White Dove OC-17 by Benjamin Moore

You know that feeling when you walk into a room and instantly feel at ease? The walls seem to wrap you in a soft, welcoming embrace, and the light feels just right—bright but never harsh. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s White Dove (OC-17). It’s not just another white paint; it’s a whisper of warmth, a touch of elegance, and the secret weapon of designers who want spaces to feel lived-in and loved.

White Dove is the kind of color that makes decision-making easy. With an LRV of 84.91%, it’s light enough to brighten even the gloomiest corners but carries just enough warmth to keep things cozy. The subtle yellow undertone gives it a creamy, almost ethereal quality—think fresh linen bathed in morning light. Unlike stark whites that can feel sterile, White Dove leans into comfort, making it perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and even kitchens where you want a hint of softness.

One of the biggest strengths of White Dove is its versatility. It plays well with almost every decor style. Pair it with rustic wood tones for a modern farmhouse vibe, or let it anchor a minimalist space with sleek black accents. In coastal homes, it mimics the soft glow of sun-bleached driftwood, while in transitional spaces, it acts as a quiet backdrop for bold art and textured fabrics. And because it reflects light so beautifully, it’s a dream for open-concept layouts, creating a seamless flow from room to room.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY beginner. The paint goes on smoothly, whether you’re using a brush or roller, and covers well in one to two coats. Touch-ups are practically invisible, which is a lifesaver in high-traffic areas. For finishes, eggshell or satin are your best bets—they offer just enough sheen to resist stains and make cleaning a snap, without sacrificing that velvety matte look.

Now, let’s talk lighting. White Dove adapts. In north-facing rooms with cooler light, it holds onto its warmth, avoiding that icy feel some whites get. In sun-drenched spaces, it stays crisp without glaring. But here’s a pro tip: Always test it on your walls. Paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day. You’ll notice how the undertones shift subtly, revealing its full range—sometimes creamy, sometimes almost neutral.

Trim can be tricky with off-whites, but White Dove is forgiving. Pair it with Pure White for a clean contrast, or keep everything monochromatic for a serene, unified look. If you’re painting cabinets, it’s a winner—just opt for a durable satin finish to handle daily wear. And for small rooms? It’s a no-brainer. The light reflectance makes spaces feel airier, while the warmth keeps them inviting.

Of course, no color is perfect. In low light, White Dove can read slightly darker, so consider supplementing with ample lamps or overhead lighting. And while it’s washable, the softer finishes might show scuffs in high-traffic areas—something to keep in mind for hallways or kids’ rooms.

If you’re torn between White Dove and other popular whites like Alabaster or Swiss Coffee, remember: White Dove is the Goldilocks option. Not too cool, not too yellow—just right. It’s a designer favorite for a reason. Whether you’re refreshing a rental or crafting your forever home, it’s a color that feels timeless, not trendy.

So, is White Dove right for you? If you crave a space that’s calm but not cold, elegant but not fussy, this might be your holy grail. Grab a sample, paint a patch, and let the room tell you. Some colors shout; White Dove simply sighs—and that’s exactly why it works.

Real Room Photo of White Dove OC-17

Undertones of  White Dove ?

The undertones of White Dove are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Yellow. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #EFEEE5

RGB code: 239, 238, 229

Is  White Dove Cool or Warm?

This paint is decidedly warm, making it feel inviting and cozy rather than clinical. Its warmth allows for a soft glow that enhances the overall ambiance of any room.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on White Dove

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of White Dove

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of White Dove is 84.91%, which places it in the White colors category. This means it reflect all light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  White Dove

White Dove is an exceptional choice for anyone wanting an inviting yet sophisticated look. It offers a gentle glow that works well in both bright and dimly lit areas, making it perfectly versatile. The subtle warmth in its undertone ensures it pairs beautifully with various decor styles, from cozy farmhouse to sleek modern spaces. Application is smooth, providing a nice finish whether you opt for a brush or roller. It’s also great for creating a seamless flow in open-concept living spaces, as it acts as a unifying hue across different rooms. Overall, White Dove stands out for its ability to enhance the natural light in your home while maintaining an elegant and airy feel.

Pros & Cons of  OC-17 White Dove

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore White Dove

FAQ on OC-17 White Dove

Can White Dove be used in small rooms?

Absolutely! White Dove is a fantastic choice for small spaces. Its light-reflective properties help make rooms feel larger and more open. The warmth of the color also adds a layer of comfort that can make small areas feel inviting rather than cramped.

How does White Dove compare to other whites?

White Dove is softer and warmer than many other whites, like Chantilly Lace or Pure White. Its slight cream undertone gives it character, making it less stark and more welcoming. It’s a versatile option that can complement a range of colors and styles more effectively than cooler whites.

Comparisons White Dove with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17