As a designer, paint colors are always on my radar…and, the popularity of the paint color White Dove by Benjamin Moore caught my attention.
When it comes to white paint, some people think, “White is just white—how different can it be?” Well… maybe to a non-designer, white paints all look the same. However, for a trained eye, the difference between white paints can be huge—and over the years, I’ve discovered certain whites that I consistently return to. So, I’ve decided to make a list of white paint that you may consider.
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Benjamin Moore White Dove is definitely a beautiful white, but interestingly, it’s one I never naturally gravitated toward. Why? Well, I’m a bit of a paint-color rebel. When a paint color becomes overly popular, I tend to step back. I like exploring colors without trends influencing my design decisions.
So, with that in mind, allow me to introduce you to my top picks for white paint colors—beyond the ones everyone talks about.
But first, let’s talk a little about BM White Dove…
Is Benjamin Moore White Dove Warm or Cool?
White Dove is a warm white, meaning it has a soft yellow undertone that gives it a subtle, creamy feel. What makes White Dove special, though, is the touch of gray mixed in. That gray balances the warmth, preventing it from looking too yellow or too beige.
Why is White Dove So Popular?
White Dove is beloved for its versatility. It’s not too cool, not too warm—just a classic, balanced white that works beautifully in a wide range of interiors and lighting conditions. It’s timeless, adaptable, and easy to pair with other colors, which is exactly why so many designers and homeowners rely on it.
A Designer’s Go-To White Paints
Here is my list of white paints you should consider if you’re also looking at Benjamin Moore White Dove. Now, this isn’t to say that White Dove isn’t the right choice—but it is important to explore other options. With paint colors, comparison is key!
1. Benjamin Moore Oxford White
BM Oxford White has to be my all-time favorite white, and that’s a bold statement, I know. But I stand by it because, in my eyes, it’s simply the perfect white. It’s a very soft shade without being overly warm or overly cool. It’s not stark, but it’s not creamy, and it’s definitely not cold. It sits beautifully in the middle, which is why I use it again and again.
2. Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Okay, I know I’ve said that I don’t follow paint color trends or popular choices—but Chantilly Lace is on this list for a reason. It’s the go-to paint color if you have Carrara marble in your space; it truly is the best match. It has a subtle hint of blue, making it a cooler white, but it’s not overly stark. It’s definitely one to consider for cabinetry, bathrooms, and trim.
3. Sherwin-Williams Marshmallow
SW Marshmallow is a very creamy white—almost a dreamy, soft hue that isn’t quite a true white, but still reads white enough in most spaces. If you’re looking for a cozy, inviting white, this is definitely one to consider. And the name makes it even more charming.
4. Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa
Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa is a white that’s well loved — and for good reason. It’s a stunning shade that leans warm, yet it’s less creamy than many of the other whites on this list. It’s soft on the eyes, and, well, I love Greece, so I love the name of the color as well. Greek Villa is definitely a white paint you need to check out.
5. Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White
Another classic is Decorator’s White. It’s considered a standard go-to white. If you’re really puzzled about which white to use, this one might be the answer. It’s bright, but not the brightest white paint out there, making it a pleasant, versatile option that I really enjoy using — and one that definitely deserves a spot on this list.
6. Clare Whipped
This shade from Clare Paint is a really nice soft white. Clare Paint delivers paint right to your door, how cool is that? So, if you are looking for a foolproof white and are not keen on going to the hardware store, well this could be the white paint for you.
7. Farrow&Ball Pointing
Pointing by Farrow&Ball is a lovely warm white that still gives that crisp white look, but it won’t give you that Ikea stark white cheap feel.
8. Sherwin-Williams White Flour
White Flour is a warm, soft, and powdery white that works beautifully in warm, traditional interiors. This shade leans slightly toward beige, which may or may not suit your space, but it’s worth considering. It adds a lovely, gentle haze to a room.
9. Benjamin Moore Steam
BM Steam is another powdery white that’s highly underrated. It’s not overly warm or overly cool — instead, it strikes a perfect balance, making it a versatile white paint that pairs well with many color schemes.
10. Sherwin-Williams Snowbound
Now, if you’re looking for a brighter white, Sherwin-Williams Snowbound might be the right choice for you. This one is more of a pure, cool white that will give you the contrast you may or may not be aiming for. Regardless, it earns its spot on this list as a shade I reach for when I want something crisper and brighter.
How To Choose White Paint
By now, you’ve probably realized that not all whites are created equal. Some whites are warmer, some are cooler, and others fall somewhere in the middle. So with all these options, how do you choose the right one?
First, consider whether you’re trying to achieve a bright, stark white look—or if that’s not quite your style. Do you want something softer on the eyes that won’t introduce that crisp, bright effect?
Or maybe you prefer a more neutral, middle-of-the-road white.
Is White Dove THEE Best White Paint?
If you’re drawn to Benjamin Moore White Dove, you might be looking for the perfect soft, slightly warm white. In that case, the most comparable shade on this list would be Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa. But if you find White Dove a touch too warm, and are looking for more of a neutral white, you may want to consider Oxford White instead.
The best approach is to test your paint colors—don’t go in blind. You can order samples from Samplize or pick up paint swatches from your local hardware store.
The thing about paint is that it changes. A shade of white can look completely different from one space to another. That’s why comparing paint samples directly in your home is essential for getting the best results.
Also read:
The Best Warm Gray Paint Colors, A Designer’s Selection
10 Paint Colors Better Than Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee
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