Benjamin Moore Dove Wing vs White Dove: Let's Compare!

Looking for the perfect warm white paint color for your home? Let's compare Dove Wing vs White Dove to see if one might be perfect for your space!

Warm whites are such a great choice for paint—they’re cozy, trendy, and timeless all at the same time.

I love how warm whites give you a soft, neutral backdrop without feeling too crisp or stark.

They go with pretty much any decor style and pair well with so many colors and finishes.

But, white paint can be tricky. Even warm whites have undertones to consider, and lighting can make them look warmer, cooler, brighter, or even a little dingy.

That’s why it’s so important to check the details before you commit.

Today, I want to talk about two popular warm white paint colors: Dove Wing and White Dove.

Let’s break down the differences so you can decide which one is right for you!

Read my full review of Dove Wing

Read my full review of White Dove

Dove Wing vs White Dove

Dove Wing and White Dove often get confused since their names are so similar! Aside from their similar names, they have a lot else in common.

What is similar about Dove Wing vs White Dove?

Dove Wing and White Dove are both warm, creamy neutrals that sit in the white/off-white color family. At first glance, they look very similar!

Both have a balance of yellow and gray undertones, giving them a soft, warm feel.

What is different about Dove Wing vs White Dove?

The biggest difference between the two is their depth:

• Dove Wing (LRV 78): Slightly darker and considered an off-white.
• White Dove (LRV 83): Lighter and closer to a true white.

Both colors also have subtle undertones that can show up depending on the lighting:

• Dove Wing: Might show a hint of taupe in some lighting.
• White Dove: Can lean green, especially under LED lighting.

	Dove Wing	White Dove
LRV	78	83
RBG	R: 233 G: 229 B: 218	R:239 G:238 B:229
Undertones	off-white paint color with yellow and gray / silvery undertones, very slightly taupe	true white paint color with warm yellow and gray undertones, very slightly green

Light Reflectance Value

Light Reflective Value is the measurement of how much light a color bounces around. This is on a scale of 0 to 100 with 0 being pure black and 100 being pure white.

With an LRV of 78, Dove White is right in the middle of the off-white paint category. It is darker than White Dove, which has an LRV of 83.

This LRV puts White Dove in the true white paint category, right near the line between true white and off-white.

Undertones

Both Dove Wing and White Dove have yellow and gray undertones, which is why they look so similar in most spaces.

In south-facing rooms with lots of natural light, both colors will lean warmer and creamier, showing more of their yellow undertones.

However, if you have a lot of natural light or are using Dove Wing on a sunny exterior, it might appear washed out.

In north-facing rooms that lack natural light, both colors look more neutral and slightly darker. White Dove, in particular, can sometimes look dingy or even green in these spaces.

If you have LED lighting in your home – beware. LED lights with a blueish tone can interact with White Dove’s warmth and make it lean green.

How do I decide between these two colors?

These two are so similar that you’ll probably love either one, but here are a few tips to help you decide:

• If you want something closer to true white: Go with White Dove.
• If you have a lot of natural light: White Dove holds up better, as Dove Wing can look washed out in very bright spaces.
• If your room has north-facing light: Be careful with White Dove. It might appear green or dingy, whereas Dove Wing tends to feel more neutral.

Dove Wing and White Dove are both beautiful warm neutrals, but they behave differently depending on the lighting. The best way to pick is to swatch them both in your space and check them out at different times of the day.

Thanks for reading!