Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117): Undertones, LRV, & Best Uses
Simply White is a bright, warm white paint color. It works beautifully on kitchen cabinets, trims, and interior walls, including open-concept spaces.
Shades of white, like Simply White, can change their appearance from room to room based on surrounding finishes, natural light, and lighting placement.
Many of my Online Color Consulting clients have hoped to use Simply White in their homes. While it’s a beauty, it’s not as simple as it seems, and there’s a lot to consider before you start slapping it on your cabinets, trims, or walls. Personally, I don’t recommend it as often as my other favorite whites—read this blog post to find out why!
IS BM SIMPLY WHITE WARM OR COOL?
Simply White is a warm white paint color with subtle but VERY IMPORTANT undertones, which we’ll get into shortly.
If you have south-facing or afternoon western sunshine, Simply White may be a bit warmer and more yellow or golden-toned as it picks up that exposure’s natural light. If you have north-facing or flat dull light, Simply White can have more passive warmth, and the undertones usually shine through, regardless.
North, East, South, West – Which Paint Color is the Best?
LRV (Light Reflectance Value)
Simply White has an LRV of 89.52. If you don’t know what LRV is, I highly recommend you read this—it could make your paint pickin’ a WHOLE lot easier! This high LRV puts Simply White well into the white range but isn’t one of the whitest.
Simply White with Benjamin Moore Collingwood
UNDERTONES & MORE
If you’re wondering whether Simply White has undertones, it sure as heck does, and this is where you need to be careful. Simply White might look pretty darn white, but it has a yellow undertone and a relatively clean one (not too much black/gray). Whereas some warm whites are muted by a neutral base, Simply White commits a bit more to its color without being over the top.
However, this yellow hue can show up when you least expect it – like when you partner it with a cool-toned marble or white subway tile backsplash.
Get your Peel & Stick sample of Simply White!
Even better, get a WHITE PAINT COLOR SAMPLER of my TOP shades!
IS IT A GOOD CABINET COLOR?
Simply White is a gorgeous white for kitchen cabinets. Its fresh but not stark white appearance is perfect for a welcoming and bright kitchen! However, if you’re a stickler for matchy-matchy whites, here are a few things to be careful of…
- Simply White can be too warm/yellow for traditional white/gray marble (countertop or many white subway tile backsplashes)
- White appliances can enhance the yellow in Simply White.
- It’s also too warm for most of the popular white and off-white quartz countertops.
ON TRIMS, CEILINGS, & DOORS
Simply White is a popular choice for trims, ceilings, and doors, thanks to its higher LRV and warmth. In the absence of a true white, it acts similar to white without looking stark or cold (as long as its yellow undertone isn’t enhanced by its surroundings/exposure).
I firmly believe in doing the same white on trims, ceilings, and doors to keep those undertones consistent. Sure, you can mix and match whites, but you risk a clash in undertones, clean vs. dirty, and depth. This is even more the case with Simply White because of how clean it is and how noticeable its yellow hue can be. If you were to partner it with a white…
- If you have Simply White trims/cabinets and want a different white on your walls, make sure your wall white is darker (lower LRV) and has a similar degree of warmth/cleanliness.
- If you have Simply White walls and want white for your trims/cabinets/etc., check out Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace. It’s cleaner than Simply White and will show off Simply White’s yellow hue nicely (as one white exposes the undertones/nature of another).
- However, if you want to keep things simple with Simply White, like Frank’s Hot Sauce, put that @#$#% on everything!
AS AN EXTERIOR PAINT COLOR…
Simply White can be a good exterior color, but if you have white windows, you will notice a touch of yellow when the two are up against each other. Simply White would sit better with black windows, or I would choose a different white paint color.
You’ll also want to see how it reacts to your exposure. For example, it could pick up a bit too much warmth in your afternoon western sunshine. Or, with northern light, it could grab too much green reflection from your trees and grass!
SAMPLE CAREFULLY & COMPARE SIMILAR SHADES!
Choosing Exterior Paint Colors: Does Exposure Really MATTER?
WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO SIMPLY WHITE?
There’s never a perfect match between brands; there will always be changes in undertones, temperatures, and depth. Let’s explore how Simply White compares to a few of my TOP shades of white…
SIMPLY WHITE VS. BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE
Between Simply White and White Dove, White Dove is the more popular white paint colors. While both are used for the same projects, because White Dove isn’t as yellow or as bright, it often suits a wider range of interior finishes and personal tastes. If you’re nervous about yellow undertones, while both contain it, White Dove is more subtle.
My FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore White Dove
As for depth, White Dove sits as a soft white with its LRV of 83.16, which is a good shift darker than Simply White. However, both are in the white world.
SIMPLY WHITE VS. CHANTILLY LACE
I love comparing these two popular whites as they have similar LRVs: Simply White 89.52 / Chantilly Lace 90.04. Sure, Chantilly Lace is fractionally whiter, but that’s not where the big difference lies – the difference is in the undertones.
My FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Chantilly Lace is a reasonably balanced white with only a wink of warmth (minimal at best), whereas Simply White has a noticeable and committed yellow undertone. Some people and spaces need this extra warmth; however, if you’re nervous about yellow but still want a brighter white, Chantilly Lace could be a better choice.
SIMPLY WHITE VS. SHERWIN WILLIAMS WHITE SNOW
Within the Sherwin Williams brand, White Snow is the closest to Simply White, and it can be a great alternative if you’re nervous about undertones.
White Snow is awesome if you want a ‘barely there’ warmth with no noticeable undertone. Compare the two, and you’ll see Simply White’s yellow pop-up. As for depth, White Snow has an LRV of 90, so we’re comparing apples to apples in the depth department.
Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams White Snow
READ MORE
The 3 Best Warm White Paint Colors
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing White Paint Colors
Should You Paint Your Oak or Wood Cabinets? A Questionnaire
The 8 Best White Paint Colors from Benjamin Moore
4 Tips on How to Pick Your Room’s Best White Paint Color
NEED HELP?
Check out my E-Design & Color Consulting Services
Originally written in 2017, awesomely updated in 2024
The color is great………the problem is It takes too many coats to cover evenly. I have been painting for many years and this was by far the worst paint I’ve ever purchased in terms of how many coats it took to look good. Had to do 3 coats in both the bathrooms and bedroom so I am now fed up with this color. It’s the paint and primer in one and even after 2 coats you can still see the beige previous paint color. I have never had to paint 3 coats before with any previous paint. The color is great……..just too much work.
Oh heck ya, I hear ya on that one! And don’t feel bad about your 3 coats, I had to do 6 in my daughters room – I was about to LOSE MY MIND (and even then, it’s questionable coverage)! The paint store (after the fact) said that adding 4 ounces of white to the can and doing 2 coats of quality primer prior to painting would have helped a lot. In general, whites can be tricky with regard to coverage. I had it colour matched into SW paint in the Opulence line. Next time I’m going to try it in BM Regal and see if I have better luck.
~Kylie
Hi Kylie! I’m thinking of painting my NW-facing loft in Simply White….its current gross yellowy-beige makes me want to curl in a ball and cry! In terms of darkness (tho not prettiness), the current color is somewhere along the same lines as Benjamin Moore Shaker Beige . Do you think the Benjamin Moore High Hiding Primer in white would cut out the beige so I could get away with just 2 coats of paint? I know it’s impossible to give a concrete answer, this is just my first time painting with “good” paint (aka not the cheapest thing at Canadian Tire) and I’m not sure if that’s a good primer to use — do you have any thoughts on it? Thanks!!
Hi Charlotte! If there’s ONE thing I know about white paint, it’s that it doesn’t cover well…at all. I did Simply White in my daughters room over a lighter blue/gray colour and 6 coats later I was losing my mind. My BEST advice is this…
#1 – ask them to add 4 ounces of white to the gallon. This white won’t affect the ‘colour’ but will give your paint more of a backbone so that it covers better
#2 – do a coat of primer
If I’d done that I’m SURE I would’ve saved myself a lot of grief – you live you learn!
~Kylie
Hi Kylie!
Hope you had a fantastic holiday! I wanted to give you an update since I ended up going with Simply White based on this post. Using two coats on BM primer did make a big difference, it looks great after two coats of paint. Gorgeous color, my place looks 1000000000x brighter and happier (and that’s before I’ve got my art up!)!! Of course, now my white trim stands out and needs to be painted, but whatever — I’m just happy the pinky beige of sadness is gone. Thanks for your awesome advice, I’ll definitely be checking in for e-consulting for some of the other rooms in my home!
Hi Kylie, Awesome colour review. I used Simply White on doors and trim and was wondering if it was advised to paint the ceiling the same shade. You answered my question perfectly. Thank you. I chose Simply White because my townhouse is on the north side of the building and SW has a nice brightness to it. Using B. Moore “Stone House” for the walls. On the ceiling I’m going to use B. Moore best ceiling paint in Simply White that’s extra matte. Love how your reviews are based on facts, science, and logic. With a bit of great opinion too. Appreciate your expertise.
-William
Wow, what a lovely comment to get Williams, you’ve made my day 🙂
Hi Kylie! I’ve really enjoyed your interesting tip and ideas columns. Great information! We’re building so impossible to test drive colors. I’m running blind! I’ve decided on Simply White for the cabinets, (kitchen, bath, laundry rooms) and of course that would include trims and moulding through out the house… However, I just re-watched your video on Simply White and caught that it will gray out in a North facing room. Now I’m second guessing my decision and wondering if a warmer white like Cloud White or SW Alabaster would be a better choice. The room is large, approximately 24 by 30. There is a large 12′ window on the North wall plus 2 small narrow west windows. All windows are in the dinning and seating area, not the kitchen area. The kitchen island is 16′ from all the windows. So it might be considered a windowless kitchen. So my concern is that Simply White might seem dingy. Would it be better to switching to a warmer white, like Cloud White or SW Alabaster? I’m perplexed… Any comments will be really appreciated! Thanks!!!
Hi Sheryl! You know, it will gray out a bit in the day via your northern exposure, but that same grayish will be thrown onto any lighter colour. I can’t say that Cloud White or Alabaster will be THAT much better. You’d almost have to add some considerable warmth, like SW Creamy. It still gets grayed out, but perhaps not as much. I have Simply White and Creamy in north facing spaces in my own home and while Simply White is a bit brighter looking, Creamy holds its warmth just a bit better….
Hi Kylie, Thank you! And thanks for the speedy reply too! I will check out SW Creamy! Maybe you can clear up a bit about Simply White for me… Would a North Facing kitchen like I’ve described, be considered a low light/low energy room (?) where Simply White can fall flat? It is because of the kitchen’s distance from the windows? Is that what the graying out refers to, falling flat? If so, why is Simply White considered a good choice for a North Room? And since all light colors will fall flat in northern exposures, would stained kitchen cabinets be a better choice? Thanks again.! And wishing you a “Happy New Year”! Sheryl
This was so helpful! I have tons of experiences just picking a color I like, putting it on the wall, and then spending the next two years hating it because of all the things you talk about in your posts- weird lighting, the sheen, how it changes in different conditions… all the things.
So. I have now decided that my strategy is to research the crap out of stuff online before I narrow down and choose. Which led me to you. You think about all the things I never do. Thank you for that.
I am painting a very large basement space with low natural light (two really small windows) and crappy artificial lighting (hoping to add pots but not just yet) and considering Simply White (along with White Dove, Steam, Decorators White so far… just got some samples). Given what you said about low light/low energy rooms, is this a bad choice? I’m also getting a little worried about whites because our drywall and texture isn’t the best and it might highlight that. Wanting a clean bright look. Thanks for thinking about all the things so I don’t have to!
Hi Courtney! Simply White could work well OR the softer look of White Dove, as long as your lighting is ‘half-decent’. As for textured walls, generally darker colours are better for camouflaging damage/texture, but that would kill the vibe you’re going for, so YOU’ll want to focus on SHEEN! The more sheen there is the more flaws you will see in the wall, so I’d recommend a high quality matte finish. 🙂
Finally figured out the colors for our new build: BM’s Shoreline, Pale Oak, Silver Mist, and SW Sea Salt.
Would the ceilings in Simply White work well? My only concern is the hallway area which can be a bit dark.
(Shoreline).
All of our trimwork is to be stained wood, medium color in tone. I do love this white!
Thanks for helping me decide on my paint colors….big moment.
Kylie – Would you please comment on Ben Moore Chantilly Lace, how does it compare to Simply White? Looking at the formulas, it seems Chantilly Lace should be more “white” then the warmer white of Simply White, but do yo have any experience with it? Any input would be appreciated as I am trying to determine which white to use in a summer home, both on walls and trim, and I am going for a clean white look, yet not stark. Thank you.
Hi Bridgette! Chantilly Lace is a popular one! It is a fresh white that is often see as the most ‘white looking white’, even though it can have a slightly cool cast to it. The difference is that Simply White has a slightly WARM cast to it. I actually just wrote a blog post that you might find helpful re: whites… https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/4-steps-pick-the-right-white-for-your-trim-cabinets-or-walls/
Hi Kylie!
My entire house is painted in “Agreeable Gray” and I’ve been wanting to paint our Master Bedroom and Guest Room in a soft white color- would you recommend Simply White or White Dove for this? I’ve been scared to do it b/c I didn’t want to accidentally choose a white that was too stark or coo and/or wouldn’t compliment the Agreeable Gray…
Thanks so much!!
Annie
Hi Annie, White Dove could be pretty! I do have several articles on the Best White Paint Colours for both SW and BM. If those don’t help, I have an affordable and fun E-design service that I created for questions like yours! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
Hi. I have painted my new build Simply White. Some of the cabinets and doors look very yellow. I know the oil based will yellow over time, but I haven’t even moved into the house yet. Do you have any advice about that? I tried to attach pictures. I love the color on the walls. Thank you.
Well, there is a difference in sheen, which could account for that difference. Walls are usually flat/matte/eggshell, whereas cabinets are often a satin or semi-gloss. Sheen can lighten/brighten AND enhance a colour, so it sounds to me like the undertones might have come up a bit more. The only other reason is if you had it matched into another brand…they match MIGHT not be bang-on?
Hi Kylie,
Thank you so much for your fabulous blog! OMG, I have learned so much and laughed a long the way. After 30 years we are finally redoing our kitchen and have decided to go with Simply White for our cabinet color, we live in Mukilteo WA and I didn’t want any grey undertones or a stark cold white since it is cold and grey here most of the year. I’m looking at Cambrian Black granite for our countertops, love the black/white contrast. Do you think the Simply White is a good choice with this granite?
Thank you so much!!
Mari
Hi Mari-Ann! Due to the number of emails I get every day, I have to pick ‘n choose which questions to answer, focusing first on the ones that have mass appeal! I do try to give as much complimentary info as I can on my blog and if that doesn’t help, it might be time for a closer look with my E-design. Otherwise, I’m just guessing as to the lighting in the room, exposure, flooring and all of the other things that matter when choosing a colour! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
I hope to hear from you!
~Kylie
I love the simply white color!
I’m going to use it on my cabinets, and i was also going to use the same color on my walls.
Good idea, bad idea?
That’s a great idea Emily! This way you’ll see a wee subtle shift in the sheens – totally a good idea!
Hi Kylie, you’re site has been so helpful in a long and maddening process :-). After 14 colors on the walls, we’ve decided on Coventry Gray. Would you suggest Simply White or Dove Gray for woodwork? We’ve got a ton of natural light from West windows facing water, High South windows and a few North windows, so Coventry looks fairly mid to light. We have a lot of white woodwork to be repainted. The living area has mid/light laminate and new soft mineral blue/green velvet sofas. The new paint spans an open floor plan that includes a very big kitchen with cinnamon maple cabinets and gray/black granite with small splotches of Burgundy. For the trim/woodwork, would you suggest Simply White or White Dove? We like a fresh transitional feel, but welcoming and not stark or cold. Thanks so much!
Painting oak kitchen cabinets going to have them sprayed
Torn between white dove and simply white as I was advised to go with a white when painting oak cabinets
I don’t want a yellow at all but both colors look good on painted cabinets in pictures
??
Hi Kris! I would lean more into White Dove over Simply White just because the BOTH have warmth (yellow) in them, but White Dove is grounded with a neutral base. It can depend a lot on your countertop/backsplash/lighting as well, but of the 2, I’d hit White Dove AND I’d ask them to add 4-6 drops of white to each gallon, which just cleans it up a stitch AND improves coverage (and btw, you can paint oak cabinets any colour, but DARK colours can highlight the grain a bit more).
Hi Kylie,
You’re so amazing with understanding paint colors. I have a little more knowledgeable about paints now. I have a small single wide manufactured home. I’ve decided to go with ‘Simply White” on the walls. Since my house is so small, would you recommend I paint the cupboards and trim the same through the entire place or perhaps a different white for contrast. Would having contrast make my home appear smaller? Thanks so much.
Hi Diane, I’m SO glad you asked – YES! I wouldn’t switch up whites as you’ll find the undertones can react in weird ways. You’ll get a wee shift just from the change in sheens from ceiling (flat), walls (matte or eggshell), trim (satin) and cabinets (satin). 🙂
Hello Kylie, . I have a question please if you have the time….I am painting a guest room with Farrow and Ball Pink Ground. I have two whites for ceiling and trim to consider: Simply white by BM or Wimborne White by Farrow and Ball. It seems to me the Wimborne White goes better and its a little creamier and less pure white. The room faces north. I think one of your posts said pink is not great with Simply White…. can you tell me your opinion of the Wimborne White with the Pink Ground of course knowing that its only a guess and you are not in the room and so forth. It is more vanilla toned and it seems a bit better. Thank you so much. I am going for a calm and restful mood. Margaret
Hi Margaret! Ooo, I’m not as well-versed in F&B colours, but ‘generally speaking’ yellow and pink don’t love each other. I mean, there can be exceptions if it’s gone about in a gentle way, but it makes me darned nervous. I would say that if it’s less ‘yellow’ than Simply White – then that is a good thing, although the word Vanilla doesn’t leave me feeling hopeful on that…Looking at them both online, I DO like that they both seem that bit more muted and soft…
Hi Kylie,
I’m thinking of painting my oak kitchen cabinets BM Simply white, I have a Baltic brown granite countertop , terracotta floor tile and stainless steel appliances. Or would Chantilly Lace look better ? Thank you!
Hi Kerri, you should read the blog post that I JUST PUT OUT as I talk about Baltic Brown right in it! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/how-to-update-your-older-granite-countertops/
Hello!
I am trying to choose the prefect white for my home. I would like to keep it consistent throughout (walls,ceiling,trim) .
The colors in my home are dark browns (chocolate and darker browns ) black and gold.
I’m Not sure which white I should go with. What do you suggest?
Hi Alicia, I would definitely stick with warmer whites, along the lines of BM Simply White for a brighter look and BM White Dove or Cloud White for a softer look 🙂
I have read so many of your articles!! I have a question. Our cabinet makers use Benjamin Moore paint and we chose simply white for the cabinets. I’m we have to use sherwin Williams paint for our walls,trim, etc. I want to paint my walls, trim, and ceiling the same white. I was thinking sherwin Williams pure white. Would these two pair well together?
Ooooo, I would be careful. Simply White is a brighter and CLEANER white than Pure White. This could make Pure White look a bit dingy in comparison and Simply White look more YELLOW in comparison.
I have chosen chantilly lace for all my doors and trim and I’m trying to decide on a white to go on the walls. I’m thinking of simply white. Do you think that would be a good choice to add contrast?
Hi Katrina, it depends on what you want! If you want to see the warmth of your walls, then yes, as Chantilly can help show that wink of yellow in Simply White.
I am going to paint my entire house Simply White, including trim. I’d like the kitchen cabinets to a pale grey or off-white. Do you have any ideas on what would go with Simply White?