Simply White vs White Dove vs Cloud White: Which to Choose

Simply White, White Dove and Cloud White are three of Benjamin Moore's best-selling whites, and they're often on the same shortlist. All three are warm, versatile and easy to live with, but they're not interchangeable. One is bright and crisp, one is soft and calm, and one is gently creamy. Choosing the right one depends on your light, your room and the look you want.

In this guide I'll explain how Simply White and White Dove compare, where Cloud White fits in, the differences in undertone and LRV, how each looks in different light, which to use for walls, cabinets, trim and exteriors, and how to choose.

The quick answer: Simply White is the brightest and crispest, with just a hint of warmth. White Dove is softer and more muted, the most forgiving all-rounder. Cloud White sits between them in brightness but is the creamiest of the three. Choose Simply White for a clean, fresh look, White Dove for a soft, calm look, and Cloud White for a warm, cosy look.

Simply White vs White Dove vs Cloud White Side by Side

Benjamin Moore's own descriptions sum them up well:

• Simply White: "The slightest hint of warmth makes this clean, crisp white a favorite to use anywhere in the home."
• White Dove: "Unerring style defines this clean and classic white."
• Cloud White: "Soft and balanced, this go-to white can effortlessly buoy a space."

Simply White vs White Dove

This is the comparison most people are making, and the difference is bigger than it looks on a chip.

• Brightness: Simply White's LRV of 89.52 is more than six points higher than White Dove's 83.16. On the wall, Simply White looks noticeably brighter and whiter.
• Undertone: Simply White is clean with a touch of yellow warmth. White Dove has a soft, slightly muted warmth that can read a little gray in cool light.
• Feel: Simply White feels fresh and modern. White Dove feels gentle, classic and relaxed.
• Risk: in strong sun or with warm bulbs, Simply White can lean slightly yellow. In dim, north-facing rooms, White Dove can look a little gray.

A designer's tip: Simply White is a superb trim colour with White Dove walls, giving a very subtle, crisp outline.

Cloud White vs White Dove

Cloud White (LRV 85.05) is a touch lighter than White Dove (83.16), but the bigger difference is warmth. Cloud White is creamier and softer, while White Dove is more balanced. In a cool, north-facing room, Cloud White's warmth stops walls looking gray. In a sunny, south-facing room, it can look quite creamy, so White Dove may feel fresher.

Simply White vs Cloud White

Simply White is brighter and cleaner; Cloud White is softer and creamier. If you want a modern, crisp white, Simply White is the better choice. If you want a warm, traditional white, choose Cloud White.

How They Look in Different Light

Which White for Each Room?

Kitchens and cabinets

All three are popular cabinet colours. Simply White gives the crispest, cleanest finish; White Dove gives a softer, classic look that's very forgiving next to marble and stone; Cloud White suits traditional and farmhouse kitchens with warm wood.

Living rooms

White Dove is the safest choice for a living room, because it looks good in daylight and lamplight. Simply White suits modern living rooms with plenty of contrast, such as black frames and colourful art.

Bedrooms

White Dove and Cloud White both feel restful. Choose Cloud White if your bedroom faces north or you want a cosier feel.

Home offices

For a room where you work, a brighter white helps. Simply White keeps a small office feeling light and clear.

Trim and ceilings

Simply White is excellent on trim and ceilings with warmer white or greige walls. White Dove also works on trim for a softer contrast. For a whole-house scheme, many designers use White Dove on walls and trim in different sheens.

Exteriors

Outdoors, daylight makes whites look much brighter. Simply White can look very bright in full sun, so it suits shaded houses or crisp modern exteriors. White Dove is a favourite for farmhouses and colonials because it looks soft rather than glaring. Cloud White suits traditional homes and warm stone or brick details. Ideas for a white house with black trim or a white house with gray trim work with all three.

Colors That Go With Simply White, White Dove and Cloud White

The two greiges in this table are close rivals; the differences are clear in Edgecomb Gray vs Pale Oak.

Similar Whites From Other Brands

If you're comparing Sherwin-Williams whites too, Greek Villa vs Alabaster and Swiss Coffee vs Alabaster are the closest warm white pairings, and the best white paint colours offer an even wider choice.

How to Test Them

• Paint large sample boards of each white, at least A3 size.
• Place them on different walls and look at them in the morning, afternoon and evening.
• Surround each sample with white paper so your current wall colour doesn't distort it.
• Compare them next to your trim, floors, worktops and fabrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Simply White brighter than White Dove?

Yes. Simply White has an LRV of 89.52, compared with White Dove's 83.16, so it looks noticeably brighter on the wall.

Does Simply White look yellow?

It has a hint of warmth that can look slightly yellow in strong sun, next to cool whites or under warm bulbs. In most rooms it reads as a clean, bright white.

Does White Dove look gray?

In dim, north-facing rooms it can look a little gray. In most light it reads as a soft warm white.

Which is warmer, Cloud White or White Dove?

Cloud White is warmer and creamier. White Dove is softer and more balanced.

Which white is best for kitchen cabinets?

White Dove is the most forgiving and popular. Simply White gives a crisper look, and Cloud White suits warm, traditional kitchens.

Can I use Simply White trim with White Dove walls?

Yes. It's a classic combination, giving a subtle, crisp outline without stark contrast.

Which is best for a north-facing room?

Cloud White, because its creamy warmth balances cool north light. Simply White also works if you want maximum brightness.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Simply White for a bright, crisp, modern look, especially on trim, cabinets and in darker rooms. Choose White Dove for a soft, calm white that works almost everywhere. Choose Cloud White for a warm, creamy white in north-facing or traditional rooms.

And if you'd like help choosing the right white for your home, you can book a one-hour online interior design consultation with me.