Wondering which is better for your home in the Simply White vs White Dove debate?
These popular Benjamin Moore whites create different feelings in a room.
Simply White offers a bright, crisp look that feels fresh and clean, making spaces appear larger and more open.
White Dove brings a softer, warmer feel that creates cozy, welcoming spaces without feeling too yellow.
Both have stood the test of time in homes across many styles.
Understanding the differences between Simply White and White Dove can help you choose the perfect white for your kitchen or bedroom.
Let’s explore what makes each of these beloved whites special.
Simply White VS. White Dove
Paint colors have special codes that help you understand exactly what they’ll look like in your home.
When you see numbers like RGB or Hex values, these are just ways to describe the exact color shade.
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) indicates how bright a color is; higher values mean more light reflection, making your room feel bigger.
Color Terminology
If you’re picking between Simply White and White Dove, it helps to know how they look and feel in a room.
The table below shows their color codes, brightness, and what the colors look like.
| PROPERTY | SIMPLY WHITE | WHITE DOVE |
|---|---|---|
| Hex Value | #F0ECE2 | #EFEEE5 |
| RGB Value | 240, 236, 226 | 239, 238, 229 |
| Light Reflectance Value (LRV) | 89.52 | 83.16 |
This makes it easier to choose the one that best fits your space.
Both are soft, light whites, but one is a little brighter than the other.
Key Differences Between Simply White and White Dove
Both of these Benjamin Moore whites create beautiful spaces, but they have distinct qualities worth understanding.
Simply White (LRV 89.52) offers a brighter, crisper appearance with very subtle yellow undertones that keep it feeling fresh without coldness.
It maintains its clean look throughout the day and works wonderfully in modern spaces needing maximum light.
White Dove (LRV 83.16) provides a softer, warmer feel with gentle gray-greige undertones that make it more forgiving on walls.
It changes more noticeably with shifting light and hides imperfections better in busy households.
Simply White shows smudges more easily, while White Dove creates a more relaxed atmosphere that many find easier to live with.
NOTE: Always test paint swatches on your actual walls since colors shift throughout the day depending on lighting conditions.
Room-by-Room: Simply White VS. White Dove
These two popular Benjamin Moore whites create different feelings in each room of your home.
Simply White (OC-117) offers a brighter, crisper look while White Dove (OC-17) provides a softer, warmer feeling.
Understanding how they perform in different spaces helps you choose the perfect white for your needs.
Living Spaces and Open Floor Plans
Simply White: The higher LRV (89.52) creates bright, airy spaces that feel open and expansive.
It reflects more light around the room, making it perfect for spaces that need to feel larger.
White Dove: The softer LRV (83.16) adds a gentle warmth to living areas without feeling stark.
It creates a welcoming atmosphere that feels cozy while still maintaining an open feel.
Bedrooms and Relaxation Areas
Simply White: Creates a fresh, clean environment that works beautifully with both colorful and neutral bedding.
It maintains a crisp appearance from morning light to evening lamps.
White Dove: Provides a softer, more calming feeling that many find helps with relaxation.
Its subtle warmth complements natural fabrics and creates a peaceful sleeping environment.
Kitchen and Dining Areas
Simply White: Creates a clean, bright kitchen that showcases cabinetry and countertops.
Its crispness pairs beautifully with stainless steel appliances and makes small kitchens feel bigger.
White Dove: Adds subtle warmth to kitchens without yellowing.
It works wonderfully with both white and wood cabinets, creating a welcoming space for gathering.
Bathrooms and Spa-Like Retreats
Simply White: Creates a spa-like, fresh atmosphere that makes bathrooms feel clean and bright.
It pairs perfectly with white fixtures and marble or subway tile.
White Dove: Adds gentle warmth to bathrooms, making them feel less clinical.
It complements natural stone beautifully and creates a soft glow with vanity lighting.
Simply White vs. White Dove: Which One To Choose?
Both Benjamin Moore colors are respected whites in home design, with each offering different benefits.
Current Color Trends & Long-Term Appeal: Simply White (OC-117) provides a clean, bright appearance that fits well in contemporary spaces.
White Dove (OC-17) offers a gentle, softer look that adds warmth to rooms. These whites have remained favorites through many design cycles.
Versatility Across Changing Decor: Simply White works with most color palettes thanks to its pure, neutral qualities.
White Dove complements both warm and cool color schemes, making future decor changes easier.
Each white serves different purposes rather than one being superior.
Real-World Applications: These colors appear frequently in home design publications and renovation projects.
They’re found in various settings from country-style kitchens to modern living spaces and relaxing bedrooms.
The right choice depends primarily on your specific lighting conditions and personal preferences.
Can You Use Simply White and White Dove in the Same Home?
These two Benjamin Moore whites work well together for a layered look.
Use bright Simply White in kitchens and spaces where you want a clean feeling.
Try softer White Dove in bedrooms and areas where you want a cozy vibe.
Keep the trim color the same throughout your home for a smooth flow.
Add pillows or art with both white tones to tie different spaces together.
The small difference between these whites adds depth while keeping your home connected.
White fits modern spaces, while White Dove suits traditional rooms.
Both whites work with most colors, so you can change accents without repainting.
Test both colors in your actual rooms since lighting affects how whites look.
Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing: Simply White vs. White Dove
Even with popular whites like Simply White 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 personal style.
Final Words
Simply White vs. White Dove comes down to the feeling you want in your home.
Simply White works best in spaces where you want maximum brightness and a clean look.
It shines in modern kitchens, bathrooms, and rooms needing more light.
White Dove creates warmer, cozier spaces that feel welcoming and relaxed.
It’s perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and traditional homes.
You can even use both whites together for beautiful depth.
Remember to test paint samples in different lighting before making your final decision.
The perfect white changes your space in ways you’ll appreciate for years.
Which Benjamin Moore white would you choose for your home?
Share your thoughts below!
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Alex Guerrero, a graduate with a Fine Arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, has been a visionary in the world of color and design for over 15 years. His professional journey began in the heart of the fashion industry in Milan, where he developed an acute sense for color harmonies and trends. Alex joined our team in 2018, offering fresh and innovative perspectives on color utilization in various spaces. Renowned for his ability to blend contemporary trends with timeless elegance. Outside of work, Alex is an accomplished painter and a volunteer art therapist, his artistic talents further enriching his professional insights.
