Picking the right white paint sounds easy until you try it. There are so many whites to choose from. Some are too cold, some are too yellow, and some change color depending on the light in the room.
That’s where Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117) comes in. It’s one of the brand’s most popular whites—and for good reason.
Simply White is soft, bright, and just warm enough. It’s clean without feeling cold. It works almost anywhere in your home, and it plays well with other colors.
Whether you’re painting walls, trim, cabinets, or all of the above, this color is one that many people return to repeatedly.
In this blog, I’ll explain what kind of color Simply White really is, what goes well with it, how it fits into different styles, and what to watch out for.
By the end, you’ll know whether this warm white could be the right choice for your home.
What Kind of Color Is Simply White?
Simply White is a warm, clean white with a hint of yellow underneath. But don’t worry it’s not a strong yellow. It’s just enough to give it warmth and keep it from feeling harsh.
This color was named Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year in 2016, and it hasn’t gone out of style since. It’s a true white, but softer than bright whites that can feel too sharp.
It’s also less beige than off-whites like Creamy White or Swiss Coffee.
What Makes It Special?
- It reflects a lot of light, making it great for dark rooms.
- It feels cozy, even in modern spaces.
- It’s warm without being creamy or yellowish.
That balance is what makes Simply White so popular, it gives your home a fresh, clean look without making it feel cold or sterile.
What Colors Go Well with Simply White?
Simply White is easy to match with other colors. Because it’s a warm white, it works best with other warm tones, but if you do it right, you can also pair it with cooler shades.
- Soft Grays – Keep things neutral but still interesting
- Warm Beiges or Tans – Add a cozy contrast that’s still calm
- Navy Blue or Deep Green – Give a stronger contrast for a modern or bold look
- Blush or Dusty Rose – Light, warm touches that add a soft pop
- Sage or Olive Green – Natural tones that keep things relaxed
It also looks great with natural wood, leather, and soft textures. Light oak, walnut, and medium-toned woods all bring out the warmth in Simply White without clashing.
If you’re using it for trim or cabinets, it pairs well with warm or neutral wall colors. It keeps rooms bright without stealing the spotlight from other colors.
What Style Works Well with Simply White?
One reason Simply White is so popular is that it fits with nearly every style. Whether your home is traditional, modern, rustic, or somewhere in between, this color can work.
Traditional
In classic homes with crown molding, wood trim, or built-in shelves, Simply White gives a clean look that highlights the details and adds a sense of brightness.
It keeps older styles feeling fresh and current without losing their original charm. I love how it draws attention to the craftsmanship while still making the space feel open and updated.
Farmhouse or Rustic
With warm wood tones, simple furniture, and cozy materials, Simply White brings just the right amount of brightness. It helps soften rough textures like brick, shiplap, and stone without making the space feel too modern.
I’ve found that it creates a peaceful balance between rustic charm and clean simplicity.
Modern and Minimal
Modern homes need clean lines and light. Simply White provides both. It reflects natural light beautifully and works with black fixtures, sleek furniture, and smooth surfaces.
Its crisp tone enhances the openness of the space without feeling cold or sterile.
Coastal or Beachy
Pair Simply White with sky blue, pale green, or sandy tan, and you’ve got a breezy, beachy feel.
Add soft fabrics, natural rugs, and light wood for a space that feels open and relaxed. This combination brings a calm, coastal vibe that’s easy to live with year-round.
Kids’ Rooms
Simply White is a great base for kids’ rooms because it’s flexible. You can change the theme or color accents over time without needing to repaint the whole room. It also helps small rooms feel bigger.
Is Simply White a Warm or Cool Color?
Simply White is a warm white, thanks to its soft yellow base. But it’s a very light warmth. That means it works in both warm and cool settings, as long as you’re careful with what you pair it with.
How It Reacts to Light
- In bright sunlight, it looks clean and almost pure white.
- In soft or warm lighting, the yellow tone becomes more noticeable.
- In dark rooms, it still reflects light well but might look a little creamier.
If your space has cool finishes like marble, gray tile, or silver metal, Simply White can balance things out and bring in some softness. In rooms with warm tones, it fits right in and keeps things looking light.
What Paint Finish Should You Choose?
Simply White can be used almost anywhere, but picking the right finish matters. It changes how the color looks and how well it holds up.
Best Finishes for Each Area
- Flat or Matte – Good for ceilings or rooms where you want no shine. Hides wall flaws but not easy to clean.
- Eggshell – Great for most walls. Slight sheen. Easy to clean and not too shiny.
- Satin – A bit shinier than eggshell. Good for bathrooms, kitchens, or hallways.
- Semi-Gloss – Perfect for trim, doors, and cabinets. Wipes clean and adds shine.
- Gloss – Very shiny. Best used on furniture or areas where you want high reflection.
Most people use eggshell on walls and semigloss on trim when using Simply White. This gives a nice, soft contrast while keeping everything clean and bright.
Real Home Ideas Using Simply White
Let’s examine how Simply White is used in real spaces to help you imagine how it might work in your home.
Living Room
Paint the walls Simply White and pair them with soft gray furniture and light wood floors. Add a few warm touches, like a tan throw blanket or brown leather chair.
The room feels fresh, but still cozy. It’s bright during the day and soft at night.
Kitchen
Use Simply White on the cabinets for a clean look that doesn’t feel cold. Add brass or matte black hardware, natural wood shelves, and a white tile backsplash. The result is modern and warm.
Bedroom
Simply White creates a calm, restful background for a bedroom. Pair it with warm bedding in beige or pale green and wood furniture for a soft, peaceful space. You’ll wake up to a room that feels light and comfortable.
Bathroom
Paint the walls or vanity Simply White and use marble or soft gray tile. Add gold fixtures or wood mirrors to bring in warmth. The space will feel clean, bright, and never cold.
Hallway or Entryway
Simply White brightens narrow hallways and small entryways. Use it with black or natural wood hooks, a bench, and a soft rug. It’s simple and clean and makes the space feel bigger.
Mistakes to Avoid
Even though Simply White is easy to use, a few things should be kept in mind to get the best results.
- Don’t Skip the Test Patch: Lighting changes everything. What looks soft and bright in one home might look too yellow in another. Always try a sample on your wall first and check it in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
- Be Careful with Cool Tones: Simply White has warmth. If you pair it with icy blues or sharp grays, it might look more yellow than you expected.
- Avoid Using a Flat Finish in Busy Spaces: Flat paint looks nice, but stains easily. Eggshell or satin paint will hold up better in kitchens, hallways, and areas with kids or pets.
- Don’t Forget Trim and Ceilings: Simply White works well on both walls and trim, but you can also use a brighter white like Chantilly Lace on trim to add contrast.
Wrapping Up
Benjamin Moore Simply White is one of the most trusted warm whites out there. It’s clean, soft, and easy to use in almost any room. It works with all kinds of styles, materials, and colors—and it won’t go out of style anytime soon.
If you’re looking for a white that feels fresh without being stark and warm without being creamy, Simply White might be just what you need.
Whether you’re painting a whole room or just the trim, this color will help your space feel open, calm, and put together. So yes, it’s simple, but that’s exactly why it works so well.