Simply White Benjamin Moore: Review, Undertones & Comparisons

Finding the perfect white paint feels like chasing a ghost—every brand has one, but none behave quite the same. Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117) is one of those whites that decorators swear by, yet it has a reputation for pulling yellow in just the wrong light; this review breaks down its undertones, best uses, and how it compares to White Dove.

Color code: OC-117 ·
LRV: 89.52 ·
Warmth: Slight hint of warmth ·
Undertone: Neutral with warm yellow undertone ·
Best for: Trim, ceilings, walls ·
Popularity: Perennial favorite

Seven facts about Simply White, one pattern: it is a high-LRV warm white that demands careful pairing but delivers a crisp, clean canvas when used right.

Is Benjamin Moore Simply White, Warm or Cool?

It is classified as a warm white. Benjamin Moore’s official product description calls it a “clean, crisp white with the slightest hint of warmth” (Benjamin Moore official). That warmth comes from a subtle yellow undertone, not a cool blue or gray. With an LRV of 89.52, it reflects nearly 90% of light, making it one of the brand’s brightest whites (Young House Love).

The implication: if you need a pure, sterile white, Simply White is not that – it has a soft, welcoming feel that leans slightly into cream territory.

When Not to Use Simply White?

Is Simply White a good choice for ceilings?

• Yes, it works well on ceilings in rooms with abundant natural light, but in north-facing rooms it can appear dingy (Young House Love).
• For a true white ceiling without any yellow cast, many professionals prefer Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65) or Decorator’s White (CC-20).

Is Simply White suitable for bedrooms?

• Yes, in bedrooms with good daylight. But if you want a cozy, warm bedroom, Simply White may feel too crisp and stark, especially in modern minimalist schemes (Heather Bien).
• Pair with warm wood tones or soft textures to soften its brightness.

Is Simply White suitable for bathrooms?

• Yes, in well-ventilated bathrooms with natural light. The high LRV helps it feel clean and fresh (Young House Love).
• Avoid if you have cool Carrara marble or gray fixtures – the warm undertone can clash (The Color Concierge).

Bottom line: Simply White is not a universal white. Homeowners in northern climates or with north-facing rooms should test before committing. For modern, cool-toned spaces, a neutral white like Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White is safer.

What Is the Undertone of Benjamin Moore Simply White?

The undertone is a subtle warm yellow. Multiple reviewers describe it as “clean, crisp white with the slightest hint of warmth” (Benjamin Moore official). Kaitlin Madden notes that it has a “subtle yellow, creamy, and sometimes slight green undertone” (Kaitlin Madden). It is not a true neutral white – that would be something like Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White (CC-20) which has no visible yellow. Young House Love found that the yellow becomes more visible when paired with cooler accent colors or wood tones (Young House Love).

The trade-off: Simply White’s warmth makes it approachable in traditional interiors, but it requires deliberate curation to avoid a yellow cast.

What Is Benjamin Moore Equivalent to Simply White?

Benjamin Moore provides color matches: Dove Wing, Somerville Red, Silver Satin, Casco Bay (Benjamin Moore official). But the most common direct comparison is White Dove (OC-17).

How Does Benjamin Moore Simply White Compare to White Dove?

Three differences, one pattern: Simply White is brighter and crisper; White Dove is softer and creamier.

The catch: Neither white is universally superior. Choose Simply White for a brighter, more traditional look; choose White Dove for a softer, more modern feel.

What Makes Simply White So Popular?

Its versatility. Benjamin Moore Ireland calls it a “perennial favourite for trim, ceilings, and walls” (Benjamin Moore Ireland). It works in any room of the home and pairs effortlessly with traditional architecture and warm wood tones (Kaitlin Madden).

What Sheen Is Recommended for Simply White?

• Eggshell for walls – balances durability and a soft glow (Benjamin Moore official).
• Semi-gloss for trim – provides a clean, reflective contrast against matte or eggshell walls.

The pattern: Simply White’s popularity rests on its ability to be both a wall color and a trim color, giving a seamless, monochromatic look when used throughout a room.

Does Simply White Look Yellow?

Yes, in certain conditions. Young House Love reports that Simply White “can look more yellow in north-facing rooms with little natural light” and when paired with cooler wall paints or wood tones (Young House Love). However, its high LRV (89.52) helps mitigate the yellow in bright spaces (Kaitlin Madden).

What Is the Best Warm White That Doesn’t Look Yellow?

• Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65) – cool white, almost no yellow (Young House Love).
• Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White (CC-20) – true neutral, neither warm nor cool (Benjamin Moore official).
• Sherwin-Williams Pure White (SW 7005) – popular warm white with balanced undertones.

The implication: Simply White occupies a middle ground – warm enough to feel inviting, but with a yellow risk that demands careful lighting and pairing.

“The slightest hint of warmth makes this clean, crisp white a favorite to use anywhere in the home.”

Benjamin Moore (paint manufacturer)

“Fresh as the first snowfall, this clean, crisp, multi-purpose white is a perennial favourite for trim, ceilings, and walls.”

Benjamin Moore Ireland (regional distributor)

Simply White is a versatile, high-LRV warm white that works beautifully in bright, traditional spaces. But its yellow undertone is a real risk in north-facing rooms or alongside cool decor. For homeowners seeking a pure white, alternatives like Chantilly Lace or Decorator’s White are safer. For those who love the warmth, test it in your own light before committing – the difference between “crisp” and “dingy” is often just a window direction away.

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