SW Alabaster vs BM White Dove: Best Comparison

Jackson Archer | 🗓️Modified: 8 October 2023 | ⏳Time to read:10 min

When it comes to transforming your home with a touch of elegance, choosing the perfect soft white paint color is a game-changer.

Today, we’re going to explore the timeless battle between two titans in the world of interior paint: Sherwin Williams Alabaster and Benjamin Moore White Dove.

These shades of white are like the maestros of the color palette, and they each bring their unique charm to your living spaces.

In the showdown between Sherwin Williams Alabaster and Benjamin Moore White Dove, we’ll uncover the nuances that make one of them the perfect choice for your home.

Stay tuned as we delve into their characteristics, undertones, and real-world applications to help you make an informed decision and turn your space into a haven of style and comfort.

So, whether you’re dreaming of a tranquil bedroom retreat or a chic, welcoming living area, we’ll guide you toward the soft white masterpiece that suits your vision.

Also Read: Sherwin Williams Alabaster vs Pure White: A Great Comparison

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SW Alabaster vs BM White

White & Show White – Alabaster vs White Dove

White paint is renowned for its versatility, making it a top choice for interior walls. It acts as a blank canvas, effortlessly complementing any decor style you desire.

However, don’t be fooled into thinking that all whites are the same. In the world of white paints, subtle variations in undertones and color depth can create entirely different atmospheres in your rooms.

Now, let’s talk about the magic of soft white. It’s not an icy, clinical white, but rather a gentle, slightly warm hue that bathes your space in a cozy glow. This softness is key to creating an inviting and comfortable ambiance, balancing brightness with warmth.

In the world of interior design, choosing the right paint color can make or break the ambiance of your space. Two off-white paint colors that have captured the hearts of homeowners and designers alike are Alabaster and White Dove.

While they may appear similar at first glance, they each possess unique qualities that can dramatically influence the feel of a room.

How Alabaster and White Dove are similar?

Off-White Elegance

Both Alabaster and White Dove fall into the category of off-white paint colors. When applied to walls, they give off a clean, fresh appearance that reads as white in most lighting conditions. This versatility makes them ideal choices for a wide range of design styles.

Also Read: Sherwin Williams Greek Villa vs Alabaster –Let’s Compare

Warm Undertones

One of the key similarities between these two hues is their warm undertones. Alabaster and White Dove share soft, inviting undertones that create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. These subtle warm notes are what set them apart from stark, clinical whites.

Similar Brightness

Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is a measure of how much light a paint color reflects. Alabaster boasts an LRV of 82, while White Dove shines slightly brighter with an LRV of 83.16. This means that White Dove is just a touch lighter, but both colors offer a luminous quality that can make spaces feel airy and open.

Exploring the White Dove

White Dove OC-17, also known as White Dove PM-19, is a shade that holds more secrets than you might think. Let’s delve into the world of this captivating paint color to decipher its hidden meanings and understand why it’s a beloved choice for interior designers and homeowners alike.

The color code OC-17 and PM-19

The alphanumeric code OC-17 and PM-19 may seem cryptic, but they hold the key to understanding White Dove’s color collection. OC stands for the Off-White Collection, while PM signifies The Premium Mix Collection.

These collections group similar colors together, making it easier for you to explore complementary shades and find the perfect palette for your home.

LRV: Shedding Light on Brightness

One of the most intriguing aspects of White Dove is its Light Reflectance Value (LRV), which stands at an impressive 85.38. But what does this number mean, and why is it essential?

LRV is a measurement used by design professionals to gauge the amount of light a surface reflects. It’s on a scale from 0 to 100, with 100 representing pure white and 0 signifying absolute black.

In simpler terms, the higher the LRV, the more light a color reflects, and the brighter it appears. White Dove’s high LRV is no surprise as it’s a white paint color designed to create a luminous and open feel in your space.

Is white dove similar to alabaster?

A Versatile Gem in the Off-White Collection

White Dove OC-17 is not just any white paint; it’s a superstar in the Off-White Collection. Its popularity stems from its exceptional versatility. This soft, warm off-white hue plays well with a wide range of design styles and color palettes.

Whether you’re aiming for a cozy, traditional look or a modern, minimalist vibe, White Dove can adapt seamlessly.

Also Read: Sherwin Williams Eider White: a comprehensive color review

Differences Between Alabaster and White Dove:

Undertones

  • The most significant distinction between these two off-white paints lies in their undertones. Alabaster leans towards warm, beige tones, giving it a creamy and cozy vibe.
  • On the other hand, White Dove introduces hints of yellow and even a touch of green, especially when illuminated by cool-toned LED lighting.
  • White Dove also exhibits a subtle gray undertone, making it cooler compared to the warmer, beige undertone of Alabaster.
Is white dove brighter than alabaster?

Color Palette

Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is often considered to have a more extensive color palette due to its versatile undertones.

It can adapt to various design styles and pair well with different accent colors. Alabaster, with its warm beige undertones, tends to create a more cohesive and inviting look when combined with other warm shades.

When it comes to finding a Sherwin Williams equivalent to Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, there are a couple of contenders: SW Alabaster and SW Snowbound.

While these shades share similarities, they aren’t exact duplicates.

It’s important to note that there can be similarities in colors between different paint brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams.

Sometimes, the colors may appear nearly identical, while in other cases, they exhibit a subtle resemblance.

The reason for these variations lies in each paint brand’s unique color system for mixing paints. Consequently, there will inevitably be differences between brands.

Regarding Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, it doesn’t have a precise Sherwin Williams equivalent. Instead, there are colors that can be considered siblings, sharing some characteristics but not identical twins.

If you favor Sherwin Williams and wish to have a color similar to White Dove, you can inquire about having it custom-mixed.

However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that the color systems of the two brands are different, and the match may not be 100% accurate. To ensure satisfaction, it’s advisable to sample the color first.

Colors similar to White Dove

As for colors similar to Benjamin Moore White Dove, several options come to mind. White paint colors can be surprisingly intricate. Some alternatives in the same family include:

  • Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW7003
  • Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117
  • Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005
  • Benjamin Moore Oxford White 869.
  • While these shades bear a resemblance to White Dove, they are not exact duplicates.

💡Pro tip:

In comparing Sherwin Williams Alabaster to Benjamin Moore White Dove, there are subtle differences. Both are classified as off-white paint colors, but White Dove leans closer to pure white. Both have high Light Reflectance Values (LRV), with Alabaster at 82 and White Dove slightly higher at 85.38.

White Dove incorporates a hint of gray in its undertone, which tempers its warmth, while Alabaster leans slightly warmer. Ultimately, both SW Alabaster and BM White Dove are timeless paint choices with nuanced distinctions that can complement various design visions.

How to Decide Between Alabaster and White Dove:

The choice between Alabaster and White Dove ultimately depends on your desired ambiance and design goals. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

Ambiance

Alabaster is your go-to choice if you want a warmer and cozier feel in your space. It’s perfect for creating a snug atmosphere in bedrooms or living rooms.

White Dove, with its brighter and slightly cooler undertones, lends itself to a crisper and more modern look, making it a great option for kitchens or bathrooms.

Lighting Conditions

Keep in mind that lighting can significantly impact how these colors appear. Test swatches of both Alabaster and White Dove on your walls to see how they react to natural and artificial light throughout the day and night.

This will ensure that the chosen color complements your space under various lighting conditions.

Design Style

Consider your overall design style and color scheme. Alabaster’s warm, beige undertones work harmoniously with earthy tones and rustic decor, while White Dove’s versatility makes it adaptable to a broader range of design styles, including contemporary and coastal.

Light Reflectance Value (LRV):

SW Alabaster: Alabaster has an LRV of 82, making it slightly less white and warmer than White Dove .

BM White Dove: White Dove has an LRV of 85, indicating it’s a bit brighter and closer to pure white.

Usage:

  • SW Alabaster may be a better choice for creating a cozy, warm atmosphere in a room.
  • BM White Dove is versatile and can work well in various settings, offering a cleaner and brighter look.
Is Alabaster more yellow than white dove?

📝 Key takeaways

  • Alabaster and White Dove are both top choices for creating an elegant and inviting ambiance in your home.
  • These soft white paint colors are versatile and complement a wide range of interior design styles.
  • Subtle variations in undertones and color depth can significantly impact the atmosphere of your rooms.
  • Both Alabaster and White Dove belong to the off-white category and offer a fresh, clean appearance.
  • They share warm undertones, creating a cozy and welcoming feel in your space.
  • Alabaster has an LRV of 82, while White Dove’s LRV is slightly higher at 85.38, making it a touch brighter.
  • White Dove belongs to Benjamin Moore’s Off-White Collection and Premium Mix Collection, offering a wide color palette for versatility.
  • Alabaster leans towards warm beige undertones, while White Dove incorporates hints of yellow and green, with a subtle gray undertone.
  • There is no exact Sherwin Williams equivalent to Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, but SW Alabaster and SW Snowbound are close contenders.
  • Your choice between Alabaster and White Dove depends on the ambiance, lighting conditions, and design style you desire, with Alabaster offering a warmer feel and White Dove providing a crisper, modern look.

The Closing Verdict

So, you see, both Alabaster and White Dove are excellent choices for achieving a timeless and elegant off-white interior. Your decision should be guided by the mood you want to create and how these colors harmonize with your specific design elements.

Whichever you choose, you’re sure to transform your space into a canvas of sophistication and style.

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