Simply White vs. White Dove: The Ultimate Color Face-Off
Choosing the right white paint can make or break your room’s look. While they might seem alike at first glance, Simply White and White Dove offer different effects in your home.
These two popular Benjamin Moore whites bring their own feel to walls, trim, and cabinets.
Simply White offers a clean, bright finish that many homeowners love. White Dove provides a softer, more muted option with gentle warmth. The small differences between them can change how your entire room feels.
This guide will help you understand which white works best for your needs. We’ll compare their tones, how they look in various rooms, and what colors pair well with each.
By the end, you’ll know which white suits your space.
Simply White V/S White Dove: Key Differences At a Glance
| Feature | Simply White | White Dove |
|---|---|---|
| Undertone | Minimal yellow undertone | Soft, warm greige undertone |
| Brightness | Brighter, crisper white | Softer, more muted white |
| Best Spaces | Dark kitchens, hallways, modern rooms | Bedrooms, traditional spaces, north-facing rooms |
| Light Response | Changes more in different lighting | Stays more consistent across lighting conditions |
| Pairs With | Dove Wing, Silver Satin, Casco Bay | Revere Pewter, Balboa Mist, Kendall Charcoal |
| Best For | Modern, bright, energetic spaces | Cozy, traditional, balanced spaces |
| LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | Higher – reflects more light | Lower – slightly less reflective |
| Feel | Fresh, clean, crisp | Warm, soft, balanced |
Undertones & Character: White Dove vs Simply White
White Dove (OC-17)
White Dove embodies a soft, creamy white with refined gray-beige undertones. With an LRV of 83.16, it sits comfortably between true white and beige, creating what designers often call a “happy medium.”
This balanced nature allows White Dove to create simultaneously elegant and cozy spaces.
The gray-beige (greige) undertones in White Dove help soften the white without making it feel too warm or yellow.
This makes it particularly forgiving in various lighting conditions and explains why it’s become a designer favorite for creating spaces with a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.
Simply White (OC-117)
Simply White presents a brighter, crisper appearance with its higher LRV of 89.52, placing it much closer to a pure white. However, what makes White special is that despite its brightness,
it carries subtle warm yellow undertones that prevent it from feeling cold or institutional.
This combination of brightness with warmth gives Simply White its contemporary yet inviting character. In modern spaces, it creates clean lines and definitions without the harshness that can come with starker whites.
The yellow undertones become more pronounced in certain lighting conditions, particularly in spaces with warm artificial lighting or north-facing rooms.
The character difference becomes most evident when you see these whites side by side or when used on architectural elements like moldings and trim, where White Dove creates softer transitions. At the same time, Simply White offers a more distinct contrast.
Best Applications Of Simply White And White Dove
1. Kitchens
White Dove feels warm and cozy, while Simply White works well for brightening up darker spaces.
White Dove brings a soft glow to kitchens with its creamy undertones. It pairs well with wood cabinets and stone countertops. The color stays true in changing light.
Simply White helps open up small or dark kitchens. It reflects light well, making spaces seem bigger. This shade works best with modern fixtures and stainless steel.
2. Hallways & Entryways
Simply White maintains brightness in dim spaces, whereas White Dove provides a softer, more neutral backdrop.
Simply White creates a bright welcome in often dark entryways. It makes narrow halls seem wider by bouncing available light.
White Dove offers a calm, gentle warmth for these areas. It feels lived-in rather than stark and hides small scuffs better in busy spots.
3. Bedrooms
White Dove creates a relaxing atmosphere, while Simply White gives off a fresh and energetic vibe.
White Dove has a restful quality perfect for bedrooms. Its slight warmth works with both light and dark bedding choices.
Simply White feels fresh and awake, ideal for guest rooms or kids’ spaces. It lets artwork and textiles stand out with clear contrast.
4. Living Rooms
Simply White enhances brightness and contrast, whereas White Dove gives a more balanced and cozy look.
Simply White makes living areas feel open and airy. It maximizes light and creates a strong contrast with furniture.
White Dove creates a gentle, inviting background for family activities. It works well in north-facing rooms that need extra warmth.
Lighting Impact Of Simply White and White Dove
White Dove remains consistent under different lighting conditions, looking soft and balanced.
White Dove shows its true colors in all settings. This paint stays reliable with morning sunlight, afternoon shade, or evening lamps.
The soft white keeps its balance without shifting too yellow or too stark. This makes it a safe pick for rooms that change in brightness throughout the day.
Simply White can change more significantly based on lighting, sometimes appearing creamier in artificial light.
Simply White shifts its look as your lighting changes. In natural daylight, it appears bright and clean.
Under lamps or bulbs, it may show more of its cream undertones. This quality means the same paint can create different moods from day to night. Consider testing this color in both morning and evening light before deciding.
Coordinating Colors
White Dove
Pairs well with earthy tones like Revere Pewter, Balboa Mist, and Kendall Charcoal.
White Dove blends smoothly with Revere Pewter‘s gray-beige tones. This makes rooms flow well together.
Balboa Mist adds a light gray touch that keeps spaces open. Kendall Charcoal offers a strong contrast against White Dove’s soft base.
These pairs work in both open plans and single rooms.
Simply White
Matches well with Dove Wing, Silver Satin, and bolder accents like Casco Bay (muted sea green).
Simply White creates clean backdrops for other colors. Dove Wing adds subtle depth without clash. Silver Satin brings a cool, modern feel. Casco Bay (muted sea green) stands out against the bright white base.
These matches fit both modern and coastal homes.
Conclusion
Both shades are excellent choices, but your decision should be based on lighting, decor, and the overall mood you want to create. Testing swatches in your space is highly recommended.
Your room’s lighting affects how these whites look on your walls. Check how the colors appear at different times of day. Your current furniture and style also matter when picking between these options.
The feeling you want matters, too. White Dove creates calm, while Simply White brings energy. Paint small sections of your wall with both colors before making your final choice.
This helps you see how they truly look in your home.
Each white has its strengths. Your perfect match depends on your specific needs and preferences. With a test patch, you’ll know which white feels right for your space.
