Benjamin Moore Cloud White vs White Dove: Which is the Best?
I’ve seen so many people get stuck here — standing in the paint aisle, staring at samples, thinking: “Wait… aren’t these two the same?” I get it. Cloud White vs White Dove are both top picks from Benjamin Moore, and honestly, they do look really close at first.
But here’s the thing — once they’re on the wall, they behave totally different. This white paint comparison breaks it down in a way that actually makes sense. We’ll talk about where each shade works best, what other colors play nice with them, and how lighting really messes (or helps) with the final look.
Interior Designing Blog found that both are designer favorites, by the way — you’ll see them on all those home makeover shows. Oh, and if you care about the details, Cloud White has an LRV of 87, and White Dove sits around 85. Not a huge gap, but enough to make a difference in bright rooms.
So yeah, if you’re stuck, don’t worry. I’ll help you figure out which one fits your space better. Explore every paint color comparison I’ve done.
Quick Comparison: Cloud White vs White Dove Overview
Cloud White OC-130 is a soft, warm white that feels bright without looking harsh. It works really well in homes with lots of natural light and pairs nicely with light woods, cozy textures, and clean-lined furniture. I’ve seen it used in both modern and traditional spaces — it just fits.
White Dove OC-17 is creamier and more muted. It’s one of the best white paints for trim, cabinetry, and walls when you want a softer, classic feel. It plays well with both daylight and artificial lighting, which makes it super versatile — especially in rooms that shift throughout the day.
| Feature | Cloud White OC-130 | White Dove OC-17 |
|---|---|---|
| Paint Code | OC-130 | OC-17 |
| LRV | 87 | 85 |
| Color Family | Warm White | Warm White |
| Undertones | Slight yellow/cream | Cream with a soft gray touch |
| Best For | Bright rooms, open spaces | Trim, cabinetry, cozy rooms |
| Versatility | Great in natural light | Works in all lighting |
Why LRV matters: A higher LRV (like 87) means the paint reflects more light, making the room feel brighter. That’s why Cloud White feels more “glowy” in sunlight.
Extra tip: Cloud White can lean yellowish in south-facing rooms, while White Dove may show more of its gray undertone in north-facing ones. Small difference — but it matters when you’re choosing for real spaces.
Best Settings for Cloud White vs White Dove
Where Cloud White Works Best
Cloud White is one of those versatile white paints that just kind of fits in anywhere. It’s soft, warm, and doesn’t feel too bright or too dull. Kind of like a comfy white blanket for your walls.
- Living Room
Cloud White in the living room feels fresh but cozy — like letting in morning sunlight without the glare. It makes the space feel bigger but still warm, especially with wood floors or soft fabrics. - Bedroom
I love Cloud White in a bedroom. It’s quiet and peaceful without feeling cold. Add a matte or eggshell finish, and it’s like your walls are wrapped in a soft cloud. It doesn’t fight for attention, just calms everything down. - Kitchen
This color really shines in kitchens. It reflects light well, even in north-facing rooms, so things stay bright and cheerful. Plus, it plays nice with bold cabinets or shiny metal appliances. A good balance between clean and cozy.
Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with Cloud White in any of these. It just kind of works.
Best Rooms for White Dove Paint
White Dove is like the mood ring of paint — it just gets the vibe of a room and rolls with it.
- Dining Room
White Dove paint brings that soft, elegant glow without trying too hard. It works for fancy dinners and pizza nights. Add some warm lighting or dark wood furniture, and it instantly feels pulled together. - Bathroom
This shade is perfect if you’re going for that spa-like white paint look. It reflects light in the best way, even in small spaces. Pair it with brushed brass or matte black fixtures, and boom — instant calm zone. Hello, bubble bath! - Home Office
Screens all day? White Dove has your back. It’s a neutral warm white that’s easy on the eyes and doesn’t bounce glare like a spotlight. Feels soft but clean, which honestly makes Zoom calls a little less painful.
It’s no wonder this one shows up in real estate staging all the time — it makes any room feel welcoming and classy.
Lighting
Lighting Effects on Cloud White
Cloud White is kind of like a chameleon in a sweater — soft, cozy, and always fits the mood just right.
In natural light, it feels fresh and airy, almost like a puffy cloud drifting across the ceiling. I’ve seen it glow gently in sunlit living rooms, making the whole space feel calm but clean.
Under warm light, like soft white bulbs or lamps in the evening, Cloud White cozies up. It picks up a slight creamy glow that makes everything feel more inviting — think warm blankets and quiet nights.
With cool LED lighting, it stays steady. Not too blue, not too yellow — just clean and soft. Great for basements or shaded rooms too, thanks to its LRV in the high 80s. Even when the light’s not great, it doesn’t go dull.
Best tip? Try a sample board in every corner of your room. Morning, noon, and night. It’ll surprise you.
Lighting Effects on White Dove
Compared to Cloud White, White Dove has a softer, more relaxed vibe — and it handles different lighting like a pro.
In natural daylight, White Dove shows off its creamy undertones without looking yellow. It gives off a soft golden glow, like that warm light you get during golden hour. Makes a room feel peaceful, not stark.
Under artificial light, it shifts just a bit. With soft white bulbs, it leans warmer and cozier. With cool LEDs, it still stays clean and creamy — never too harsh or icy. That balance makes it great for all kinds of lighting setups.
By evening or in dim light, White Dove really shines. It softens down, almost like a candlelit filter across the walls. Super calming — especially in bedrooms or reading corners. Thanks to its LRV of around 83, it reflects just enough light to keep the space feeling open, even when it’s dark outside.
Decor Pairings & Color Matches: Cloud White vs White Dove
Cloud White plays well with both cool and warm tones. I’d say it looks great next to soft grays, navy blue, and even a bold forest green. It’s the kind of white that steps back just enough to let other colors shine. For trim, something crisp like Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace works really well — adds just the right snap. It also pairs beautifully with light oak or pale wood floors that bring out its warmth.
When it comes to decor, Cloud White is a natural fit for homes filled with texture — think rattan, raw wood, jute rugs, and leafy plants. It makes gallery walls pop without overwhelming the art. Feels clean, but not cold.
White Dove, on the other hand, leans more into earth tones and softer hues. I’ve seen it paired with sage green, muted terracotta, blush pink, and even rich jewel tones like deep teal. For trim, try pairing it with Simply White to keep things smooth and soft. It works nicely with darker floors, like walnut or espresso brown, for contrast.
Style-wise, White Dove is super flexible. It feels right at home in farmhouse and traditional spaces with chunky wood furniture. But toss in a few black metal fixtures or brushed brass accents, and it easily fits a modern look too. Kind of like the white that knows how to read the room.
Real Sample Comparison: Cloud White vs White Dove (with Images)
Seeing paint chips in-store is one thing — but real life? Totally different story. I’ve looked at both Cloud White and White Dove in actual homes, and yeah, the difference shows up fast once they hit the wall.
Cloud White usually looks brighter and a bit more yellow in full sunlight. If you hold it up next to White Dove, it’s like Cloud White has a sunnier, creamier vibe. Great for rooms that need that extra warmth.
White Dove, though, comes off a little softer and more muted. It’s cream, but with a hint of gray that keeps it from going too warm. That makes it feel more balanced — not too bright, not too dull. I’ve seen it look almost buttery in evening light.
Side by side in the same room, you’ll notice Cloud White reflects more light, while White Dove sort of settles in quietly. Both are warm whites, but they play really differently with your furniture, floors, and sunlight.
Tip: Always test with real paint swatches on the wall. Not just one — try two coats, next to your trim, in morning and evening light. You’ll save yourself a lot of second-guessing later.
Undertones & LRV Breakdown
This is where things get a little nerdy — but trust me, it matters.
Cloud White has soft yellow and cream undertones. Nothing too bold, but enough to make it feel warm and inviting. In some lighting, it can lean a bit buttery, especially in south-facing rooms. Its LRV (Light Reflectance Value) is around 87, which means it reflects a lot of light. So if you’ve got a dim space or a room with small windows, Cloud White can help it feel brighter without going stark.
White Dove, on the other hand, has a creamy base with just a hint of gray. That gray helps tone down the yellow, so it doesn’t feel overly warm. It’s more balanced — kind of in that sweet spot between warm and neutral. Its LRV is about 85, which is still high, but just slightly more subdued than Cloud White. That makes it a great pick if you want a soft white that won’t glare in bright light.
So yeah, both are warm whites, but Cloud White leans sunnier, while White Dove plays it cooler and calmer. Small shifts, big impact.
Real User Fixes & Community-Backed Solutions
We came across a detailed thread on r/HomeDecorating where a user asked for real-life feedback on Benjamin Moore’s Cloud White, since most results online seemed overly filtered or blog-styled. The community had plenty to say, and the responses were a mix of love and caution. Some users praised BM Cloud White for its warm, creamy tone that plays well with southern light and cozy, wood-heavy interiors. One user mentioned choosing it over White Dove specifically to avoid gray undertones.
Others warned that BM Cloud White can look too yellow, especially in rooms without direct sunlight or when paired with cooler tones like white oak floors or stark-white kitchen cabinets. A few even said it gave their space an “aged” or antique vibe—but not in a good way. The takeaway? Cloud White is still a favorite for some, but sample it thoroughly in your own space first—especially against your trim and flooring—before committing.
Final Verdict: Cloud White vs White Dove
If you want a warmer white that feels bright, cozy, and plays well with natural textures — Cloud White might be your match. It’s great for sunny rooms, light wood floors, and spaces where you want that soft, glowy vibe. Just be careful in cooler light — those yellow undertones can sneak up.
White Dove, on the other hand, is safer for most lighting and style setups. It’s soft, creamy, and has just enough gray to stay calm and classic. If you’re working with mixed lighting or want something that fits modern and traditional, White Dove’s flexibility is hard to beat.
People also ask
What are the undertones of cloud white?
Cloud White is one of those beautiful white paint colors that brings a soft glow to any room. It has gentle yellow undertones that give it subtle warmth, especially when daylight pours in. The nice part? It still reads as white — not creamy, not beige — just warm enough to feel cozy without tipping over into yellow. I’ve seen it work really well in family rooms, where you want that lived-in, welcoming vibe. It feels like a sunny morning, even on a cloudy day.
Is cloud white too bright?
Cloud White has a high LRV, so it can feel a bit too bright in rooms that get tons of natural light. If you pair it with a stark white trim color, those yellow undertones might pop more than you expect — so keep an eye on that combo.
Why is Cloud white so popular?
Cloud White hits that delicate balance between feeling cozy and still looking light and fresh. It’s warm enough to make a room feel inviting, but not so creamy that it looks yellow or dated. There are no stark or icy blue undertones here, so it won’t ever feel cold or sterile like some cooler whites do. That’s why it’s such a versatile pick — it just works, almost anywhere.
When not to use white Dove paint?
White Dove doesn’t always work well in rooms with north-facing light or very little natural light — it can end up looking kind of dull or dirty. Same goes for China White, which has that same muted vibe in darker spaces.
Why is white dove so popular?
White Dove is a favorite amongst interior designers for a reason — it’s a true white without a ton of distracting undertones. It has just enough warmth to keep things from feeling cold, but still reads clean and classic. That subtle balance makes it perfect for pairing with darker colors like navy, charcoal, or even deep green. It holds its own without stealing the spotlight.
What are the disadvantages of the color white?
Maintenance: White paint, especially on walls, shows dirt, fingerprints, and dust more easily than other colors. It needs regular cleaning to stay fresh.
Yellowing: Some white paints can yellow over time, especially in rooms with little sunlight or exposure to smoke and grease.
Glare: High-LRV whites reflect a lot of light, which can cause glare in bright rooms — not always ideal for comfort.
Flat Appearance: White can sometimes feel monotonous or plain if not paired with texture, contrast, or accents.
