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

Benjamin Moore offers countless gorgeous whites, but two perpetual favorites are Linen White and White Dove. At first glance these two may appear similar. But upon closer inspection, distinct differences emerge.

In this article, we’ll compare Benjamin Moore’s Linen White and White Dove in detail. We’ll analyze undertones, light reflectance, real photos, and ideal room pairings. Read on to determine if cool Linen White or versatile White Dove is the best white paint color for your home.

Key Differences Between Linen White and White Dove

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

Undertones – Linen White has subtle cool undertones, White Dove is a true white
Light Reflectance – Linen White has an LRV of 80.94, White Dove has an LRV of 83.16
Use – Linen White for modern spaces, White Dove universally flattering
Rooms – Linen White works well in contemporary homes, White Dove suits any style

Now let’s explore Linen White and White Dove more closely and see how they compare.

Benjamin Moore Linen White OC-146

With its barely detectable grayness, Linen White OC-146 reads as a gorgeous soft white with airy brightness. This elegant white makes spaces feel ethereal.

Here are some details about Linen White:

LRV: 80.94
Undertones: Subtle cool grays
Sheen: Available in all paint finishes
Rooms: Whole home neutral, especially for modern spaces
Pairings: Grays, blues, black

Linen White is often described as a “cleanup white” meaning it cleanses walls of any cream or yellow undertones. On first glance, Linen White appears as a true optic white. But upon closer inspection, subtle cool gray tones become apparent in certain lights.

These barely-perceptible cool undertones give Linen White a softer, more refined look than many warmer whites. With an 80.94 light reflectance value, this gorgeous white maximizes brightness.

Linen White works beautifully as a whole home neutral white to maintain a light, airy feel. It also pairs elegantly with both cool and warm accents making it widely versatile:

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

Use Linen White to make rooms feel bright, fresh and ethereal. It works in any space but excels in these areas:

Living rooms
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Modern and contemporary 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 versatile white is enormously popular.

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 Linen White’s subtle coolness, White Dove appears clean and neutral under any lighting conditions.

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
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Bedrooms
Any room!

Comparing Linen White vs. White Dove

Now that we’ve looked at their unique characteristics, let’s directly compare Linen White and White Dove:

Light Reflectance

With an LRV of 80.94, Linen White reflects a bit more light than White Dove at 83.16 LRV. However, both offer outstanding brightness.

Undertones

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

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

Use

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

Paint Finish

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

Linen White vs. White Dove Comparison Chart

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

Paint Color	Linen White OC-146	White Dove OC-17
LRV	80.94	83.16
Undertones	Subtle cool gray	True white
Use	Modern, contemporary	Universal
Sheen	Any finish	Any finish
Style	Modern, airy	All styles

Real Photos: Linen White vs White Dove

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

Linen White

White Dove

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

Should I Choose Linen White or White Dove?

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

Consider Linen 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 décor

Consider White Dove if you want:

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

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

Both of these whites are beautiful, bright options. Test them in your home before choosing.

Ideal Room Pairings

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

Linen White OC-146

Modern living rooms
Contemporary kitchens
Bathrooms
Dining rooms
Bedrooms
Hallways

White Dove OC-17

Living rooms
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Dining rooms
Any room!

Linen 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

Linen White and White Dove create airy, welcoming backdrops. Try pairing them with these colors:

Linen 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

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

So which Benjamin Moore white is best, Linen White or White Dove? Consider the following:

Choose Linen White if you want:

A white with subtle cool undertones
To remove 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 timeless white suitable for any room

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

The key difference is their undertones. Linen White has faint cool undertones, while White Dove is a true neutral white. Linen 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. Linen White has subtle hints of cool gray, but White Dove does not.

Which rooms should I use Linen White in?

With its airy cool brightness, Linen White looks beautiful in modern environments like living spaces, 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.