Dover White vs Creamy: What’s the Difference?

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 Creamy SW 7012 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, bright whites?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Dover White vs Creamy 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!

Key Differences Between Dover White and Creamy

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Dover White and Creamy:

Undertones – Dover White is a cool white, Creamy is a warm white
Light Reflectance – Dover White has an LRV of 83, Creamy has an LRV of 81
Use – Dover White suits modern styles, Creamy fits traditional decor
Rooms – Dover White excels in bathrooms, Creamy shines in bedrooms
Availability – Both come in all sheens

Now let’s explore Dover White and Creamy more thoroughly.

Sherwin Williams Dover White SW 6385

With its crisp, cool white appearance, Sherwin Williams Dover White SW 6385 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.

Here are some details about Dover White:

LRV: 83
Undertones: Cool white
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black and white, wood tones

Dover White is a straight, icy white without any warm undertones. In all lighting it maintains its clean, neutral white appearance.

The 83 light reflectance value provides brightness without being clinical. Dover White gives an open, airy feel.

This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular Dover White color pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
Black accent pieces
Rich wood stains
Chrome hardware accents

While suitable anywhere at home, Dover White truly excels in these crisp, modern spaces:

Bathrooms
Kitchens
Living Rooms
Offices
Hallways

Dover White’s versatility helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for making colors pop in contemporary styles.

Sherwin Williams Creamy SW 7012

With its subtle warm white appearance, Sherwin Williams Creamy SW 7012 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for traditional styles. This versatile neutral works across varied spaces.

Here are some details about Creamy:

LRV: 81
Undertones: Warm white
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Wood tones, blacks, jewel tones

Creamy is a soft, inviting white with the faintest hint of beige. In all lighting it maintains its warm white appearance.

The 81 light reflectance value provides brightness without being clinical. Creamy gives an open, breathable feel.

This adaptable neutral complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Creamy color pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
Black accent pieces
Rich wood finishes
Brass hardware accents

While suitable anywhere at home, Creamy truly excels in these warm, welcoming spaces:

Bedrooms
Living Rooms
Dining Rooms
Offices
Libraries

Creamy’s subtle warmth helps create a relaxing, traditional feel perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to allow bold colors to stand out.

Comparing Dover White vs Creamy

Now that we’ve examined Dover White and Creamy independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Dover White and Creamy have similar LRVs of 83 and 81 respectively. Dover White will appear slightly brighter.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Dover White is a cool white, while Creamy is a warm white.

Use & Rooms

Dover White’s coolness excels in modern baths and kitchens. Creamy’s warmth is perfect for cozy bedrooms.

Availability

Both Dover White and Creamy come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.

Dover White vs Creamy Comparison Chart

Paint Color	Dover White SW 6385	Creamy SW 7012
LRV	83	81
Undertones	Cool white	Warm white
Use	Contemporary styles	Traditional styles
Rooms	Bathrooms, kitchens	Bedrooms, living rooms
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Modern	Traditional

Real-Life Photos: Dover White vs Creamy

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Dover White and Creamy:

Sherwin Williams Dover White

Sherwin Williams Creamy

While they can overlap, Dover White generally appears crisper and cooler than the warm white tone of Creamy. But lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Dover White or Creamy?

So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Dover White or Creamy for your home? Here are a few tips:

Choose Dover White SW 6385 if you want:

A cool, crisp bright white
A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
An airy feel for bathrooms and kitchens
To make colors pop and stand out

Choose Creamy SW 7012 if you want:

A warm, inviting white
A versatile color that works with traditional decor
A cozy feel for bedrooms and living rooms
To allow colors to pop subtly

Get samples of both Dover White and Creamy. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of the undertones in your environment.

You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful, bright white tones that suit varied styles.