Simply White vs White Dove: The Only Comparison Guide You Need
- Beril Yilmaz
- 9 hours ago
- 8 min read
As an architect, I've seen countless paint swatches, but few create as much debate—or as much magic—as Benjamin Moore's Simply White (OC-117) and White Dove (OC-17). These aren't just colors; they're design statements, often dictating the entire mood of a home. Yet, to the untrained eye, they appear almost identical. "Aren't they both just... white?" my clients often ask. Oh, if only it were that simple!
One is the crisp, invigorating morning light, full of clean energy. The other is a soft, comforting dusk, enveloping you in gentle warmth. Making the wrong choice can shift a room from serene to stark, or from sophisticated to slightly sallow. In this definitive guide, I'll walk you through their subtle nuances, how they react to light, and why one might be the perfect soulmate for your home, based on my years of practical experience.
At a Glance: The Heart of the Matter
Feature | BM Simply White (OC-117) | BM White Dove (OC-17) |
LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | 89.5 (Exceptional Brightness) | 83.1 (Soft & Muted Radiance) |
Primary Undertone | Clean Yellow (Almost Invisible) | Subtle Gray / Green (The "Cloudy" Effect) |
Perceived Feel | Luminous, Airy, Modern | Timeless, Cozy, Elegant |
Ideal For | Ceilings, Trims, Modern Spaces | Walls, Cabinets, Transitional Homes |
1. The Physics of Brightness: Decoding LRV for Your Home
Let's talk numbers, but not in a dry, academic way. LRV is your secret weapon. It’s the measure of how much light a color reflects. Think of it as the color’s inherent "glow power."
BM Simply White (LRV 89.5): This is exceptionally high. Simply White is practically dancing on the edge of pure white. What does this mean for your home? It means maximum light reflection. In practical terms, Simply White acts like a mirror for light, making rooms feel expansive, airy, and incredibly bright. When a client tells me their room feels "heavy" or "dark," and they want a true, clean white that works, Simply White is often the first swatch I pull. It lifts the ceiling, widens the walls, and truly makes a space breathe.
BM White Dove (LRV 83.1): Don't let the numbers fool you; a difference of 6.4 points is significant in the world of whites. White Dove absorbs a bit more light, giving it a softer, more grounded presence. It doesn't "bounce" light with the same intensity as Simply White. Instead, it gently diffuses it, creating a more sophisticated and less stark effect. When you walk into a room painted with White Dove, it doesn't shout "I'm white!"; it whispers "I'm soft, I'm elegant, I'm welcoming." It’s less about making a space feel bigger and more about making it feel better.
2. Deep Dive: Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117) – The Crisp Architect's Choice
Simply White became Benjamin Moore's "Color of the Year" for a reason. It's deceptively simple, yet incredibly powerful.
The "Clean" Glow: Simply White has a minuscule, almost imperceptible yellow undertone. And this is key: it's a clean yellow, not a creamy or murky one. This subtle hint of warmth prevents it from feeling cold or sterile, which can be a problem with true whites. It gives it a radiant quality without looking overtly yellow. When I specify Simply White, I'm looking for a white that feels fresh, airy, and utterly modern, yet still has enough "life" to feel inviting.
The Designer’s Favorite for Trims and Ceilings: Here’s where Simply White truly shines – literally. Because of its high LRV and clean undertone, it is my absolute go-to for trims, doors, and ceilings, especially when paired with almost any other wall color. It provides a crisp, bright delineation that makes your wall color pop, no matter how bold or muted it is. It's the perfect supporting actor that makes the leading role (your wall color) look even better. It creates that coveted "gallery white" effect, making art and furniture stand out beautifully.
3. Deep Dive: Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17) – The Timeless Embrace
White Dove is not just a paint color; it's a design institution. It's famous, it's beloved, and it's earned every bit of its reputation.
The "Cloudy" Sophistication: What makes White Dove so special? It has a very subtle gray undertone, often described as a "greige" or a "smoky" white, with a faint hint of yellow/green. This gray component is its magic trick; it softens the brightness and gives it an inherent sophistication. It never feels cold, but it also never veers into overly yellow territory. When a client expresses fear of a "stark white" or a "hospital feel," White Dove is the answer. It’s the cashmere blanket of whites—soft, comforting, and luxurious.
Cabinet Masterpiece: If there’s one place White Dove absolutely dominates, it’s kitchen cabinetry. It provides that perfect "off-white" look that feels both classic and contemporary. It doesn't scream for attention but offers a beautiful, soft backdrop that allows your countertops, hardware, and backsplash to shine. The subtle warmth makes wood tones look richer and stone surfaces feel softer. I find that White Dove on cabinets lends an air of bespoke quality to a kitchen that few other whites can achieve.
4. Lighting & Undertones: The "Invisible" Shift
This is perhaps the most crucial chapter in any white paint decision. Lighting is a ruthless dictator, and how these two whites react to it is fundamentally different.
North-Facing Rooms (Cool, Blue Light): In these often challenging spaces, Simply White performs beautifully. Its clean, subtle warmth prevents it from turning blue or dingy. It maintains its crispness and helps to counteract the inherent coolness. White Dove, with its gray undertone, can sometimes lean slightly more gray or even a touch drab in these conditions. It might lose a bit of its warmth, appearing cooler than intended.
South-Facing Rooms (Bright, Warm Light): Here, Simply White can become incredibly intense, almost blinding. The high LRV means it bounces all that bright light back, sometimes feeling stark. White Dove, however, thrives in southern light. Its muted quality and slightly lower LRV absorb some of that intensity, allowing it to maintain its soft, creamy character without washing out. It’s a perfect balancing act, creating a serene, sun-kissed glow.
East/West Exposure (Shifting Light): These rooms are the trickiest. In east-facing rooms, Simply White will look incredibly bright in the morning, softening through the day. White Dove will appear warmer in the morning, gradually settling into its muted self. West-facing rooms will see dramatic, warm afternoon light. Simply White will glow intensely, while White Dove will deepen into a rich, creamy hue, feeling very inviting. Understanding these shifts is key to avoiding buyer's remorse.
5. Room-by-Room Guide: Tailoring Your White
Kitchens: For cabinets, White Dove is a classic choice, offering warmth and sophistication. For walls in a bright kitchen, Simply White can feel incredibly clean and modern, enhancing stainless steel and crisp lines.
Bedrooms: For a serene and enveloping feel, White Dove is hard to beat. Its softness creates a comforting sanctuary. If you want a bright, airy, spa-like bedroom, Simply White delivers that fresh, uplifting energy.
Living Rooms: This depends entirely on your desired mood. For a vibrant, contemporary space, Simply White provides the perfect bright canvas. For a more traditional or transitional space where comfort and elegance are key, White Dove offers that subtle, inviting embrace.
Exteriors: Both are fantastic exterior whites. Simply White provides a bright, crisp facade, especially effective on modern farmhouses. White Dove is more forgiving and timeless, softening harsh lines and blending beautifully with natural landscaping. It’s a slightly safer bet if you're concerned about a blindingly white exterior.
6. Material Pairings: Wood, Stone, and Furniture
The true beauty of a white paint is how it harmonizes with the textures and colors around it.
Wood Tones: With cool-toned woods like gray-washed oak or ash, Simply White creates a sharp, clean contrast that feels very contemporary. White Dove, on the other hand, is magnificent with warm-toned woods like natural oak, walnut, or cherry. Its subtle warmth brings out the richness of the wood without competing.
Furniture & Contrast: When integrating furniture, consider the depth you want. If you're building a sleek, modern space with clean lines, Simply White provides that sharp backdrop. For instance, White Dove's muted character is an excellent partner for heavy, dark textures.
Countertops & Backsplash: Simply White shines with marble (Carrara, Calacatta) and bright quartz, enhancing their crispness. White Dove softens these materials, making them feel less cold and more integrated into a warm design.
7. Application Tips: The "Finish" Matters
The sheen of your paint can dramatically alter how Simply White or White Dove appear.
Walls: I almost always recommend an Eggshell or Matte finish for walls. This softens the light reflection and gives the paint a richer, more luxurious feel. With Simply White, a matte finish can temper its brightness, preventing it from feeling too intense.
Trims & Doors: For trims and doors, a Semi-Gloss finish is ideal. The higher sheen highlights architectural details and is more durable. If you use Simply White on your walls, consider using Simply White in semi-gloss for the trim for a seamless, bright look. If your walls are White Dove, Simply White in semi-gloss for the trim creates a classic, crisp contrast.
Ceilings: For ceilings, Flat finish is key to minimizing imperfections. If you use Simply White on your walls, carrying it onto the ceiling in a flat finish creates an expansive, unbroken canvas. If you use White Dove on the walls, using it on the ceiling (also in flat) softens the entire room. Alternatively, a pure white ceiling (like Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace) can offer a crisp break with White Dove walls.
8. Common Myths and Mistakes
Myth: "Simply White is too stark for a cozy home."
Truth: While bright, its clean yellow undertone prevents it from being sterile. Pair it with warm textures (wood, linen) to make it cozy.
Myth: "White Dove will always look dirty next to pure white trim."
Truth: Not if done intentionally. Using a crisp white trim (like Simply White or Chantilly Lace) with White Dove walls creates a classic, elegant contrast. It's a deliberate design choice, not a mistake.
Mistake: "Painting large samples on a small wall section."
Why it's wrong: The existing wall color will influence your sample. Always paint large swatches on white poster boards and move them around your room throughout the day.
Mistake: "Ignoring artificial light temperature."
Why it's wrong: Warm whites like these need warm light bulbs (2700K-3000K). Cooler bulbs (4000K-5000K) will make them look gray or even greenish.
9. Conclusion: Finding Your Personal White
Ultimately, the choice between Simply White and White Dove comes down to the personality you envision for your home.
Choose Benjamin Moore Simply White if:
You crave a bright, clean, and airy space that feels fresh and modern.
You want your trim and ceilings to pop with exceptional crispness.
Your home has limited natural light, and you want to maximize its reflection.
Choose Benjamin Moore White Dove if:
You desire a soft, inviting, and sophisticated atmosphere with a touch of timeless elegance.
You want your cabinets to exude a gentle, creamy warmth.
You prefer a white that works harmoniously with rich textures and traditional elements.
As an architect, I always emphasize that paint is just one layer. It's about how that layer interacts with everything else in your space. Trust your gut, observe your samples, and visualize the feeling you want to create.
FAQ: Simply White and White Dove
Can I use Simply White on walls and White Dove on trim?
I typically advise against this. Simply White on the walls is so bright that White Dove on the trim might look slightly dull or even "dirty" by comparison. If you use Simply White on walls, use it on the
trim too for a cohesive, crisp look.
Which is better for resale value?
Both are incredibly popular and safe choices that appeal to a wide range of buyers. You can't go wrong with either from a resale perspective.
Do they work with gray flooring?
White Dove, with its subtle gray undertones, tends to pair better with gray flooring. Simply White can sometimes look too stark against cool grays.
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Author Bio
Beril Yilmaz is the founder of BY Design And Viz, an online interior and exterior design studio specialising in clear layouts, thoughtful architectural details, and design decisions that support how people actually live. With a background in architecture and a practical design approach, her work focuses on creating homes that feel considered, functional, and intentionally designed.
