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

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

In this article, we’ll analyze Decorators White and White Dove in depth. We’ll compare undertones, light reflectance, real photos, and ideal room pairings. Read on to determine whether cool Decorators White or flexible White Dove is the best Benjamin Moore white paint for your home.

Table of Contents

Key Differences Between Decorators White and White Dove

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

Undertones – Decorators White has subtle cool tones, White Dove is a true white
Light Reflectance – Decorators White has an LRV of 82.68, White Dove has an LRV of 83.16
Use – Decorators White for modern spaces, White Dove universally flattering
Rooms – Decorators White excels in contemporary homes, White Dove classic in any home style

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

Benjamin Moore Decorators White OC-149

With its faint cool tint, Decorators White OC-149 reads as a gorgeous soft white with heavenly brightness. This popular white makes spaces feel clean and ethereal.

Here are some details about Decorators White:

LRV: 82.68
Undertones: Subtle cool grays
Sheen: Available in all paint finishes
Rooms: Whole home neutral, especially modern spaces
Pairings: Grays, blues, black

Decorators White is described as a “cleanup white” meaning it removes any cream or yellow from walls. At first glance, it appears as a true optic white. But in certain lighting, faint cool gray tones become noticeable.

These subtle cool undertones provide a more refined look than many warmer whites. With an 82.68 light reflectance value, this gorgeous white maximizes brightness.

Decorators White works beautifully as a whole home neutral white with airy lightness. It also pairs elegantly with cool and warm accents:

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
Benjamin Moore October Mist
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
Black, brown, and wood tones

Use Decorators White to make rooms feel ethereal and refreshing. It works in any space but excels in:

Living rooms
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Modern homes

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 Decorators White’s subtle coolness, 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 welcoming, refreshing feel in:

Living rooms
Dining rooms
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Any room!

Comparing Decorators White vs. White Dove

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

Light Reflectance

With an LRV of 82.68, Decorators White reflects a bit more light than White Dove at 83.16 LRV. However, both offer outstanding brightness.

Undertones

This is the key distinction. Decorators White has faint, barely detectable cool undertones. White Dove is a true neutral white with no undertones.

The subtle coolness of Decorators White makes it ideal for airy, modern spaces. White Dove’s versatility works with any style.

Use

Decorators White nicely cleanses walls of any yellow or cream cast. White Dove provides a universal backdrop that complements all colors.

Paint Finish

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

Decorators White vs. White Dove Comparison Chart

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

Paint Color	Decorators White OC-149	White Dove OC-17
LRV	82.68	83.16
Undertones	Subtle cool gray	True white
Use	Modern, contemporary	Universal
Sheen	Any finish	Any finish
Style	Modern, airy	All styles

Real Photos: Decorators White vs White Dove

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

Decorators White

White Dove

As shown, White Dove generally appears slightly warmer and brighter, while Decorators White reads as a touch cooler and more refined. But lighting affects their appearance.

Should I Choose Decorators White or White Dove?

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

Consider Decorators White if you want:

A white with the slightest cool tint
To remove any cream or yellow cast
A soft backdrop for grays and blues
A bright white for modern spaces

Consider White Dove if you want:

A clean true bright white
No undertones to complement all colors
A universally flattering backdrop
A classic white suitable for any style

As with any close paint decision, get samples and test Decorators White and White Dove on your walls before deciding. The right white depends on your goals, architecture, light and color scheme.

Both of these whites create beautiful, welcoming backdrops.

Ideal Room Pairings

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

Decorators White OC-149

Modern living rooms
Contemporary kitchens
Bathrooms
Dining rooms
Bedrooms
Hallways

White Dove OC-17

Living rooms
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Dining rooms
Any room!

Decorators White fits perfectly in fresh, modern spaces, while White Dove works in any room. Both inject beautiful light into a home.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

Decorators White and White Dove create airy, pristine backdrops. Pair them with these colors:

Decorators White Color Pairings

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
Benjamin Moore October Mist
Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
Black and gray
Medium wood tones

White Dove Color Pairings

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
Benjamin Moore Essex Green
Any accent color

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

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

Choose Decorators White if you want:

A white with subtle cool undertones
To banish any creaminess on walls
A soft backdrop for grays and blues
A bright white for modern spaces

Choose White Dove if you want:

A true, clear optic white
No undertones to complement all colors
A universally clean, bright backdrop
A classic white suitable for any room

In general, White Dove offers more broad adaptability. But Decorators White provides beautiful cool refinement in contemporary rooms.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

The key difference is their undertones. Decorators White has faint cool undertones, while White Dove is a true neutral white. Decorators White gives a more modern look.

Does White Dove have any gray in it?

No, White Dove is a true bright white with no undertones at all. Decorators White has subtle hints of cool gray, but White Dove does not.

Which rooms should I use Decorators White in?

With its airy cool brightness, Decorators White looks beautiful in modern environments like living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.

What colors complement White Dove?

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