Choosing the perfect white paint for your home can be surprisingly complex. Over the years, we’ve experimented with countless shades, navigating the subtle nuances that differentiate one white from another. For more than a decade, one particular hue stood out as our undisputed champion: Benjamin Moore’s Simply White (OC-117). This warm, bright white became our go-to for virtually every surface – walls, trim, doors, and even cabinetry. For a long time, it seemed like the ideal solution, a truly versatile white that simplified our design decisions. However, as with many seemingly straightforward choices in home decor, the reality of living with Simply White revealed a deeper complexity than we initially anticipated. While it excels in many applications, understanding its unique characteristics is key to achieving your desired aesthetic.
What Makes Benjamin Moore Simply White a Popular Choice?
The quest for the ideal white paint can be daunting because a truly “simple” or pure white doesn’t exist in a way that’s appealing for interior spaces. If it did, it would likely appear overly sterile or blindingly stark on your walls. The most sought-after white paints subtly incorporate hints of black and delicate colorful undertones, often leaning towards yellow, green, or pink. While these nuances might not be immediately obvious, they are precisely what prevent white paints from feeling cold or overwhelmingly bright, adding depth and character instead. This complex interplay of color is why the array of white paint options can seem endless and why choosing the right one requires careful consideration.
Benjamin Moore Simply White has cemented its reputation as one of the best white paint colors available today. Its widespread appeal and remarkable adaptability even led to its designation as Benjamin Moore’s 2016 Color of the Year, a testament to its enduring popularity among designers and homeowners alike (explore our complete Color of the Year guide for more insights). Professionals frequently recommend it when a bright, inviting warm white is desired for almost any surface within a home. Our extensive personal experience with Simply White over many years has allowed us to fully appreciate its strengths, but also to identify certain circumstances where its characteristics might present challenges.
Is Simply White Warm or Cool?
Benjamin Moore Simply White is unequivocally a warm white, which contributes significantly to its popularity and makes it an excellent choice for a variety of surfaces, including walls, trim, cabinets, and more. Unlike cooler whites that can often render interiors feeling stark, sterile, or even unwelcoming, warm whites create a sense of comfort and invitation. This inherent warmth was a primary factor in our decision to use it as the trim color throughout our entire home. We found that its cozy quality provided the perfect complement to the sophisticated greige paint, Edgecomb Gray (HC-173), which graced many of our walls.
Imagine how a cooler, crisper white might clash with the rich, warm elements prevalent in our bedroom, such as the earthy rust-colored rug, the inviting light taupe headboard, and the subtly off-white dresser. Simply White’s gentle warmth acts as a harmonious backdrop, tying these elements together rather than competing with them, proving its versatility and ability to enhance a diverse palette of decor.
Understanding Simply White’s Undertone
The defining characteristic of Simply White is its discernible yellow undertone. It’s this subtle yet distinct yellow hue that imbues the paint with the creamy warmth that so many homeowners and designers seek in a white. This undertone is not so pronounced as to push it into the territory of an off-white or cream, but it’s significant enough to influence its appearance. In certain lighting conditions, particularly in rooms with minimal natural light or predominantly artificial illumination, this yellow cast can become more noticeable. For many, this subtle yellow makes Simply White an incredibly inviting and cozy white, lending a comforting ambiance to any space.
The photograph above offers a clear illustration of this effect. Observe how the built-in bookshelf, painted in Simply White, exhibits warmer, almost buttery yellow undertones when compared to the cooler, more standard stock-white finish of the kitchen cabinets visible in the background. This side-by-side comparison highlights how Simply White’s undertones can be perceived differently depending on adjacent colors and lighting.
Does Simply White Appear Dingy or Yellow?
While Simply White is celebrated for its brightness, its prominent yellow undertone can occasionally translate as “too yellow” or even “creamy” for some individuals’ preferences. Although it typically maintains enough brightness to avoid appearing truly dingy, there are specific circumstances where it might shift towards an off-white or light cream. If you’re particularly sensitive to yellow undertones and prefer a crisper, less warm white, an alternative such as Sherwin-Williams Pure White might be a more suitable choice.
Based on our extensive experience, Simply White tends to exhibit its yellowest characteristics under the following conditions:
- In north-facing rooms: These rooms often receive cooler, indirect light, which can amplify yellow undertones in paints, making Simply White appear warmer than intended.
- When paired with cooler wall paints, accent colors, or wood tones: The contrast with cool grays, blues, or specific wood finishes can make Simply White’s yellow undertone stand out more distinctly.
- As paint ages over time: All paints can yellow slightly with age, but this effect is particularly noticeable with whites that already have a strong yellow undertone, compounding Simply White’s inherent warmth.
We encountered these challenges firsthand in our living room, shown below, which presented a combination of these factors. The ceiling beams, walls, and fireplace were all painted in Simply White. The ceiling beams, especially, were prone to appearing quite yellow due to their elevated position and minimal exposure to direct natural light. Notice the ceiling trim in the upper left corner of the photograph for a clear example:
To avoid the intensified yellowing, we found that Simply White performs optimally in brighter, south-facing rooms, where abundant natural light helps it maintain its crispness. Our daughter’s room, pictured below, is a perfect example. By applying Simply White to both the trim and the walls, the entire space achieved the clean, vibrant white aesthetic we desired, benefiting greatly from the warm, consistent daylight.
Later, we opted to repaint her walls in a soft greige, Benjamin Moore White Heron OC-57. This change wasn’t due to any dissatisfaction with the white walls, but rather part of a general refresh as she grew older. Crucially, the trim remained Simply White because it continued to offer a brilliant, crisp contrast to her vibrant door, playful pink ceiling, and newly painted taupe walls, demonstrating its versatility even when paired with new colors.
While Simply White served us admirably in the home featured in this post, its tendency to lean too yellow in certain lighting conditions ultimately prompted us to explore other options for our current residence. We now favor a different white paint color for our new home, which has become our preferred choice for a bright, clean white with less noticeable yellow undertones.
What is the LRV of Simply White?
Understanding a paint’s Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is crucial when selecting colors, especially whites. Benjamin Moore Simply White boasts an impressive LRV of 89.5. LRV is a standardized metric that quantifies the percentage of visible light a surface reflects. This scale ranges from 0 (absolute black, reflecting no light) to 100 (pure white, reflecting all light). With a score hovering near 90, Simply White stands out as one of the brightest white paint colors available on the market. This high LRV is precisely what enables it to achieve that coveted crisp, clean white tone that homeowners often seek, making spaces feel expansive and airy.
The high LRV of Simply White also makes it an excellent candidate for illuminating spaces that typically lack abundant natural light, such as interior hallways, closets, or bathrooms. Its superior light-reflecting capabilities can significantly brighten these areas, making them feel larger and more open, thus combating any sense of gloominess and enhancing the overall ambiance of your home.
Where Should You Use Simply White?
Benjamin Moore Simply White possesses a myriad of desirable qualities that position it as a strong contender for a wide range of applications throughout your home. Let’s explore some of the most effective ways to incorporate this versatile white paint into your design scheme, considering its unique characteristics.
Simply White as a Trim Paint Color
In our experience, Simply White truly shines when utilized as a trim or molding color, especially in rooms that feature other warm undertones. It consistently delivers that crisp, clean white contrast necessary to make other elements within the room pop. This includes complementing taupe walls, traditional rugs with rich patterns, inviting honey-toned woods, and sophisticated warm metals. Its brightness ensures the trim stands out without feeling stark, creating a beautiful frame for your interior design choices.
In our previous home, showcased in the image above, Simply White was adopted as the universal trim color throughout the entire house. Its consistent application across all trim elements offered a cohesive and polished look, making it an effortlessly elegant and reliable choice for trim that integrates seamlessly with diverse color palettes.
Simply White as a Wainscoting Color
Simply White proves to be a superb crisp white for enhancing decorative moldings and wainscoting. We selected it for the wainscoting in the dining room of a showhouse we designed, as illustrated below. In this space, Simply White was also used for the trim and ceiling, creating a cohesive and bright foundation. It serves as an excellent trim choice for emphasizing your wall color or other vibrant accessories. For instance, we expertly paired it with deep, warm gray walls, specifically Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal (HC-166), and complemented it with colorful artwork, allowing the rich wall color to truly sing.
For applications like trim, wainscoting, cabinets, and doors, we highly recommend investing in high-quality paint, such as Benjamin Moore Advance. Superior paints offer better durability and are significantly less prone to yellowing over time, which is particularly important for Simply White, as lower-quality alternatives could prematurely intensify its inherent yellow undertones, altering its intended appearance.
Simply White as a Door Color
Benjamin Moore Simply White is also an exceptional choice for interior doors. It imparts a clean, crisp, and fresh appearance without making your doors look unfinished or overly stark. It serves as a fantastic option for creating a classic, bright white door that will elegantly contrast with other surfaces in your room, adding a subtle pop of definition. You can observe its effect in the image below, where we used it on a frosted glass door leading to our bathroom in our former home, highlighting its ability to elevate even functional elements.
However, caution is advised when considering Simply White for exterior doors. When exposed to direct natural light outdoors, bright whites like Simply White can appear excessively stark, almost blinding. For outdoor applications, we generally recommend selecting white paints with a slightly lower LRV, such as Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17) or Sherwin Williams Snowbound (7004), which we utilized for the trim of our former home. These alternatives offer a softer, more appropriate white for exterior environments.
Simply White as a Cabinet or Built-in Color
Incorporating Simply White on cabinets is an excellent strategy for achieving that timeless, classic white kitchen aesthetic. The same principle applies beautifully to built-in features such as bookcases, pantry shelving, closet systems, and mudroom cubbies. Its subtle yellow undertones are particularly beneficial here, preventing cabinets and built-ins from looking cold, clinical, or overly gray, while its high LRV ensures a bright, crisp white finish that invigorates the space. It strikes an ideal balance between warmth and brightness.
However, it’s important to remember that in north-facing rooms or those with limited natural light, Simply White might appear slightly creamier or more distinctly yellow. This added warmth can be a desirable feature for some, contributing to a cozy atmosphere. But if your preference leans towards a white with fewer, more neutral undertones, we recommend considering Sherwin Williams Pure White (SW 7005) as a compelling alternative that offers a cleaner, less warm feel.
Simply White as a Wall Color
Utilizing Benjamin Moore’s Simply White as a wall color can be a nuanced endeavor. In numerous settings, it offers an effective means to achieve a clean, modern white that retains enough warmth to avoid feeling stark or unwelcoming. We particularly appreciate its performance in south-facing rooms or any space blessed with ample natural light, where its true brightness can fully manifest. In our daughter’s room, for instance, it provided an immaculate and vibrant backdrop, perfectly setting the stage for a colorful and playful children’s space without overwhelming the vibrant decor.
The challenge arises when Simply White is applied in rooms with lower light conditions or in spaces that feature cooler color schemes. A prime example is this home office from our Showhouse. The presence of a porch just outside this room significantly reduced the amount of incoming natural light, making the space darker than anticipated. When paired with a cool blue ceiling, Simply White unexpectedly leaned yellower than our desired effect. This intensified yellow undertone is particularly noticeable on the doors in the photograph below, demonstrating how crucial ambient light and surrounding colors are to its appearance:
Additionally, bright white walls inherently reflect the colors of their surroundings. In the office above, the teal ceiling subtly casts a greenish tint at the top of the Simply White walls. Conversely, the roses and pinks in our daughter’s room imparted a delicate reddish undertone to Simply White, illustrating its chameleon-like ability to absorb and subtly reflect adjacent hues.
Simply White as a Whole House Color
Benjamin Moore Simply White can serve as an excellent whole-house color, provided you are comfortable with its potential variations in different lighting conditions, particularly its tendency to appear creamy or off-white in areas with less natural light. We successfully implemented it throughout the open-concept living room and kitchen of our Showhouse. This strategic choice helped us achieve the bright, modern, and vibrant aesthetic we envisioned for the entire residence, creating a cohesive and inviting flow.
For a dynamic visual tour that offers a better sense of how Simply White performs across an entire open living space, consider watching our video tour of this Showhouse we designed. It provides a comprehensive walkthrough, allowing you to observe the paint’s characteristics as you move from room to room.
Note: You can also watch this video on YouTube to see the full Homearama Showhouse Tour, showcasing designer touches, vibrant colors, patterns, and high-end finishes. The video was uploaded on 2016-08-09T19:49:27.000Z and is titled “Homearama Showhouse Tour”.
Despite our long-standing loyalty to Simply White, for our current home, we ultimately decided to choose a whole-house white paint with less noticeable yellow undertones. This alternative has since become our top recommendation for a whole-house white paint color, offering a slightly different aesthetic that better suited our current design preferences.
Simply White vs. Other Popular White Paints
To truly ascertain if Benjamin Moore Simply White is the ideal choice for your home, it’s incredibly helpful to compare it against other highly popular white paint colors that are consistently favored by interior design experts. As you’ll quickly observe, even minor variations in undertone or brightness can lead to significantly different visual effects in a space, making direct comparisons invaluable for informed decision-making.
For these comparisons, we rely on the web colors provided by the paint manufacturers themselves, aiming for an “apples-to-apples” contrast. However, it is always strongly recommended that you test any new paint color directly on your wall or a large sample board before committing to painting an entire room. An easy, quick, and affordable way to do this is by ordering pre-printed paint sample stickers for these popular white paint colors:
- Simply White paint sample
- White Dove paint sample
- Pure White (SW) paint sample
- Chantilly Lace paint sample
- Alabaster paint sample
- Greek Villa paint sample
- Swiss Coffee paint sample
- Cloud White paint sample
- Decorator’s White paint sample
- Extra White paint sample
Simply White vs White Dove
Benjamin Moore’s Simply White and White Dove (OC-17) are frequently offered as comparable alternatives, and for good reason. White Dove shares very similar warm, subtle yellow undertones with Simply White. However, its slightly lower LRV of 83 means it reflects less light, resulting in a slightly softer, more muted appearance. In certain lighting conditions or when paired with specific elements, White Dove might even lean towards a very light, warm gray or muted tan. It stands as an excellent substitution for those who find Simply White a touch too bright or stark, offering a gentler, more subdued warmth while maintaining a distinctly white feel.
Simply White vs Pure White
Sherwin-Williams Pure White (SW 7005), much like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, is a distinct alternative to Simply White. It is also slightly darker than Simply White, which helps to prevent it from appearing excessively stark or overly bright in most environments. The key differentiating factor lies in its undertones: Pure White possesses much subtler beige undertones. This characteristic allows it to read as a remarkably clean and true white, making it an excellent choice if your primary concern is avoiding any noticeable yellowing. Furthermore, its more neutral undertones make it highly compatible with spaces featuring cooler color palettes or accents. We have shared even more detailed insights into why Pure White consistently ranks as one of our top white paint colors.
Simply White vs Chantilly Lace
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65) is often considered Simply White’s cooler counterpart. While equally bright and crisp, Chantilly Lace distinguishes itself by lacking the yellow hints found in Simply White, instead featuring subtle gray or blue undertones. This makes it an ideal companion for other cool-toned decor and furnishings, providing a pure, gallery-like white backdrop. However, precisely because of its cooler nature, Chantilly Lace might not offer the same inviting coziness or softness that warmer whites typically bring to a space. It’s a choice for those prioritizing pristine, unadulterated white over a paint with noticeable warmth.
Simply White vs Alabaster
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) presents a notable contrast to Simply White. It is considerably darker and possesses a more pronounced warmth, giving it a distinctly off-white or light beige appearance rather than a crisp white. Interestingly, both Simply White and Alabaster share similar underlying warm undertones, which means they can harmonize beautifully when used together, perhaps with Alabaster on the walls and Simply White reserved for the trim to provide a brighter contrast. Coincidentally, both of these remarkable colors were recognized as Color of the Year by their respective paint companies in 2016! For a broader perspective on these annual selections, you can see more of their COTY picks.
Simply White vs Greek Villa
Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa (SW 7551) is another highly regarded off-white that can be effectively paired with Simply White. Both paints share appealing warm undertones that allow them to complement each other harmoniously. However, Greek Villa subtly distinguishes itself with hints of red, which can impart a delicate pinkish hue under certain lighting conditions, especially when bathed in warm natural light. If you’re seeking a slightly more muted or “muddier” alternative that leans towards a light greige rather than a clear off-white, Alabaster might be a more fitting consideration. Greek Villa offers a unique warmth that provides a soft glow, making it a favorite for those wanting a white that isn’t too stark.
Simply White vs Swiss Coffee
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (OC-45) is another excellent complementary color to Simply White, offering a slightly different profile within the warm white family. It is notably darker than Simply White and carries subtle hints of green, which can gently temper its inherent warmth, preventing it from leaning too yellow. Despite these nuances, Swiss Coffee remains firmly categorized as a warm white, though it can sometimes tip towards an off-white or light beige, particularly when contrasted with a brighter trim white. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a soft, creamy white that feels natural and inviting, without the overt yellowness that Simply White can sometimes exhibit.
Simply White vs Cloud White
Benjamin Moore Cloud White (OC-130) is a delightful warm white that is marginally darker and possesses a slightly creamier quality compared to Simply White. This increased creaminess makes it more likely to read as a soft off-white in your living space, lending a gentle, aged feel. If your goal is to achieve a truly bright and vibrant warm white, Simply White might be the better fit. However, if you are drawn to a classic antique white aesthetic, or if your space already features numerous warm finishes and textures, Cloud White can be an exquisite choice, enhancing the cozy and traditional ambiance without appearing dingy.
Simply White vs Decorator’s White
Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White (CC-20) stands in distinct contrast to Simply White, presenting as a noticeably darker and grayer white. Its subtle blue undertones are key to its character, ensuring it never runs the risk of appearing yellow, a common concern with warmer whites. This makes Decorator’s White an excellent pairing for other cooler-toned paints and decor, providing a crisp, clean feel. However, depending on the lighting and surrounding elements, some may find it leans too strongly towards gray, losing some of the classic white appeal. For those seeking a brighter cool white alternative to Simply White, Chantilly Lace might offer a more vibrant and less subdued option than Decorator’s White.
Simply White vs Extra White
Sherwin-Williams Extra White (SW 7006) serves as another fantastic cool white alternative to the warmth of Simply White. While it is marginally darker than Simply White, it consistently appears as a crisp, clean white when applied to walls, trim, or cabinets, maintaining a fresh and bright aesthetic. Extra White is particularly notable for its lack of strong discernable undertones, making it a highly flexible and adaptable white choice. This neutrality is a significant advantage if you are concerned about Simply White’s propensity to sometimes appear yellow in certain conditions. Extra White provides a very pure, unadulterated white that pairs well with a broad spectrum of colors and styles, offering a dependable option for a bright and neutral base.
Final Considerations
Benjamin Moore Simply White is undoubtedly a strong contender for anyone seeking a bright, warm white paint. We’ve relied on it extensively across two different homes, applying it generously to walls, trim, doors, cabinets, and various moldings. Through this firsthand experience, we’ve gained a deep appreciation for its many strengths, but also a clear understanding of its potential drawbacks and limitations. We observed that in rooms lacking sufficient natural light, Simply White tended to appear creamier and more distinctly off-white. This effect was often compounded over several years as the natural yellowing process of older paint became more pronounced, altering its initial crisp appearance.
Therefore, despite our long-standing loyalty to Simply White, its performance in certain lighting and over time led us to explore new options. For our current home, we ultimately transitioned to a white paint that we now prefer, offering a different balance of warmth and brightness that better suits our evolving design needs and the specific characteristics of our new living space. Always remember to test paint samples in your actual environment to see how they truly behave throughout the day.
More Paint Colors We Love
Dive deeper into our curated selection of favorite, tried-and-true paint colors by exploring our home tours, accessible via the menu at the top of our blog (here’s the home featured in this post). Alternatively, you can browse our dedicated Painting Projects section for a wealth of inspiration and practical advice. We’ve also compiled in-depth reviews and guides on some of our most beloved paint colors:
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
- Sherwin-Williams Pure White
- Sherwin-Williams Extra White
- The Best “Haint Blue” Paint Colors
- The 12 Best White Paint Colors
- The 9 Best Greige Paint Colors
- Every 2024 Color of the Year in One Place
- Every 2025 Color of the Year… So Far
*This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.