Dove Wing vs Pale Oak: What’s the Difference?

When selecting a light, warm neutral paint color, it can be hard to see subtle differences between similar shades. Two beautiful off-white beiges from Benjamin Moore are Dove Wing OC-18 and Pale Oak OC-20. But what exactly sets these two apart?

In this article, we’ll thoroughly analyze Dove Wing and Pale Oak. We’ll compare undertones, light reflectance, real life photos, and best room usages. Read on to determine which neutral paint color is the right fit for your home’s interior design needs.

Table of Contents

Key Differences Between Dove Wing and Pale Oak

Before diving into the details, here is an overview of the main differences between Dove Wing and Pale Oak:

Undertones – Dove Wing has gray, Pale Oak has yellow-brown
Light Reflectance – Dove Wing has an LRV of 77.52, Pale Oak has an LRV of 68.64
Use – Dove Wing suits modern spaces, Pale Oak fits traditional homes
Rooms – Dove Wing shines in bright rooms, Pale Oak excels in cozy spaces
Availability – Pale Oak comes in fewer finishes

Now let’s explore Dove Wing and Pale Oak more thoroughly.

Benjamin Moore Dove Wing OC-18

With its pale gray appearance, Dove Wing OC-18 by Benjamin Moore creates a gorgeous neutral backdrop in any home. This versatile off-white has broad appeal.

Here are some details about Dove Wing:

LRV: 77.52
Undertones: Subtle gray
Finish: Available in all paint sheens
Rooms: Whole home color, especially bright rooms
Pairs Well With: Grays, blues, greens

Dove Wing is a light gray-beige with barely noticeable cool undertones. This adaptable paint color subtly shifts in appearance based on lighting conditions and surroundings.

In well-lit rooms, soft gray comes forward for an elegant ethereal vibe. In dim lighting, slight warmth is more noticeable giving a light taupe effect. The overall impression is a refined color straddling the line between cool and warm.

With a 77.52 light reflectance value, Dove Wing provides ample illumination keeping rooms feeling open and airy. The subtle gray influence prevents it from feeling too warm.

The versatility of Dove Wing is one of its greatest strengths. This peaceful color complements both cool and warm palettes. Especially popular combinations include:

Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
Benjamin Moore October Mist
Benjamin Moore Mizzle
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray

Use Dove Wing to create serene, livable spaces. This elegant backdrop helps rooms feel sophisticated yet relaxed. It works well throughout homes but truly shines in these rooms:

Sunlit living rooms
Bright bedrooms
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Dining rooms

Benjamin Moore Pale Oak OC-20

Pale Oak OC-20 is a gorgeous natural-looking light brown paint color by Benjamin Moore. This beautiful neutral beige has broad appeal across styles from modern to boho.

Here are some key facts about Pale Oak:

LRV: 68.64
Undertones: Yellow-brown
Finish: Flat, eggshell, pearl
Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms
Pairs Well With: Grays, blues, greens, browns

True to its name, Pale Oak has noticeable warm yellow-brown undertones reminiscent of natural oak wood. This gives the paint color a very inviting and cozy appearance.

Despite the oak-inspired base color, Pale Oak reads as quite light and refined thanks to its 68.64 light reflectance value. This soft neutral helps rooms feel cheerful and bright.

The oak undertones pair wonderfully with organic textures and natural materials like wood furniture and natural fiber rugs. Pale Oak helps spaces feel grounded and welcoming. Use it alongside other warm neutrals like:

Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
Benjamin Moore October Mist
Benjamin Moore Simply White
Benjamin Moore Essex Green

This versatile beige looks gorgeous across styles from modern farmhouse to bohemian. It works well throughout homes but truly excels in these spaces:

Cozy living rooms
Bedrooms
Dining rooms
Offices and studios
Entryways and halls

Comparing Dove Wing vs Pale Oak

Now that we’ve looked at Dove Wing and Pale Oak independently, let’s compare them directly:

Light Reflectance

Dove Wing has an LRV of 77.52 compared to Pale Oak’s slightly lower 68.64 LRV. This means Dove Wing reflects a bit more light for increased brightness. However, they are quite close in illumination abilities.

Undertones

Here is where the main difference lies. Dove Wing has barely noticeable cool gray undertones. Pale Oak has very warm yellow-brown oak undertones.

Dove Wing’s hint of gray adds an elegant sensibility. Pale Oak’s oak-inspired warmth provides a welcoming cozy feel.

Rooms

Due to its subtle coolness, Dove Wing excels alongside bright open concept spaces full of natural light.

Pale Oak’s oak-like warmth makes it ideal for cozier enclosed living areas like bedrooms, dining rooms, and lounges.

Availability

Dove Wing comes in all paint sheens from flat to high-gloss enamel. Pale Oak only comes in flat, eggshell, and pearl finishes.

Dove Wing vs Pale Oak Comparison Chart

Here is an overview of how Dove Wing and Pale Oak compare:

Paint Color	Dove Wing OC-18	Pale Oak OC-20
LRV	77.52	68.64
Undertones	Subtle gray	Yellow brown
Use	Bright open rooms	Cozy living spaces
Sheens	All sheens	3 sheens
Style	Modern, contemporary	Traditional, bohemian

Real Life Photos – Dove Wing vs Pale Oak

Let’s look at real life spaces painted in Dove Wing and Pale Oak to better see how they compare in actual environments.

Dove Wing OC-18

Pale Oak OC-20

The photos demonstrate how Dove Wing generally appears cooler and more gray compared to the warmer, more oak-beige Pale Oak. However, depending on lighting they can look quite similar.

Should I Choose Dove Wing or Pale Oak?

So how do you decide between Dove Wing vs Pale Oak for your home? Here are some factors that can help guide your decision:

Consider Dove Wing OC-18 if you want:

A light off-white with subtle hints of cool gray
A versatile color suitable for modern styles
A comforting but bright neutral for well-lit spaces
A sophisticated but relaxed backdrop

Consider Pale Oak OC-20 if you want:

A light brown beige with very warm oak undertones
A traditionally cozy paint color
A welcoming feel in more enclosed living areas
To complement wood furnishings and finishes

Always get paint samples before fully committing. View large swatches on your walls in different lighting at different times of day. This will give you the best sense of which neutral you prefer before finalizing a choice.

While Dove Wing suits laidback modern spaces, Pale Oak’s warmth gives it an advantage in traditionally styled homes seeking a soft welcoming backdrop.

Ideal Room Pairings

While Dove Wing and Pale Oak work well throughout homes, here are some rooms that their specific traits are best suited to:

Dove Wing OC-18

This refined off-white excels in bright, naturally lit rooms. Perfect Dove Wing spaces include:

Sunlit living rooms
Airy bedrooms and nurseries
Kitchens and breakfast nooks
Bathrooms and laundry rooms
Open floor plan homes

Pale Oak OC-20

This cozy neutral excels in more enclosed living areas. Ideal Pale Oak rooms:

Cozy living rooms and dens
Bedrooms and nurseries
Dining rooms
Offices, studies, libraries
Entryways and foyers

Use light-enhancing Dove Wing to illuminate open airy interiors. Let welcoming Pale Oak provide a soft feel in more intimate living spaces.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Dove Wing and Pale Oak create peaceful backdrops. Combined with other colors and textures, you can design beautiful living spaces:

Dove Wing OC-18 Ideas

Elegant light gray kitchen with brass accents
Bright neutral bedroom with linen sheets and woven jute rug
Sophisticated gray-beige dining room with black chandelier
Crisp white open shelves and trim against dove gray walls

Pale Oak OC-20 Ideas

Warm beige living room with antique wood furnishings
Rustic dining room with exposed wood beams on ceiling
Cozy master bedroom with oak-beige walls and cream bedding
Neutral paneled doors against navy blue entryway walls

Color Pairings for Both

Light blues, grays, greens, antique wood
Natural fibers like jute, linen, cotton
Black and white photography
Metallic finishes like brass, aged bronze

Keep walls neutral to let accent colors pop. Easily change accents seasonally for fresh updated looks.

Dove Wing vs Pale Oak – Which is Best For You?

What’s better for your home – refined Benjamin Moore Dove Wing or cozy Pale Oak? The right choice depends on your goals:

Pick Dove Wing OC-18 if you want:

A light off-white with subtle cool gray undertones
An elegant and sophisticated paint color
A comforting neutral for well-lit modern spaces
A versatile backdrop with an upscale feel

Choose Pale Oak OC-20 if you want:

A light brown beige with very warm oak undertones
A traditionally welcoming paint color
A cozy feel for more enclosed living areas
A neutral that pairs beautifully with wood tones

Get large in-home samples before deciding. While Pale Oak excels in traditionally styled homes, sophisticated Dove Wing shines in laidback modern spaces seeking a soft refined backdrop.

Choose the light neutral paint color that best complements your existing lighting, furnishings, and interior design style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to choose between Dove Wing and Pale Oak? Here are some commonly asked questions:

Does Dove Wing have warm or cool undertones?

Dove Wing OC-18 is a subtle cool-toned off-white with barely detectable hints of gray that provide an elegant sensibility.

What undertone does Pale Oak have?

Pale Oak OC-20 is a warm paint color with very noticeable yellow-brown undertones reminiscent of natural oak wood. This lends a traditional cozy feel.