Wondering which stylish white will change your space in the Alabaster vs White Dove debate?
These beloved Benjamin Moore whites create distinctly different atmospheres in a room.
Alabaster offers a fresh, youthful appearance with a subtle pink undertone that feels bright and airy, making spaces feel open and inviting.
White Dove brings a soft, classic warmth with gentle beige undertones that create cozy, welcoming spaces without feeling too yellow.
Both have earned their reputation as designer favorites across many home styles.
Understanding the subtle differences between Alabaster and White Dove can help you select the perfect white for your living room or kitchen.
Let’s explore what makes each of these sought-after whites special.
Alabaster VS. White Dove
Paint colors have specific codes that help you understand exactly how they’ll appear in your home.
When you see values like RGB or Hex codes, these are simply ways to define the exact shade with precision.
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) indicates brightness level; higher numbers mean more light reflection, making rooms feel more spacious.
Color Terminology
If you’re deciding between Alabaster and White Dove, understanding their appearance and feel is essential.
The table below shows their color codes, brightness, and visual characteristics.
| PROPERTY | ALABASTER | WHITE DOVE |
|---|---|---|
| Hex Value | #F2EFE8 | #F0EFE6 |
| RGB Value | 242, 239, 232 | 240, 239, 230 |
| Light Reflectance Value (LRV) | 85.08 | 83.16 |
This makes choosing the one that best suits your space easier.
Both are soft, light whites, but one is slightly brighter with different undertones.
Key Differences Between Alabaster and White Dove
Both of these Benjamin Moore whites create beautiful spaces, but they have distinct qualities worth understanding.
Alabaster (OC-129) has an LRV of 85.08. It offers a brighter appearance with subtle pink undertones, keeping it feeling fresh and youthful.
It maintains its clean look throughout the day and works wonderfully in spaces needing brightness without sterility.
White Dove (OC-17) has a softer feel and gentle greige undertones, which make it more forgiving on walls.
It changes more noticeably with shifting light and hides imperfections better in active households.
Alabaster appears slightly brighter and more reflective, while White Dove creates a more relaxed atmosphere that many find easier to live with long-term.
NOTE: Always test paint swatches on your actual walls since colors shift throughout the day depending on lighting conditions.
Room-by-Room: Alabaster VS. White Dove
These two popular Benjamin Moore whites create different feelings in each room of your home.
Alabaster (OC-129) offers a brighter look with pink undertones while White Dove (OC-17) provides a softer, warmer feeling with greige undertones.
Understanding how they perform in different spaces helps you choose the perfect white for your needs.
1. Living Spaces and Open Floor Plans
Alabaster: Higher LRV creates bright, airy spaces by reflecting more light, making rooms feel open, expansive, and larger.
White Dove: The softer LRV adds gentle warmth to living areas, creating a welcoming, cozy environment while maintaining an open feel without starkness.
2. Bedrooms and Relaxation Areas
Alabaster: Creates a fresh, clean environment with subtle pink undertones that work beautifully with any bedding while adding a flattering glow.
White Dove: Offers a softer, calming warmth that complements natural fabrics, creating a peaceful and relaxing sleeping environment for improved rest.
3. Kitchen and Dining Areas
Alabaster: Creates a clean, bright kitchen that showcases cabinetry and countertops, pairing beautifully with stainless steel and enlarging the space.
White Dove: Adds subtle warmth to kitchens without yellowing, working beautifully with white and wood cabinets to create welcoming gathering spaces.
4. Bathrooms and Spa-Like Retreats
Alabaster: Creates a spa-like, fresh atmosphere that makes bathrooms feel clean and bright while pairing perfectly with white fixtures and tile.
White Dove: Adds gentle warmth to bathrooms, complementing natural stone beautifully and creating soft, less clinical spaces with the glow of vanity lighting.
Alabaster vs. White Dove: Which One To Choose?
Choosing between Benjamin Moore Alabaster and White Dove can make or break your paint project. Both are top-rated white paint colors in home design, but they serve different purposes in creating your perfect space.
Why These White Paints Work for Any Home Style
Alabaster’s fresh qualities make it compatible with most color palettes, from bold accent walls to neutral decorating schemes. Its brightness helps small spaces feel larger.
White Dove’s balanced undertones complement both warm and cool color schemes, making it easier to update your decor over time. This flexibility explains why it’s consistently ranked among the best white paint colors.
Real-World White Paint Applications
Interior designers frequently specify these Benjamin Moore whites for:
- Modern kitchen cabinets and walls
- Traditional living room paint colors
- Serene bedroom retreats
- Spa-like bathroom renovations
The best white paint for your home depends on your lighting conditions, room size, and personal style preferences.
Can You Use Alabaster and White Dove in the Same Home?
Yes, you can use both colors in the same home!
Many homeowners choose Alabaster for spaces that require brightness, such as kitchens and bathrooms, while using White Dove in areas where they want more warmth, like bedrooms and living rooms.
Since both are neutral whites, they work well together without clashing.
The trick is being thoughtful about placement.
Consider your lighting and room function when deciding which white goes where.
Some designers even use one color for the main living areas and the other for trim work throughout the house.
This creates subtle variation while maintaining a cohesive look that flows from room to room.
Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing: Alabaster vs. White Dove
Even with popular whites like Alabaster and White Dove, it’s easy to make some common mistakes.
Here are some pitfalls to watch out for when deciding between these two Benjamin Moore favorites:
- Forgetting to test the paint in your actual room with its unique lighting
- Choosing based only on how the color looks in a store or on someone else’s walls
- Ignoring your existing furniture and decor when picking your white
- Not considering how the color might change throughout the day as sunlight shifts
- Rushing the decision without living with sample patches for at least 24 hours
Taking time to avoid these mistakes will help you pick the right white for your space.
Remember that the perfect white is different for everyone and depends on your home’s specific conditions and your style.
Final Words
Deciding between Alabaster and White Dove is simpler than you think.
Alabaster shines in spaces where you need clean, bright energy, making it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
White Dove excels in areas where you want comfort and warmth while maintaining a light and airy feel.
Both are excellent Benjamin Moore whites that will look great in your home.
Consider your lighting, room size, and the desired mood you want to create.
Test paint samples on your walls and see which one feels right for your space.
Ready to convert your home?
Pick your perfect white and start painting your way to beautiful rooms today!
If you’re interested in more informational content on color schemes, feel free to click here and explore other blogs that might interest you.
Ava Taylor, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from the Pratt Institute, has made her mark in creating engaging and functional living spaces for over 14 years. She began her career with a New York-based design studio, where she gained a reputation for her innovative and user-centric designs. Ava joined our team in 2019, bringing a blend of artistic flair and practicality to our home improvement section. Since the she has been the lead contributor to our room transformation series, inspiring readers with her unique approach to maximizing space utility and aesthetic appeal. Beyond her professional work, Ava is a passionate collector of vintage furniture, a hobby that enriches her design perspective.
