Sherwin William’s Snowbound Vs. White Dove to Choose From
Living with plain walls isn’t fun – I know because I spent months looking at paint samples.
White paint colors can be tricky, and homeowners often find themselves stuck choosing between Sherwin Williams Snowbound and Benjamin Moore White Dove.
I’ve worked with both these shades in different lighting conditions and spaces. I’ll help you understand the key differences between these whites.
In this guide, I’ll show you how each color looks in various rooms, explain their undertones, and share tips from my real experience to help you make the right choice for your home.
An Overview of White Paint Undertones
White paint isn’t just white – I learned this after testing many samples in my home. The hidden colors mixed into white paint create undertones that change how the color feels in your space.
Here are the main undertones in white paints:
- Yellow undertones make whites feel warm and soft
- Blue or gray undertones create a cooler, crisper look
- Green undertones can make whites appear fresh and clean
- Pink undertones add a gentle warmth different from yellow
When I test white paint, I look at it in both natural daylight and lamplight. The undertones show up differently as lighting changes throughout the day.
A quick tip from my experience: Put a pure white paper next to your paint sample. This simple test helps me spot the undertones more easily.
Brief About Sherwin William’s Snowbound
With a light reflectance value of 83, it brings brightness without glare. I love how this painting stays true to its color in both natural and artificial light.
Through my projects, I’ve seen it work beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, and even on trim and cabinets.
The gray undertones help control unwanted yellow tints, making it a reliable choice for any room direction.
When my clients want a clean, bright space without the harshness of pure white, Snowbound often perfectly meets their needs.
Brief About Sherwin William’s White Dove
The paint has a light reflectance value of 85, which gives rooms a bright, welcoming feel. What makes this shade unique is its perfect balance – it’s warm but not yellow, soft but not dull.
I’ve noticed it looks great in both morning and evening light, adapting nicely to different times of day. From my experience, White Dove stands out in kitchens, living areas, and bathrooms.
It’s also a top pick for trim work because it pairs well with other colors. I like how it creates a cozy atmosphere without feeling too creamy or stark.
Snowbound Vs. White Dove – Which One to Choose
| Feature | Snowbound | White Dove |
|---|---|---|
| Color Tone | Cooler white with soft gray undertones | Warmer white with creamy undertones |
| Light Reflectance Value | 83 | 85 |
| Best Use Cases | – Modern spaces with clean lines | – Traditional or farmhouse styles |
| – Rooms with plenty of natural light | – South-facing rooms | |
| – North-facing spaces that need brightening | – Kitchen and living spaces | |
| – Office spaces and trim work | – Areas wanting a warmer feel | |
| Visual Examples | – Brighter in direct sunlight | – Warmer in shaded areas |
| – Gray undertones appear in natural light | – Cozy, welcoming glow in evening light | |
| Pros | – Clean, bright appearance | – Warm, welcoming feel |
| – Reduces yellow tints | – Flexible in different light conditions | |
| – Works well with modern decor | – Great for trim work | |
| – Good light reflection | – Pairs well with many colors | |
| Cons | – Can feel cold in dark rooms | – Can look cream in certain lighting |
| – Might look too stark in small spaces | – Shows shadows more easily | |
| – Needs good lighting to shine | – Might be too warm for some spaces |
Common Factors to Consider When Choosing Between The Two
1. Lighting Conditions
I always tell my clients to observe how natural light affects their space. North-facing rooms need warmer whites like White Dove to balance the cool light. South-facing rooms can handle Snowbound’s cooler tones because they get plenty of warm sunlight.
2. Room Purpose
Think about how you use each room. From my painting work, I see that White Dove’s warmth makes dining rooms and living areas more inviting. Home offices and bathrooms often look better with Snowbound’s cleaner appearance.
3. Existing Colors
Look at your furniture and decor. I find that Snowbound works better with gray and blue tones in your room. White Dove pairs nicely with wood tones and earthy colors in your space.
4. Room Size
Your room’s size matters when picking whites. Small rooms might feel cozier with White Dove’s soft glow. Larger spaces can benefit from Snowbound’s brighter, more open feel.
5. Time of Day
Pay attention to when you use your rooms most. Morning rooms might prefer Snowbound’s clean look, while evening spaces often feel better with White Dove’s warm tones. Test your paint samples at different times to see how they change.
Best Alternative White Paint Undertones to Consider
Bright White Options
Pure White by Sherwin Williams has a light reflectance value of 84. I’ve used it in bright rooms where clients want a clean look without gray or cream hints. Oxford White creates clear, true white walls that work well in art studios and modern homes.
Warm White Choices
Swiss Coffee brings a gentle warmth that’s less creamy than White Dove. I often suggest it for bedrooms and living rooms. Simply White offers a fresh look while keeping spaces cozy. These work beautifully in rooms that need extra warmth without turning yellow.
Cool White Selections
Chantilly Lace stands out with its clean, crisp appearance. My clients love it for bathrooms and kitchens. Decorator’s White adds subtle gray notes that create a sophisticated feel without looking too cold or formal.
Neutral White Picks
Cloud White maintains the perfect balance between warm and cool. I recommend it for whole-house color schemes. White Heron shows different personalities throughout the day while staying neutral, making it flexible for any room.
Best Paint Combinations
- Pair Light Gray walls with White Heron trim
- Match Cream walls with Swiss Coffee details
- Blend Pure White walls with Oxford White trim
- Mix Cloud White walls with Chantilly Lace accents
Lighting Considerations
- Natural light: Pure White and Chantilly Lace shine
- LED lighting: Cloud White and White Heron adapt well
- Warm bulbs: Swiss Coffee and Simply White balance nicely
- Cool bulbs: Oxford White and Decorator’s White stay true
Room-Specific Options
Kitchen and Bathrooms:
- Chantilly Lace for clean, bright spaces
- Cloud White for balanced lighting
Living Areas:
- Swiss Coffee for comfort
- Simply White for fresh warmth
Bedrooms:
- White Heron for restful spaces
- Cloud White for calm settings
Conclusion
After testing both Snowbound and White Dove in different homes, I understand why choosing between them matters.
Both whites can change how your space feels and functions. Your final choice depends on your room’s lighting, size, and purpose.
If you prefer clean, bright spaces with modern touches, Snowbound might be your pick. For those seeking warmth and versatility, White Dove could work better.
Remember, there’s no wrong choice – it’s about what feels right in your space.
I’d love to hear about your experience with these colors. Have you used either shade in your home?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or check out my guide on testing paint samples to help make your final decision easier.
Frequently Asked Question
Does Snowbound Look Yellow?
No, Snowbound doesn’t show yellow tints, thanks to its gray undertones. From my experience painting many rooms, it stays true to its clean white appearance in both natural and artificial light.
Can Snowbound and White Dove Be Used Together?
Yes, I’ve successfully paired these whites. Snowbound works great on walls, while White Dove shines on trim. Their slight difference in undertones creates subtle depth without clashing or looking mismatched.
Which White Paint is Best for Low-Light Rooms?
In low-light spaces, I recommend White Dove. Its warmer undertones help brighten dark corners and create a welcoming feel. Snowbound might look too gray or flat in rooms with limited light.
