Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117): A Comprehensive Guide

Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117): A Comprehensive Review

There’s a reason Benjamin Moore’s Simply White (OC-117) holds a spot as one of the most celebrated white paints available. Known for its inviting warmth and versatility, it’s graced walls, trim, doors, and cabinetry in countless homes. But is it always the best white for every situation? This guide unpacks everything you need to know about Simply White, from its undertones to its real-life quirks, and helps you decide if it’s the right choice for your next project.

Why White Paints Are So Complicated

On the surface, white seems straightforward: crisp, bright, timeless. However, white paints are surprisingly complex due to their subtle undertones and the way they interact with light and surroundings. These subtleties can dramatically affect the mood, appearance, and compatibility with furnishings or decor styles.

• Lighting significantly impacts how white appears. South-facing rooms tend to amplify a white’s warmth, while north-facing spaces can emphasize cooler or greyer tones.
• Undertones (yellow, blue, pink, etc.) vary among white paints and can look stark or creamy depending on adjacent colors and lighting.
• Reflectivity and sheen (from flat to glossy) also change the overall impression of a paint, especially in spaces with natural light.

What Makes Simply White Special?

Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117) has earned its popularity for good reason. It is a warm, bright white that brings just enough softness to avoid starkness, yet feels clean and modern in most environments. For over a decade, it was a go-to for many homeowners and designers—used for everything from walls and ceilings to trims and cabinets.

• Simply White is warm without being too creamy, thanks to its subtle yellow undertone.
• It looks crisp and inviting, providing a fresh look that works in a wide variety of settings.
• Unlike cooler whites that can feel sterile, Simply White brings approachability and comfort.

Simply White’s Undertones: The Real Story

The character of Simply White is shaped by its noticeable yellow undertones. This gives it a sunny, friendly vibe—but it can also present challenges, especially in certain lighting conditions:

• In well-lit or south-facing rooms, the paint’s warmth is pleasant and cheerful, staying just on the right side of neutral.
• When paired with cooler decor or in low-light spaces (including north-facing rooms), the yellow undertone can become more pronounced, sometimes appearing creamy or even slightly dingy.

Many homeowners love this warmth, especially when seeking to avoid the starkness of ultra-bright whites. However, if you’re sensitive to yellow tints or need a truly neutral white, this undertone may not be ideal.

Performance in Real-Life Spaces

So how does Simply White perform beyond the paint chip? Experience shows that its versatility truly shines, but there are notable caveats:

• It works beautifully in bright, sun-filled rooms, balancing vibrancy and warmth without feeling clinical.
• As a whole-house color (for walls, trim, doors, cabinetry), it creates a cohesive and harmonious look, ideal for modern or transitional homes.
• In kids’ rooms, art studios, or playful spaces, it provides a cheerful blank canvas that allows other colors to pop.

But Simply White’s yellow undertones can be tricky in low-light rooms or when paired with other cool or blue-based colors. For example, in a home office with limited natural light and a blue ceiling, the yellow can clash—making the white appear overly creamy or tinted.

Where Simply White Excels

• Open, airy spaces with lots of sunlight
• As a trim, molding, and door color, especially against greige or warmer wall colors
• Accent walls for colorful decor
• Modern and Scandinavian interiors

Situations Where It Falls Short

• Rooms with little natural light (tends to look creamier or more yellow)
• Spaces with cooler decor palettes (can clash or accentuate yellow)
• Areas where a true neutral or bright white is desired

The Drawbacks: When Simply White Isn’t So Simple

Despite its widespread popularity, Simply White isn’t flawless. Users report several common drawbacks:

• Pronounced yellowing over time: Like many warm whites, older paint can intensify in its yellow appearance, especially in dark areas or with less frequent cleaning.
• Can look like off-white: In shadowy spaces or at night under artificial light, it can register as cream or even pale yellow instead of crisp white.
• Color-matching challenge: When used alongside cooler whites, such as for trim and walls, the undertone difference can be noticeable and jarring.

These factors led some homeowners and designers to shift towards other white paints for new projects after years of loyalty to Simply White.

Top Alternatives to Simply White

As experiences with Simply White’s undertones mounted—especially in evolving design trends—many have sought alternatives for a more neutral or flexible white. Here are some highly recommended options:

Many design experts now recommend Pure White (SW 7005) for those wanting the warmth of Simply White without the risk of yellowing. For an ultra-bright, neutral white, Chantilly Lace is often suggested.

Tips for Choosing and Using Simply White

• Sample generously: Test large patches in different rooms and on different walls to see how lighting and adjacent colors influence the paint.
• Observe at all times of day: Whites shift significantly between morning and evening light.
• Pair carefully with trim and cabinetry: If you use Simply White on walls, using the same paint on trim and doors creates a seamless look. For contrast, choose a brighter white for trim or a bold accent wall.
• Maintain clean surfaces: Regular cleaning helps delay yellowing, especially in high-touch areas such as doors or cabinetry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of white is Simply White?

Simply White is a warm white paint with subtle yellow undertones, known for striking a balance between crispness and softness.

Is Simply White too yellow?

In well-lit rooms, it appears warm and bright, but in low-light or north-facing rooms, its yellow undertones can become prominent, sometimes appearing more creamy or off-white.

Can I use Simply White on trim, walls, and cabinets?

Yes. Many homeowners choose Simply White for a cohesive look on walls, trim, doors, and cabinetry. However, be aware that using it everywhere may amplify yellow tones in less sunlit areas.

What is the best trim color to pair with Simply White?

For a seamless look, use Simply White for both walls and trim but in different finishes (e.g., eggshell for walls, semi-gloss for trim). For contrast, pair with a bright neutral white like Chantilly Lace (OC-65).

Does Simply White yellow with age?

Yes. Like many warm whites, Simply White can yellow slightly over time, especially in rooms that lack natural light or those exposed to environmental factors such as smoke or grease.

How does Simply White compare to Pure White from Sherwin-Williams?

While both are warm whites, Sherwin-Williams Pure White is more neutral, with subtler undertones and less tendency to yellow over time. Many who found Simply White too creamy now prefer Pure White.

Final Thoughts: Should You Choose Simply White?

Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117) remains a stellar option for anyone seeking a warm, inviting white that isn’t too clinical or cold. Its charm lies in its ability to soften spaces and add subtle character. However, its yellow undertones and sensitivity to lighting conditions mean it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. For those craving an all-purpose, neutral white without the risk of yellowing, exploring alternatives like Sherwin-Williams Pure White or Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace may be wise.

Ultimately, as with all paint choices, sampling and testing in your specific environment is the best way to ensure satisfaction. With the right application, Simply White can truly elevate your home’s design and ambiance.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

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