SW Snowbound vs BM White Dove: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect white paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from leading brands. Popular choices Snowbound SW 7004 by Sherwin Williams and White Dove OC-17 by Benjamin Moore appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, bright whites?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Snowbound vs White Dove 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 Snowbound and White Dove

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams Snowbound and Benjamin Moore White Dove:

Undertones – Snowbound is a cool white, White Dove is a warm white
Light Reflectance – Both have a similar LRV around 83
Use – Snowbound suits modern styles, White Dove fits traditional decor
Rooms – Snowbound excels in bathrooms, White Dove shines in bedrooms
Availability – Both come in all sheens

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

Sherwin Williams Snowbound SW 7004

With its crisp, cool white appearance, Sherwin Williams Snowbound SW 7004 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.

Here are some details about Snowbound:

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

Snowbound 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. Snowbound gives an open, airy feel.

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

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

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

Bathrooms
Kitchens
Living Rooms
Offices
Hallways

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

Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17

With its subtle warm white appearance, Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for traditional styles. This versatile neutral works across varied spaces.

Here are some details about White Dove:

LRV: 83
Undertones: Warm white
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Wood tones, blacks, jewel tones

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

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

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

Benjamin Moore Black
Black accent pieces
Rich wood finishes
Brass hardware accents

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

Bedrooms
Living Rooms
Dining Rooms
Offices
Libraries

White Dove’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 Snowbound vs White Dove

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

Light Reflectance

Snowbound and White Dove have a very similar LRV, so they will appear equally bright.

Undertones

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

Use & Rooms

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

Availability

Both Snowbound and White Dove come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.

Snowbound vs White Dove Comparison Chart

Paint Color	Snowbound SW 7004	White Dove OC-17
LRV	83	83
Undertones	Cool white	Warm white
Use	Contemporary styles	Traditional styles
Rooms	Bathrooms, kitchens	Bedrooms, living rooms
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens

Real-Life Photos: Snowbound vs White Dove

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the subtle differences between Snowbound and White Dove:

Sherwin Williams Snowbound

Benjamin Moore White Dove

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

Should I Choose Snowbound or White Dove?

So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams Snowbound or Benjamin Moore White Dove for your home? Here are a few tips:

Choose Snowbound SW 7004 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 White Dove OC-17 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 Snowbound and White Dove. Paint large swatches 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.