Looking for the perfect white paint color for your home? I've compared Steam vs White Dove to see which one best matches your space!
Warm white paint colors are great if you want neutral white walls without the starkness of a bright, cool white.
They can make your home feel cozy and inviting while still being neutral enough to match any decor style.
Warm whites are popular because they pair wonderfully with many colors and finishes. This flexibility makes them a go-to choice for many people.
But with so many warm whites out there, choosing the right one can be tricky.
So to help I've compared two super popular warm whites: Steam and White Dove. I've used both in different rooms and can share some insights.
Let's explore the differences between these two popular shades and see which one might be right for your home.
Read my full review of White Dove
Steam vs White Dove
Steam and White Dove share many, many similarities. The two colors are almost identical.
What’s Similar About Steam and White Dove?
Steam and White Dove are both warm, white paint colors.
Their light reflectance values (LRVs) are almost the same, with Steam at 84 and White Dove at 83. This makes the difference in color depth hard to notice.
They have similar undertones: warm yellow and gray, sometimes with a hint of green. This gives them a cozy feel.
Both colors work well as whole house paint colors, for trim and for cabinetry.
What is different about Steam vs White Dove?
The main difference is that Steam is a bit warmer than White Dove. Steam is also a little darker, but the difference is very slight.
White Dove is a bit cooler (still warm!) and lighter than Steam. It can feel a bit brighter in some rooms.
In my experience, if you want a warmer and deeper tone, choose Steam. If you like a lighter and slightly cooler white, go with White Dove.
| Steam | White Dove | |
| LRV | 84 | 83 |
| RGB | R: 240 G: 238 B: 229 | R: 239 G: 238 B: 229 |
| Undertones | white paint color with subtle yellow / gray undertones, occasional tinge of green | white paint color with warm yellow / gray, very slightly green |
Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures how much light a color reflects. The scale ranges from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white).
Steam and White Dove have similar LRVs, making them close in color depth. Steam has an LRV of 84, while White Dove has an LRV of 83, making Steam just a bit darker.
Both are considered true white paint colors. However, with LRVs of 83 and 84, they are on the edge of the off-white category.
True whites have an LRV of 83 or higher, while off-whites range from 72 to 82.
Undertones
Steam and White Dove share similar undertones.
They both have warm yellow and gray undertones and can sometimes look slightly green when near green surroundings, like trees or green decor.
In south-facing rooms with lots of natural light, both colors appear warmer and creamier. Steam leans a bit warmer than White Dove. The gray undertones in both colors stop them from looking too yellow.
In north-facing rooms with less natural light, Steam and White Dove appear more neutral and whiter. In very dark rooms, they might even look a bit dingy due to the gray undertones.
If you have LED lighting at home, be cautious. The blue-ish light from LEDs mixed with the warmth of Steam and White Dove can sometimes result in a slight green tint.
From my experience, both colors adapt well to different lighting, but it’s important to test them in your space. The way they look can change dramatically based on the light and surroundings.
Click here to get removable peel-and-stick paint samples for easy swatching!
How do I decide between these two colors?
Choosing between Steam and White Dove can be tricky because they are so similar. The differences are subtle, but they can impact the feel of your space.
Steam is slightly warmer, while White Dove is a bit cooler, though both are still warm whites. This small difference can make Steam feel cozier and White Dove a bit brighter.
In my experience, if you're debating between these two, you’ll likely be happy with either choice. But, as with any paint color, it’s crucial to test them in your space first.
Swatch both colors on your walls to see how they look with your lighting and decor. This will help you make the best decision for your home.
Benjamin Moore Steam Paint Color Palette
Want to use this paint color in your home? Instantly upgrade your home's aesthetic with our exclusive paint color palette. Unlock the perfect trim color and six stunning accent colors, a combination of neutrals and bold hues for an instantly harmonious space!
Get your perfect paint color palette by clicking here!
Benjamin Moore White Dove Paint Color Palette
Want to use this paint color in your home? Instantly upgrade your home's aesthetic with our exclusive paint color palette. Unlock the perfect trim color and six stunning accent colors, a combination of neutrals and bold hues for an instantly harmonious space!
Get your perfect paint color palette by clicking here!
Still unsure which paint color is right for your space?
Choosing paint doesn’t have to be stressful! My free Paint Color Planning Quick Start Guide walks you through the exact steps to confidently choose the perfect color — without the overwhelm, second-guessing, or endless swatch testing.
👉 Click here to download the free guide!
My Paint Color Formula course walks you through the painless process of expertly testing paint swatches to ensure you have the perfect color for your home.
The best way to sample paint? Samplize!
Get peel-and-stick removable and reusable paint samples here!
Thanks for reading!
Meg Hemmelgarn is a freelance writer and home decor + DIY blogger who loves to talk about paint colors. She and her husband are currently renovating their third fixer upper. You can see their projects on her blog, Green With Decor.
