Have you been wondering about certain paint colors, but can’t find helpful actionable info? Well, have I got the blog posts for you!
I’ve created my Color Review series to cover some of the most popular Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams paint colors. I’ve also got the Quick & Dirty series to cover colors that aren’t as popular, or that I don’t have enough of photos of yet (as I ONLY use photos from my Online Color Consulting clients).
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
And today we’re talking about…
What type of paint color is Dover White?
Dover White is white, but it’s not a LEGIT white, it’s actually a considerably SOFT white with some MAJOR considerations.
Is Dover White a warm or cool paint color?
Dover White is a warm paint color, which is one of the reasons you need to be careful when using it as your MAIN white (trim/ceilings/doors). The warmer and softer a white is, the more limitations it will have re: the type of paint colors and products you can partner with it.
Read more: North, East, South, West – Which Paint Color is the Best?
What’s the LRV of Dover White?
With an LRV just over 82, Dover White is a white, but it’s not a bright white. Dover White is considerably soft, bordering on the high end of the off-white range (learn more HERE).
Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.
What are the undertones of Dover White? Will it look yellow or cream?
Yes and yes. Having that slightly lower LRV, Dover White has more colorant compared to the more popular warm white paint colors. And that colorant is WARM, which means Dover White has a creamy yellow base to it. If you partner it with cool tones, greige, and even some tan/beige paint colors, you might see that cream/yellow even more.
What’s the best way to sample Dover White?
Like with every paint color, I highly recommend using SAMPLIZE. Samplize is a peel & stick paint sample that you can easily move around your room for over HALF THE COST of traditional sample pots – and they deliver right to your front door!
Learn more about Samplize HERE
If I’m painting my walls Dover White, what’s the best white paint color for my trim?
When it comes to white paint colors, USUALLY, I’d recommend doing the same white on the trim and walls for consistency. And while you certainly can do that with Dover White, you can also partner it up with a cleaner white, something like SW High Reflective White. Just remember, this will show the depth/colorant of Dover White a bit more as you’ll see the CONTRAST of it with a brighter white.
Here’s a good example of Dover White in action…
Look at the shift between the cleaner white of the cabinets and the WARM white of the crown moulding and trim work (Dover White). While everything is okay, you can see how Dover White is the one thing that kiiiiind of doesn’t fit in quite as well.
Read more: SHOULD I Paint My Wood Cabinets White? A QUESTIONNAIRE
Read more: The 4 Best White Paint Colors from Sherwin Williams
Is Dover White a good color for the exterior of my home?
I wouldn’t do it. If I’m going to suggest a white for my Online Color Consulting clients, I’m going to choose a brighter one with less yellow in it, more along the lines of Sherwin Williams Pure White perhaps, but it can depend on the home and its particular finishes. Dover White can even be a bit too yellow for the trim.
Read more: 5 Tips to Choosing an Exterior Paint Color
Should I paint my kitchen cabinets Dover White?
Only if you have to. Generally speaking, Dover White will LIMIT you long-term regarding other finishes like countertop, backsplash and wall paint, simply because it is a stronger yellowish white. And while the odd kitchen/style calls for this and looks LOVELY, it will be awfully warm for the average home.
Is Dover White a popular paint color right now?
Dover White is not UNpopular, but personally, there are WAY better options in the warm white world. I find that the degree of yellow/cream is super limiting when it comes to coordinating with other paint colors, countertops, tiles and decor. In fact, I have it listed as one of the 3 whites I would never paint my trim or cabinets…but maybe that’s just me (wink wink).
I’m not trying to put you OFF this color, but you do need to seriously consider how warm/creamy it is and whether that’s a look your home and decor can support short-term and long-term.
BTW, if you want a nice warm white for your cabinets or trim, I would lean more into Benjamin Moore Cloud White or Sherwin Williams Alabaster.
What type of paint colors look good with Dover White?
- Dover White leans towards a more country look, with a preference for the soft blues and greens found in the modern farmhouse style.
- Dover White is NOT as happy when partnered with lighter gray and greige paint colors as the degree of yellow in Dover White can clash slightly with many of these colors
Not sure if Dover White is right for you? Want a bit warmer or cooler? I’ve got more!
BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE
Read more: Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore White Dove
SHERWIN WILLIAMS ALABASTER
Read more: Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Alabaster
Not sure which paint color is best for YOUR home?
Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting – I’d love to help!
KYLIE M INTERIORS E-DESIGN AND ONLINE VIRTUAL PAINT COLOR EXPERT, SPECIALIZING IN BENJAMIN MOORE AND SHERWIN WILLIAMS PAINT COLORS DIY DECORATING AND DESIGN ADVICE BLOGGER
