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Simply White by Benjamin Moore: color review

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Lauren C.

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Simply White by Benjamin Moore: color review

If there’s one thing we can all agree on in interior design, it’s that picking a white paint is hard. After a ton of research, heartache, and desperation, I finally chose Simply White by Benjamin Moore for our all-over interior paint job on the cabin. And I’m so happy I did.

Wait, so…Simply White is not simply white?

Simply White is a what is called an “off-white”. This just means that it isn’t a purely stark white like a piece of printer paper. Every off-white will have a different level of warmth, undertones, and brightness (“LRV” – light reflective value). Knowing what you’re looking for in these categories is critical for picking the best white for your space.

For the cabin interior, I wanted a vibe that is “modern cabin” – minimalistic while also cozy, modern while also rustic…elements that often seem in conflict with one another so it can be hard to get right. Here’s how I mapped that to my paint decision:

  • Modern and Minimalistic: crisp, bright all white paint “drench” (walls, trim, ceiling, doors)
  • Cozy and Rustic: a creamy off-white paint

Simply White fit this perfectly:

  • Undertone: yellow
  • Warmth: medium
  • LRV: high at 89.5 (LRV scale is out of 100)
A product description card for Simply White paint, featuring its OC-117 designation, a brief explanation of its qualities, LRV of 89.52, and a note that it's a best-selling color.

But what about…

One of the biggest concerns people have with picking an off-white is if it will look too yellow. So far with Simply White, this definitely has not been an issue. When I look for it, I can see the yellow undertones – but it is more of a creamy tone, like fresh milk. It is more noticeable when up against a pure stark white. Or, in some lighting scenarios the undertones come out more – for example, I’ve noticed that the afternoon bright indirect light can show the yellow tones more prominently. Also, keep in mind that any white paint will reflect what is around it or coming in from outside, especially in bright light.

You should always test out paint colors before committing. Every space is different and everyone has different tastes and goals for their space. I highly recommend using Samplize (samplize.com) – they make large painted samples so you don’t have to actually paint on the walls and can easily move them around. They even offer bundles of different categories of white colors with the most popular options so you don’t have to pick your own.

The competing color I was considering was White Dove, one of Benjamin Moore’s most popular off-whites. However in our space, White Dove looked almost gray and was too dark for what I was going for. I wanted something crisper and brighter.

Color swatch for Simply White OC-117 by Benjamin Moore, displaying its warm undertone and LRV of 89.52.
Color sample card displaying 'White Dove' paint from Benjamin Moore, including its LRV and description.
Simply White vs. White Dove

My other big decision was if we wanted to do a different white on the trim. That decision was an easy one – we did Simply White on everything (a “drench”): walls, trim, ceiling, and doors. Not only did I not want to have to pick a second white color (ha!), drenching has the effect of simplifying the space and making it feel bigger since there are no dividing lines in the color, which went with our design goals. The effect is more modern and minimalistic.

I’m super happy with how it turned out and would definitely pick Simply White again. I’m going a bit overboard on the photo dump, but hopefully it gives you a sense of how it looks in various settings and lighting.

Bright and airy modern cabin interior featuring high ceilings, large windows, and a light wood floor. The walls are painted in a warm off-white color (Benjamin Moore Simply White), creating a cozy yet minimalistic atmosphere. A fireplace is present in the room.
Great room pre-furniture, winter natural afternoon light
A spacious room with vaulted ceilings, featuring large windows that let in natural light and highlighting pale walls painted in Simply White. The wooden floor has a light finish, and a single brown chair is positioned in the corner, creating a minimalist interior design.
Dining room, winter natural afternoon light
Close-up of a black floor vent grate installed on light wood flooring, with white walls and trim in the background.
Detail of the trim and walls with floor and black floor registers
A modern cabin interior featuring white walls and large windows, a blue sofa, a wooden chair, and a green kitchen island with a white countertop.
Great room with furniture on a cloudy winter day, looking from the kitchen
A cozy living space featuring a modern brown leather chair, a patterned rug, large windows allowing natural light, and a minimalist white wall design.
Living area on a sunny winter day
A cozy interior space featuring a modern cabin design with white walls, large windows allowing natural light, and a comfortable brown armchair adorned with a patterned pillow.
Living room on a sunny spring day, notice the green reflecting on the walls from the trees outside
A bright interior space featuring a wooden table with a textured runner, black chairs, and a large window that lets in natural light, showcasing a warm off-white wall painted with Simply White by Benjamin Moore.
Dining room on a sunny spring day
Modern kitchen with a green cabinet, stainless steel stove, and marble countertop, featuring white subway tiles and wooden shelves.
View of the kitchen with Simply White above the open shelves
Close-up of a modern kitchen sink area featuring a stainless steel sink, green cabinetry with gold handles, white subway tile backsplash, and floating wooden shelves above.
Close up of kitchen sink window with Simply White trim and walls above the open shelves
A modern bathroom vanity with a marble countertop, two circular sinks, and wooden cabinetry beneath. The walls are painted white, and the floor features a wood pattern.
Primary bathroom before hanging mirrors!

Thanks for reading and I hope this post helps you on your white paint picking journey! Leave any comments or questions below!

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