WHITE DOVE vs CLOUD WHITE WHITE, SWISS COFFEE & 10 OTHER POPULAR COLORS

COMPARING WHITE DOVE, SWISS COFFEE, PURE WHITE, ALABASTER, & MORE

Gone are the days when you go to the paint store and grab any old gallon of white paint. Sure, you CAN, but I almost guarantee it’s not the RIGHT white for your walls, trims, or cabinets.

Why?

Because sneaky undertones like blue, pink, gray, and yellow hide inside even the most seemingly ‘white’ paint colors. These undertones can clash with surrounding finishes if they aren’t coordinated carefully (insert Kylie HERE). On the other hand, if a white DOESN’T have undertones, it can be too stark and clinical for the average home.

So how do you find the BEST white paint color for your walls, trims, cabinets, or exterior?

You COMPARE. Which is what we’re doing in this blog post with one of my FAVORITE white paint colors – Benjamin Moore White Dove.

Benjamin Moore White Dove and Revere Pewter

BTW, my blog posts usually include photos of my client’s homes. HOWEVER, this is an INFO-HEAVY blog post, giving you the deets you need with less muss n’ fuss. If you’re just here for the pretty pictures (I feel you), check out each color’s FULL COLOR REVIEW (links throughout). 

Now, before we get this color party started (or lack of color, seeing as they’re all whites), let’s touch briefly on LRV.

Not sure what LRV is?

The quick n’ dirty is that EVERY paint color has an LRV number on a scale of 0-100. 0 is black, and 100 is white. This number tells you how light or dark a paint color is!

When it comes to white paint colors, LRV matters…A LOT! 

The LRV of white paint colors goes from approx 81-94 (there aren’t any brighter whites in the paint world…yet). Intrigued? You should be; it will rock your paint-pickin’ world – read about it HERE.

Now without FURTHER ado…

BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE VS CLOUD WHITE

White Dove and Cloud White have been kickin’ it a long time. HOWEVER, when it comes to the most popular white used in the early 2000s, Cloud White is MILES ahead of White Dove, and for good reason.

Cloud White is WARMER than White Dove (cream-yellow undertone). This difference makes Cloud White a bit better suited to the Tuscan style of the early 2000s, as well as the accompanying earth tones, countertops, and beige finishes. White Dove has come on the scene more in the last decade as trends leaned cooler. However, with trends shifting (yes, again), I wouldn’t be surprised to see Cloud White rising in the ranks!

As for depth, while both White Dove and Cloud White are soft, warm whites, there’s a subtle difference in depth, with Cloud White being the brighter of the two shades.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHITE DOVE & CLOUD WHITE?

• White Dove LRV: 83.16 / Cloud White LRV: 85.05
• Cloud White is BRIGHTER & whiter than White Dove.
• Cloud White is WARMER than White Dove, although both are warm whites.
• Cloud White is often better suited to popular granite & laminate countertops from the early 2000s.
• As a trim or cabinet color, off-white and light-depth paint colors often suit White Dove over Cloud White due to White Dove’s more subtle warmth.
• White Dove and Cloud White are equally as pretty in cool north-facing and east-facing rooms with dull afternoon light.
• Expect both colors to look even warmer in south-facing and western light.

Ideas to Update Your Outdated Granite Countertops

KYLIE’S M’S FAVE COLOR

Unless a space NEEDS a more definitive creamy warmth, I prefer White Dove to Cloud White. I like that it offers warmth without quite as much yellow.

FULL Color Review of Benjamin Moore Cloud White

FULL Color Review of Benjamin Moore White Dove

BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE VS SWISS COFFEE

White Dove versus Swiss Coffee – which one do you choose? (Insert White Dove HERE.) Just joking…kind of.

White Dove and Swiss Coffee are similar in depth as both are soft whites, but Swiss Coffee is a bit darker than White Dove due to its lower LRV.

In the temperature department, expect to see a BIT more warmth in Swiss Coffee compared to White Dove. And while both are soft, warm whites (yellow undertones), of the two, Swiss Coffee is sliiiiightly more likely to pick up a wee flash of green.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHITE DOVE & SWISS COFFEE?

• White Dove LRV: 83.16 / Swiss Coffee LRV: 81.91
• White Dove is BRIGHTER than Swiss Coffee, but not by a LOT (approx 15%).
• Swiss Coffee can look a bit WARMER than White Dove.
• Both of these popular shades of white have a cream-yellow undertone, but Swiss Coffee is a touch more likely to pick up green (insert mild twitching HERE)
• White Dove and Swiss Coffee are both popular choices for cool north-facing rooms.

The 3 Best White Paint Colors for North-Facing Rooms

KYLIE M’S FAVE COLOR

White Dove and Swiss Coffee are often in the running for the same place on the podium. However, if it weren’t for Studio McGee using Swiss Coffee, it would be clear that White Dove is the better color due to its more predictable approach.

Long story short, I’ve suggested White Dove hundreds (possibly thousands) of times to my Online Paint Color Consulting clients. I’ve suggested Swiss Coffee twice. Nuff said.

FULL Color Review of Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee

BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE VS SIMPLY WHITE

White Dove and Simply White are two of Benjamin Moore’s more popular white paint colors, but there are a few BIG differences.

When you compare Simply White and White Dove, it’s clear that Simply White is a BRIGHTER, cleaner white. This means that Simply White is closer to being a true white compared to White Dove.

However, these two shades are similar as they’re both warm whites and have a yellow undertone. The main difference is that Simply White’s warmth is cleaner, meaning the yellow can sometimes show up at the party a bit more.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHITE DOVE & SIMPLY WHITE?

• White Dove LRV: 83.16 / Simply White LRV: 89.52
• Simply White is a BRIGHTER white; White Dove is a SOFT white.
• Simply White is CLEANER than White Dove and can flash a bit more yellow undertone.
• Both whites work in northern light to add balance; both will pick up more yellow/cream warmth in the southern or western afternoon sun.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing White Paint Colors

KYLIE M’S FAVE COLOR

While both whites are often in the running, USUALLY a room needs a soft, warm white OR a brighter warm white. Between the two, I prefer White Dove for its more subtle approach.

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Simply White

BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE VS CHANTILLY LACE

While White Dove and Chantilly Lace are both white paint colors – that’s about all they have in common.

Chantilly Lace is pretty darn white. Sure, there are WHITER whites, but as far as BM goes – this is it. This means Chantilly Lace sits at the BRIGHT end of the white spectrum, and White Dove sits at the SOFT end. So, while they’re often competing as trim colors, they both offer different looks.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHITE DOVE & CHANTILLY LACE?

• White Dove LRV: 83.16 / Chantilly Lace LRV: 90.04
• Chantilly Lace is a BRIGHTER white, whereas White Dove is a considerably SOFT shade of white.
• Chantilly Lace is Benjamin Moore’s WHITEST white with fractional warmth. White Dove has a very noticeable warmth in comparison.
• White Dove offers a softer, more MUTED contrast with wall colors. Chantilly Lace is a more CLEAN, crisp partner to wall colors.
• Chantilly Lace can be a bit cool for northern light, but like White Dove, it picks up a pretty warmth in south-facing or afternoon western sunshine.
• Chantilly Lace is often better for gray or cool-toned countertops/tiles, whereas White Dove can humor SOME grays but some warmer finishes as well.

North, East, South, West – Which Paint Color is the Best?

KYLIE M’S FAVE COLOR

It’s a toss-up. While I love the softness of White Dove, I appreciate the clean but not cold/stark look of Chantilly Lace. Let’s just say they BOTH have their place; it all comes down to whether I want a softer look (White Dove) or something a bit brighter (Chantilly Lace).

Chantilly Lace PHOTOS & review: FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

The 5 Types of White Paint Colors

BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE VS SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE

White Dove is a soft white – Pure White is also a soft white. This is due to their respective LRVs of 83.16 and 84. The main difference is that White Dove is WARMER and creamier than Pure White.

Because of this difference, Pure White is often a better choice with the average white quartz countertops, whereas White Dove’s subtle warmth can be a bit TOO yellow at times for these finishes.

White Dove is often better suited to beige-infused homes (i.e., Tuscan style), whereas Pure White is usually too flat/not warm enough.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHITE DOVE & PURE WHITE?

• White Dove LRV: 83.16 / Pure White LRV 84
• Pure White is a touch BRIGHTER than White Dove.
• White Dove is WARMER and a bit creamier than Pure White.
• Pure White is often better suited for white quartz countertops.
• Pure White CAN fall a bit flat in northern light or east/west-facing rooms at their flat times of the day.
• White Dove has more warmth than Pure White, making it better suited to cool northern rooms.

Kylie M’s Top 3 White Paint Color COLLECTIONS: with Samplize

KYLIE M’S FAVE COLOR

Don’t do this to me…don’t make me pick. The thing is, these two are often vying for the same spot for a good reason; it’s more about the APPROACH you want. With Pure White being less warm, it can look a bit cleaner than White Dove (without being overly crisp). However, there can be just as much appeal in the subtle warmth of White Dove and its slightly more muted approach.

What breaks the tie is that while I would put White Dove in many north, east, south, and west-facing rooms. However, Pure White isn’t always warm enough for a north-facing space and can fall a bit flat in morning western/afternoon eastern light.

WHITE DOVE FOR THE WIN!

Pure White PHOTOS & review: FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Pure White

BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE VS SHERWIN WILLIAMS ALABASTER

While White Dove and Alabaster are warm white paint colors, the main difference is in the DEGREE of warmth. Alabaster is warmer and creamier than White Dove. This makes Alabaster a popular choice with many traditional granite countertops, although White Dove does work with a few.

Both Alabaster and White Dove suit north-facing rooms if you want to balance the cool light with some warmth. However, both will lean EVEN WARMER south or strong afternoon western sunshine.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHITE DOVE & ALABASTER?

• White Dove LRV: 83.16 / Alabaster LRV: 82
• Alabaster is NOT AS BRIGHT as White Dove and is closer to being an off-white (although both are soft whites).
• Alabaster is WARMER (more cream-yellow) than White Dove.
• Alabaster can be beautiful with some popular granite countertops; White Dove is hit-and-miss but can work.
• Both can be too warm for many of the popular white quartz countertops (marble-look).

A Gorgeous Home Makeover with Sherwin Williams Alabaster

KYLIE M’S FAVE COLOR

White Dove…all the way. Sure, Alabaster wins MOST of the time when it comes to granite and laminate countertops from the early 2000s, but OVERALL, the more subtle warmth of White Dove makes it an easy choice. Remember, this is my PERSONAL opinion – you and your home might feel otherwise!

Alabaster PHOTOS & review: FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Alabaster

BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE VS HIGH REFLECTIVE WHITE

If you’re choosing between White Dove and High Reflective White, there should be a VERY clear winner.

Why?

Because White Dove and High Reflective White are on OPPOSITE sides when it comes to the wild world of whites!

High Reflective White is a TRUE white (a stitch whiter than Chantilly Lace), whereas White Dove is a soft white. While they could maaaaybe be vying for the same spot on your trim, one is likely the FAR better choice based on the needs of your finishes.

High Reflective White is known as Ultra White in Sherwin William’s Emerald paint line. So, while regular High Reflective White doesn’t have good coverage, the Emerald version is MUCH better (pricier, but better).

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHITE DOVE & HIGH REFLECTIVE WHITE?

• White Dove LRV: 83.16 / High Reflective White LRV: 93
• High Reflective White is a TRUE white; White Dove is a soft, warm white.
• White Dove often suits a range of quartz, laminate, and granite countertops. High Reflective White suits fewer countertops, usually cooler or fractionally warm ones.

How to Get the REAL High Reflective White & Not the DUPE

KYLIE M’S FAVE COLOR

Personally, there’s no competition; it’s White Dove all the way. High Reflective White has its place, but it’s not USUALLY in a home with a blend of warm and cool finishes (or all warm finishes). High Reflective White tolerates moderately warm colors but LOVES the cooler end of things, making it less easy to please than White Dove.

High Reflective White PHOTOS & review: FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

Get your Samplize PEEL & STICK SAMPLE of White Dove

Delivered to your front door in ONLY 1 DAY! 

BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE VS SNOWBOUND

When comparing White Dove and Snowbound, we’re comparing apples to oranges – sure, they have a similar SHAPE, but they sure as heck taste different.

Snowbound is like a soft white with gray in it. And because EVERY gray has undertones, expect Snowbound to have them too – violet-pink. I want to tell you these undertones are subtle, and while they caaaan be, it doesn’t take much for them to pop, especially when Snowbound’s used as a wall application.

Where Snowbound and White Dove are super similar is that their LRVs are just fractions of a point apart, making them both very comparable soft whites.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHITE DOVE & SNOWBOUND?

• White Dove LRV: 83.16 / Snowbound LRV: 83
• Snowbound and White Dove are both soft whites, but White Dove is considerably warmer/creamier.
• White Dove will pick up cream undertones; Snowbound can grab violet-pink and occasionally a touch of warmth.
• Snowbound can be fussy with its surroundings and should only be chosen when needed. White Dove is more versatile.

Sherwin William’s 3 Best Warm White Paint Colors

KYLIE M’S FAVE COLOR

Do I even need to say? Yes, Snowbound has its place, but for the average home, room, and surface, White Dove is WAY more versatile and predictable.

Snowbound PHOTOS & review: FULL Review of Sherwin Williams Snowbound

BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE VS GREEK VILLA

In the battle of White Dove versus Greek Villa, it’s a pretty close race.

White Dove and Greek Villa are kissin’ cousins, both having similar DNAs, I mean, LRVs (same thing, really). These two popular white shades are soft whites, as their LRVs are in the low 80s. This makes them a popular choice with various countertops, tiles, and interior finishes.

HOWEVER, whereas Greek Villa has slightly more noticeable yellow undertones, White Dove is more passive in its approach. And while every color has its place, it’s more often White Dove that’s suited to the job.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHITE DOVE & GREEK VILLA?

• White Dove LRV: 83.16 / Greek Villa LRV: 84
• Greek Villa and White Dove are very comparable warm whites.
• Greek Villa offers a bit more warmth/yellow than White Dove and can look a touch cleaner.
• With less yellow/warmth, White Dove is often a safer, more versatile choice.

White Walls, Cabinets, & Trim: Do They Need to be the SAME WHITE?

KYLIE M’S FAVE COLOR

White Dove…every time. I rarely need the increased yellow found in Greek Villa. And if I do, I usually turn to Cloud White or Simply White. Again, you do you, boo; if Greek Villa is your jam and it suits your home, fill yer lil white boots!

Greek Villa PHOTOS & review: FULL Color Review of Sherwin Williams Greek Villa

BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE VS CHEVIOT

While Cheviot and White Dove are both warm paint colors, upon close comparison, they’re heading in different directions.

Cheviot is a BRIGHTER white than White Dove due to their differences in LRV. With an LRV of 89, Cheviot is closer to being a bright white. However, the subtlety of its warmth is SIMILAR to White Dove; it’s just the shift in depth that sets them considerably apart.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHITE DOVE & CHEVIOT?

• White Dove LRV: 83.16 / Cheviot LRV: 89
• Cheviot is a brighter white compared to White Dove and comes across as cleaner/less muted.
• Cheviot is MORE comparable to Benjamin Moore’s Simply White but is slightly less yellow.

The Pros & Cons of Off-White or Light Depth Painted Cabinets

KYLIE M’S FAVE COLOR

With the higher price tag on Sherwin Williams Emerald paint, I haven’t had a chance to play with Cheviot enough. HOWEVER, if I were to, I feel like it would be in the running as my FAVE shade of white.

Why? 

With its passive warmth but increased brightness, Cheviot could fill a spot that neither Benjamin Moore nor Sherwin Williams has touched with any other whites!

Sherwin Williams Emerald Collection: 9 New White Paint Colors (INCLUDING CHEVIOT!)

WHITE DOVE vs. BENJAMIN MOORE STEAM

Steam often gets missed as it’s in the Affinity line of colors. However, it’s a great contender in the ‘world’s best warm white paint color‘ category. In fact, if Steam were displayed in the same area as the other top-selling shades, I bet it would make a run at the title.

Why? Well, let’s do a little comparing…

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHITE DOVE & STEAM?

• Steam LRV: 84.2 / White Dove: 83.16. While Steam’s a touch lighter, you won’t notice that shift if you compare them side by side.
• While both whites are warm, creamy whites, the main difference is that Steam is a tiny touch more yellow.

I did my best to show you the difference, but it’s hard to see via camera and easier to see in person…

And even though you might see that shift in person (and should), there’s still not a HUGE difference in warmth.

The Most Popular Off-White & White Quartz Countertops

KYLIE M’S FAVE COLOR

White Dove for the win. Sure, if a client needs a TOUCH more yellow, without dabbling in the BM Cloud White world, Steam can be a great option – it’s a beautiful color! However, for the average home and ease of coordination, I lean into the VERY SLIGHTLY more muted look of White Dove.

PEOPLE ALSO ASK…

WHAT COLOR COMPARES TO WHITE DOVE? WHAT’S THE CLOSEST MATCH?

There is no perfect match to White Dove as there will ALWAYS be changes in undertone/temperature/depth. The closest color to White Dove is Sherwin Williams Greek Villa.

IS WHITE DOVE TOO WHITE?

If you’re worried that White Dove is too white, you’re PROBABLY looking for an off-white. If you want a color with a bit more depth and body, then yes, White Dove COULD be too white.

In the ‘world of white,’ White Dove is sometimes seen as ‘not white enough.’

DOES WHITE DOVE LOOK DINGY?

It depends on what you’re comparing it to.

• Compared to cream with a lot of yellow, White Dove can look dirty.
• In a low-light room, White Dove can look dingy.
• If you’re comparing/partnering it with a brighter, cleaner white, White Dove will look dirty.
• In the wild world of whites, White Dove is one of the warmer, dirtier whites, but it still has a good life to it in the right environment.

READ MORE

The Ultimate Guide to White Paint Colors

3 Steps to Choose the Best White Paint Color for Your Walls, Cabinets, & Trim

Is White Still Popular on Walls, Cabinets, & Exteriors?

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