Few paint colors have the staying power of White Dove by Benjamin Moore. Known officially as OC-17, White Dove has become one of the most searched and specified white paint colors for homeowners, designers, and contractors.
If you’re considering Benjamin Moore White Dove paint for your walls, trim, cabinets, or exterior, this guide breaks down everything you need to know — including undertones, LRV, comparisons to Simply White and Swiss Coffee, and where White Dove works best.
What Color is Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17)?
Benjamin Moore White Dove is a soft, warm white paint color. It’s not a stark bright white and not a creamy yellow — it sits comfortably in the middle. White Dove is technically an off-white, but in many homes it reads as a clean, classic white.
- Color Number: OC-17
- Also referenced as: PM-19 (in some product lines)
What Are the Undertones of White Dove?
White Dove has:
- Subtle warm undertones
- A soft greige (gray-beige) influence
- Very slight creamy/yellow warmth in certain lighting
It does not typically read:
- Blue
- Stark gray
- Bright or icy
In north-facing rooms, White Dove may lean slightly muted or soft gray. In south-facing rooms, the warmth becomes more noticeable but rarely turns yellow. This balance is why White Dove remains so popular.
What is the LRV of Benjamin Moore White Dove?
The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of White Dove is approximately 83.16. This means:
- It reflects a significant amount of light
- It brightens rooms without feeling clinical
- It works well in darker spaces
- Compared to brighter whites like Simply White (LRV around 89), White Dove feels softer and slightly more grounded.
Is White Dove Warm or Cool?
White Dove is considered a warm white paint color. However, it is not overly creamy or beige. It’s warmer than many crisp decorator whites but more neutral than traditional creamy whites like Swiss Coffee. The middle-ground warmth makes it extremely versatile.
Benjamin Moore White Dove vs. Simply White
Simply White:
- Brighter
- Higher LRV
- More noticeable yellow undertone
- If you want a crisp, brighter white → Simply White.
White Dove:
- Softer
- Slightly more muted
- Less obvious yellow warmth
- If you want a soft, balanced white → White Dove.
White Dove vs. Swiss Coffee
Swiss Coffee:
- Creamier
- More yellow warmth
- Feels cozier and softer
- Swiss Coffee leans traditional and warm.
White Dove:
- More neutral
- Less creamy
- Slightly cleaner appearance
- White Dove leans transitional and flexible.
Using Benjamin Moore White Dove on Cabinets
Benjamin Moore White Dove kitchen cabinets are extremely popular. Why it works:
- Warm enough to avoid feeling sterile
- Neutral enough to pair with quartz, marble, or wood floors
- Looks elegant in satin or semi-gloss finishes
White Dove cabinets pair beautifully with:
- Revere Pewter
- Hale Navy
- Pale Oak
- Edgecomb Gray
For cabinetry, many homeowners choose premium interior products like Regal Select or Advance for durability.
Is White Dove Good for Trim?
Yes. Benjamin Moore White Dove trim is a classic choice. It works well:
- Against soft gray walls
- With greige palettes
- On shiplap
- For interior doors
Some homeowners use White Dove for both walls and trim for a seamless, modern look.
Can You Use White Dove on Ceilings?
Yes. Because of its high LRV, White Dove works beautifully as:
- A ceiling paint
- A full-room monochromatic color
- A softer alternative to bright ceiling white
If your walls are also White Dove, you can use a flatter sheen for ceilings and a satin or eggshell for walls.
Benjamin Moore White Dove Exterior
White Dove exterior paint is increasingly popular for:
- Modern farmhouse homes
- Brick exteriors
- Siding with black windows
- White exterior trim
It pairs well with:
- Black shutters
- Deep navy accents
- Warm wood tones
Because it’s not stark white, it tends to age well and resist looking harsh in bright sunlight.
Colors That Go With Benjamin Moore White Dove
Some coordinating colors include:
- Hale Navy
- Revere Pewter
- Stonington Gray
- Balboa Mist
- Edgecomb Gray
White Dove also pairs well with natural materials:
- Oak flooring
- Marble countertops
- Brass fixtures
- Linen textures
Is Benjamin Moore White Dove Too Yellow?
This is a very common concern. White Dove can show slight warmth in very warm lighting, but it rarely looks overtly yellow. If you’re extremely sensitive to yellow undertones, you may prefer a cooler white like Chantilly Lace.
Always test a paint sample in your own lighting conditions before committing.
White Dove vs Sherwin-Williams Alabaster
Alabaster:
- Slightly creamier
- More noticeable beige warmth
White Dove:
- More balanced
- Slightly cleaner look
They are similar, but White Dove typically reads a bit more neutral.
Final Thoughts for Homeowners
Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17) remains one of the most versatile and trusted white paint colors available today. It works on walls, trim, cabinets, ceilings, and exteriors. And it’s often a go-to choice for homeowners. If you’re unsure, start with a FREE White Dove paint sample and view it in multiple rooms and lighting conditions before making your final decision.