Sherwin Williams Dover White: The Quick and Dirty on LRV, Undertones and a Little More

Have you been wondering about certain paint colors, but can’t find helpful actionable info? Well, have I got the blog posts for you!

I’ve created my Color Review series to cover some of the most popular Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams paint colors. I’ve also got the Quick & Dirty series to cover colors that aren’t as popular, or that I don’t have enough of photos of yet (as I ONLY use photos from my Online Color Consulting clients).

And today we’re talking about…

What type of paint color is Dover White?

Dover White is white, but it’s not a LEGIT white, it’s actually a considerably SOFT white with some MAJOR considerations.

Is Dover White a warm or cool paint color?

Dover White is a warm paint color, which is one of the reasons you need to be careful when using it as your MAIN white (trim/ceilings/doors). The warmer and softer a white is, the more limitations it will have re: the type of paint colors and products you can partner with it.

What’s the LRV of Dover White?

With an LRV just over 82, Dover White is a white, but it’s not a bright white. Dover White is considerably soft, bordering on the high end of the off-white range (learn more HERE).

Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.

What are the undertones of Dover White? Will it look yellow or cream?

Yes and yes. Having that slightly lower LRV, Dover White has more colorant compared to the more popular warm white paint colors. And that colorant is WARM, which means Dover White has a creamy yellow base to it. If you partner it with cool tones, greige, and even some tan/beige paint colors, you might see that cream/yellow even more.

What’s the best way to sample Dover White?

Like with every paint color, I highly recommend using SAMPLIZE. Samplize is a peel & stick paint sample that you can easily move around your room for over HALF THE COST of traditional sample pots – and they deliver right to your front door!

Learn more about Samplize HERE

If I’m painting my walls Dover White, what’s the best white paint color for my trim?

When it comes to white paint colors, USUALLY, I’d recommend doing the same white on the trim and walls for consistency. And while you certainly can do that with Dover White, you can also partner it up with a cleaner white, something like SW High Reflective White. Just remember, this will show the depth/colorant of Dover White a bit more as you’ll see the CONTRAST of it with a brighter white.

Here’s a good example of Dover White in action…

Look at the shift between the cleaner white of the cabinets and the WARM white of the crown moulding and trim work (Dover White). While everything is okay, you can see how Dover White is the one thing that kiiiiind of doesn’t fit in quite as well.

Is Dover White a good color for the exterior of my home?

I wouldn’t do it. If I’m going to suggest a white for my Online Color Consulting clients, I’m going to choose a brighter one with less yellow in it, more along the lines of Sherwin Williams Pure White perhaps, but it can depend on the home and its particular finishes. Dover White can even be a bit too yellow for the trim.

Should I paint my kitchen cabinets Dover White?

Only if you have to. Generally speaking, Dover White will LIMIT you long-term regarding other finishes like countertop, backsplash and wall paint, simply because it is a stronger yellowish white. And while the odd kitchen/style calls for this and looks LOVELY, it will be awfully warm for the average home.

Is Dover White a popular paint color right now?

Dover White is not UNpopular, but personally, there are WAY better options in the warm white world. I find that the degree of yellow/cream is super limiting when it comes to coordinating with other paint colors, countertops, tiles and decor. In fact, I have it listed as one of the 3 whites I would never paint my trim or cabinets…but maybe that’s just me (wink wink).

I’m not trying to put you OFF this color, but you do need to seriously consider how warm/creamy it is and whether that’s a look your home and decor can support short-term and long-term.

BTW, if you want a nice warm white for your cabinets or trim, I would lean more into Benjamin Moore Cloud White or Sherwin Williams Alabaster.

What type of paint colors look good with Dover White?

Dover White leans towards a more country look, with a preference for the soft blues and greens found in the modern farmhouse style.
Dover White is NOT as happy when partnered with lighter gray and greige paint colors as the degree of yellow in Dover White can clash slightly with many of these colors

Not sure if Dover White is right for you? Want a bit warmer or cooler? I’ve got more!

BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE

SHERWIN WILLIAMS ALABASTER

Not sure which paint color is best for YOUR home?

Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting – I’d love to help!

KYLIE M INTERIORS E-DESIGN AND ONLINE VIRTUAL PAINT COLOR EXPERT, SPECIALIZING IN BENJAMIN MOORE AND SHERWIN WILLIAMS PAINT COLORS DIY DECORATING AND DESIGN ADVICE BLOGGER

Nanci
January 8, 2022 at 7:56 am

I do not agree with your assessment of Dover White. I use it for a trim color in my bedrooms. One has walls painted in SW Canvas Tan with west light and the other has walls in BM Sheep’s Wool with north light. I’m getting read to do walls in SW Antique White in a North light. All the trim is Dover White. Looks fine to me. It is a lovely white. I would hate for people to be put off using it because of your review

1. Post
  Author
  
  KylieMawdsley
  January 8, 2022 at 2:37 pm
  
  Hi Nanci, I’m so glad it’s worked for you, I’m sure your comments will help!
  
  1. Nanci
    January 27, 2023 at 1:49 pm
    
    I meant to say I used SW Aged White not Antique white in my bedroom. I love that color too
    
Sarah
January 29, 2022 at 6:08 am

I have Dover White everywhere in my new build…looking for a main color for open concept and don’t want to go too dark (even though I know your advice is to get a color with more “meat on its bones”. Would a color like Wool Skein work since it does not lean gray? Thanks for all of you guidance!

Haileigh
March 28, 2022 at 6:26 pm

Do you have an opinion on Dover White trim and cabinets with Muslin on the walls? For a warm feel. Thanks in advance!

Ginger Day
April 12, 2022 at 7:13 am

What color would you paint your kitchen walls with Dover white cabinets? I would like to have white backsplash but maybe you could suggest another color for backsplash.

Cleo
August 16, 2023 at 10:38 am

OMG, this explains so much. The trim in the pre-owned home we bought is Dover White. I have been having a very difficult time trying to get a wall color to go with DW as well as the tiled flooring which is more tan colored.