If you’ve been searching for that just right white paint colour—clean, bright, and super versatile—Simply White OC-117 by Benjamin Moore could just be the perfect one. It’s a popular choice for good reason: it feels fresh without being too stark and has just enough warmth to keep things soft and inviting.

In this post, we’ll dive into what makes Simply White so loved. I’ll walk you through its undertones, LRV or how much light it reflects, how it looks in different lighting, and where it works best in the home. Plus, I’ll share some beautiful coordinating colour ideas to help you pull everything together. If you’re thinking of using Simply White in your home, this guide will help you feel confident about your choice.

What are Simply White’s undertones?

At first glance, Simply White might look like a true, bright white, but take a closer look and you’ll notice it has a very subtle warmth to it thanks to a hint of yellow in its undertone. It’s not an obvious yellow, but it’s just enough to give the colour a soft, welcoming feel rather than a stark or cold look. This gentle warmth is what makes Simply White so versatile. It plays beautifully in homes that lean warm or neutral, adding brightness without making the space feel too clinical. So while Simply White is technically a warm white, it still feels fresh and clean.

What is Simply White’s LRV?

LRV (or Light Reflectance Value) helps determine how much light is absorbed or reflected by a paint colour. It is measured on a scale from 0 to 100, 0 being absolute black and absorbing all light, and 100 being pure white and reflecting all light. The higher the LRV, the lighter and brighter the paint colour. The LRV of a paint colour is an important factor to consider, especially if you're concerned about brightness or creating a specific ambience. Colours with higher LRVs tend to make a room feel brighter and more spacious, while colours with lower LRVs can create a more intimate or cosy atmosphere.

With an LRV of 89.52, Simply White reflects a lot of light, which helps make rooms feel open, airy, and fresh without being too stark or cold. It’s a great choice if you’re trying to brighten up a darker space, or if you just love that clean, light-filled look. Just keep in mind that because it reflects a lot of light, it can pick up subtle colour shifts depending on the lighting in your space—more on that below!

How does Simply White look in different lighting conditions?

Lighting greatly impacts how a paint colour is perceived within a space, whether it be natural or artificial light. Natural light varies throughout the day making colours look slightly different in the morning and the evening, which is why it’s essential to use samples before fully committing to a paint colour so you can see how colours look at various times of the day and you can decide if a paint colour is the right one for your space.

One of the reasons Simply White is so popular is that it’s incredibly versatile—but like any white paint, it can shift slightly depending on the light in your space.

In north-facing rooms, which tend to bring in cooler, bluish light, Simply White can look a little crisper and more subdued. The yellow undertone is still there, but it’s less noticeable, giving the colour a clean, soft white appearance without feeling too cold.
In south-facing rooms, which have warm, golden light, the warmth in Simply White becomes more noticeable. You might see a slight creamy or sunny glow, especially during the middle of the day when the light is strongest.

In east-facing rooms, the morning light can make Simply White feel inviting and fresh, but as the day goes on and the light fades, it may lean more passive and subdued.
In west-facing rooms, the light is cooler in the morning and warmer in the afternoon, so you might see Simply White shift throughout the day—from a clean white to one that feels more golden as the sun sets.

Artificial lighting will also play a role. Under warm white bulbs, the yellow undertone can show up more strongly, while cooler LED lights may neutralize it slightly, making the colour appear cleaner.

Where to use Simply White in the house?

Thanks to its soft warmth and beautiful brightness, Simply White works just about anywhere in the home. It’s one of those rare white paint colours that can look amazing on both walls and trim, and in a variety of design styles—from modern minimal to cosy farmhouse. It makes a gorgeous ‘everything’ colour - walls, trims, doors, and ceilings, especially if you’re after a fresh, clean look that still feels warm and welcoming. It’s perfect for open-plan living spaces, bedrooms, hallways, and even nurseries. It gives off a gentle glow without feeling too stark. If you’re going for a bright, timeless kitchen, Simply White is a beautiful cabinet colour. It pairs well with natural wood, brass or matte black hardware, and a variety of countertop materials. Keep in mind that pairing it with cool materials will enhance its yellow undertone and make it more visible.

Whether you’re painting one room or your whole home, Simply White is a safe and stylish choice that brings a clean, inviting energy wherever it goes.

Best trim colours with Simply White

Being a bright white, Simply White doesn’t like being paired with other whites on the trims. For a seamless look and to avoid mixing undertones, I recommend using it on trims as well to keep the space cohesive and flowing. Just vary the paint sheen - use an eggshell or matte finish on the walls and a semi-gloss on the trim for a subtle contrast. This difference in finish helps define the details while keeping everything soft and unified.

What about coordinating colours?

One of the reasons Simply White is such a popular choice is because it plays so well with others! Its soft, warm undertone makes it a beautiful backdrop for a wide range of colours—from gentle neutrals to bold accents.

If you want a calm, airy palette, pair Simply White with warm beiges, greiges, or taupes like Edgecomb Gray, Revere Pewter, or Classic Gray to create a timeless, layered look that feels effortless and cosy.
Simply White looks stunning alongside muted greens or even a deep olive. It also pairs beautifully with soft blue-greys like Smoke or Breath of Fresh Air for a coastal or relaxed feel.
If you love contrast, bring in deeper hues like Hale Navy or Kendall Charcoal. These darker tones create a striking balance against Simply White’s light, warm brightness; perfect for feature walls, cabinetry, or accent furniture.

Whether you're creating a soft, neutral palette or something with a bit more depth and contrast, Simply White makes a versatile and easy-going partner.

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If you're searching for a white paint that feels fresh, inviting, and endlessly versatile, Simply White is definitely one to consider. Its soft warmth and easygoing nature make it a favourite for good reason. Whether you're painting a whole room, just the trim, or even your kitchen cabinets, Simply White has a way of brightening up your space without feeling cold or stark.

As always, lighting, finishes, and surrounding colours can affect how a paint looks, especially whites—so be sure to sample it in your space before committing!

Need help pulling it all together? Check out my digital colour palettes, filled with professionally curated paint pairings to take the guesswork out of choosing colours. Or, if you want something tailored just for your home, explore my custom colour consultation services—I’d love to help you create a space that feels just right.

Thank you for reading and happy decorating!

Manon xx