When searching for the perfect white paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Dover White SW 6385 and Pure White SW 7005 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, crisp whites?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Dover White vs Pure White in-depth to help you determine the ideal white paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Dover White and Pure White
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Dover White and Pure White:
- Undertones – Dover White is a warm white, Pure White is a clean white
- Light Reflectance – Dover White has an LRV of 83, Pure White has an LRV of 84
- Use – Dover White suits traditional styles, Pure White fits modern decor
- Rooms – Dover White excels in living rooms, Pure White shines in kitchens
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Dover White and Pure White more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Dover White SW 6385
With its subtle warm white appearance, Sherwin Williams Dover White SW 6385 creates a clean, airy backdrop well-suited for traditional styles. This versatile neutral works across classic spaces.
Here are some details about Dover White:
- LRV: 83
- Undertones: Warm white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Light blues, grays, black
Dover White is a crisp white with the slightest hint of beige. In all lighting it maintains its traditional, welcoming white appearance.
The 83 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being clinical. Dover White gives an open, breathable feel.
This adaptable white complements both warm and cool accent colors beautifully. Popular Dover White color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Black accent pieces
- Wood furniture stains
- Oil-rubbed bronze lighting
While suitable anywhere at home, Dover White truly excels in these classic spaces:
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Foyers
Dover White’s subtle warmth helps create an inviting, traditional backdrop perfect for most rooms. Use it to allow accent colors to pop.
Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005
With its clean crisp white appearance, Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005 creates a bright, airy backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.
Here are some details about Pure White:
- LRV: 84
- Undertones: Clean white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, offices, trim/molding
- Pairs Well With: Bold colors, stainless steel, chrome
Pure White is an optic bright white that maintains its color integrity in all lighting conditions. The 84 light reflectance value provides maximum illumination.
This true white complements bold, saturated colors beautifully. Popular Pure White color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Mega Greige
- Stainless steel appliances
- Glossy black accents
- Chrome hardware
While suitable anywhere at home, Pure White truly excels in these modern spaces:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Offices
- Trim/Moldings
- Hallways
Pure White’s clean brightness helps create a fresh, contemporary backdrop perfect for accentuating modern decor. Use it to make colors pop.
Comparing Dover White vs Pure White
Now that we’ve examined Dover White and Pure White independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Dover White and Pure White have very similar LRVs of 83 and 84 respectively. Pure White will appear just slightly brighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Dover White is a warm white, while Pure White is a clean, crisp white.
Use & Rooms
Dover White’s subtle warmth excels in living rooms. Pure White’s coolness shines in kitchens.
Availability
Both Dover White and Pure White come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
Dover White vs Pure White Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Dover White SW 6385 | Pure White SW 7005 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 83 | 84 |
| Undertones | Warm white | Clean white |
| Use | Traditional rooms | Modern spaces |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Traditional | Contemporary |
Real-Life Photos: Dover White vs Pure White
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Dover White and Pure White:
Sherwin Williams Dover White
Sherwin Williams Pure White
While they can overlap, Dover White generally has more subtle warmth than the clean, bright appearance of Pure White. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Dover White or Pure White?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Dover White or Pure White for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Dover White SW 6385 if you want:
- A warm, inviting white
- A versatile color suitable for traditional spaces
- A cozy backdrop for living rooms and bedrooms
- A soft, peaceful ambiance
Choose Pure White SW 7005 if you want:
- A clean, bright crisp white
- Maximum light reflectance for modern rooms
- A fresh backdrop for kitchens and bathrooms
- To allow bold colors to pop
Get samples of both Dover White and Pure White. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the tones read in your environment.
You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful, versatile white tones.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Dover White and Pure White paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Dover White
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Foyers
Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Offices
- Trim/Moldings
- Hallways
While both whites work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Dover White and Pure White create airy backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
Dover White SW 6385 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Black accent pieces
- Wood furniture stains
- Oil-rubbed bronze lighting
Pure White SW 7005 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Mega Greige
- Stainless steel appliances
- Glossy black accents
- Chrome hardware
Dover White vs Pure White – Which is Better?
So which white paint color is better for your home – Dover White or Pure White?
Consider Dover White SW 6385 if you want:
- A warm, inviting white
- A versatile color suitable for traditional spaces
- A cozy backdrop for living rooms and bedrooms
- A soft, peaceful ambiance
Consider Pure White SW 7005 if you want:
- A clean, bright crisp white
- Maximum light reflectance for modern rooms
- A fresh backdrop for kitchens and bathrooms
- To allow bold colors to pop
While Dover White offers subtle warmth, Pure White provides clean brightness.
Get samples before deciding. Either versatile Sherwin Williams white you choose will suit your home beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Dover White or Pure White? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Dover White and Pure White?
The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. Dover White is a warm welcoming white while Pure White is a cool, bright white.
What colors go well with Dover White?
Dover White looks beautiful paired with light blues, grays, black accent pieces, and wood tones for a classic look.
Can you use Pure White in a bedroom?
Yes, Pure White’s clean and bright character would work wonderfully in a bedroom paired with bold patterns and dark woods for striking contrast.
Is Dover White suitable for southern exposure?
Yes, Dover White has enough warmth in its 83 LRV to stand up to a south facing room without appearing dingy.
Does Pure White come in eggshell finish?
Yes, Pure White is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to eggshell to high gloss semi-gloss.
