If you’ve been on the hunt for white paint for your home you’ve likely come to discover how difficult white can be. I know some of you are choosing white and thinking it will be the easiest colour to select. It’s not until you’re faced with the endless array of white paint options that you learn it’s actually one of the most difficult colours to get right. It’s always hard to say that a single colour can work in every home. I do have a colour recommendation that could be a great starting point for diving into the world of white paint. The colour is Benjamin Moore White Dove and if you haven’t already got it on your radar, you’ll want to discover it for yourself. If white feels overwhelming, a personalized paint consultation takes the guesswork out of it.
This colour is a definite favourite amongst interior designers, myself included. As you can see from the kitchen above White Dove ticks all the boxes. It’s white but without a ton of undertone showing through. It pairs perfectly with darker colours and doesn’t feel too sterile or cold.
Quick Facts About White Dove
- Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17
- Clean and classic white with cream undertones
- Works best on cabinetry, trim and walls (aka anywhere)
- Pairs well with deep, saturated colours or deep neutrals
Why I Love This Colour
This is one of my favourite white paint colours because it’s not stark or cold. It’s a warm white and they always feel cozy and less sterile than a cool white.
Is There An Undertone?
All neutrals have an undertone so yes, White Dove has an undertone. It’s only when it’s compared to another white that you’ll see the undertone appear. The undertone of this paint colour is yellow but don’t fear the undertone. You can see from my project above that there are no yellow tones coming from the wall paint. It reads like a creamy white but if I held a sheet of white paper beside it you’d see the yellow.
The amount of natural light and the orientation of your room will also play a contributing role in how much undertone reveals itself. For instance, a south facing room that’s filled with light you may see a hint of yellow but don’t be discouraged. It will change as the sunlight moves throughout the day and the colour will revert back to white.
If you want to learn more about how to understand the undertones of white paint, read this post.
Will White Dove Work In Your Home?
Before making a decision about whether White Dove will work, examine all of your surroundings focusing on the fixed materials. Is there any other white close by? If the trim, flooring, countertops or tile are white you’ll want to first figure out what their undertone is. While it’s not necessary to always match the undertones exactly, you do need to make sure that they’re not fighting each other. If everything is good or there’s no other white close by then I would say this is a colour that can be used absolutely everywhere in your home.
Why I Love Using White Dove
White Dove will create a calm, neutral backdrop if you love your home to feel more zen and calm. In this recent renovation my client was looking for a relaxing space. We layered neutral window coverings alongside the White Dove walls. We also added additional neutral tones in the furniture. The way to keep this from becoming too bland is to add in a few pops of colour as we did with the dark gray, navy and yellow.
Conversely, you’ll see from the kitchen project mentioned earlier that White Dove pairs beautifully with bold colours. We used a dark navy on the island and the vent hood and combined with the gold hardware. This kitchen looks fresh and modern with just enough bold colour to create some easy drama in the space.
Trim Colours to Use With White Dove
There are a few options when it comes to pairing White Dove. When painting walls white, I love to use the same colour for trim and just allow for a change in the sheen level. I would recommend satin or semi gloss for trim because you need a finish that will be washable. If you have young kids or pets, go for semi-gloss.
It may seem that by painting the walls and the trim in the same colour it’s going to be too similar and they will blend together too much. In reality the change in sheen level will create enough difference that you can’t tell they’re the same. The overall effect is a very cohesive palette that looks like two different paint colours that are perfectly paired.
If you really want to avoid using the same colour for walls and trim these are my best recommendations.
1/ Oxford White CC-30
If you don’t like the idea of using White Dove on the trim then go for a clean white that will create a bit of stark contrast. Oxford White won’t compete with the yellow undertones of White Dove and will mark a definitive contrast between the wall and the trim.
2/ Steam AF-15
This is another great trim option because it’s almost identical to White Dove with the exception of it being a tiny bit deeper in colour. This will give a nice seamless transition from wall paint or cabinetry to trim colour.
3/ Chantilly Lace OC-65
If you prefer a bit of contrast between your wall paint and your trim, Chantilly Lace is perfect. This is a very popular white and it’s said that it’s the closest to pure white even though we know there’s no such thing.
This is a cooler white than White Dove but will create a stronger contrast. Consider using this if you have very interesting moulding and trim that you’d like to accentuate.
Best Colours to Pair With 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. Instead, use a warm white like White Dove. This will give you the white you want with a hint of warmness that will make this look intentional and easy to live with.
My Final Word on White Dove
White can definitely be a challenging colour to select on your own. Start by learning as much as you can about undertones. Once you understand their importance you’ll begin to master the art of white. In the meantime, White Dove is a great place to start.
If you’d like help selecting the perfect white for your home contact me. I’d love to help you find the best colours for your space.
If you know your design style but you struggle with which paint to use, take a look at my Made-For-You paint palettes. They take the guesswork out and give you the confidence to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benjamin Moore White Dove a warm or cool white?
White Dove is a soft, warm white with a subtle grey undertone, which keeps it from reading stark or sterile.
Where does White Dove work best in a home?
It’s a versatile choice for trim, cabinetry, walls, and ceilings, and it pairs well with both warm and cool palettes.
Not sure if White Dove suits your space?
A personalized paint consultation takes the guesswork out of choosing the right white for your lighting and finishes.
