With so many gorgeous whites and off-whites to choose from, picking the perfect one for your home can be challenging. Two of Benjamin Moore’s most popular are White Heron OC-57 and White Dove OC-17. But what really sets these beautiful, neutral paint colors apart?
In this guide, we’ll analyze White Heron and White Dove in depth, comparing undertones, finishes, light reflectance, real photos, and ideal room uses. Read on to determine if White Heron or White Dove is the best clean white for your interior design.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between White Heron and White Dove
Before diving into details, here is an overview of the main differences between White Heron and White Dove:
- Undertones – White Heron has cool blue-green, White Dove has warm pink beige
- Light Reflectance – White Heron has an LRV of 86.69, White Dove has an LRV of 83.16
- Look – White Heron is crisper and brighter, White Dove is softer and warmer
- Use – White Heron for modern styles, White Dove for traditional decors
- Rooms – White Heron recommended for bathrooms, White Dove ideal for bedrooms
Now let’s explore White Heron and White Dove Benjamin Moore paint colors more closely.
Benjamin Moore White Heron OC-57
With its clean, bright white appearance, White Heron OC-57 immediately livens up any space. This versatile neutral provides an airy backdrop.
Here are some key details about Benjamin Moore’s White Heron paint color:
- LRV: 86.69
- Undertones: Subtle cool blue-green
- Sheen: Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss
- Rooms: Whole home, especially bathrooms and kitchens
- Pairings: Grays, blues, greens
White Heron is a gorgeous crisp white with the faintest whisper of blue-green. In certain lighting, it can read as an extremely subtle cool tone. Overall it remains very close to a true white.
With a 86.69 light reflectance value, White Heron maximizes brightness. This makes it ideal for any space needing ample illumination. The barely perceptible coolness prevents it from feeling sterile.
White Heron’s clean, fresh color immediately awakens rooms with its renewed look. This versatile neutral coordinates beautifully with both cool and warm accents. Especially popular combinations include:
- Benjamin Moore Horizon
- Benjamin Moore October Mist
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Benjamin Moore Modern History
Use White Heron to create serene, airy spaces with an open, minimalist feel. This relaxed backdrop helps rooms feel uncluttered and tranquil. It works in any area but really excels in these:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Ceilings
- Trim/moldings
- Small spaces
Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17
A perennial favorite, White Dove OC-17 is the quintessential warm white. This adaptable neutral provides a clean, welcoming backdrop.
Here are some key facts about White Dove:
- LRV: 83.16
- Undertones: Subtle pink beige
- Sheen: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Whole home, especially bedrooms and living rooms
- Pairings: Grays, blues, greens, yellows
White Dove lives up to its name with a beautiful bright white appearance coupled with the softest warm beige-pink undertone. In certain lighting, faint pinkish 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 perceptible warmth prevents a sterile feel.
This versatile favorite complements both cool and warm palettes equally. Especially popular combinations include:
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore October Mist
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
- Benjamin Moore Boston Brick
Use White Dove to infuse spaces with quiet warmth and refinement. This elegant neutral backdrop lends itself to layered, textured interiors. It’s recommended for:
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Offices
- Entryways
Comparing White Heron and White Dove
Now that we’ve analyzed White Heron and White Dove individually, let’s directly compare the two Benjamin Moore paint colors:
Light Reflectance
With an LRV of 86.69, White Heron reflects more light than White Dove at 83.16 LRV. However, both offer sufficient illumination for most spaces.
Undertones
Here is where the main difference lies. White Heron has the subtlest hint of cool blue-green. White Dove has faint warm pink-beige undertones.
White Heron’s barely perceptible coolness gives it a brighter, crisper look. White Dove’s subtle warmth lends a softer, more welcoming feel.
Uses
Thanks to its higher light reflectance and cool crispness, White Heron works well throughout homes for a cohesive look.
White Dove’s slight warmth makes it ideal for living areas where a gentle ambiance is preferred. Its tone remains flexible across spaces though.
Aesthetic
White Heron’s near imperceptible cool undertone gives it an airy, contemporary vibe. This makes it ideally suited to modern, minimalist spaces.
White Dove’s faint beige-pink cast provides a softer, more flexible aesthetic. The barely-there warmth complements traditional decors beautifully.
White Heron vs White Dove Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of some key differences between White Heron and White Dove:
| Paint Color | White Heron OC-57 | White Dove OC-17 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 86.69 | 83.16 |
| Undertones | Hint of cool blue-green | Pink beige |
| Use | Bathrooms, kitchens, trim | Bedrooms, living rooms |
| Aesthetic | Modern, contemporary | Traditional, transitional |
| Sheen | All sheens | All sheens |
Real Room Photos – White Heron vs White Dove
To better visualize the variations between White Heron and White Dove, let’s look at real room photos showcasing the Benjamin Moore paint colors:
White Heron
With its clean, bright white appearance, White Heron OC-57 immediately livens up any space. This versatile neutral provides an airy backdrop.
Here are some key details about Benjamin Moore’s White Heron paint color:
- LRV: 86.69
- Undertones: Subtle cool blue-green
- Sheen: Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss
- Rooms: Whole home, especially bathrooms and kitchens
- Pairings: Grays, blues, greens
White Heron is a gorgeous crisp white with the faintest whisper of blue-green. In certain lighting, it can read as an extremely subtle cool tone. Overall it remains very close to a true white.
With a 86.69 light reflectance value, White Heron maximizes brightness. This makes it ideal for any space needing ample illumination. The barely perceptible coolness prevents it from feeling sterile.
White Heron’s clean, fresh color immediately awakens rooms with its renewed look. This versatile neutral coordinates beautifully with both cool and warm accents. Especially popular combinations include:
- Benjamin Moore Horizon
- Benjamin Moore October Mist
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Benjamin Moore Modern History
Use White Heron to create serene, airy spaces with an open, minimalist feel. This relaxed backdrop helps rooms feel uncluttered and tranquil. It works in any area but really excels in these:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Ceilings
- Trim/moldings
- Small spaces
White Dove
A perennial favorite, White Dove OC-17 is the quintessential warm white. This adaptable neutral provides a clean, welcoming backdrop.
Here are some key facts about White Dove:
- LRV: 83.16
- Undertones: Subtle pink beige
- Sheen: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Whole home, especially bedrooms and living rooms
- Pairings: Grays, blues, greens, yellows
White Dove lives up to its name with a beautiful bright white appearance coupled with the softest warm beige-pink undertone. In certain lighting, faint pinkish 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 perceptible warmth prevents a sterile feel.
This versatile favorite complements both cool and warm palettes equally. Especially popular combinations include:
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore October Mist
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
- Benjamin Moore Boston Brick
Use White Dove to infuse spaces with quiet warmth and refinement. This elegant neutral backdrop lends itself to layered, textured interiors. It’s recommended for:
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Offices
- Entryways
In the photos, White Heron comes across as crisper and brighter, while White Dove has a subtly softer, warmer appearance. But lighting affects these paint colors and can make them appear very similar.
Should I Choose White Heron or White Dove?
So how do you decide between White Heron vs White Dove for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose White Heron if you want:
- A true bright white with hardly any undertones
- Maximum light reflection
- A crisper, more modern look
- A versatile whole home color
Choose White Dove if you want:
- A white with subtle warm beige-pink undertones
- A welcoming backdrop for bedrooms and living rooms
- A soft look that complements all styles
- Understated warmth and elegance
It’s best to get samples of both paint colors. Paint large sections on your walls and view at different times of day and lighting. This will give you the clearest idea of which hue you prefer in your unique environment.
While quite different, both White Heron and White Dove are gorgeous classic whites. Pick the one that best matches your interior design vision.
Ideal Room Combinations
Here are some rooms that are particularly well-suited to White Heron and White Dove:
White Heron OC-57
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Ceilings
- Hallways
- Doors/trim
- Small spaces
White Dove OC-17
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Offices
- Entryways
- Bathrooms
With their clean whites and sufficient light reflectance, White Heron and White Dove work beautifully throughout homes. But the above applications tend to perfectly match each shade’s strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, White Heron and White Dove create elegant backdrops. Complement them with colors and textures for gorgeously designed rooms:
White Heron Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Benjamin Moore Modern History
- Marble, metal, glass
White Dove Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore October Mist
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
- Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal
- Wood, wool, velvet
White Heron vs White Dove: Which is Best for Your Home?
So which Benjamin Moore white is better, White Heron or White Dove? Consider your goals and style:
Choose White Heron if you want:
- Maximum light reflection
- A bright, contemporary look
- Cool, barely noticeable undertones
- A versatile, airy feel throughout the home
Choose White Dove if you want:
- A white with subtle warm pink undertones
- A welcoming backdrop for bedrooms and living areas
- A soft yet refined look across styles
- Subtle warmth and flexibility
White Heron offers bright, crisp, modern appeal. White Dove provides understated warmth across styles.
Test them in your lighting and with your color scheme before deciding. Either Benjamin Moore white you select will create a beautiful, functional foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between White Heron and White Dove? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Which white reflects more light, White Heron or White Dove?
White Heron has a higher LRV of 86.69 than White Dove at 83.16 light reflectance. It reflects more light.
What undertone does White Heron have?
White Heron has the subtlest hint of cool blue-green undertones. Many would describe it as a true white.
Is White Dove warm or cool?
White Dove is a warm undertone white, with very faint hints of pink beige. Its warmth is extremely understated.
Can you use White Heron on ceilings?
Yes, White Heron’s 86.69 LRV makes it an excellent ceiling white. It will prevent ceilings from looking dingy.
What colors go well with White Dove?
White Dove pairs beautifully with both cool and warm hues like Revere Pewter, Gray Owl, October Mist, and Boston Brick.
