Looking for the perfect soft white paint color for your home? Today, I’m comparing Sherwin Williams Creamy vs Dover White to see which one might be just right for your space.
Soft whites are endlessly popular. They’re cozy, warm, and neutral – a winning combination! If you want a backdrop that’s not too stark, warm whites are the way to go.
One thing I love about warm whites is how versatile they are. They go with almost any decor style or finish, making them an easy choice for your walls.
But here’s the thing – warm whites can vary a lot. Some are really warm, while others are less so. That’s why it’s important to look at the details before deciding!
So today, I’m comparing two super popular shades of soft white paint – Creamy and Dover White by Sherwin Williams.
Let’s talk about the differences between these two popular shades.
Read my full review of Dover White
Creamy vs Dover White
Creamy and Dover White are both popular soft white paint colors.
They have similar light reflectance values (LRVs) and undertones, but there are a few key differences you should know about.
What is similar about Creamy vs Dover White?
Creamy and Dover White are both soft white paint colors. They are peaceful and warm.
Their LRVs are close, with Creamy at 81 and Dover White at 83, giving them similar color depths.
They both have warm yellow undertones, but Dover White’s are a bit stronger.
Their warm undertones add a cozy, welcoming vibe that works in any room. This makes both Creamy and Dover White great whole house paint colors.
What is different about Creamy vs Dover White?
Overall, Creamy is more neutral, while Dover White is more saturated.
Dover White leans more towards yellow, whereas Creamy is more of a creamy white.
Creamy is slightly darker, with an LRV of 81, compared to Dover White’s LRV of 83.
This means technically, Creamy is an off-white and Dover White is a white, although they’re both very close to the dividing line.
| Creamy | Dover White | |
| LRV | 81 | 83 |
| RGB | R: 239 G: 232 B: 219 | R: 240 G: 234 B: 220 |
| Undertones | off-white / cream color with slightly warm yellow undertones | white color with strong warm golden yellow undertones |
Light Reflectance Value
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures how much light a color reflects. It’s on a scale from 0 to 100, with 0 being pure black and 100 being pure white.
Dover White has an LRV of 83, making it slightly lighter.
Creamy, on the other hand, has an LRV of 81, so it’s a bit darker.
Understanding LRV helps you choose the right paint. It affects how bright and open a room feels.
So, if you want a room to feel lighter, Dover White is a great choice. For a slightly cozier feel, go with Creamy.
Undertones
Creamy has slight warm yellow undertones, while Dover White has stronger golden yellow undertones.
When you see them side by side, Creamy looks like a creamy white, and Dover White appears a bit more yellow.
In rooms with lots of natural light, especially south-facing ones, both colors will look warmer and more yellow.
In north-facing rooms with less natural light, they’ll appear cooler and more white.
From my experience, warm whites can sometimes look a bit green under LED lighting, which has a bluish tint. So, if you have LED lights, it’s crucial to test the paint in your home first.
You can easily do this with removable peel & stick paint samples.
How do I decide between these two colors?
Choosing between Creamy and Dover White can be tricky since they’re both soft whites.
Creamy is more of a creamy white, while Dover White leans more yellow. Overall, Creamy is a bit more neutral.
So if you’re after a more neutral white look, Creamy is your best bet.
But if you want a warmer, slightly more yellow tone, Dover White is the way to go.
Sherwin Williams Creamy 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!
Sherwin Williams Dover White 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!
Click here to get a made-for-you Dover White paint color palette.
Still not sure what paint color to choose?
My Paint Color Formula ebook 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.