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

When selecting the perfect crisp, clean white paint color, subtle differences between shades can be hard to discern. Two of Benjamin Moore’s most popular whites are Simply White OC-117 and White Dove OC-17. At first glance they may appear nearly identical, but there are some key contrasts between the two off-whites.

In this article, we’ll do a thorough comparison of Simply White vs White Dove. We’ll analyze undertones, light reflectance levels, real life photos, best rooms to use, and more. Read on to determine which Benjamin Moore white is the right fit for your space.

Table of Contents

Key Differences Between Simply White and White Dove

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

Undertones – Simply White has a slight cool undertone, White Dove is a true neutral
Light Reflectance – Simply White has an LRV of 89.52, White Dove has an LRV of 83.16
Use – Simply White for clean modern spaces, White Dove fits any style
Rooms – Simply White shines in bright rooms, White Dove brightens any space
Availability – Simply White comes in all sheens

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

Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117

With its barely-there cool undertone, Simply White OC-117 by Benjamin Moore provides a gorgeous clean backdrop in any home. This versatile off-white has broad appeal.

Here are some key details about Simply White:

LRV: 89.52
Undertones: Hint of cool blue
Finish: Available in all paint sheens
Rooms: Versatile for all rooms
Pairs Well With: Grays, blues, greens

Simply White is often described as a “cleaner” white due to its barely perceptible cool undertone. While subtle, the icy influence provides brightness and prevents dinginess.

The 89.52 light reflectance value strikes a nice balance – light enough for airiness, but not so bright that it washes spaces out. Simply White nicely illuminates most rooms.

With its hint of coolness, Simply White excels alongside equally cool color schemes. Use it in any space desiring a clean, bright backdrop. But its cool essence makes it ideally suited to these rooms:

Living rooms
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Hallways and foyers

Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17

As Benjamin Moore’s most popular white paint color, White Dove OC-17 works beautifully across styles from modern to farmhouse. This versatile all-purpose neutral brightens up any space.

Here are some details on beloved White Dove:

LRV: 83.16
Undertones: True neutral
Finish: Available in all paint sheens
Rooms: Suitable for any room
Pairs Well With: All color schemes

With its perfectly balanced undertone, White Dove reads as a true white that complements any design aesthetic. The 83.16 light reflectance provides sufficient brightness without starkness.

As a true neutral, White Dove pairs nicely with absolutely any color scheme. Its versatility makes it foolproof for every room in homes of all styles. Popular uses include:

Living rooms and bedrooms
Kitchen cabinets and bathroom walls
Doors, trim, moldings and ceilings
Dining rooms and offices
Entryways and hallways

Comparing Simply White vs White Dove

Now that we’ve examined Simply White and White Dove individually, let’s compare them directly:

Light Reflectance

Simply White has an LRV of 89.52 compared to White Dove’s 83.16 LRV. This means Simply White will reflect a bit more light to combat darkness.

However, they are quite close in illumination power. Most average rooms could use either white.

Undertones

Here is where the main difference lies. Simply White has subtle cool blue undertones. White Dove is a clean true neutral white.

The slight coolness gives Simply White more of a crisp, icy appearance. White Dove’s neutrality provides wider appeal.

Rooms

With its hint of cool, Simply White excels alongside other cool colors in well-lit rooms. Think airy kitchens and sunny bedrooms.

White Dove’s versatility means it can brighten and open up any darker space beautifully.

Availability

Simply White comes in all paint sheens from matte to high gloss. White Dove also offers a full spectrum of finishes.

Simply White vs White Dove Comparison Chart

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

Paint Color	Simply White OC-117	White Dove OC-17
LRV	89.52	83.16
Undertones	Hint of cool blue	True neutral
Use	Bright cool rooms	Suitable for all rooms
Sheens	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Modern, contemporary	Versatile for any style

Real Life Photos – Simply White vs White Dove

Let’s look at real life spaces painted in Simply White and White Dove to better evaluate how they compare in actual room settings.

Simply White OC-117

White Dove OC-17

The real life photos showcase the subtle differences between the two whites. Simply White generally appears slightly crisper and cooler. White Dove looks a touch warmer and softer in actual spaces.

Should I Choose Simply White or White Dove?

So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore’s popular Simply White vs White Dove for your home? Here are a few tips:

Consider Simply White OC-117 if you want:

A white with subtle cool blue undertones
Added brightness without starkness
A versatile neutral for well-lit spaces
A crisp, clean backdrop

Consider White Dove OC-17 if you want:

A timeless true neutral white with zero undertones
Benjamin Moore’s most popular versatile white
A universally flattering white for any room
A soft but well-lit backdrop

As always, the best way to decide is to get samples of both whites. View large swatches in your actual lighting and with your furnishings. This gives you the best sense of which white you prefer before committing to a full paint job.

While Simply White suits bright contemporary homes, White Dove’s versatility lets it work anywhere. Choose the one that best matches your goals and lighting conditions.

Best Rooms for Simply White and White Dove

Though Simply White and White Dove work well throughout homes, here are some spaces particularly suited to their characteristics:

Simply White OC-117

With its subtle coolness, Simply White excels alongside airy bright rooms. Perfect spaces include:

Sunlit living rooms and kitchens
Bright bedrooms and bathrooms
Open concept great rooms
Laundry rooms and mudrooms
Doors and trim in contemporary homes

White Dove OC-17

This flexible neutral brightens up any space beautifully. Ideal White Dove rooms:

Cozy living rooms and bedrooms
Kitchens, baths, laundry rooms
Dining rooms, libraries, offices
Entryways, halls, staircases
Ceilings, crown molding, baseboards

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

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Simply White and White Dove create peaceful backdrops. Paired with other colors and materials, you can create stunning spaces:

Simply White OC-117 Ideas

Crisp white kitchen cabinets against a navy island
White open shelving and trim against light gray walls
Bright white wainscoting against soft blue accent wall
Glossy white moldings on windows and doors

White Dove OC-17 Ideas

Cozy living room with warm white brick fireplace
Farmhouse kitchen with classic white shaker cabinets
Vivid green accent wall against pristine white backdrop
Black and white graphic bathroom floor tile

Color Pairings for Both

Navy blues, grays, light greens, wood tones
Black and white graphic prints and patterns
Gold, brass, and silver metallic accents
Bold colors like red, yellow, and emerald

Keep the backdrop neutral white to let accent colors pop. Easily change accents for fresh seasonal looks.

Simply White vs White Dove – Which is Best For You?

So what’s better for your home – Benjamin Moore Simply White or White Dove? The right choice comes down to your goals:

Pick Simply White OC-117 if you want:

Subtle coolness for an airy feel
A versatile white for brighter spaces
Added illumination without starkness
A clean and crisp modern backdrop

Choose White Dove OC-17 if you want:

A universally flattering true neutral white
Benjamin Moore’s most popular go-to white
Classic warmth without sacrificing brightness
A foolproof white that works anywhere

Get large in-home paint samples before deciding. While flexible White Dove works almost anywhere, Simply White excels alongside airy, contemporary spaces.

Choose the white that best enhances your lighting, color scheme, and interior design vision. Either Benjamin Moore white will serve as a gorgeous foundational color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to choose between Simply White and White Dove? Here are some commonly asked questions:

Is Simply White considered warm or cool?

Simply White OC-117 is considered a cool white paint color. It has subtle hints of blue that give it a brighter, crisper look than neutral or warm whites.