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

When selecting the perfect crisp, clean white paint color, it can be hard to see subtle differences between shades with similar names. Two popular whites from Benjamin Moore are Ballet White OC-9 and White Dove OC-17. At first glance they may appear quite similar, but there are some key distinctions between the two.

In this article, we’ll compare and contrast Ballet White vs White Dove. We’ll analyze undertones, light reflectance levels, real life photos, best rooms to use them in, and more. Read on to determine which Benjamin Moore white is right for your space.

Table of Contents

Key Differences Between Ballet White and White Dove

Before diving into greater detail, here is an overview of the main differences between Ballet White and White Dove:

Undertones – Ballet White has a slight cool undertone, White Dove is a true neutral
Light Reflectance – Ballet White has an LRV of 71.97, White Dove has an LRV of 83.16
Use – Ballet White for airy modern spaces, White Dove suits all styles
Rooms – Ballet White shines in bright rooms, White Dove fits every room
Availability – Ballet White only comes in flat and eggshell

Now let’s explore Ballet White and White Dove more thoroughly.

Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9

With its barely-perceptible cool undertone, Ballet White OC-9 by Benjamin Moore provides a gorgeous clean backdrop. This bright white paint color keeps spaces feeling open and airy.

Here are some key details about Benjamin Moore Ballet White:

LRV: 71.97
Undertones: Hint of cool
Finish: Flat, eggshell
Rooms: Kitchens, baths, open concept spaces
Pairs Well With: Grays, blues, greens

While called a white, Ballet White leans ever so slightly to the cooler end of the spectrum. The faint hint of blue adds brightness and crispness for a clean look, without feeling stark or clinical.

The 71.97 light reflectance value strikes a nice balance – light enough for airiness, but not so bright that it washes spaces out. Ballet White illuminates nicely.

With its subtle coolness, Ballet White complements modern and contemporary decor especially well. It excels at opening up brighter spaces. Popular Ballet White rooms include:

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Open concept living areas
Laundry rooms
Brighter bedrooms

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 key details about beloved 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 its perfectly balanced undertone, White Dove reads as a true white that works with any design aesthetic. It reflects a generous amount of light while still feeling soft and welcoming.

The 83.16 light reflectance value strikes an ideal balance between brightness and warmth. Rooms feel well-lit without appearing stark white.

Use White Dove anywhere you want a classic, pristine white wall color. Being a true neutral, it suits any room in traditional, modern, or contemporary homes. Ideal spaces include:

Living rooms and dens
Bedrooms and nurseries
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Dining rooms
Offices
Trim and ceilings

Comparing Ballet White vs White Dove

Now that we have looked at Ballet 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 Ballet White’s 71.97. So White Dove will reflect a bit more light. However, they are quite close in illumination level.

Undertones

Here is where the main difference lies. Ballet White has a faint cool undertone, whereas White Dove is a true neutral.

The hint of blue in Ballet White gives it an airier, brighter feel than the warmer White Dove. But the differences are subtle.

Rooms

With its slight coolness, Ballet White excels in brighter spaces like sunny kitchens and bathrooms.

White Dove’s versatile neutrality allows it to work beautifully in any room in the house.

Availability

Ballet White only comes in two sheens – flat and eggshell. White Dove offers the full range from matte to high gloss. So White Dove provides more finish options.

Ballet White Vs White Dove Comparison Chart

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

Paint Color	Ballet White OC-9	White Dove OC-17
LRV	71.97	83.16
Undertones	Hint of cool	True neutral
Use	Bright rooms	Suitable for all rooms
Sheens	Flat, eggshell	All sheens
Style	Modern, contemporary	Versatile for any style

Real Life Photos – Ballet White Vs White Dove

Let’s look at some real life spaces painted in Ballet White and White Dove. This will give us a better sense of how these whites compare in actual room settings and lighting.

Ballet White OC-9

White Dove OC-17

The real life photos demonstrate how Ballet White reads as a brighter, crisper white compared to the slightly warmer White Dove. But depending on lighting, the two paint colors can appear quite similar in some spaces.

Should I Choose Ballet White or White Dove?

So which Benjamin Moore white is the better choice for your space – Ballet White or White Dove? Here are some factors to help guide your decision:

Consider Ballet White OC-9 if you want:

A white with the subtlest hint of coolness
Crisp, clean brightness without starkness
A paint color suited to modern decor
To make bright rooms feel more open and airy

Consider White Dove OC-17 if you want:

A timeless true white with zero undertones
Benjamin Moore’s most popular versatile white
Warmth without sacrificing brightness
A white that works beautifully in any room

Always get paint samples before deciding. The right white will depend on your home’s unique lighting and color scheme.

While Ballet White suits contemporary spaces, classic White Dove offers flexibility. Choose the one that best matches your interior design vision.

Best Rooms for Ballet White and White Dove

Though they both work well throughout homes, here are some spaces ideally suited to Ballet White and White Dove:

Ballet White OC-9

This bright white with a kiss of coolness excels in lighter rooms. Perfect Ballet White spaces include:

Kitchens, especially with natural light
Bathrooms and laundry rooms
Open concept living areas
Bright bedrooms and nurseries
Doors and trim in bright homes

White Dove OC-17

This universally flattering true white looks beautiful anywhere. Ideal rooms for White Dove:

Living rooms and dens
Bedrooms and nurseries
Dining rooms
Offices and libraries
Kitchens and bathrooms
Entryways and hallways
Molding, trim, ceilings

Use Ballet White to play up brightness in well-lit rooms. Let White Dove work its magic anywhere you desire a classic white backdrop.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Ballet White and White Dove create peaceful backdrops. When combined with other paint colors and materials, you can design truly stunning spaces:

Ballet White OC-9 Ideas

Crisp white kitchen with navy island
White open shelving against light gray walls
Glossy white trim in a contemporary bedroom
Bright white wainscoting against Robin’s egg blue

White Dove OC-17 Ideas

Cozy living room with warm white walls and stone fireplace
Classic white shaker kitchen cabinets
Vivid teal accent wall against white backdrop
Black and white graphic bathroom tiles

Color Pairings for Both

Cool grays, crisp navy blue, sage green
Warm oak wood tones, brass accents
Bold colors like cherry red, emerald green

Keep the backdrop neutral white to easily change accent colors for fresh seasonal looks.

Ballet White vs White Dove – Which is Best for You?

So which is better: Benjamin Moore Ballet White or White Dove? The right choice comes down to your home’s needs and style:

Pick Ballet White OC-9 if you want:

Subtle coolness for an airy feel
A bright white without feeling stark
A backdrop that enhances light rooms
A versatile paint for contemporary decor

Choose White Dove OC-17 if you want:

A timelessly popular true neutral white
Benjamin Moore’s top-selling white
Warmth without sacrificing brightness
A universally flattering white for any space

While Ballet White shines in modern homes, flexible White Dove works just about anywhere.

Get large in-home paint samples before deciding. Choose the Benjamin Moore white that best enhances your lighting, color scheme, and style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to choose between Ballet White and White Dove? Here are some common questions:

Is Ballet White warm or cool?

Ballet White OC-9 is on the slightly cool end of the white spectrum. It has faint hints of blue that give it a brighter, cooler essence than warmer whites.

What undertone is White Dove?

White Dove OC-17 is a true neutral white, meaning it does not have undertones that make it appear cooler or warmer. The perfect balance provides flexibility.

Can you use Ballet White on ceilings?

Yes, the 71.97 light reflectance value of Ballet White makes it suitable for ceilings. The subtle coolness prevents any yellowing effect.

What colors pair well with White Dove?

The versatility of true neutral White Dove means it complements any wall colors beautifully. Try bold hues like navy blue, soft sage green, or vibrant orange against White Dove.