White Powder Room
When you want white paint that looks crisp and clean while ALSO looking soft, warm, and comfortable (no easy feat!), turn to White Dove like Saw Nail and Paint did in this powder room.
11. Lots of Different Lighting Effects
@foxcottageky designed this bathroom, and masterfully selected White Dove as her wall color in this bathroom. You can see lots of different lighting effects in this space, which is very helpful.
Notice the gray undertones coming through in the shadows, and the warmer appearance of the walls that are closer to the interior light source. Finally, check out the green reflecting in from the windows. This green effect can happen in almost any situation with any paint around a window that looks out onto trees and green spaces, whether we like it or not, so be aware in advance.
BM White Dove in Bedrooms
12. Boho Chic Bedroom
City Farmhouse takes farmhouse chic to a new level by adding a cute urban vibe to it. White Dove’s versatility allows you to pair it with light beiges and greiges along with wood tones, blues, and much more!
13. Great for Small Spaces
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 from @whiteflowerfarmhouse most definitely does that while not being depressing.
Other White Dove Paint Sightings
14. Creamy and Calming White
Ok, so when do I move in? Check out this loft space from Nina Carbone with White Dove on the ceiling and walls perfectly complementing those gorgeous wooden beams. This looks like the definition of creamy white right now.
15. A Home Office That Would Make Hepburn Happy
When describing this space, the designer, Jen Linley of Peace and Pine Designs said, “If Audrey Hepburn had an office, this would be it.” And from the looks of it, that sentiment is on the money.
With the dramatic contrast between dark paint of the cabinetry, and the light White Dove paint on the walls, this home office was born with a flair for the dramatic, and we’re here for it.
16. White Dove in a Dining Room
White Dove is really a shade that can work anywhere, so if you have an open-concept home and are looking for a paint that will work everywhere, put it on your short list.
Here you can see in @asturiaofmylife‘s dining space, White Dove looks great against the black pops in the dining chairs and wrought iron light fixture. It also works well with the medium, ashy oak wood tones in her flooring and dining table.
White Dove Exteriors
17. Clean Black and White Exterior
In contrast to the tiny house we just saw, look at this grandiose beauty by Bria Hammel Interiors! Benjamin Moore’s White Dove looks dignified with the contrast against the black trim (which is Benjamin Moore Graphite).
Plus, this shows how well White Dove blends the mixed media of wood and brick on this exterior.
18. Lovely Pairing with Brick
If you haven’t seen my friend Sarah’s home from Life on Virginia Street, 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.
19. Complementary on a Cape Cod
Hey look, that’s my house!
We used White Dove on our own exterior, and have never once regretted the choice! After checking out lots of options, I decided there’s a good reason why this shade is one of the most popular white paint colors. Not only is White Dove a good wall color inside, it works great outside, too!
White Dove Trim Color
Sheen note: For trim, opt for a shinier finish to make those baseboards easy to clean, and your crown moldings glisten! My favorites? Semi-gloss or high-gloss.
20. Trim, Ceiling Beam, and Mantel Color
HDF Painting shares this elegant example of White Dove used in many ways within one lovely space. White Dove is the ceiling beam, fireplace mantel, and trim color in this room.
21. White Dove as an Exterior Trim Color
In this Instagram post from @paintplaceny, you can see White Dove used as a trim color, which works beautifully alongside the bright Caliente (Benjamin Moore) door, and Kennebunkport Green (also Benjamin Moore) house color.
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!
If you’re in the market for great off-white paint colors, give Benjamin Moore White Dove a chance. It may not work in every single home, but it’s versatile enough to add timeless sophistication to almost any room!
And if this is a color you’re seriously considering, remember paint-sampling is better than ending up paint-sorry! I highly recommend these peel and stick samples because they are inexpensive, re-usable and re-positionable…
Pin this paint color for later! And if you use this paint shade, leave a comment on the pin! That helps others decide if they want to try this color, too!
Pssst…before you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon! And before you’re on your way, make sure you grab your free copy of the 5 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Picking Paint, so you can avoid the heartache (and hole in your wallet) when your paint choices don’t quite work out! Click here, and I’ll send your free copy right now!
Leave a Reply