The Rugh Design Color Wheel
To recap, we have been working on adding ALL of the Sherwin-Williams paint colors to the Rugh Design Color Wheel. Our plan to have all 1700 colors up by the end of 2018 is on track and with this post we are about at the half way point. Which means that we “only” have about 400 more colors to go! We will continue to release 25 new colors with my hand picked color schemes each week. In addition to the new 25 colors a week I will highlight 1 color from Sherwin-Williams that I personally love or stands out.
Recently, we have highlighted Kilim Beige (coffee with cream color), Navajo White (soft creamy yellow), Wool Skein (beige with slight green undertone) and Alpaca (warm greige with slight violet undertone).
Going forward you can find all of our Color Wheel Update posts here.
Featured Color: Dover White SW 6385
I wrote a longer post highlighting the Best Sherwin-Williams Whites not too long ago that included several of the whites that I have outlined in my “Color Wheel Update” mini posts. In the post, I detail out the main white categories starting with the base “true white” color (Extra White): cool whites, greige whites and warm whites.
This week, I wanted to focus on a white that was not included in my post, and a white that I have gotten several questions about: Dover White.
Similar to my reason to not including Navajo White (my Color Wheel Feature Color a few weeks ago), I didn’t include Dover White in the Best Sherwin-Williams Whites post because I had already covered several other whites that are similar in tone and that I use more often.
However, Dover White deserves a mention. It is actually very similar to one of my favorite “creams,” Creamy, but with more of a yellow undertone. Dover White is one shade lighter than Napery, a soft butternut color. So, Dover White goes in the same “warm white” category as Navajo White. For a quick comparison with Navajo White, see my illustration below:
Navajo White → one shade lighter than Ivoire SW 6127 (a buttery yellow)
Dover White → one shade lighter than Napery SW 6386 (a butterscotch yellow)
So, what does all of that mean? Navajo White has a more golden yellow undertone, while Dover White has a bit more of an orange or “butterscotch” undertone. It is very subtle, but it helps to view the darker shades in the same paint swatch “family” of whites and off-whites.
I have mentioned this before but, the Sherwin-Williams paint deck was recently revised to have one complete section of whites/off-whites for easy access. Before the revision, the whites and off-whites (not all of them, but a lot of them) were at the top of the “Color” & “Neutrals” paint swatches. So, Dover White used to be above Napery on the paint swatch, but is now found in the “Whites & Pastels” section instead.
Sherwin-Williams Paint Deck White & Pastel
Now that I explained the background on Dover White, I wanted to share one more reason that I wanted to highlight Dover White. Interiors are taking a turn to the warmer beiges and I want to have some other warm whites in my paint playbook to draw upon. See my last post on Wool Skein for a highlight on the beige trend that is quickly approaching the interior design world!
Okay, now that you have a basis for Dover White, check out my Pinterest gallery for some inspiration. See below and let me know which one you like the most. If you have your own pictures, send them to me and I will post them! Also, check the Dover White color scheme page for my hand picked color schemes!
Where to use Dover White SW 6385
Now, for some practical uses for Dover White in interiors. I like the thought of using Dover White as the main wall color as a soft and subtle warm white that is both fresh and cozy. Mixing Dover White with some brighter whites for a monochromatic scheme is winning combo for a farmhouse style feel as shown below.
My favorite interior use of Dover White is pairing it with warmer selections to create a cozy feel. I love the rich brown leather chair and buttery sofa fabric mixed in with an antique chest and some metallic accents pictured in the living room below. Dover White is the main wall color and is contrasted just enough with white trim to make the space feel snug and friendly.
Dover White is a top favorite for trim and cabinets when clients are looking for a warm white. However, not only does Dover White work well for warmer schemes, it can also work for an interior that is going more greige. The inspiration picture below is a perfect example. I love that Dover White doesn’t look butterscotch here at all. It still feels warm, but it doesn’t get too yellow and it compliments the greige wall color and the blue-gray accent color on the island.
As we have discovered, Dover White works well for interior walls and cabinets, but it is actually most used on exteriors. Like I always mention, paint colors get significantly lighter on exteriors so make sure to test them out first. Dover White looks like more bright white on an exterior, but still has some warmth to it. I love it as the main body color for a farmhouse style feel as pictured below.
If you are considering Dover White, the best way to find out if it is right for your space, is to grab a Peel & Stick Paint Sample and test it out.
Our paint samples are handed painted with 2 coats of the real Sherwin-Williams color and are perfect for sampling color before you take the dive into gallons of paint. The Peel and Stick Paint Samples make it easy to have confidence in your paint color choice and will save you time, effort and money while testing colors in your space. Get started now with Dover White!
If you are still having trouble deciding, contact me for a Color Consult to nail down the best color for your interior or exterior. I have a passion for color and love being able to help clients find the right color to make their home beautiful!
Leave me a comment if you have Dover White in your home or would like to try it. I would love to hear from you! Also, stay tuned for the next featured color from the Color Wheel…
The Best of the Rest
Dover White had the spotlight, but I also wanted to highlight a color from the Color Wheel update, White Mint. It is no secret (if you have read my posts!) that I love blues and greens. I am just drawn to the cooler colors! So, as I was finishing up the colors for this week, I naturally feel in love with White Mint. I love this nursery that I found painted in this soft minty color. The accents that were paired with White Mint are perfection for this girly-girl nursery!
Check out the colors we updated on the Color Wheel this week below. Click on the swatch to see my color scheme picks!
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– Laura
I’m considering using Dover White as my ceiling, trim and door color to match with Natural Tan for a warm look as my interior and exterior look is European/French Country. I also love the soft look of Crown blending into the ceiling color, but still a little distinct due to differences in the sheen. I’m a little nervous though for the trim and door color it may come across too yellow. However, after reading your blog and seeing some pics I think against the Natural Tan it will achieve the desired look.
Another aspect is our windows are beige not white. I appreciate any insight!!!! Love reading your blogs, I just stumbled upon them
Hi Samantha,
Thanks so much! It does sound like Dover White will work well with your style and with Natural Tan. Dover White is definitely a warmer cream color. Test it out if you can to see how it looks in your lighting! Keep me posted on what you decide. 🙂
Thank you,
Laura
Hi Samantha, I think the Dover White will look great in that setup.
An old-time builder turned me on to Dover about 7 years ago. It’s all he used for ceilings because it blended well with both warm and cool, and took away the harshness of ceiling bright white.
I’ve had it in my house for 7 years, and it looks white, not even yellow-ish. Just a dull (in a good way), rich/classic white. And I have many colors in my house: beige/tan, dark blue, mid green walls in different rooms. With very dark brown trim and doors. I think Well-bred Brown by SW.
Before, all the trim was white, and Dover complented. And, ceilings in my rental house and office are Dover. Looks great in all. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the input, Thomas! I’m so glad that Dover White has worked out well in your home. 🙂
Have a great weekend,
Laura
Hi! I was wondering which white to use on an accent hallway just off of our main living room which has we have used Sea Salt on. We will then use Pure White for our trim. Thank you so much!!!
Hi Amanda,
Dover White can work, but keep in mind that it is definitely a warmer off-white. If you tend to lean towards cooler colors, I would test out Dover White first to make sure that it coordinates with the other undertones in your home. Keep me posted on what you decide and let me know if I can help further through a Color Consultation!
Thanks so much for reaching out,
Laura
I have Dover White in my kitchen with warm cherry cabinets and love it! I just painted the nursery Dover White, too, and I’m having trouble picking another white for the trim. Right now the trim is Pure White, which seems cool next to the Dover – I feel like it clashes! Do you have any suggestions for another warm white that is whiter than Dover White?
Hi Katie,
Alabaster is my go-to soft white that is warm, but not super bright white. Test it out in your room to see how it looks next to the Dover White, but that is what I would suggest. Let me know how the nursery turns out!
Thanks for reaching out,
Laura
So glad I found your blog! I can’t stop reading it! So much amazing information. I have an open concept kitchen/family room. Kitchen cabinets are closest to Dover White (company’s own color so I don’t know what it is), that go right up against Alabaster trim, Accessible Beige on walls, and Alabaster bookshelves/cabinets in family room. So it’s a mix of cream/whites. Does this combo work? I feel something is off. It’s a North facing kitchen w/ no windows, and it’s a dark house. Should I paint kitchen cabinets Alabaster? Or paint the walls a different color in the kitchen area around the cabinets something like Creamy?
Hi!
Thank you for your comment. It sounds like you are in need of more than I can offer by responding to your comment. Please check out my Interior Color Consultation packages in my shop.
I would love to be your color consultant!
We just purchased a home from a builder and the entire home (ceilings and walls) is Dover White. I shared with my husband that is has a nice yellow undertone, but we are going to paint some of the walls in the home, such as my office and our bedroom to create a more personalized space. We had a gray wall in the Master in our prior home and I’d love to do something in that color family again, such as Agreeable Gray, Silverplate or Tinsmith to offset some griege furniture that we are purchasing. Painting is so much fun and adds life to a room.
Hi Tanya,
Thanks so much for chiming in! It is so true that adding paint to a room brings it to life and I love that you are planning to paint your bedroom a nice gray or gray-blue color. Send me some pictures when you are finished painting!
Thanks so much, Laura
Hello,
I am in the midst of repainting my home. I am having difficulty choose a wall color due to the natural lighting in my home. My great room gets the early morning sun but by 1 pm I have very little afternoon sun coming in. My house faces northwest. More North than west… trim throughout house is painted in Dover White. I’m not much of a fan of cooler colors but I have been surprised in the past by using a cooler color and loving it. SW Filmy Green is an absolute favorite of mine for a bedroom or bathroom. What would you suggest for a wall paint in a large open concept floor plan for my great room?
Thank you,
Jeannie
Hi Jeannie!
Thank you for your comment. However, it sounds like you are in need of more than I can offer by responding to your comment. Please check out my Interior Color Consultation packages in my shop.
I would love to be your color consultant!
Hello!
When using Dover White on the walls, which shade of white would you recommend as the trim? We don’t want to do all Do we White; we want a contrast between the trim and walls.
Hi Sara,
Good question. Dover White has a slight creamy-yellow undertone that would pair well with a brighter white trim. Extra White is my go-to bright white trim that doesn’t have any weird undertones. Going brighter white on the trim will create the best contrast against Dover White. I love creamy white walls with white trim for a fresh and clean interior feel! Send me some pictures after you finish painting. I would love to see the results!
Thank you for reaching out, Laura
All my trim is Dover White. My kitchen cabinets are a creamy white with wash. I want to paint several of my rooms Sea Salt but I want to use a cream or white in family room that has red sofa and red and gold accent chair and also taupey green leather recliners. Room also has black baby grand piano and darker oriental rug with cream and greens and a touch of lighter red. Sofa not bright red but softer red. Room faces south east. What color shite would you suggest.
Hi Rita!
Thank you for your comment. However, it sounds like you are in need of more than I can offer by responding to your comment. Please check out my Interior Color Consultation packages in my shop.
I would love to be your color consultant!