Benjamin Moore Simply White vs. White Dove: Choosing Your Perfect White Paint Color
Navigating the vast spectrum of white paint colors can be surprisingly challenging. Among the countless options, Benjamin Moore’s Simply White OC-117 and White Dove OC-17 stand out as two of the most popular and frequently chosen shades. Each possesses a distinct character and a dedicated following, often making the decision between them a point of extensive discussion for homeowners, designers, and DIY enthusiasts alike.
While on the surface, all whites might appear similar, their subtle nuances in undertones and light reflectance can profoundly impact the atmosphere and perception of a space. Some whites exude a crisp, modern feel, while others offer a softer, more traditional warmth. The right white paint color can transform a room, making it feel expansive, cozy, bright, or serene.
Choosing between Simply White and White Dove isn’t just about picking a paint; it’s about defining the mood of your home. Are you envisioning a space that feels fresh, bright, and airy, or one that is more settled, inviting, and subtly sophisticated? This comprehensive guide will delve deep into the characteristics of these two iconic Benjamin Moore whites, exploring their unique attributes, ideal applications, and how they perform under various lighting conditions, ultimately helping you make the perfect choice for your living environment.
Simply White OC-117: The Luminous and Versatile White
What Makes Simply White a Standout Choice?
Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 is renowned for its exceptional brightness and clean appearance, tempered by a gentle warmth. It’s often celebrated as one of Benjamin Moore’s purest and most luminous whites, striking a beautiful balance between crispness and a welcoming glow.
Its **Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is a high 89.5**. The LRV scale measures how much light a paint color reflects, with 100 being pure white and 0 being absolute black. Simply White’s high LRV indicates that it is extremely effective at bouncing light around a room, making spaces feel larger, more open, and significantly brighter. This makes it an excellent choice for areas where maximizing natural light is a priority.
The Subtle Secret Behind Its Warmth
The magic of Simply White lies in its delicate undertones. While it appears as a true, clean white at first glance, it carries soft yellow undertones, complemented by a whisper of green. These undertones are not overtly visible as a distinct color on the wall; rather, they work subtly to prevent the white from appearing stark, cold, or overly clinical. Instead, they infuse the paint with an inviting warmth that feels fresh and uplifting without veering into creaminess. This balanced warmth makes Simply White incredibly adaptable, preventing it from feeling sterile even in north-facing rooms that typically cool down other whites.
Optimal Spaces for Simply White Application
Simply White truly shines in environments blessed with abundant natural light, especially in south-facing rooms where sunlight flows freely. Its light-reflecting qualities are exceptional in these settings, creating an airy and expansive feel. It’s a particularly popular choice for:
- **Kitchen Walls and Cabinets:** Simply White breathes a fresh, clean, and modern aesthetic into cooking spaces, making cabinets pop and walls feel spotless.
- **Modern and Contemporary Homes:** Its crisp lines and bright finish make it an ideal selection for trim, doors, and walls in homes with minimalist or contemporary design schemes.
- **Living Areas with Large Windows:** Rooms that receive ample natural light benefit immensely from its ability to enhance brightness and openness.
- **Ceilings:** As a ceiling color, it can lift the perceived height of a room and unify a space, especially when paired with a slightly darker wall color.
Considerations Before Committing to Simply White
While versatile, Simply White does have specific considerations. Its warmth, derived from yellow undertones, can become more pronounced or even appear “yellowish” in certain lighting conditions. For instance:
- **North-Facing Rooms:** In rooms with cooler, indirect northern light, the yellow undertones might become more noticeable, potentially creating a look that’s warmer than desired.
- **Rooms with Limited Natural Light:** Spaces that receive very little natural light might pull out the yellow notes more prominently, making the white appear less pure.
- **Artificial Lighting:** The type of artificial lighting (warm vs. cool LED, incandescent) can also influence how Simply White appears. Warm-toned bulbs will enhance its yellow notes, while cooler bulbs can help it maintain its clean look.
To ensure Simply White aligns with your vision, it is crucial to test large swatches in your specific space. Observe how the color shifts from morning to evening, and under both natural and artificial light, to fully understand its true appearance in your home.
White Dove OC-17: The Soft and Harmonious Off-White
Defining the Appeal of White Dove
Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 offers a gentle, warm off-white that imparts a serene and settled feeling to any space it graces. It’s less about stark brightness and more about creating an enveloping, sophisticated warmth. White Dove is celebrated for its ability to soften interiors, making them feel inviting and lived-in rather than ultra-modern or stark.
With a **Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 83.16**, White Dove is slightly deeper than brighter whites like Simply White. This lower LRV contributes to its soft, comforting presence, reflecting enough light to keep a room from feeling dim but also absorbing enough to add depth and a subtle, sophisticated warmth. It’s a favorite for those seeking a soft, creamy white that doesn’t lean too yellow or too gray.
Understanding White Dove’s Unique Color Base
White Dove’s distinctive character stems from its nuanced undertones. It possesses a subtle greige base – a sophisticated blend of gray and beige. This undertone is the secret to its remarkable versatility, allowing it to remain largely neutral across varying light conditions and pair effortlessly with a wide array of other colors and materials. Unlike whites with strong yellow or blue undertones, White Dove’s greige touch provides a grounding effect, making spaces feel comforting and established. It avoids the starkness of pure whites and the overly creamy look of some off-whites, maintaining a beautiful balance.
Ideal Settings for White Dove
White Dove’s inherent adaptability makes it a strong contender for various areas within a home. It performs exceptionally well in diverse lighting situations, making it a reliable choice:
- **Rooms with Less Natural Light:** Its warmer greige base prevents these spaces from feeling cold or shadowy, often a pitfall for brighter whites. It adds a touch of warmth without making the room feel dim.
- **Traditional and Transitional Homes:** White Dove’s soft nature beautifully complements architectural details, wainscoting, and crown molding, enhancing classic design elements without overpowering them.
- **Coastal and Farmhouse Styles:** It provides a perfect backdrop for a range of palettes, from blues and sandy tones in coastal settings to rustic wood and natural textures in farmhouse-inspired decor.
- **Whole-House Color Scheme:** Its consistent and forgiving nature makes White Dove an excellent candidate for a cohesive, whole-house paint color, creating a seamless flow between rooms.
How Light Interacts with White Dove
One of White Dove’s strengths is its ability to adapt gracefully throughout the day. In morning light, it can appear fresh and slightly brighter, while evening light deepens its warmth and softness. Crucially, White Dove maintains its welcoming presence under artificial lighting without significant shifts. Its balanced greige undertones help it stay true to its character, avoiding dramatic changes that might make other whites appear too yellow, too pink, or too gray under different light sources. This reliability is a major advantage for homeowners seeking a consistent and predictable off-white.
Simply White vs. White Dove: A Detailed Comparison
To truly appreciate the differences between these two Benjamin Moore superstars, it’s essential to compare them directly across key attributes. While both are exceptional white paint colors, their distinct personalities cater to different aesthetic goals and room requirements.
Fundamental Brightness and Feel
The most immediate difference lies in their perceived brightness and the overall feeling they evoke. Simply White, with its higher LRV of 89.5, presents a crisp, clean, and vibrantly bright look. It aims to maximize light reflection, creating an expansive and energetic atmosphere. White Dove, with an LRV of 83.16, offers a softer, more subdued, and inherently settled presence. It’s less about stark brightness and more about a gentle, comforting glow that feels warm and inviting.
Understanding Their Unique Undertones
The underlying hues are where these two whites truly diverge. Simply White carries subtle yellow undertones, sometimes with a hint of green. These undertones are responsible for its radiant warmth, preventing it from appearing cold. In brightly lit spaces, they contribute to a sunny, fresh feel. However, in dimmer conditions or rooms with cooler light, these yellow notes can become more apparent, sometimes leaning towards a creamy or slightly off-yellow appearance.
White Dove, on the other hand, is grounded by delicate greige (gray + beige) undertones. This unique base allows it to maintain a remarkable neutrality. It resists the tendency to pull too yellow, too pink, or too cool blue. Its greige hint provides a sophisticated depth, making it incredibly versatile and less prone to dramatic color shifts throughout the day or under different types of lighting. It offers a subtle warmth without ever feeling overtly yellow or cream.
How Light Transforms Each Color
The way natural and artificial light interacts with each paint is a critical factor in your decision-making process.
- **Simply White:** In bright morning light, Simply White appears at its purest and brightest, feeling fresh and clean. As the day progresses, particularly in warmer afternoon or evening light, its yellow undertones can become more noticeable, giving the room a cozier, slightly sun-kissed glow. Under certain artificial lights, especially warmer-toned bulbs, Simply White can lean more into its yellow side.
- **White Dove:** White Dove exhibits remarkable consistency. Morning light highlights its soft warmth, while evening light deepens its inviting character. While it maintains its neutrality well, in very dim conditions, its greige undertones might give it a very subtle hint of gray. Under artificial lighting, White Dove tends to remain true to its neutral, soft off-white character, making it a reliable choice for consistent ambiance.
Paint and Room Style Matching
To further illustrate their differences, here’s a comparative table detailing their key characteristics and ideal applications:
| Feature | Simply White (OC-117) | White Dove (OC-17) |
|---|---|---|
| **Brightness (LRV)** | Very bright (89.5) | Soft bright (83.16) |
| **Main Undertone** | Yellow (with a hint of green) | Greige (gray + beige) | **Overall Feel** | Crisp, clean, luminous, energetic | Soft, comforting, sophisticated, inviting |
| **Best Natural Light** | Strong, direct (e.g., south-facing) | Adapts well to various lighting conditions |
| **Room Direction Suitability** | South-facing, bright east/west-facing rooms | Any direction, particularly good in north-facing or lower light rooms |
| **Design Style** | Modern, contemporary, minimalist, fresh, Scandinavian | Traditional, transitional, farmhouse, coastal, classic |
| **Recommended Uses** | Walls in bright rooms, kitchen cabinets, trim work, ceilings | Versatile for walls throughout the house, trim, cabinets, exteriors |
| **Artificial Light Effect** | Can show more pronounced yellow notes, especially with warm bulbs | Stays largely neutral and consistent, maintains warmth |
Making Your Final Selection
When it comes to making your final choice, your room’s natural light exposure is arguably the most significant factor. For spaces bathed in natural light, Simply White can truly elevate the freshness and modern appeal. Its ability to reflect light can make a small room feel larger and more open. Conversely, rooms with less natural light often benefit immensely from White Dove’s more forgiving and warming nature, preventing them from feeling stark or cold.
Consider your home’s overarching architectural and interior design style. Modern, minimalist, or Scandinavian aesthetics often find a perfect partner in Simply White’s crispness. For traditional, transitional, farmhouse, or coastal-inspired homes, White Dove’s softer, more grounded presence typically integrates seamlessly, enhancing existing details without overwhelming them. Also, think about the other colors and materials present in your space; White Dove’s versatility often makes it easier to pair with a broader range of palettes.
Pros and Cons of Benjamin Moore Simply White and White Dove
Understanding the strengths and limitations of each paint color in various scenarios can solidify your decision. Both are outstanding choices, but they excel in different areas.
The Detailed Breakdown of Performance
| Aspect | Simply White (OC-117) | White Dove (OC-17) |
|---|---|---|
| **Key Advantages (Pros)** |
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| **Potential Limitations (Cons)** |
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Understanding Performance in Real-World Scenarios
Simply White excels at bringing unparalleled brightness and an open, airy feeling, making it a top contender for spaces like sunrooms, kitchens, and living rooms with expansive windows. However, its performance hinges significantly on the quality and quantity of light. In rooms with poor natural light or solely reliant on warm artificial lighting, its yellow undertones can become quite evident, potentially clashing with a desired cooler aesthetic. This makes careful sampling and observation crucial before committing.
White Dove, conversely, offers a level of flexibility and consistency that makes it a “safer” choice for many homes. Its greige undertone allows it to adapt beautifully across different lighting conditions, making it a prime candidate for entire house schemes or for rooms that transition from bright natural light to solely artificial light. While it provides warmth, it avoids becoming overtly creamy or yellow. Its main consideration is that it won’t deliver the crisp, almost clinical brightness of a pure white, which might be a drawback for those aiming for a high-contrast, stark modern aesthetic.
Guiding Your Final Paint Decision
When making your ultimate decision, reflect on the primary function and desired mood of each room. If you have a south-facing kitchen or a living room flooded with natural light and aspire for a fresh, energetic, and clean ambiance, Simply White is likely your ideal match. For north-facing bedrooms, hallways with limited light, or a traditional dining room where a soft, inviting, and consistently warm feel is paramount, White Dove will serve you exceptionally well.
Always consider your existing furnishings, flooring, and decorative elements. White Dove’s versatility often makes it a better complement to a broader range of wood tones, fabric colors, and architectural styles. Simply White pairs beautifully with cool tones, grays, and natural light wood, enhancing a bright, contemporary setting.
Ultimately, the best way to choose is to test. Purchase large paint swatches of both Simply White and White Dove, apply them to different walls in your space, and observe them at various times throughout the day and night. Pay attention to how they interact with natural light, artificial light, and your home’s fixed elements. This real-world testing is invaluable and often the most reliable way to ensure satisfaction with your chosen white paint color.
Conclusion: Your Perfect White Awaits
The journey to selecting the perfect white paint, whether it’s Benjamin Moore Simply White or White Dove, is a highly personal one that hinges on understanding the unique characteristics of your space. Both colors, while seemingly similar, possess distinct personalities that thrive in different environments.
**Simply White** shines brightest in well-lit rooms, where its high LRV and subtle yellow undertones create an atmosphere of vibrant freshness and expansive openness. It’s the go-to for modern aesthetics, crisp trim, and spaces where maximizing light is the top priority.
**White Dove**, with its gentle greige undertones and slightly lower LRV, offers unparalleled versatility and a softer, more grounded warmth. It adapts beautifully across a range of lighting conditions and design styles, making it an excellent choice for a cohesive whole-house palette or for rooms that require a comforting, sophisticated ambiance.
As you make your choice, remember these fundamental steps: carefully assess the natural light in your room, consider your home’s specific architectural style and existing decor, and most importantly, test large paint samples on your walls at different times of the day. A swatch that looks perfect in the morning sun might appear entirely different under evening lamps.
Whether Simply White brings its radiant glow to your sun-drenched kitchen cabinets or White Dove wraps your living room in its comforting embrace, your chosen paint color will profoundly shape how you experience your home. By understanding the nuances of Benjamin Moore Simply White and White Dove, you are empowered to select the hue that best brings your vision to life, transforming your house into a truly personalized and beautiful sanctuary.