White Dove by Benjamin Moore is a perfect white paint. See it in REAL spaces and find out how and where to use it best!
Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17) is a clean, classic white paint color. It’s perfect for almost any room! This popular white paint color can help create bright, warm feel in your home.
Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17
White Dove – LRV: 83.16 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Also known as Benjamin Moore: PM-19
In this paint color review, I’m going to share my personal experience with Benjamin Moore White Dove, plus all the nitty gritty details about undertones, and how the paint looks in different lighting conditions, in different rooms.
Plus, at the end of the post I’m sharing 15+ photos of White Dove in real homes!
If you’ve been thinking about using White Dove for your next painting project, here’s everything you need to know to decide if it’s the right white paint color for your space.
My Personal Experience With White Dove
After testing several different paint colors in my home, I decided on painting our entire home in Benjamin Moore White Dove. And I’m so glad I did. It turned out amazing!
White Dove is such a versatile paint color. It’s perfect for interior walls, ceilings, cabinets moldings and trim. With a subtle hint of warmth, this color is especially well suited for bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas.
After painting our home, I love how our primary bedroom turned out. This room has one large window that floods the room with cool Northern light.
The creamy warmth of White Dove resists being washed out by the Northern light. Plus, it goes perfectly with the dark walnut stained shiplap accent wall. Check out how the room turned out in the image below.
Get all the details of our master bedroom in this post: Our Modern Rustic Bedroom Reveal
How Bright Is Benjamin Moore White Dove?
Light Reflectance Value, (or LRV for short) is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.
Benjamin Moore White Dove has a LRV of 83.16 which toes the line between white and off-white.
Why is White Dove SO popular?
The prefect white paint color makes a room feel bright and welcoming, but not too bright. White Dove achieves this balance making it super versatile and a common choice for both designers and home owners.
The lighting, decor, and finishes in every home is unique which is why there is no one-size-fits-all perfect white paint color – however, White Dove is pretty close!
As you can see in our living room below, Benjamin Moore White Dove helps create a light and airy vibe in a room with plenty of natural light.
Paint colors with LRV scores in the lower 80’s, like White Dove, have more richness, complexity and depth of color, but sometimes at the cost of extra undertones, and less brightness.
White Dove Undertones
A common question I get asked is…
“Is Benjamin Moore White Dove a warm or cool white?“
Like all good white paint colors, White Dove is a complex blend of colors. It’s made up of many different colors and shades all blended together. The color mixture in White Dove has warm undertones.
The warmth of White Dove by Benjamin Moore makes it a perfect choice for painting everything – walls, ceilings cabinets & trim!
A couple more White Dove undertone FAQs…
“Does White Dove look yellow?”
In some lighting situations, it can (especially rooms with southern light exposure.) However, after painting the interior walls and trim in our home with White Dove, I actually noticed some fairly strong green undertones – specifically, in our south facing kitchen & dining room.
“Does White Dove look dingy?”
White Dove only looks “dingy” when paired next to a really bright white with cool undertones. This can make White Dove appear more off-white, and sometimes look a little dirty.
However, most of the time White Dove looks perfectly soft and subtle especially when golden natural light brings out the warm yellowish-green undertones. This creates a creamy, warm look.
In general, I really like the relaxing vibes the sunshine brings out in this paint color.
The bigger problem I had with White Dove was dealing with undertones when they turned green – a problem that I found was more pronounced under the LED lighting in our kitchen. In the end, I was able to tame the green by swapping out our LED lights for warmer ones. This seemed to be causing most of the problem.
Tip: A good strategy for finding undertones is to go to a paint color’s product page on the manufacture’s website, (White Dove’s can be found here.)
When looking at the undertones for White Dove on Benjamin Moore’s site, if you click on ‘SHADES’, it will show you all the shades they offer from lightest to darkest.
White Dove’s shades look like this:
As you can see in the image above, taking a paint color to its darkest shade makes undertones much easier to spot. Using this strategy gives you some easy undertone insight. It makes it apparent that White Dove has green undertones.
You can see a greenish hue in the dining room pictured below. It’s strongest in the shadows above the kitchen cabinets, and around the wood window trim.
(For reference, the shiplap on the island is also painted in White Dove. You can really see how the undertones show differently depending on the shadows/lights play off of it.)
The green undertones above the cabinets really bothered me, especially when the lights above the cabinets were on. To fix this, I simply swapped out the lights with brighter LED bulbs and it made all the difference!
Throughout this process I learned a ton about LED lights and wanted to share, so I wrote – The Ultimate LED Lighting Guide. It explains all the details on CRI (Color Rendering Index), Color Temperature, Lumens and more to help you find the perfect lighting for your home.
The Easiest Ways To Test White Dove In Your Home
Every home, and every room has unique lighting, décor, colors, and shadows. Because of this, you can never be 100% certain how a paint color will look in your home without actually seeing it on the walls.
This is why I always recommend trying out paint samples in your home before deciding on a color. Samplize makes testing out paint colors so convenient.
Grab a peel-and-stick sample of White Dove for the easiest, no mess way to test this color in you home! Use my discount code JOYFULLY5OFF to save $5 off your first order!
Benjamin Moore White Dove vs Popular Colors
Below are side-by-side images of Benjamin Moore White Dove vs several of the most popular white paint colors.
White Dove vs Alabaster
White Dove by Benjamin Moore (OC-17) vs Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams (SW 7008)
These two white paint colors have quite the rivalry! It’s a battle between the #1 white paint color from Benjamin Moore vs the #1 white paint color from Sherwin-Williams.
In fact, Alabaster is the most comparable Sherwin-Williams paint color to Benjamin Moore’s White Dove. I would classify both paint colors as bright off-white.
Is Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster the same color as Benjamin Moore’s White Dove? They have very similar LRV scores (brightness) with White Dove at 83.16, and Alabaster at 82, however Alabaster is just a bit warmer.
Both colors have similar undertones. In certain light, either color can look ever so slightly greenish, however, Alabaster is a bit warmer with White Dove having a touch more gray undertone.
Grab a sample of Alabaster here. And you can get a sample of White Dove here.
White Dove vs Chantilly Lace
White Dove by Benjamin Moore (OC-17) vs Chantilly Lace by Sherwin-Williams (OC-65)
This is the battle of the top two white paint colors from Benjamin Moore. These are the #1 and #2 most popular white paint colors from Benjamin Moore!
How to compare Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace and White Dove?
The biggest difference between White Dove and Chantilly Lace is that White Dove has more depth of color, and isn’t quite as bright with a LRV of 83.16. Chantilly Lace, on the other hand, is a very bright white with a LRV of 90.04.
Try Chantilly Lace in your home. Get a sample here. And you can get a sample of White Dove here.
White Dove vs Pure White
White Dove by Benjamin Moore (OC-17) vs Pure White by Sherwin-Williams (SW 7005)
White Dove by Benjamin Moore and Pure White by Sherwin-Williams are very similar colors from two different paint manufacturers.
Pure White is ever so slightly lighter with a LRV of 84 (compared to White Dove at 83.16). Realistically, the more noticeable difference will be in hue and undertones.
To see the differences between these colors, and to decide between them, I would definitely recommend testing samples in your home.
Grab a sample of Pure White here. And you can get a sample of White Dove here.
White Dove vs Simply White
White Dove by Benjamin Moore (OC-17) vs Simply White by Benjamin Moore (OC-152)
White Dove and Simply White are both popular colors by Benjamin Moore. What is the difference between White Dove and Simply White? Simply White is a fair amount lighter, with LRVs of 83.16 and 89.52 respectively.
Does White Dove look good with Simply White? Yes! Many people choose to pair Simply White with White Dove, as both are considered warm whites and look great together.
Simply White trim and White Dove walls is a very popular combination amongst homeowners and designers.
Grab a sample of Simply White here. And you can get a sample of White Dove here.
White Dove vs Super White
White Dove by Benjamin Moore (OC-17) vs Super White by Benjamin Moore (OC-152)
White Dove and Super White are two more very popular white paint colors from Benjamin Moore. Both colors have similar brightness, with Super White being the lighter of the two. Their LRVs are 83.16 and 87.36 respectively.
Grab a sample of Super White here. And you can get a sample of White Dove here.
White Dove vs Swiss Coffee
White Dove by Benjamin Moore (OC-17) vs Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore (OC-45)
White Dove and Swiss Coffee are two of Benjamin Moore’s most popular medium brightness off-white paint colors. What is the difference between White Dove and Swiss Coffee? With similar LRVs of 83.16 and 81.91, Swiss Coffee is slightly darker, and slightly warmer.
Grab a sample of Swiss Coffee here. And you can get a sample of White Dove here.
White Dove vs Cloud White
Benjamin Moore White Dove vs Cloud White is another popular comparison. The two colors are light and bright, with Cloud White being the lighter of the two colors.
Cloud White has more of a cream undertone, while White Dove is a little more grayish with its undertones.
Grab a sample of Cloud White here, and a sample of White Dove here.
What is the Best Trim Color for White Dove Walls?
My favorite trim color to go with White Dove is… White Dove. Kinda boring, I know. But sometimes the simplest solution is best.
To create a little bit of contrast between walls and trim, I like to use an eggshell finish on the walls, and a more glossy finish for the trim.
Not only does this combination look great, but a satin or semi-gloss finish on the trim is also more durable. The extra durability is important on the trim around doors, windows, and baseboards where paint sees the most wear and tear.
What color looks best with White Dove?
- If you have White Dove walls, try White Dove on the ceiling. My go-to ceiling paint color with White Dove walls is White Dove (with a flat finish).
- If you have White Dove walls and trim, use a finish that’s one sheen higher for the trim than what’s on the walls.
As a part of our kitchen remodel (pictured below), we painted everything white with Benjamin Moore White Dove. I especially love the white shiplap under the breakfast bar.
So what is the best trim color for White Dove walls? White Dove!
Using White Dove for the walls, the shiplap and the trim in our kitchen turned out exactly how I pictured it. The walls have an eggshell finish, while the trim and shiplap are semi-gloss.
Our kitchen remodel included new countertops, new appliances, a farmhouse sink, subway tile backsplash, lighting upgrades, shiplap and all new paint (plus a few other small projects).
Check out my article – Budget Kitchen Remodel to see how we accomplished all this for only $6,377.97!
If you want a bolder choice, check out paint colors in the next section, White Dove Coordinating Colors.
White Dove Coordinating Colors
One of the many reasons I frequently recommend White Dove is because it looks great by itself, but it also coordinates easily with many other paint colors.
What colors go well with Benjamin Moore White Dove? Here’s a few colors that would work well if you’re putting together a White Dove color palette for your home:
Pale Oak (OC-20) by Benjamin Moore
Pale Oak pairs very nicely with White Dove. Pale Oak is somewhere between off-white and gray, but putting it next to White Dove brings out the white in White Dove, and the gray in Pale Oak.
In our guest bedroom, I installed a White Dove shiplap accent wall, and painted the rest of the walls Pale Oak (OC-20) by Benjamin Moore.
Snag a sample of Pale Oak here. And you can get a sample of White Dove here.
Tip: When trying to coordinate different paint colors, a good place to start is on the paint manufacture’s website. All the major brands have user friendly websites that cab help you design a cohesive color palette for your home.
Benjamin Moore recommends paring White Dove with these colors:
Silver Lake (1598) by Benjamin Moore
Get a sample of Silver Lake here. Try it in your home next to a sample of White Dove.
Yukon Sky (1439) by Benjamin Moore
Snag a sample of Yukon Sky here. Try Yukon Sky in your home next to a sample of White Dove.
Horizon Gray (2141-50) by Benjamin Moore
Grab a sample of Horizon Gray here. Test it out in your home next to a sample of White Dove.
Cheating Heart (1617) by Benjamin Moore
Get a sample of Cheating Heart here. Try Cheating Heart in your home next to a sample of White Dove.
These colors pair well with White Dove, but don’t be afraid to experiment and try out some different colors too. That’s the beauty of samples. Mix & match til you find your favorite color combo for your space.
15+ Photos of White Dove in Real Homes
Ok, onto the fun part! I love looking at paint colors in multiple different homes to get a good idea of how it looks in other’s spaces. This gives a good idea of how the color looks in different lighting situations, different decor styles, and how the color looks in real spaces.
Is White Dove a good wall color? Here’s a look at real homes that have Benjamin Moore White Dove on the walls.
Benjamin Moore White Dove in Living Rooms
White Dove is THE most popular white paint color for living room walls. With its versatility for walls, trims, and ceilings, it’s a great choice for your living room.
Below are images of White Dove by Benjamin Moore in three different living rooms.
Benjamin Moore White Dove on Kitchen Cabinets
Is White Dove a good choice for kitchen cabinets? YES! But definitely grab a sample of White Dove to test it against your countertops, backsplash and flooring.
Once you’ve tested a White Dove sample against your white countertops and/or backsplash, you may be wondering what wall color goes with White Dove…
Tip: If you have White Dove cabinets and want white walls or trim, consider painting them White Dove as well. Use different sheens to add visual interest between trim/cabinets and walls.
Below are images of White Dove by Benjamin Moore in four different kitchens.
Benjamin Moore White Dove in Bedrooms
The warm undertones of White Dove make it a great choice for bedroom walls. It instantly creates a soft look creating a relaxing space for you to retreat at the end of the day.
Below are images of White Dove by Benjamin Moore in three different bedrooms.
Benjamin Moore White Dove in Dining Rooms
By now you know how versatile White Dove is, one of the reasons it’s so popular.
Below is an image of White Dove by Benjamin Moore in a dining room with rustic wood accents.
Benjamin Moore White Dove in Entryways
Looking for the perfect whole house color? Consider using White Dove! It looks good on walls, trim, ceilings, doors and moldings.
Below are images of White Dove by Benjamin Moore in two different entryways.
Benjamin Moore White Dove on Exteriors
I love the classic look of white exteriors. While it’s been extremely popular for the last few years, it’s a color trend that’ll never look dated or out of style.
Is White Dove too white for exteriors? No. The warm undertones in White Dove give it just enough depth to make a beautiful exterior house paint color.
Below are images of White Dove by Benjamin Moore on the exterior of two different homes. One home has White Dove brick exterior, and the other has traditional siding painted in White Dove, but both have pops of black. Seriously stunning!
In my opinion, Benjamin Moore truly found themselves the perfect warm white paint color with White Dove.
Would you like to see White Dove in your own room? Grab a peel-and-stick sample of White Dove for the easiest, no mess way to test this color in your home!
Yes, you can go to your local paint store and buy a few tiny cans of sample paint colors, then paint little patches all over your walls. (Don’t forget to paint two coats!)
But these reusable peel-and-stick samples from Samplize are so much more convenient!
I love that their peel-and-stick samples are made with 2 coats of REAL paint and the large 9″ x 14.75″ size gives you a good idea of what the actual color looks like on your walls. Plus it’s big enough to wrap around a corner which can be really helpful depending on the area you’re planning on painting.
All you need to do is peel and stick. (Or you can tack them up). You can move them from wall to wall and room to room. So convenient!
👉🏻 Use my discount code: JOYFULLY5OFF at checkout to receive $5 off your first order.
Tip: Don’t forget to see how the paint colors look with the lights on (and off!) in the room you’ll be painting.
Other Popular White Paint Colors
If you’re stuck trying to decide between White Dove, Swiss Coffee, Alabaster, Chantilly Lace, Simply White, or another white paint color, check out my article: White Paint Color Guide.
This white paint color guide has 11+ of the most popular white paint colors with a mini review for each color. It has all the details you need to know, plus side-by-side comparisons, and images of the paint colors in real homes to help you choose.
Or, for some white paint colors that are a shade or two darker check out my article: Off-White Paint Color Guide.
Check out all of our paint color guides here – there is White, Off-White, Black, Gray, Beige, Greige, Brown & Taupe and many more!
For a more in-depth step-by-step guide that will lead you through my proven process for choosing a paint color, check out my article: How To Choose A Perfect Paint Color. It will help you select a paint color using: undertones, lighting, room direction, sheen, samples, and a few more helpful tips!
Our Top Painting Tips & Resources:
How To Get A Great Deal On Paint
Did you know that you can use budget friendly paint, and have it color matched to premium Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams paint colors? At Joyfully Growing Blog, we always use Glidden Premium paint from The Home Depot.
Glidden Premium rivals the quality of the top paint lines from Behr, Sherwin Williams, and Benjamin Moore.
Any paint store, or home improvement store with a paint section will be able to match colors from most major brands. This means that you can select one brand of paint, but get it mixed in any color you want!
In many cases, affordable paint like Glidden Premium can be up to 50% cheaper than the ‘big name brand’ competition. This can save you a ton of money!
Our Go-To Painting Supplies
- Paint brushes – I recommend ‘Pro Grade’ paint brushes, they’re the perfect budget friendly option. This set comes with both flat and angled brushes to get every nook and cranny. I LOVE the quality and, in my experience, they’re much more affordable from Amazon compared to in-store prices. You might be surprised how cheap this professional quality 5 Brush Set is on Amazon (it’s less than $10!).
- Paint rollers – Cover more surface area with a handy roller.
Tip: I love this one for tall walls or ceilings, it has an extendable handle.
- Paint sprayer – Paint brushes and paint rollers will get the job done, but for serious efficiency and productivity, you cannot beat this Graco Magnum Project Plus airless paint sprayer (Amazon). I personally own this paint sprayer, and have used it on tons of painting projects.
It’s an excellent quality sprayer, and powers through any painting projects in a hurry. Painting with an airless sprayer makes it easy to complete projects in much less time.
- Drop cloth – Skip the mess and grab a reusable drop cloth instead. This will come in handy for future projects. Just pop it in the washing machine after you’re done painting and it will be ready to go for the next project.
- Multi-surface painter’s tape – I always use this brand of painter’s tape, it’s great for smooth or lightly textured walls, trim, baseboards, tile, or even glass. It sticks quick and is easy to remove.
- Sanding sponges – For smoothing and prepping surfaces, you’ll need a couple of sanding sponges in different grits.
Want my A-to-Z blueprint on how to design a room that’s cohesive?
Final Thoughts on White Dove by Benjamin Moore
White Dove is a super versatile paint color that tends to go with almost everything. It’s a soothing shade of white that lets your furnishings and decor take center stage.
It’s a great choice for walls, trim, cabinets, ceilings, doors and exteriors. So it’s no surprise that it’s one of THE most popular white paint colors from Benjamin Moore.
There you have it – everything you need to know about Benjamin Moore’s White Dove and 15+ real homes that use it. I hope this helped you determine if White Dove is the right paint color for your home!
Resources For Choosing Paint Colors
If you’re not sure if White Dove will work in your space, I’ve written several paint color guides to help you pick the perfect colors for your home, as well as a few articles that’ll help you choose:
- This Year’s Top Paint Color Trends | Trending Colors From Popular Brands
- The Best White Paint Colors For Your Home
- Beige Is Back! Top Beige Paint Colors
- Popular Moody Black Paint Colors
- Best Gray Paint Colors | The Ultimate Guide
- Green Paint Colors | Top Colors Of The Year
- Blue Paint Color Guide | Light, Dark and Everywhere In Between
- Best Paint Colors For North Facing Rooms
- Best Paint Colors For South Facing Rooms
- Popular Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors
- How To Choose A Paint Color | Lighting, Undertones, Sheen (and more!)
- Samplize Review | Peel-and-Stick Paint Samples
Thanks for reading along! Pin this White Dove Paint Color Review post to refer back to later.
