Benjamin Moore offers hundreds of gorgeous whites and off-whites to choose from. Two of their most popular are Steam AF-15 and White Dove OC-17. These soft, pale neutrals work beautifully in any home. But what sets them apart?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Steam and White Dove in depth. We’ll compare undertones, finishes, light reflectance, real photos, and best room uses. Read on to determine if Steam or White Dove is the right Benjamin Moore white for your space.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Steam and White Dove
Before diving into the details, here is an overview of the main differences between Steam and White Dove:
- Undertones – Steam has hints of green, White Dove has subtle pink
- Light Reflectance – Steam has an LRV of 84.2, White Dove has an LRV of 83.16
- Look – Steam is brighter and crisper, White Dove is softer and warmer
- Use – Steam great for contemporary spaces, White Dove suits traditional decors
- Rooms – Steam ideal for baths/kitchens, White Dove recommended for bedrooms
Now let’s explore Steam and White Dove Benjamin Moore paint colors more closely.
Benjamin Moore Steam AF-15
With its crisp, bright white appearance, Steam AF-15 offers a fresh and clean look. This versatile neutral provides an airy backdrop.
Here are some key details about Benjamin Moore’s Steam paint color:
- LRV: 84.2
- Undertones: Cool green
- Sheen: Flat, eggshell, satin
- Rooms: Whole home, especially kitchens and baths
- Pairings: Grays, blues, greens
Steam is a gorgeous bright white with the faintest hint of green. In certain lights, it can read as an almost imperceptible green-gray. The overall effect is a color that straddles the line between true white and white with cool undertones.
With an 84.2 light reflectance value, Steam maximizes brightness. This makes it ideal for spaces that need ample illumination. The subtle green influence prevents it from feeling sterile.
Steam’s high-energy color immediately awakens and refreshes rooms with its clean, renewed look. This versatile neutral pairs beautifully with both cool and warm accents. Especially popular combinations include:
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Benjamin Moore October Mist
- Benjamin Moore Mysterious
- Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue
Use Steam to create crisp, contemporary spaces with an open and airy feel. This minimalist neutral helps rooms feel uncluttered and tranquil. It works in any area but really excels in these:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Ceilings
- Trim/molding
- Hallways
Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17
A beloved classic, White Dove OC-17 is the perfect warm white. This versatile neutral provides a clean, welcoming backdrop.
Here are some important facts about White Dove:
- LRV: 83.16
- Undertones: Subtle pink beige
- Sheen: Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss
- Rooms: Whole home, especially living areas
- Pairings: Grays, blues, greens, yellows
White Dove lives up to its name with a beautiful white appearance coupled with the softest warm beige-pink undertone. In certain lights, pink tones emerge lending a gentle radiance.
With an 83.16 light reflectance value, White Dove supplies sufficient brightness for most spaces without feeling too stark. The barely-there warmth prevents it from reading as sterile.
This adaptable favorite coordinates as well with cool colors as warm ones. Especially popular pairings include:
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue
- Benjamin Moore Muslin
- Benjamin Moore Boston Brick
Use White Dove to infuse spaces with quiet warmth and elegance. This refined neutral backdrop lends itself to layered, textured interiors. It’s recommended for these rooms:
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Offices
- Entryways
Comparing Steam and White Dove
Now that we have analyzed Steam and White Dove individually, let’s directly compare the two Benjamin Moore paint colors:
Light Reflectance
With an LRV of 84.2, Steam reflects a bit more light than White Dove at 83.16 LRV. However, both offer sufficient illumination for most areas. Steam has a slight edge in darker, enclosed spaces.
Undertones
Here is where the main difference lies. Steam has the faintest hint of cool green-gray. White Dove has subtle warm pink-beige undertones.
The barely perceptible green in Steam gives it a crisper, brighter look. White Dove’s pink beige tone lends gentle warmth.
Uses
Thanks to its higher light reflectance and cool crispness, Steam works wonderfully as a whole home neutral. It creates cohesive brightness throughout.
White Dove’s slight warmth makes it ideal for living areas where a soft welcoming feel is preferred. Its flexibility allows use in any room though.
Aesthetic
Steam’s nearly imperceptible green undertone and high reflectance give it a clean, contemporary look. This makes it well-suited to modern, minimalist décors.
White Dove’s subtle beige-pink cast provides a softer, more flexible aesthetic. The barely-there warmth suits traditional decors well.
Steam vs White Dove Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of some key differences between Steam and White Dove:
| Paint Color | Steam AF-15 | White Dove OC-17 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 84.2 | 83.16 |
| Undertones | Hint of green | Pink beige |
| Use | Kitchens, baths, trim | Bedrooms, living rooms |
| Aesthetic | Contemporary | Traditional |
| Sheen | Flat, eggshell, satin | All sheens |
Real Room Photos – Steam vs White Dove
To better visualize the differences between Steam and White Dove, let’s look at real room photos showcasing the paint colors:
Steam
With its crisp, bright white appearance, Steam AF-15 offers a fresh and clean look. This versatile neutral provides an airy backdrop.
Here are some key details about Benjamin Moore’s Steam paint color:
- LRV: 84.2
- Undertones: Cool green
- Sheen: Flat, eggshell, satin
- Rooms: Whole home, especially kitchens and baths
- Pairings: Grays, blues, greens
Steam is a gorgeous bright white with the faintest hint of green. In certain lights, it can read as an almost imperceptible green-gray. The overall effect is a color that straddles the line between true white and white with cool undertones.
With an 84.2 light reflectance value, Steam maximizes brightness. This makes it ideal for spaces that need ample illumination. The subtle green influence prevents it from feeling sterile.
Steam’s high-energy color immediately awakens and refreshes rooms with its clean, renewed look. This versatile neutral pairs beautifully with both cool and warm accents. Especially popular combinations include:
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Benjamin Moore October Mist
- Benjamin Moore Mysterious
- Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue
Use Steam to create crisp, contemporary spaces with an open and airy feel. This minimalist neutral helps rooms feel uncluttered and tranquil. It works in any area but really excels in these:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Ceilings
- Trim/molding
- Hallways
White Dove
A beloved classic, White Dove OC-17 is the perfect warm white. This versatile neutral provides a clean, welcoming backdrop.
Here are some important facts about White Dove:
- LRV: 83.16
- Undertones: Subtle pink beige
- Sheen: Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss
- Rooms: Whole home, especially living areas
- Pairings: Grays, blues, greens, yellows
White Dove lives up to its name with a beautiful white appearance coupled with the softest warm beige-pink undertone. In certain lights, pink tones emerge lending a gentle radiance.
With an 83.16 light reflectance value, White Dove supplies sufficient brightness for most spaces without feeling too stark. The barely-there warmth prevents it from reading as sterile.
This adaptable favorite coordinates as well with cool colors as warm ones. Especially popular pairings include:
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue
- Benjamin Moore Muslin
- Benjamin Moore Boston Brick
Use White Dove to infuse spaces with quiet warmth and elegance. This refined neutral backdrop lends itself to layered, textured interiors. It’s recommended for these rooms:
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Offices
- Entryways
In the photos, Steam comes across as brighter and crisper while White Dove has a softer, subtle warmth. Lighting affects appearances though, and they can look quite similar in some conditions.
Should I Choose Steam or White Dove?
So how do you decide between Steam vs White Dove for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Steam if you want:
- A true bright white with a hint of green
- Maximum light reflection
- A modern, minimalist look
- A versatile whole home color
- Matching trim for cool grays
Choose White Dove if you want:
- A warm white with subtle pink undertones
- A traditional, welcoming aesthetic
- A refined backdrop for living areas
- Flexible color coordination
- A soft alternative to bright white
It’s best to order samples of both paint colors. Paint large swatches on your walls and view at different times of day. This will give you the clearest idea of which you prefer in your unique space.
Both Steam and White Dove are outstanding choices. Consider where the shade will be used most when deciding if you want an airy neutral or a welcoming white.
Ideal Room Combinations
Here are some rooms that are particularly well suited to Steam and White Dove:
Steam AF-15
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Hallways
- Ceilings
- Cabinets/trim
- Offices
White Dove OC-17
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Reading nooks
- Entryways/halls
- Bathrooms
With their crisp whites and high light reflectance, Steam and White Dove both work well throughout homes. But the above applications tend to match each shade’s strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Steam and White Dove create clean and elegant backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for stunning spaces:
Steam Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Benjamin Moore Copenhagen Blue
- Benjamin Moore Modern History
- Marble, glass, metal
White Dove Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Linen White
- Benjamin Moore Elmira White
- Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal
- Wood, wool, velvet
Steam vs White Dove: Which is Best for Your Home?
So which Benjamin Moore white is better, Steam or White Dove? The answer depends on your goals and decor style:
Choose Steam if you want:
- Maximum light reflection
- A contemporary, minimalist look
- Bright, uniform brightness in every room
- Crisp, cool undertones
Choose White Dove if you want:
- A soft warm white with pink undertones
- A welcoming backdrop for bedrooms and living rooms
- Flexible coordination with any color scheme
- A refined transitional aesthetic
Steam offers cleaner, more contemporary appeal. White Dove provides subtle warmth across various styles.
Test them in your space before finalizing a decision. Either Benjamin Moore white you choose will be gorgeous. Pair it with accents in colors you love for a personalized home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still deciding between Steam and White Dove? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Is Steam or White Dove brighter?
With an LRV of 84.2, Steam reflects a bit more light than White Dove at 83.16 LRV. It maximizes brightness.
Which rooms should I use Steam in?
Steam works well throughout homes but really excels in kitchens, baths, trim, and ceilings where you want ample illumination.
Does White Dove have pink undertones?
White Dove has very subtle warm undertones with pink beige hints. Depending on lighting, faint pinkish tones may emerge.
Can White Dove go on ceilings?
Yes, White Dove can work on ceilings. At 83.16 LRV it provides sufficient reflectance. Steam may be a better option if you want more brightness.
What colors go well with Steam?
Steam pairs beautifully with cool colors like grays, blues and greens. Popular combos include Gray Owl, Hale Navy, and October Mist.
