Finding the perfect white paint can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. You know it must be there but you have no idea how to find it. It seems like white should be the easiest colour to select but in fact, it’s quite the opposite. White is complex and complicated but the more you know, the faster and more effectively you’ll be able to determine which white is right for you.
I’m a devoted fan of Benjamin Moore and when it comes to white paint they do it best. White Dove and Simply White are two of the bestselling white paint colours but what makes them so popular? And how do they differ from each other and from all the other white paint colours on the market?
There’s a lot to learn about white paint but once you understand the nuance you’ll never pick the wrong white again.
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White Dove vs Simply White
If you’re looking at these two colours and thinking they look exactly the same, I understand. The subtlety of the change in colour is hard to detect to the untrained eye. Thankfully it’s one of my super powers so I’ll help you understand but it all starts with undertones.
What Are the Undertones?
Essentially it’s a tone hidden within a colour. In this case it’s the colour that is hidden inside the white paint you select. Undertones are everywhere but they’re most obvious when selecting neutral colours.
The reason they can be so difficult is because when you look at a colour in isolation you won’t see the undertone. It’s only when compared to other whites that you’ll start to see the undertone appear.
What to Know About Undertones of White Dove
SOURCE: Kaitlin Madden
White Dove is a clean and classic white with creamy yellow undertones. It also contains muted gray undertones which keep it from feeling too crisp.
Overall, this colour feels white but in a muted and understated way. The gray undertones prevent the yellow undertones from becoming too creamy and taking on too much yellow.
If you were to put this colour next to Chantilly Lace you’ll see how creamy White Dove is. Chantilly Lace is as close as we have to a pure white and this will showcase the depth and undertones present in White Dove.
What to Know About Undertones of Simply White
SOURCE: The Full Hearted Home
Simply White is a clean, warm white that has a yellow undertone. It’s not unusual to have combination undertones and depending on the lighting conditions in your home, you may also see a hint of green.
The undertones are less obvious in this colour because there is no gray to differentiate it. It can read like a pure white, particularly in a bright space. The yellow undertones make this colour warm but there’s not so much that it becomes overly creamy.
How White Dove and Simply White Compare to Other White Paint
You can see from this image just how different white paint can appear. If you were to hold the paint chips for any of these colours you would probably say it looks white. It’s only when we compare white paint chips to each other that we start to see the undertones emerge.
So the next time you go shopping for paint chips, be sure to remember that it’s a game of comparison. Gather all the white selections you like best and bring them home. Ideally, a piece of white paper will be used since that represents a crisp, clean white that will work as a backdrop. Now hold each of your paint selections against the white backdrop and see the undertones come to life. This will be the easiest way for you to get the right white, every time!
How Light Affects Your White Paint
SOURCE: AKB Design
There are three factors when it comes to lighting that will have an impact on your colour choices – natural light, artificial light and LRV of the paint. Let’s discuss how natural light can affect your white paint.
Natural Lighting
SOURCE: Homesmith Design
The orientation of a room determines a lot about how paint is perceived. Have you ever had a paint colour that you loved at certain times of day while the rest of the time you hated it? That’s likely due to the direction and amount of natural light coming into the space. Here’s how your room’s orientation affects your space and can have an impact on your white paint selections:
North Facing Rooms – this light is cool and can make a room feel cold. A northern exposure can give a room a gray cast that will leave your colour feeling dull and drab. Depending on how many windows you have it could still feel like a very bright space but the light that comes in will be a cooler light.
South Facing Rooms – Conversely, a southern facing exposure is going to be very bright and warm. This is the exposure that most homeowners want because who doesn’t want to be bathed in warm light?!
If you love a white colour that has cooler undertones (cool blue, green or gray) it will work well in this exposure because the strong yellow light will help to warm up a cooler paint colour.
East Facing Rooms – this exposure changes throughout the day and you’ll go from bright light in the morning to a cooler and more subtle light in the afternoon. The light is not overly warm at any time of the day so selecting a warmer white paint colour can be the better choice.
West Facing Rooms – this is an ideal space for anyone that spends more time in their west facing room in the later afternoon. This is when the light will feel most strong and most warm.
Western facing rooms have a slightly cooler morning light that intensifies as the day progresses. By mid afternoon you’ll be saturated in light and it will feel warm and cozy. You can use either a warm or cool white paint colours in this type of exposure.
How Lighting Affects White Dove
White Dove also feels bright and clean in a room with lots of natural light. Where it differs from Simply White is when it comes to darker rooms. When there’s not a lot of natural light spilling into a space, White Dove can appear more like a light greige. The gray undertones in this colour will cause it to appear darker so be careful with white paint when painting a dark room.
How Lighting Affects Simply White
SOURCE: Laurel Bern Interiors
Simply White is one of those white colours that can actually help to enhance the condition of a room with low light. It has such a brightness thanks to the yellow undertones and that brightness can brighten up a dingy space and help it feel lighter and brighter.
Best Pairings for White Dove
1/ Hale Navy HC-154
There’s not a lot that won’t pair well with White Dove but a deep, saturated colour looks fresh and modern. If you love navy, you can’t go wrong with this cult favourite.
2/ October Mist CC-550
This is an example of a mid-toned colour that is still saturated but not as deep as navy. I love October Mist and since it has a hint of yellow it will pair beautifully with the yellow undertones of White Dove.
3/ Black Iron 2120-20
If you love a dramatic moment then nothing is more chic or elegant than a black room. You want to be sure not to go with a cool white on the trim because the contrast will be too high. That makes the warmth of White Dove a perfect pairing. This will give you the white you want with a hint of warmness that will make this look intentional and easy to live with.
Best Pairings for Simply White
1/ Van Deusen Blue HC-156
This is from Benjamin Moore’s historical collection and can work with almost any style of home, from traditional to modern. This mid-toned blue looks crisp and clean paired with Van Deusen Blue but its yellow undertones keep it from being cold.
2/ Whitall Brown HC-69
Brown, taupe and cream are all extremely popular paint choices right now. If you’re in the market for a medium brown like this one, consider pairing it with Simply White. The combination will look fresh and clean.
3/ Silken Pine 2144-50
This is such an understated (and under appreciated) colour. The soft aloe green has a silver cast which makes it feel light but also fully grounded. It’s not as bright as a pistachio and looks sophisticated and timeless. Pair it with Simply White for a classic space that will never be out of style.
I hope this helps you understand the differences between White Dove and Simply White. Even more importantly, I hope you feel equipped to go out and find the perfect white for your own home.
If you have a painting project on the horizon but you’re feeling stuck, reach out to me. I can select the perfect colours for your home whether you live locally or somewhere else in the world. I offer both in-person and virtual consultations.
