Benjamin Moore Alabaster Vs White Dove: What's the Difference?

When searching for the perfect clean white paint color, two Benjamin Moore favorites often top the list – Alabaster and White Dove. At first glance they may appear similar, but differences emerge upon closer inspection.

In this article, we’ll analyze Alabaster and White Dove in depth. We’ll compare undertones, light reflectance, real photos, and ideal room pairings. Read on to determine whether the slight warmth of Alabaster or the versatility of White Dove makes the best white paint for your home.

Key Differences Between Alabaster and White Dove

Before diving into the nuances, here are the main differences between Alabaster and White Dove:

Undertones – Alabaster has very subtle warm tones, White Dove is a true white
Light Reflectance – Alabaster has an LRV of 85.08, White Dove has an LRV of 83.16
Use – Alabaster for a hint of warmth, White Dove universally flattering
Rooms – Alabaster suits any room, White Dove excels in every room

Now let’s explore Alabaster and White Dove more closely.

Benjamin Moore Alabaster OC-129

With its barely-there warm tint, Alabaster OC-129 reads as a gorgeous, soft white with airy brightness. This popular off-white makes spaces feel welcoming and ethereal.

Here are some details about Alabaster:

LRV: 85.08
Undertones: Very subtle warm beige
Sheen: Available in all paint finishes
Rooms: Whole home neutral
Pairings: All colors

Alabaster is described as an “off-white” meaning it has the faintest whisper of warmth. At first glance and in most lights, it appears as a true optic white. But in certain lighting, barely detectable beige undertones become noticeable.

These extremely subtle warm undertones provide the softest hint of welcome compared to crisper whites. With an 85.08 light reflectance value, this off-white maximizes brightness.

Alabaster works beautifully as an airy, luminous whole home neutral white. It also pairs elegantly with any color scheme thanks to its barely-there warmth:

Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
Benjamin Moore October Mist
Benjamin Moore Simply White
All colors

Use Alabaster to make rooms feel softly illuminated and ethereal. It works in any space and provides subtle warmth:

Living rooms
Bedrooms
Dining rooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens

Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17

A true, clean white, White Dove OC-17 provides the perfect neutral backdrop for colors to shine. This enormously popular white is beloved for its versatility.

Here are some key details about White Dove:

LRV: 83.16
Undertones: True white
Sheen: Available in any finish
Rooms: Suitable for every room
Pairings: All colors

White Dove is a “true white” meaning it has no discernible undertones. Unlike Alabaster’s subtle warmth, White Dove appears clean and neutral under any lighting.

With an 83.16 light reflectance value, White Dove supplies ample illumination and brightness. The lack of undertones makes this white highly versatile to complement any color scheme or style. Popular pairings include:

Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
Benjamin Moore Essex Green
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
Any accent color

Thanks to its universal appeal, White Dove works beautifully as the backdrop in any space. Use it to create a refreshing feel in:

Living rooms
Dining rooms
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Any room!

Comparing Alabaster vs. White Dove

Now that we’ve examined their unique traits, let’s directly compare Alabaster and White Dove:

Light Reflectance

With an LRV of 85.08, Alabaster reflects a bit more light than White Dove at 83.16 LRV. However, both offer outstanding brightness.

Undertones

This is the key distinction. Alabaster has extremely subtle warm beige undertones. White Dove is a true neutral white with no undertones.

The barely-there warmth of Alabaster provides the slightest welcoming vibe. White Dove’s neutral versatility works anywhere.

Use

Alabaster offers the subtlest whisper of warmth to suit any space beautifully. White Dove complements and enhances all colors.

Paint Finish

Both Alabaster and White Dove come in any sheen from flat to high-gloss. They provide a clean, bright finish.

Alabaster vs. White Dove Comparison Chart

Here is an overview of how Alabaster and White Dove compare:

Paint Color	Alabaster OC-129	White Dove OC-17
LRV	85.08	83.16
Undertones	Very subtle warm beige	True white
Use	Hint of warmth	Universal
Sheen	Any finish	Any finish
Style	Any	Any

Real Photos: Alabaster vs White Dove

To visualize the differences, here are real photos of Alabaster and White Dove:

Alabaster

White Dove

As shown, White Dove appears crisper and brighter, while Alabaster is slightly warmer and softer in tone. But the differences are extremely subtle.

Should I Choose Alabaster or White Dove?

So how do you decide between Alabaster or White Dove for your home? Here are some helpful tips:

Consider Alabaster if you want:

A white with a bare whisper of warmth
Extremely subtle beige undertones
A soft, airy neutral for any space
Slightly better light reflectance

Consider White Dove if you want:

A clean true bright white
No undertones to complement all colors
Crisp, versatile neutral suitable for any room
A timeless white that works with any style

As with any close paint decision, get samples and test Alabaster and White Dove on your walls before deciding. Both create beautiful, welcoming backdrops.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are rooms well-suited to showcasing Alabaster and White Dove:

Alabaster OC-129

Living rooms
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Halls and entryways

White Dove OC-17

Living rooms
Dining rooms
Bathrooms
Bedrooms
Any room!

Alabaster provides subtle warmth to any space, while White Dove works perfectly in every room. Both inject beautiful illumination into a home.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

Alabaster and White Dove create airy, ethereal backdrops. Pair them with these colors:

Alabaster Color Pairings

Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
Benjamin Moore Simply White
Benjamin Moore October Mist
Any accent color

White Dove Color Pairings

Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
Benjamin Moore Essex Green
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
Any accent color!

Alabaster vs White Dove: Which is Best for Your Home?

So which Benjamin Moore white works best in your home, Alabaster or White Dove? Consider the following:

Choose Alabaster if you want:

A white with extremely subtle warm undertones
Softer, more welcoming feel than a true white
Excellent light reflectance
Suitable for any space or style

Choose White Dove if you want:

A clean, crisp true bright white
No undertones to complement all colors
A classic neutral suitable for any room
Timeless versatility

While very similar, Alabaster offers subtle warmth and softness. But White Dove provides true versatile crispness.

Be sure to test both whites before deciding. Either way, you’ll end up with a gorgeous backdrop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to choose between Alabaster vs White Dove? Here are some common questions:

What’s the main difference between Alabaster and White Dove?

The key difference is their undertones. Alabaster has the slightest warm beige undertone, while White Dove is a true neutral white.

Does White Dove have any cream in it?

No, White Dove is a true bright white with zero undertones. Alabaster has faint warmth, but White Dove does not.

Which rooms should I use Alabaster in?

With its subtle warmth and airiness, Alabaster looks beautiful in any room including living areas, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and halls.

What colors complement White Dove?

Since White Dove is a true white with no undertones, it complements any color scheme beautifully. Popular combinations include gray, navy, black and jewel tones.