What Is The Difference Between Dover White And Alabaster?

Introducing Dover White and Alabaster

Dover white and alabaster are two popular off-white paint colors from Sherwin-Williams. Both are known for being soft, versatile neutrals that work well in a variety of home interiors. But while they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two shades.

Dover white is a warm, welcoming off-white that has beige undertones. It has an LRV (light reflectance value) of 86, making it slightly darker than alabaster. The subtle beige in Dover white gives it a cozy, approachable feel. Many people liken it to a perfect warm white.

Alabaster, on the other hand, is a cooler toned off-white with hints of gray. It has a higher LRV of 90, so it reads as a crisper white than Dover white. The subtle gray undertones give alabaster a more elegant, formal look. It’s often described as the perfect “clean” white.

Both Dover white and alabaster are popular choices for walls, trim, cabinets, and ceilings. Their soft off-white hues provide flexibility in décor and design.

The History of Dover White

The origins of Dover White paint start with the Sherwin-Williams company. Dover White was first created by Sherwin-Williams in the early 2000s as part of their ColorSnap color matching system. It was added as a warmer toned white to pair with the existing cooler whites in their palette.

The name Dover White seems to come from the coastal town of Dover, Delaware which is known for its white cliffs and lighthouse. Sherwin-Williams was likely trying to evoke the imagery of the bright, warm sunshine on the white cliffs with this fresh white paint shade. Dover White was formulated to provide a clean, airy feel while still maintaining the cozy warmth of the sun.

The History of Alabaster

Alabaster paint color was first created by Sherwin-Williams in 1921^[1]. It was one of their original paint colors when the company was founded. Alabaster got its name from the fine-grained gypsum rock used to make ornamental objects that is known for its soft, light coloration^[2]. The paint color was inspired by and named after this stone because of its muted, neutral off-white tone.

Sherwin-Williams likely created Alabaster to have a versatile, soft white paint option. At the time, most wall paint colors were darker and bolder. Alabaster stood out as a lighter, more subtle option that could brighten up spaces without being stark white. Its warm, gentle undertones made it a refined but livable white. Alabaster has remained part of the Sherwin-Williams color line-up for over 100 years because of its timeless, adaptable nature.

Comparing Undertones

Undertones refer to the subtle hints of color that are present in ostensibly “white” paint colors. While both Dover White and Alabaster are considered crisp, clean whites, they each have slightly different undertones that impact how they look on the walls.

Dover White by Sherwin Williams has a slightly warm, creamy yellow undertone. This undertone can read as a very soft beige or light camel color when painted on the walls. The warm yellow undertone helps prevent Dover White from looking sterile or stark white. It gives off a soft, welcoming vibe.

Alabaster, on the other hand, has more muted beige-gray undertones. The subtle hints of beige and gray make Alabaster read as a true, flat white on the walls with just a touch of earthiness. Unlike Dover White, Alabaster has no traces of yellow in its undertone. This makes it crisper and brighter white. The neutral beige-gray undertone allows Alabaster to camouflage easily into any color scheme.

When comparing undertones, Dover White is a warm white that can read as beige, while Alabaster is a cooler, crisper white with subtle earthy tones. This contrast in undertones impacts the overall look and vibe of the colors once painted on walls and paired with other colors. The undertones should be considered when deciding which white is best for your needs.

Light Reflection

Dover white and alabaster are both neutral whites with high light reflectance values around 82%. This means they will efficiently bounce light around a space to create a bright and airy atmosphere.

However, there are some subtle differences in their light reflecting abilities. Alabaster has a slightly warmer undertone that gives it a soft, creamy cast when light hits it. This can impart a cozy feel. Dover white has a cooler undertone that reflects light in a crisper, cleaner way for a more modern look.

Overall, both paint colors have excellent light reflective qualities and the differences are nuanced. Consider the mood you want to create – alabaster for softness or Dover white for crispness.

Sources: https://www.heytherehome.com/sherwin-williams-alabaster-white-paint-review/

Use Cases and Room Suitability

Dover White and Alabaster are versatile neutral paint colors that work well in most rooms throughout the home. However, some spaces are particularly well-suited to these soft, warm whites.

Living Rooms – The cozy, welcoming vibe of Dover White and Alabaster makes them great choices for living rooms. These whites create a soothing backdrop for family gatherings and entertainment. Pair them with wood tones and greens or blues for a traditional living room scheme.

Bedrooms – Both Dover White and Alabaster are calming and tranquil, ideal attributes for bedrooms. Use Dover White to evoke a light and airy cottage or coastal feel. Alabaster lends itself to more traditional, elegant bedrooms.

Bathrooms – Clean and bright without being sterile, Dover White and Alabaster work beautifully in bathrooms. Dover White gives a spa-like ambiance, while Alabaster exudes subtle luxury.

Kitchens – For kitchens, Dover White creates a fresh, farmhouse kitchen aesthetic. The ever-so-slightly warmer Alabaster brings out the richness of wood cabinetry for a more formal, traditional kitchen.

Entryways – The welcoming vibe of Dover White and Alabaster makes them natural choices for entryways. Greet guests with a clean and light entryway painted in either shade.

Offices – Looking to concentration and productivity, Dover White and Alabaster promote focus in home offices without feeling cold. Dover White encourages creativity, while Alabaster boosts concentration.

Pairing with Trim and Accents

Both Dover White and Alabaster pair beautifully with wood trim and furniture. The soft white tones provide a clean, neutral backdrop that allows wood grains to stand out and take center stage. Many designers recommend using a slightly warmer toned wood like oak or walnut with Dover White, since it has a hint more gray undertone than Alabaster.

Alabaster’s very subtle warm undertones complement wood trim in a more subtle way. Light oak or maple pairs nicely with Alabaster walls. Both options create a bright, airy feel with the wood providing warmth and texture against the flat white paint.

According to design experts, both Dover White and Alabaster work well with black metal and matte black hardware and accents (1). The contrast pops against the white background. Brass and gold metal accents can also pair nicely for a more traditional look.

Color Combinations

Both Dover White and Alabaster work well with a variety of color combinations that can create beautiful, soothing spaces. Here are some recommended color palettes:

With Dover White:

• Blue accents like navy or cobalt blue add a classic, nautical look (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/dover-white-vs-alabaster-by-sherwin-williams–419116309084757292/)
• Sage green and muted blues create a coastal vibe
• Warm metallics like antique brass and oil-rubbed bronze provide an elegant contrast
• Crisp black trim and accents look bold against Dover White

With Alabaster:

• Earth tones like deep browns, taupes, and olive green create a natural, organic look
• Gray, charcoal, and black accents add modern contrast
• Soft greens and blues keep the palette light and airy
• Warm woods like oak or walnut provide depth

Both off-whites work well with a variety of colors from neutral grays and beiges to bold, saturated hues. The right accents can create stylish, welcoming spaces.

Pros and Cons of Each

When comparing Dover white and Alabaster, there are pros and cons to consider for each paint color:

Dover White

Pros:

• True, clean white without undertones
• Works well in modern, minimalist spaces
• Brightens up dark rooms
• Easy to decorate and pair with other colors

Cons:

• Can read as stark and cold in some lighting
• Shows imperfections on walls and trim
• Less warmth and character than off-whites

Alabaster

Pros:

• Soft, warm undertone adds subtle depth
• More forgiving on imperfect walls and trim
• Versatile for traditional and modern spaces
• Feels cozy and inviting

Cons:

• Not a true bright white
• Warmer cast may show more yellow over time
• Harder to decorate and pair with bolder colors

In summary, those wanting a crisp, clean white may prefer Dover white, while those seeking a bit more warmth and softness may favor Alabaster.

Final Takeaways

While both Dover white and Alabaster are popular off-whites, they have distinct differences that make each shade better suited for certain spaces and styles. When deciding between the two, consider the following recommendations:

Choose Dover white for a clean, bright, and contemporary look. Its hints of cool undertones give it a crisper appearance ideal for modern spaces.

Go with Alabaster for a soft, warm, and transitional aesthetic. Its subtle yellow undertones provide a cozier and more relaxed feel perfect for traditional designs.

Use Dover white if you want a bolder, stand-out neutral. Alabaster is better for a quieter, blended background neutral.

Consider the amount of natural and artificial lighting in the room. Alabaster works well in softer light while Dover white looks best in bright light.

Assess the colors used in other elements like floors, furniture, and accents. Dover white pairs nicely with grays and metallics. Alabaster complements earth tones and woods.

Take into account personal preference and decor style. Dover white has modern appeal while Alabaster offers traditional charm.

When debating between Dover white and Alabaster, think about the overall look you want to achieve. Let the mood, lighting, and style of the space guide your decision between these two popular off-white paint colors.