When searching for the perfect clean, bright white paint color, two popular choices are Sherwin Williams White Duck SW 7010 and Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17. At first glance, these two crisp whites appear very similar. But upon closer inspection, there are subtle but impactful differences between them.
This in-depth guide will compare White Duck vs White Dove to help you determine which is better for your home’s interior. We’ll analyze everything from undertones, light reflectance value (LRV), real photos, room pairings, and more.
By the end, you’ll understand how to choose between these gorgeous whites from Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between White Duck and White Dove
Before getting into the details, here’s a high-level overview of how White Duck and White Dove differ:
- Undertones – White Duck is a crisp white, White Dove is a soft white
- Light Reflectance – White Duck has an LRV of 74, White Dove has an LRV of 83.16
- Use – White Duck suits trims, White Dove fits walls
- Rooms – White Duck excels on moldings, White Dove shines in bedrooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens and finishes
Now let’s explore White Duck SW 7010 and White Dove OC-17 more thoroughly.
Detailed Review of White Duck SW 7010
With its crisp, bright white appearance, White Duck SW 7010 by Sherwin Williams creates clean definition as trim, moldings, and on accent surfaces. This vivid white grabs attention.
Here are some details about White Duck:
- LRV: 74
- Undertones: Crisp white
- Finish: Available in all sheens and finishes
- Rooms: Moldings, trims, cabinets, bathrooms
- Pairs Well With: All colors
White Duck is a snowy white without even the slightest hint of an undertone. In all lighting it maintains its true crisp white appearance.
The 74 LRV makes White Duck exceptionally reflective without being clinical. It creates clean contrast and visibility.
As a true white, White Duck complements every color scheme and style. Popular White Duck pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Any bold, bright accent color
- Dark wood trims
- Matte black or brass hardware
While suitable everywhere at home, White Duck truly excels:
- As moldings and trims
- On ceilings
- On doors, cabinetry, and furniture
- In bathrooms
White Duck’s vividness creates eye-catching pop and highlights architectural details.
Detailed Review of White Dove OC-17
With its soft, warm white appearance, White Dove OC-17 by Benjamin Moore creates a flexible neutral backdrop well-suited for accentuating traditional decor. This color succeeds in both formal and casual spaces.
Here are some details about White Dove:
- LRV: 83.16
- Undertones: Soft white
- Finish: Available in all sheens and finishes
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, trim, cabinets
- Pairs Well With: Grays, blacks, wood tones
White Dove is a hushed white with the slightest hint of warmth. In most lighting it maintains its understated neutral white appearance.
The 83.16 LRV provides ideal illumination without being too stark. White Dove gives off a soothing, peaceful vibe.
This versatile neutral complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular White Dove color pairings include:
- Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Black and gray patterns
- Wood furnishings and finishes
- Oil rubbed bronze lighting
While suitable anywhere at home, White Dove truly excels in these cozy spaces:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Hallways
White Dove’s softness helps create a relaxed, traditional feel – perfect as an all-over home color.
Light Reflectance Value Comparison
The main LRV difference between White Duck and White Dove is noticeable:
- White Duck SW 7010: 74 LRV
- White Dove OC-17: 83.16 LRV
White Dove will read softer, subtler, and less vivid than the very crisp, bright White Duck. But both offer nice illumination.
Direct Comparison of Undertones
When viewed together, here is how the undertones of White Duck and White Dove differ:
- White Duck is a true clean, snowy crisp white without any undertones.
- White Dove is a creamy soft white with subtle warmth.
White Duck stays a complete neutral in all lighting, while White Dove has slight beige undertones.
Style and Room Pairings
Due to its crispness, White Duck SW 7010 excels on:
- Moldings and trims
- Ceilings
- Doors, cabinetry, and furniture
- Bathroom fixtures
White Dove OC-17 fits best on walls in:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Kitchens
- Hallways
So White Duck accents and trims, while White Dove shines on walls. But both offer bright versatility.
Real-Life Photo Examples
Let’s look at real-life photos to compare White Duck and White Dove:
White Duck SW 7010
White Dove OC-17
You can see White Duck’s crisper, sharper tone next to the soft subtle warmth of White Dove. But lighting affects their appearance.
Should You Choose White Duck or White Dove?
So which bright white should you choose for your space? Consider the following:
Consider White Duck SW 7010 if you want:
- A super crisp white for trims and accents
- Bright white moldings, doors, and ceilings
- A true white without any undertones
- Maximum contrast and pop
Consider White Dove OC-17 if you want:
- A soft white with warmth for walls
- A peaceful backdrop for bedrooms and living rooms
- A universally flattering neutral
- Subtle flexibility
White Duck offers vivid definition, while White Dove provides soft coziness.
Get large color samples before deciding. View them in varied lighting at different times of day. This gives the most accurate impression of undertones.
Either gorgeous white from Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore will look beautiful in your home!
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, White Duck and White Dove create airy backdrops. Here are ideas to enhance them:
White Duck SW 7010 Pairings:
- Navy blues and bold brights
- Glossy black trims
- Polished brass hardware
- Marble, granite, and quartz
- Large modern artwork
White Dove OC-17 Pairings:
- Smokey grays and taupes
- Antique brass lighting
- Creamy antique whites
- Medium wood tones
- Sheer curtain panels
Choosing complementary colors and finishes allows you to create stylish, appealing spaces anchored by White Duck or White Dove.
Room-by-Room Guide
Here are rooms best suited to White Duck and White Dove:
Living Rooms
White Duck – Crisp and vivid on moldings, trims, and ceilings in formal living rooms.
White Dove – A flexible, relaxing backdrop suitable for any living room style.
Bedrooms
White Duck – Provides crisp definition on bedroom moldings and trims.
White Dove – Warm and peaceful – promotes restful sleep.
Bathrooms
White Duck – Creates a bright, clean look on bathroom cabinets and fixtures.
White Dove – Feels soothing and tranquil on bathroom walls.
Kitchens
White Duck – Excellent on cabinetry and kitchen islands to add vibrance.
White Dove – A soft, welcoming white that warms up kitchen walls.
Both whites work well but in different roles.
White Duck vs. White Dove Comparison Chart
Here is an overview comparison between White Duck SW 7010 and White Dove OC-17:
| Paint Color | White Duck SW 7010 | White Dove OC-17 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 74 | 83.16 |
| Undertone | Crisp white | Soft white |
| Use | Trims and accents | Wall surfaces |
| Sheen | All finishes | All finishes |
| Rooms | Moldings, bathrooms | Bedrooms, living rooms |
Which White is Best for Your Home?
So which bright white paint color is right for you?
White Duck SW 7010 is the best choice if you want:
- A super crisp white for trims and accents
- Definition on moldings, ceilings, and doors
- A true white without any undertones
- Bold pops of contrast
White Dove OC-17 is perfect if you seek:
- A soft white with warmth for walls
- A peaceful backdrop for bedrooms
- A universally flattering neutral
- Subtle flexibility
White Duck accentuates, while White Dove envelops. Choose what best suits your style!
Be sure to get samples of both before deciding – you can’t go wrong!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about White Duck and White Dove:
Q: How do White Duck and White Dove differ?
A: White Duck is a vivid crisp white for trims while White Dove is a soft warm white wall color. White Duck has a sharper look.
Q: Which white paint color has a higher LRV?
A: White Dove OC-17 has an LRV of 83.16, while White Duck SW 7010 has an LRV of 74, making White Dove slightly brighter.
Q: What colors complement White Duck?
A: Navy blues, bold brights, black and white patterns, glossy black trims, and brass hardware create beautiful contrast against White Duck’s clean vividness.
Q: Is White Dove suitable for southern exposure rooms?
A: Yes, White Dove OC-17’s subtle warmth helps prevent overly cool tones in rooms with lots of natural light. Always test a sample first.
Q: Does White Duck have blue undertones?
A: No, White Duck SW 7010 is a true neutral white without any cool blue or warm yellow undertones coming through.
Conclusion
Whether you choose the crisp vividness of White Duck SW 7010 or the welcoming warmth of White Dove OC-17, both of these classic whites are gorgeous choices!
Consider your style and lighting needs, get color samples, and test them out to find the perfect bright white paint for your home.
