Simply White OC-117 by Benjamin Moore

You know that feeling when you walk into a room and instantly feel at ease? The walls seem to glow, the space feels open yet cozy, and everything just… works. That’s the magic of the right white paint—and Benjamin Moore’s Simply White (OC-117) is one of those rare shades that delivers that effortless harmony every time.

Let’s talk about why this color is a designer favorite and how it might be the perfect choice for your home. Simply White isn’t just another off-the-shelf white. It’s a soft, warm white with a whisper of yellow undertone that keeps it from feeling sterile or clinical. Instead, it wraps a room in quiet sophistication, making it ideal for everything from a sunlit kitchen to a serene bedroom retreat.

One of the biggest strengths of Simply White is its versatility. Whether your style leans modern farmhouse, Scandinavian minimalism, or coastal chic, this color adapts beautifully. It plays well with natural wood tones, crisp black accents, and even bold pops of color. Pair it with navy blue for a classic contrast, or layer it with warm neutrals for a monochromatic look that’s anything but boring.

Lighting can make or break a paint color, but Simply White handles it like a pro. With a high LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 89.52, it bounces light around the room, making small spaces feel larger and dark corners feel brighter. Even in rooms with limited natural light, it holds its own—those subtle yellow undertones keep it from turning cold or flat under artificial lighting.

Application is a breeze, too. Whether you’re a DIY newbie or a seasoned painter, you’ll appreciate how smoothly this paint goes on. It’s roller-ready, brush-friendly, and dries quickly, with most surfaces needing just one or two coats for full coverage. Choose eggshell for a soft, low-sheen finish in living areas, satin for easy cleanability in kitchens, or semi-gloss for trim and doors that need extra durability.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: upkeep. Simply White is highly washable, so it’s great for high-traffic areas like hallways or kids’ rooms. That said, if you’re using it in a spot prone to scuffs (think busy entryways), opt for a satin or semi-gloss finish to make wipe-downs even easier.

Eco-conscious homeowners will love that this paint is low-VOC and eco-certified, meaning you can refresh your space without worrying about harsh fumes. It’s also touch-up friendly, so accidental marks or nicks blend seamlessly without leaving patchy spots.

Wondering where to use it? The answer is pretty much anywhere. In kitchens, it creates a clean backdrop that lets cabinetry and countertops shine. In bedrooms, it fosters a calming vibe perfect for unwinding. Home offices feel more focused yet inviting, and bathrooms take on a spa-like serenity. Even ceilings benefit—painting them Simply White can make a room feel taller and more open.

If you’re pairing it with trim, keep things cohesive with similar warm whites like White Dove or let it pop against cooler trims for subtle contrast. For accent colors, lean into its complementary blue hues (think soft cerulean or deep navy) to create balance, or embrace earthy greens and warm taupes for a grounded, organic feel.

Of course, no color is perfect for every scenario. If you’re covering a deeply saturated wall, you might need an extra coat or two. And while its warmth is usually an asset, if your room gets blazing afternoon sun, test a swatch first—those yellow undertones can intensify in golden light.

But here’s the real test: how does it feel? Simply White lives up to its name by offering a quiet, understated elegance. It doesn’t demand attention; it enhances what’s already there. Your furniture, artwork, and textures all get to take center stage while the walls provide a harmonious foundation.

So, is Simply White right for you? If you’re after a white that’s warm but not creamy, bright but not stark, and flexible enough to grow with your style—yes, absolutely. Grab a sample, paint a large swatch, and watch how it shifts with the light throughout the day. You might just find it’s the missing piece your space has been waiting for.

At the end of the day, the best paint color is the one that makes you feel at home the moment you walk in. And more often than not, Simply White does exactly that.

Real Room Photo of Simply White OC-117

Undertones of  Simply White ?

The undertones of Simply White are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Yellow. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #F6F6ED

RGB code: 246, 246, 237

Is  Simply White Cool or Warm?

This color leans towards the warm side of the spectrum, providing a gentle embrace that can soften the feel of a room. Its warmth makes it a perfect choice for spaces where comfort is the goal, ensuring that it complements a variety of furnishings and decor.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Simply White

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of Simply White

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Simply White is 89.52%, which places it in the White colors category. This means it reflect all light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Simply White

Simply White is a paint color that effortlessly transforms spaces into serene retreats. Its fresh and airy feel makes it an ideal choice for various settings, from cozy bedrooms to bright kitchens. The color’s ability to reflect natural light beautifully enhances any room, creating an inviting ambiance that feels both modern and timeless.

When applying Simply White, you’ll find it covers well with just one to two coats, depending on your surface. This paint is available in multiple finishes, allowing you to achieve the desired sheen, whether it’s a matte look for a cozy feel or a satin finish for a subtle glow. Best of all, it pairs beautifully with a range of decor styles, from minimalist to rustic, making it a versatile choice for any homeowner looking to refresh their space.

Pros & Cons of  OC-117 Simply White

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Simply White

FAQ on OC-117 Simply White

What finishes are available for Simply White?

Simply White is available in several finishes including eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss. Each finish offers a different level of sheen and durability, allowing you to select the perfect option for your project. The eggshell finish provides a soft luster, while satin adds a bit more sheen, making it easier to clean. Semi-gloss is great for areas that require high durability, like kitchens and bathrooms.

How does Simply White work in low-light rooms?

Simply White is an excellent choice for low-light rooms due to its high LRV of 82. This means it reflects an ample amount of light, helping to brighten darker spaces. The warm undertones also prevent it from feeling too cold or stark, ensuring that your room remains cozy and inviting even with limited natural light. It’s a smart solution for creating a bright and airy feel in places that lack sunlight.

Comparisons Simply White with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117