Are you looking for white paint that feels warm, bright, and never too plain? Choosing the right white can be tricky because some feel too cold, while others look too creamy.
That’s where benjamin moore simply white (OC-117) stands out. It’s one of the most trusted whites for a reason—it looks clean without being harsh and has just the right amount of warmth to feel cozy in any room.
If you’re painting your kitchen, bedroom, or the entire house, simply white brings a natural brightness that works with many colors, furniture styles, and lighting conditions.
Here we will cover everything you need to know, from undertones to room ideas, color pairings, and more. If you’re looking for a no-fuss white that works anywhere, this might be the one.
Understanding Paint Color Basics
Simply White (OC-117) is one of Benjamin Moore’s most popular white paint colors. It’s bright and clean and makes any room feel fresh and open.
Color Terminology
Here are Simply White’s technical details. These help painters and designers understand how the color looks on walls.
| PROPERTY | VALUE |
|---|---|
| LRV | 89.52 |
| RGB | 247 / 244 / 235 |
| Hex Value | #F7F4EB |
With a high Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 89.52, Simply White reflects a lot of light. That’s why it makes dark rooms feel brighter and more open.
The RGB and Hex values help match the color when ordering online or using it in designs.
Undertones
- Simply White has very soft yellow undertones
- It’s a warm, clean white that doesn’t feel cold or flat
- Not pure white—just enough warmth to feel inviting
Psychology of Off-White Colors
Colors can change the way a room feels. Simply White is a great choice when you want a bright but cozy white.
- Warm whites like Simply White bring light and comfort
- Softer whites help rooms feel calm, not harsh
- Natural whites like this one make spaces feel fresh and bigger
- Benefits: Bright and fresh, works in any lighting, and pairs well with both soft and bold colors.
Simply White is a classic choice that never feels too plain. It creates a clean backdrop that lets your furniture and decor shine.
Simply White (OC-117) is a classic choice that never goes out of style. It’s simple, clean, and perfect for anyone who wants white paint that feels soft, not too yellow, not too cold, just right.
Why Choose Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117)?
Benjamin Moore Simply White is a bright, cheerful white that makes any room feel clean and fresh. It’s simple to decorate with and goes well with almost every color and style.
1. Versatility
Simply White (OC-117) looks great in all types of light. In the morning, it feels bright and sunny, while in the evening, it stays warm and soft.
This paint works well in any room—bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms—and fits both modern and classic styles. It’s a color that blends in easily but still adds a touch of warmth.
2. Key Features
Simply White is a clean, warm white with a very high Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 89.52. This means it reflects a lot of light, making small or dark rooms feel bigger and brighter.
It’s not a cold white—it has a soft yellow undertone that keeps it from feeling too stark or harsh. It’s a good choice if you want something bright but not boring.
3. Durability
When Simply White is used in a quality finish like Aura or Regal Select, it holds up well in busy spaces like kitchens, hallways, and living rooms.
It’s easy to wipe clean, and it hides dust better than you’d think for such a light color. This makes it a smart choice for homes with kids, pets, or a lot of foot traffic.
4. Texture Patterns
Simply White has a smooth look that gives your walls a clean finish. It makes trim, ceilings, and cabinets look crisp and polished.
It also helps tie rooms together, especially in open floor plans. The soft undertone works nicely with different textures—wood, metal, fabric—and lets your furniture and decor take the spotlight.
Room-by-Room Color Recommendations with Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117)
Simply White is a soft, bright white that feels fresh and warm. It works in every room and looks great throughout the day, in both sunlight and artificial lighting.
1. Living Spaces and Open Floor Plans
- Simply White brings brightness and energy to living rooms, making the space feel bigger and more open, especially when natural light is limited or soft.
- Its subtle yellow undertone adds gentle warmth, helping the room feel inviting without appearing too creamy or yellowish.
- For open floor plans, use it on all walls to create a clean, flowing look, or pair with pale gray for soft contrast.
2. Bedrooms and Relaxation Areas
- This color keeps bedrooms feeling peaceful and clean, while still reflecting plenty of light to keep things bright and cheerful during the day.
- The high LRV of 89.52 helps smaller bedrooms feel more spacious while keeping a soft, restful tone that isn’t too harsh.
- Pair Simply White with gentle colors like sage green or dusty blue to create a soothing, cozy space for rest and relaxation.
3. Bathrooms and Spa-like Retreats
- Simply White creates a clean, light-filled bathroom space that feels bright and fresh without being too sharp or sterile in appearance.
- It helps smaller bathrooms appear bigger, bouncing light around while keeping the space soft and calming in both natural and artificial lighting.
- Try it with silver or gold hardware and warm wood details to add a relaxing, spa-like touch to your bathroom decor.
Color Pairings and Combinations for Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117)
Simply White is a clean, warm white with a soft yellow undertone. Its high Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 89.52 means it reflects a lot of light and helps brighten up your space.
It works with many other colors, both bold and soft. Here are some great colors that pair well with Simply White.
Complementary Trim Colors
Choosing the right trim or accent color makes White stand out even more. These shades match its warm, bright look and bring out its best features.
- Dove Wing (OC-18) – A soft, light gray-beige that adds a gentle contrast to Simply White without looking too sharp. Great for trim or calm walls next to Simply White.
- Somerville Red (HC-62) – A rich, deep red that gives bold contrast. This color pops against Simply White and works well for doors, accent walls, or dramatic touches.
- Silver Satin (OC-26) – A light, cool gray that creates a calm and airy feeling. Use it with Simply White to break up white spaces without losing that clean look.
- Casco Bay (2051-30) – A deep teal-green that looks striking next to Simply White. This pairing is perfect for a bold cabinet, island, or statement piece in the room.
Each of these colors brings out something different in Simply White. Try samples on your wall to see how they look in your lighting before making your final choice. This helps you find the perfect match for your space!
If you want to know more about silver satin, our complete guide covers everything you need to know from room recommendations to decor tips.
Creating Cohesive Color Schemes
Simply White (OC-117) blends well with many colors and helps tie your whole home together. Below are three easy color schemes using Simply White as the main wall color.
1. Monochromatic Scheme
- Simply White (OC-117) for main walls
- Chantilly Lace (OC-65) for trim
- Cloud White (OC-130) for the ceiling
- White Dove (OC-17) for accent walls or nearby rooms
2. Warm Color Scheme
- Simply White (OC-117) for the living room and main areas
- Lenox Tan (HC-44) for dining room or hallway
- Feather Down (OC-6) for bedroom or guest room
- Revere Pewter (HC-172) for accent wall or entryway
3. Cool Color Scheme
- Simply White (OC-117) for main walls
- Gray Owl (OC-52) for bedrooms or quiet spaces
- Palladian Blue (HC-144) for bathrooms or laundry
- Silver Satin (OC-26) for office or reading nook
Coordinating with Furniture and Decor
Simply White is a clean, warm white that works with almost any furniture or style. It gives rooms a bright, fresh look while letting your favorite pieces stand out. If your home is modern, rustic, or a mix of both, Simply White makes decorating simple and flexible.
1. Wood Tones
Simply White pairs beautifully with all kinds of wood, from light maple to dark walnut. It creates crisp contrast with darker woods and blends smoothly with lighter finishes.
Medium tones like oak or cherry add a natural, cozy feel. Simply White can be used in any room without changing your existing furniture.
2. Metals
Warm metals like gold and brass bring out the soft yellow undertone in Simply White, making rooms feel bright and welcoming. Black or bronze hardware adds bold contrast and a modern look.
Cool metals like chrome and silver keep things light and clean, especially in bathrooms or kitchens. All of them work well with this color.
3. Decor
Soft fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool feel cozy and natural next to Simply White’s clean backdrop.
Decor in blues, greens, or soft grays adds calming color without overpowering the space. Natural textures like rattan, stone, plants, and woven baskets bring the room to life while keeping everything simple, warm, and welcoming.
Similar Paint Colors: Perfect Alternative to Simply White (OC-117)
Both of these soft whites work well in many rooms. They make spaces feel clean, bright, and welcoming without being too harsh or cold.
Simply White (OC-117) vs. Mountain Peak White (2148-70)
These two whites are close in color but have small differences. Your choice might depend on the lighting in your home and the mood you want.
Simply White (OC-117)
- A warm white with soft yellow undertones that feels bright but not too sharp
- High LRV of 89.52 helps reflect light and brighten up darker rooms
- Feels cheerful, clean, and works great in both modern and traditional spaces
Mountain Peak White (2148-70)
- A softer, warmer white with subtle beige undertones instead of yellow
- Slightly lower LRV of 88.64, still bright but a little more muted than Simply White
- Offers a cozy, creamy look that feels a bit more laid-back and relaxed
Final Words
Benjamin moore simply white (OC-117) is a go-to white paint for good reason. It’s clean, warm, and works well in any room, no matter the style or lighting.
The soft yellow undertone keeps it from feeling cold, while the high LRV helps brighten up dark spaces. It’s easy to match with furniture, wood tones, and other colors, which makes decorating feel less stressful.
When redoing one room or your whole home, simply painting it white gives it a fresh, lasting look.
It’s a classic choice that never feels dull or too bold. If you’re looking for a white that’s easy to live with and looks good anywhere, white might be just right. Do you have a question or a favorite color pairing? Please share it in the comments below.
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Alex Guerrero, a graduate with a Fine Arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, has been a visionary in the world of color and design for over 15 years. His professional journey began in the heart of the fashion industry in Milan, where he developed an acute sense for color harmonies and trends. Alex joined our team in 2018, offering fresh and innovative perspectives on color utilization in various spaces. Renowned for his ability to blend contemporary trends with timeless elegance. Outside of work, Alex is an accomplished painter and a volunteer art therapist, his artistic talents further enriching his professional insights.
