When selecting the perfect white paint color, it can be difficult to discern subtle differences between shades. Two popular whites from Benjamin Moore are Atrium White OC-145 and White Dove OC-17. At first glance these two off-whites may appear quite similar. But there are some key distinctions between Atrium White and White Dove to consider before painting.
In this article, we’ll compare and contrast Atrium White vs White Dove. We’ll analyze undertones, light reflectance, real life photos, best rooms to use them in, and more. Read on to determine which Benjamin Moore white is right for your home.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Atrium White and White Dove
Before diving into greater detail, here is an overview of the main differences between Atrium White and White Dove:
- Undertones – Atrium White has a warm beige undertone, White Dove is a true neutral
- Light Reflectance – Atrium White has an LRV of 85.08, White Dove has an LRV of 83.16
- Use – Atrium White suits warm-toned homes, White Dove fits all color schemes
- Rooms – Atrium White excels in cozy spaces, White Dove brightens any room
- Availability – Atrium White only comes in flat and eggshell
Now let’s explore Atrium White and White Dove more thoroughly.
Benjamin Moore Atrium White OC-145
With its warm ivory undertone, Atrium White OC-145 by Benjamin Moore provides a gorgeous soft white backdrop. This light paint color creates warmth without sacrificing cleanliness.
Here are some key details about Benjamin Moore Atrium White:
- LRV: 85.08
- Undertones: Warm ivory beige
- Finish: Flat, eggshell
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Warm grays, taupes, wood tones
Atrium White has a subtle warm ivory-beige undertone. This prevents the white from feeling stark or clinical, and instead provides a welcoming sensibility.
The 85.08 light reflectance value gives Atrium White reasonable brightness, though it reflects less light than the truest whites. The soft beige tinting keeps the white creamy and comfortable.
Because of its warm undertone, Atrium White complements traditional and rustic decor best. Use it alongside other natural materials like wood furnishing and greenery accents. Popular rooms for Atrium White include:
- Master bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Offices and studies
- Entryways
Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17
As Benjamin Moore’s most popular white paint color, White Dove OC-17 has broad appeal across styles. This versatile all-purpose white works beautifully in any space.
Here are some details about the well-loved White Dove:
- LRV: 83.16
- Undertones: True neutral
- Finish: Available in all paint sheens
- Rooms: Suitable for all rooms
- Pairs Well With: Any color scheme
With no discernable undertones, White Dove reads as a true white. The perfectly balanced neutrality allows flexibility across styles from modern to farmhouse.
White Dove reflects a respectable amount of light at 83.16 LRV. Rooms feel bright and illuminated without appearing washed out or stark white.
This versatile neutral backdrop adds brightness and enlarges the look of any space. Use White Dove anywhere you desire a pristine white paint color. Ideal rooms include:
- Living rooms and lounges
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Dining rooms
- Ceilings and trim
Comparing Atrium White vs White Dove
Now that we have examined Atrium White and White Dove individually, let’s directly compare the two Benjamin Moore whites:
Light Reflectance
White Dove has a slightly higher LRV of 83.16 compared to Atrium White’s 85.08. This means it will reflect a bit more light for added brightness.
However, both whites should sufficiently illuminate most average size rooms without appearing dingy.
Undertones
Here is where the main difference lies. Atrium White has a noticeable warm ivory-beige undertone. White Dove is a clean true neutral white.
Atrium White’s warmth gives it a soft, welcoming sensibility suited to traditional homes. White Dove’s neutrality allows it to fit any style.
Rooms
Due to its warm undertone, Atrium White excels in cozy living spaces like bedrooms, dining rooms, and lounges.
White Dove’s true white neutrality means it can brighten up any room in the house evenly and beautifully.
Availability
Atrium White only comes in two finishes – flat and eggshell. White Dove offers the full range from matte to high gloss. So White Dove provides more sheen options.
Atrium White vs White Dove Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of how Atrium White and White Dove compare:
| Paint Color | Atrium White OC-145 | White Dove OC-17 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 85.08 | 83.16 |
| Undertones | Warm ivory beige | True neutral |
| Use | Cozy living spaces | Suitable for all rooms |
| Sheens | Flat, eggshell | All sheens |
| Style | Traditional, transitional | Versatile for all styles |
Real Life Photos – Atrium White vs White Dove
Let’s look at some real life spaces painted in Atrium White and White Dove. This will give us a better idea of how these Benjamin Moore whites compare in actual rooms.
Atrium White OC-145
White Dove OC-17
The real life photos showcase the subtle differences between the whites. Atrium White appears slightly warmer and softer, with undertones of creamy beige. White Dove reads as a cooler, crisper white.
However, depending on lighting, the two paint colors can appear quite similar in some spaces. Seeing real scenarios helps visualize how the whites truly compare.
Should I Choose Atrium White or White Dove?
So which Benjamin Moore white is best for your home – warm Atrium White or versatile White Dove? Here are some tips for choosing:
Consider Atrium White OC-145 if you want:
- A white with a warm ivory-beige undertone
- A soft backdrop that still feels bright
- A paint color suited to traditional decor
- A cozy feel in living spaces
Consider White Dove OC-17 if you want:
- A true neutral white with no undertones
- Maximum brightness and light reflection
- A universally flattering white for any room
- Benjamin Moore’s most popular white
Always get samples before committing to a full paint job. View swatches of both whites on your walls in different lighting. This will give you the best sense of which shade you prefer.
While Atrium White suits traditional homes, White Dove’s versatility allows it to work anywhere. Choose the white that best matches your interior design vision.
Ideal Rooms for Atrium White and White Dove
Though Atrium White and White Dove work in any room, here are some spaces that benefit most from their specific characteristics:
Atrium White OC-145
This soft white with warm undertones excels in cozy living areas. Use Atrium White in:
- Master bedrooms and bedrooms
- Living rooms and dens
- Dining rooms
- Libraries, offices and studies
- Entryways and hallways
White Dove OC-17
This true neutral bright white illuminates any space beautifully. Ideal White Dove rooms:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Dining rooms
- Living rooms
- Basements and attics
- Trim, crown molding, ceilings
Both can work as an all-over home white paint color. But the above applications tend to optimize each shade based on their unique strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Atrium White and White Dove create peaceful backdrops. When paired with other paint colors and materials, you can design stunning spaces:
Atrium White OC-145 Ideas
- Warm white shaker kitchen cabinets
- White wainscoting and molding against robin’s egg blue walls
- Cozy neutral bedroom with oak wood nightstands
- Crisp white paneled doors in an entryway
White Dove OC-17 Ideas
- Bright white kitchen with navy island and brass accents
- Vivid teal green accent wall against white living room
- Glossy white trim against charcoal gray walls
- Farmhouse chic bathroom with white shiplap
Color Pairings for Both
- Gray, greige, navy blue, light brown, sage green
- Black and white graphic prints
- Golden oak, natural wood tones
- Bold accent colors like orange, yellow or mint
Experiment with different hues against these crisp whites to make your space pop. Keep the backdrop neutral to easily switch up accent colors.
Atrium White vs White Dove – Which is Better for You?
So what’s the verdict – is Atrium White or White Dove the better Benjamin Moore white paint color? The answer depends on your home’s needs:
Pick Atrium White OC-145 if you want:
- A white with subtle warm ivory-beige undertones
- A welcoming backdrop for cozy living spaces
- To coordinate with traditional design and oak wood tones
Choose White Dove OC-17 if you want:
- A true neutral white with zero undertones
- Maximum light reflection and illumination
- A bright, universally flattering white for any room
- Benjamin Moore’s most popular go-to white
While White Dove works almost anywhere, Atrium White’s warmth gives it an advantage in traditional homes seeking a soft backdrop.
Get in-home samples before deciding. Choose the white that works best for your space and design vision. Either Benjamin Moore white will serve as a classic, adaptable base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to choose between Atrium White and White Dove? Here are some commonly asked questions:
What color temperature is Atrium White?
Atrium White OC-145 is on the warm end of the color temperature scale. The ivory-beige undertones give it a soft, welcoming warmth.
Is White Dove considered a warm or cool white?
White Dove OC-17 is a true neutral white, meaning it has no discernable undertones that make it appear warm or cool. The perfect balance allows flexibility.
Can you use Atrium White as a ceiling color?
Yes, Atrium White can work well on ceilings. Despite the warm undertones, the 85.08 LRV still provides reasonable light reflection.
What sheens is White Dove available in?
White Dove comes in Benjamin Moore’s complete line of paint finishes from flat matte to high gloss sheens. This versatility makes it easy to get any desired look.
Which white would look best with oak cabinets?
Atrium White’s warm ivory-beige undertones would beautifully complement golden oak cabinetry for a cohesive look.
