Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 occupies a distinctive niche among warm white paints—it delivers the brightness designers crave without the clinical starkness of a pure white. The paint carries the manufacturer’s own description of a “clean, crisp white with the slightest hint of warmth,” a characterization corroborated by multiple design reviewers who consistently identify yellow undertones as its defining feature. This review examines Simply White’s technical profile, practical performance across room types, and how it stacks up against its most frequently compared alternative, White Dove OC-17.
Last checked: 2026-06-05
Brand: Benjamin Moore · Color Name: Simply White · Color Code: OC-117 · Official Description: Clean, crisp white with a slight hint of warmth; suitable for walls, trim, doors, cabinets, and ceilings.
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-05.
Sources reviewed: official paint manufacturer website, authorized retailer pages, home design review blogs, paint color databases.
We did not conduct on-site paint testing, interview Benjamin Moore staff, or perform laboratory color analysis.
Key facts at a glance
- Simply White is described by its manufacturer as “the slightest hint of warmth,” suitable for walls, trim, doors, cabinets, and ceilings (Benjamin Moore)
- Classified as a warm off-white with yellow undertones, though some analyses note a subtle green cast in certain lighting conditions (The Lived-in Look)
- LRV of approximately 89.52, placing it among Benjamin Moore’s brighter warm whites—significantly higher than White Dove’s LRV of 83.16 (Kaitlin Madden)
- Reviewers have tested numerous shades of white before selecting Simply White for its balance of brightness and warmth, while Young House Love used the color across two houses on walls, trim, doors, and cabinets (Kaitlin Madden)
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Benjamin Moore |
| Color Name | Simply White |
| Color Code | OC-117 |
| Official Description | Clean, crisp white with a slight hint of warmth; suitable for walls, trim, doors, cabinets, and ceilings |
| LRV | 89.52 |
| Undertone | Warm off-white with yellow undertones |
Is Benjamin Moore Simply White Warm or Cool?
Simply White sits firmly in the warm white camp. The manufacturer describes it as having “the slightest hint of warmth,” a characterization backed by multiple design reviewers who consistently identify yellow undertones as the dominant tonal quality. According to The Lived-in Look, these yellow undertones can become more noticeable in certain lighting conditions, particularly south-facing rooms with abundant natural light.
What is the undertone of Benjamin Moore Simply White?
The undertone profile of Simply White is primarily yellow-based, though some analyses identify a subtle green cast that emerges in specific lighting scenarios. This yellow warmth distinguishes it from cool whites, which rely on green, blue, or violet undertones for a crisper, more clinical appearance. According to Kaitlin Madden, the RGB values cited for Simply White—roughly 96.9% red, 96.9% green, 93.3% blue—support the argument that its relatively low blue component contributes to its warm, creamy appearance compared with more neutral or cool whites.
Does Simply White look yellow?
In rooms with strong natural light, Simply White tends to read as a clean, bright white with controlled warmth. However, in north-facing spaces or rooms with limited natural light, the yellow undertone becomes more pronounced, potentially creating an appearance that some homeowners describe as slightly yellow or even dingy. Jacob Owens Designs notes that in very dark, north-facing rooms, Simply White’s warmth can shift toward looking shadowed rather than bright.
Does Simply White look dingy?
Simply White can appear dingy or shadowed in rooms with poor lighting, particularly when paired with cool-toned furnishings or adjacent surfaces. Jacob Owens Designs cautions that very light whites—including Simply White—will not, by themselves, brighten a dark room. The color works best when lighting conditions are favorable, either abundant natural light or well-designed artificial illumination.
Watch the pairing: Avoid pairing Simply White trim with true-white kitchen cabinets such as Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace or Sherwin-Williams High Reflective White, because Simply White will then appear comparatively yellow or dirty next to these cooler whites.
The pattern: Simply White delivers genuine warmth in well-lit spaces but risks appearing yellow or shadowed in north-facing rooms or when paired with cool whites.
When Not to Use Simply White?
Despite its versatility, Simply White is not universally suited to every project. Jacob Owens Designs identifies several scenarios where this warm white may underperform.
Very north-facing rooms with little natural light present the greatest challenge. In these conditions, Simply White’s yellow undertones can become exaggerated, creating an effect that reads as dirty or shadowed rather than warmly inviting. Homeowners expecting the brightening effect associated with white paints may be disappointed in such spaces.
Another contraindication involves pairing with true cool whites. When Simply White is used adjacent to Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, Sherwin-Williams High Reflective White, or similarly crisp whites, the contrast can make Simply White appear comparatively yellow or creamy. This may be desirable in some design schemes, but it creates visual problems when a uniform white appearance is the goal.
Simply White also presents challenges in spaces with cool gray or blue decor undertones. The warm yellow in Simply White can clash with these cooler adjacent colors, creating visual tension rather than cohesion.
Design context matters: According to Kaitlin Madden, Simply White tends to suit traditional, transitional, farmhouse, and coastal interiors that feature warm woods and cream accents. Its warm profile may feel less at home in modern spaces dominated by cool grays and blacks.
The trade-off: Simply White excels in well-lit, warm-toned interiors but can appear yellow or shadowed in low-light rooms or when paired with cool whites.
What Makes Simply White So Popular?
Simply White has earned its reputation through a combination of technical qualities and versatile application potential. Benjamin Moore describes it as “a favorite to use anywhere in the home,” positioning it as one of the brand’s most recommended warm whites for complete-house applications.
Versatility across surfaces
One key factor driving popularity is broad compatibility. Reviewers and designers consistently recommend Simply White for walls, trim, doors, cabinets, and ceilings—a versatility uncommon among warm whites, many of which read too heavily on specific surfaces. Kaitlin Madden notes that professional reviewers often recommend Simply White for trim, doors, and cabinetry when a bright but not stark white is desired.
Balance of brightness and warmth
Simply White achieves a balance many homeowners seek: the brightness associated with white paints combined with enough warmth to feel inviting rather than clinical. Kaitlin Madden describes it as “a bright white that doesn’t look stark or sterile, thanks to its creamy undertones.” This quality makes it suitable for projects where pure white might feel too cold, while still avoiding the creaminess that some find dated.
Proven real-world track record
Real-world validation from design professionals and homeowners strengthens confidence in the color. Kaitlin Madden documents that Young House Love used Simply White throughout two different houses on walls, trim, doors, and cabinets—demonstrating consistent satisfaction across multiple projects. Reviewers have tested numerous shades of white before selecting Simply White, choosing it over alternatives for its particular balance of qualities.
Position in the warm white spectrum
According to Jacob Owens Designs, Simply White is lighter than Benjamin Moore White Dove, Greek Villa, and Sherwin-Williams Alabaster, but warmer than Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace. This positioning places it between ultra-bright cool whites and creamier off-whites—a desirable middle ground for many residential projects.
Try before committing: Given Simply White’s sensitivity to lighting conditions, testing a sample on the actual wall—at different times of day and in different weather conditions—is essential before committing to a full-room application.
The bottom line: Simply White’s popularity stems from its versatility across surfaces, its balanced warmth, and its proven track record in real-world applications.
Simply White vs White Dove: How Do They Compare?
White Dove OC-17 is Simply White’s most frequently discussed alternative, and understanding their differences helps homeowners make informed choices. Benjamin Moore identifies White Dove as its most popular white paint color and most sampled paint color, underscoring its status as a benchmark warm white.
Brightness and LRV comparison
The most measurable difference lies in Light Reflective Value. Kaitlin Madden documents that Simply White’s LRV of approximately 89.52 contrasts with White Dove’s LRV of 83.16. This approximately 6-point difference means Simply White reads significantly brighter on surfaces—a meaningful distinction when aiming for a luminous look versus a softer, more subdued appearance.
Undertone differences
Beyond brightness, the undertone profiles diverge meaningfully. According to Kaitlin Madden, Simply White’s undertones are generally described as yellow with a subtle green cast in some analyses, whereas White Dove is characterized as a warm off-white with greige (gray-beige) or creamy undertones and less obvious yellow. Heather Bien finds White Dove visibly creamier and warmer than Simply White in person, occasionally reading almost pink or muddy in low-light bedrooms and hallways.
Behavior in different lighting
These colors respond differently to lighting conditions. Kaitlin Madden notes that because of Simply White’s higher brightness and yellow warmth, it often appears closer to a true bright white in well-lit, sun-drenched rooms, while White Dove looks a bit more subdued and creamy in the same conditions. In low-light or north-facing rooms, Simply White risks looking dingy while White Dove can shift cooler and read as slightly gray.
Recommended applications
Professional reviewers often recommend different primary applications for each color. Kaitlin Madden observes that Simply White is more often recommended for trim and doors when a bright but not stark white is desired, whereas White Dove is commonly chosen for walls and exteriors, sometimes paired with Simply White as the trim color. This split-application approach allows homeowners to leverage each color’s strengths.
Our recommendation
For homeowners seeking a versatile warm white that performs well across walls, trim, doors, cabinets, and ceilings with abundant natural light: Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 offers the brightness and controlled warmth that makes it suitable for whole-home applications in sun-drenched spaces.
For spaces with limited natural light, cooler design schemes, or those preferring a softer, more subdued white: Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 provides a creamier profile that reads cleaner in north-facing rooms while maintaining warmth.
Simply White Alternatives and Comparisons
Beyond White Dove, several other whites merit consideration when evaluating Simply White.
Chantilly Lace OC-65
Simply White is warmer and slightly less bright than Chantilly Lace. Jacob Owens Designs notes that Simply White’s yellow warmth makes it appear creamier next to Chantilly Lace, which is considered a true, crisp white. Use Chantilly Lace when stark brightness is desired; choose Simply White when warmth adds to the design intent.
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster
Color reviewers describe Simply White as lighter and cleaner than Sherwin-Williams Alabaster, which is more muted and creamy by comparison. Jacob Owens Designs positions Alabaster as a more conservative choice, while Simply White offers greater brightness and cleaner appearance.
Greek Villa
According to Jacob Owens Designs, Simply White is lighter than Greek Villa, another popular Benjamin Moore warm white. Greek Villa skews more cream and may read as more dated in contemporary schemes.
The implication: Simply White occupies a sweet spot—brighter than creamier alternatives like White Dove and Greek Villa, but warmer than ultra-clean whites like Chantilly Lace.
Pros and Cons
- High LRV (89.52) provides genuine brightness on walls, trim, and cabinets
- Versatile application across walls, trim, doors, cabinets, and ceilings
- Controlled warmth avoids clinical coldness without reading as cream
- Works well in traditional, transitional, farmhouse, and coastal interiors
- Strong brand backing from Benjamin Moore with consistent formulation
- Proven real-world track record documented by design professionals
- Yellow undertones can appear pronounced in north-facing or low-light rooms
- Risk of appearing dingy or shadowed in dark spaces
- Can look yellow or dirty when paired with true cool whites
- May clash with cool gray or blue decor undertones
- Sensitivity to lighting conditions requires careful sample testing
- Less suitable for modern, cool-toned design schemes
“The slightest hint of warmth makes this clean, crisp white a favorite to use anywhere in the home.”
– Benjamin Moore, Paint manufacturer, official product description for Simply White OC-117
“White Dove is a warm off white with creamy undertones but, in certain spaces, all you’ll see is a clean, classic white.”
– Heather Bien, Interior design writer and homeowner
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Frequently asked questions
Can I use Simply White on ceilings?
Yes. Benjamin Moore lists ceilings among the recommended applications for Simply White. Its high LRV of 89.52 provides good light reflection from ceiling surfaces, and the warmth helps ceilings feel inviting rather than institutional.
What sheen is best for Simply White?
Sheen choice depends on surface and desired effect. For walls, eggshell or matte provide the most forgiving finish that downplays minor wall imperfections while showcasing Simply White’s subtle warmth. For trim, doors, and cabinets, semi-gloss or satin offer durability and a slight luminosity that complements the color’s brightness. Ceilings typically work well in flat or matte finishes.
Is Simply White good for bathrooms?
Simply White can work in bathrooms, but moisture resistance matters. The warmth reads well in well-ventilated bathrooms with adequate natural light. However, in bathrooms with limited windows or cool artificial lighting, the yellow undertones may become more apparent. Higher sheens (satin, semi-gloss) are recommended for bathroom durability and moisture resistance.
What is the LRV of Simply White?
Simply White has an LRV of approximately 89.52, verified across multiple sources. This places it among Benjamin Moore’s brighter warm whites—significantly higher than White Dove’s LRV of 83.16.
Does Simply White look yellow in artificial light?
In warm artificial lighting (incandescent, warm LED), Simply White’s yellow undertones may become more noticeable, potentially reading as more cream than in daylight. In cool artificial lighting, the effect is less pronounced but the warmth may feel less natural. Testing samples under your actual lighting conditions is advisable before commitment.
Is Simply White a good trim color?
Yes. Multiple reviewers recommend Simply White for trim and doors when a bright but not stark white is desired. According to Kaitlin Madden, it works particularly well paired with White Dove on walls, creating a coordinated whole-home palette with distinct but complementary whites.
How does Simply White compare to Chantilly Lace?
Simply White is warmer and slightly less bright than Chantilly Lace OC-65. Where Chantilly Lace is a true, crisp white, Simply White carries visible yellow warmth that makes it appear creamier by comparison. Chantilly Lace suits projects seeking maximum brightness; Simply White suits projects where warmth contributes to the desired atmosphere.
Can Simply White be used on kitchen cabinets?
Yes. Kitchen cabinets are listed among Simply White’s recommended applications. The high LRV helps cabinets reflect light effectively, while the warmth coordinates well with warm wood tones common in kitchen designs. Satin or semi-gloss sheens are recommended for cabinet durability and cleanability.