Decorator’s White vs Simply White: What’s the Difference?

Searching for the perfect bright, clean white paint color? Two of Benjamin Moore’s most popular whites, Decorator’s White CC-20 and Simply White OC-117, appear very similar on the surface. But what really sets these two crisp whites apart?

In this guide, we’ll compare Decorator’s White vs Simply White in-depth to help you determine the best bright white paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.

Let’s dive in!

Key Differences Between Decorator’s White and Simply White

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Decorator’s White and Simply White:

  • Undertones – Decorator’s White is a cool white, Simply White has faint warmth
  • Light Reflectance – Decorator’s White has an LRV of 82.68, Simply White has an LRV of 89.52
  • Use – Decorator’s White for modern and contemporary styles, Simply White everywhere
  • Rooms – Decorator’s White excels in bathrooms, Simply White shines in kitchens
  • Availability – Both come in all sheens

Now let’s explore Decorator’s White and Simply White more thoroughly.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White CC-20

Real benjamin moore decorator's white
Real benjamin moore decorator’s white

With its crisp, clean appearance, Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White CC-20 creates a bright neutral backdrop perfect for modern interiors. This fresh white provides an ideal starting point to layer colors.

Here are some details about Decorator’s White:

  • LRV: 82.68
  • Undertones: Cool white
  • Finish: Available in all sheens
  • Rooms: Bathrooms, modern spaces, open concepts
  • Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black and metallics

Decorator’s White is a pristine white with the faintest hint of coolness to offset any yellowing. Under all lighting it maintains its true, bright white appearance.

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The 82.68 light reflectance value provides excellent illumination without the harshness associated with some extra whites. Decorator’s White balances brightness with livability.

As a flexible neutral, Decorator’s White allows other colors to take the spotlight. Popular pairings include:

  • Saturated blues, greens and violets
  • Glossy black trims and fixtures
  • Stainless steel and silver metallics
  • Rich wood stains and textures
  • Matte black or navy cabinetry

Use Decorator’s White to provide a gallery-like backdrop for accent colors to shine without overpowering the space.

Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117

Benjamin Moore Simply White

With its soft, welcoming brightness, Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 creates an easy, versatile neutral backdrop suitable for any space. This bestselling white works everywhere throughout your home.

Here are some details about Simply White:

  • LRV: 89.52
  • Undertones: White with faint warmth
  • Finish: Available in all sheens
  • Rooms: Anywhere
  • Pairs Well With: All colors

Simply White is an approachable white with the faintest hint of yellow undertones. Under any lighting or sheen it maintains its versatility.

The 89.52 light reflectance value provides exceptional brightness with less harshness than many extra whites. Simply White illuminates beautifully.

As a flexible neutral, Simply White complements every color scheme. Popular pairings include:

  • Deep charcoals and navy blues
  • Vibrant yellows and greens
  • Warm wood stains
  • Polished metallics
  • Black trims

With its welcoming brightness and universal appeal, Simply White looks gorgeous anywhere at home. It provides the perfect, fuss-free backdrop.

Comparing Decorator’s White vs Simply White

Now that we’ve looked at Decorator’s White and Simply White independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Decorator’s White and Simply White have similar LRVs of 82.68 and 89.52 respectively. Simply White reads brighter.

Undertones

Decorator’s White is a cool crisp white, while Simply White has faint warm undertones. Their subtle undertone difference is key.

Use & Rooms

Decorator’s White suits modern styles and bathrooms beautifully. Simply White is versatile everywhere.

Availability

Both Decorator’s White and Simply White come in any sheen.

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Decorator’s White vs Simply White Comparison Chart

Paint Color Decorator’s White CC-20 Simply White OC-117
LRV 82.68 89.52
Undertones Cool white White with faint yellow
Use Modern styles Everywhere
Finishes All sheens All sheens
Style Contemporary, modern Versatile for any style

Real-Life Photos: Decorator’s White vs Simply White

Let’s look at real-life photos to visually compare Decorator’s White and Simply White:

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White

Benjamin Moore Decorators White

Benjamin Moore Simply White

Real Life Photos Benjamin Moore Simply White

While quite similar, Simply White is a touch warmer and brighter, while Decorator’s White has more of a stark, cool crispness. Light affects their tones.

Should I Choose Decorator’s White or Simply White?

So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White or Simply White for your home? Here are a few tips:

Choose Decorator’s White CC-20 if you want:

  • A crisp, cool white for modern styles
  • To brighten rooms with natural light
  • A gallery-like neutral backdrop
  • Less warmth

Choose Simply White OC-117 if you want:

  • Exceptional soft brightness
  • A warm, welcoming backdrop
  • A versatile neutral for everywhere
  • More forgiveness under lighting

Get large samples of both whites. Paint swatches on walls viewing during different times of day. This gives the best sense of how light affects their tone.

Also visualize them with decor you already have. Despite their similarity, the two whites create quite different aesthetics.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms perfectly suited to Decorator’s White and Simply White paint colors:

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White

  • Bathrooms
  • Modern open concepts
  • Hallways
  • Laundry Rooms
  • Kitchens

Benjamin Moore Simply White

  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Hallways and Staircases
  • Open Concept Areas
  • Laundry Rooms

While both work well throughout the home, the above applications optimize each white’s strengths.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own Decorator’s White and Simply White create pristine backdrops. Complement them with bold colors and textures:

Decorator’s White CC-20 Pairings

  • Saturated blues, greens and violets
  • Glossy black trims and fixtures
  • Stainless steel and silvers
  • Rich wood stains and textures
  • Matte black or navy cabinetry
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Simply White OC-117 Pairings

  • Deep charcoals and navy blues
  • Vibrant yellows and greens
  • Warm wood stains
  • Polished metallics
  • Black trims

Decorator’s White vs Simply White – Which is Better?

So which crisp white paint color is better for your space – Decorator’s White or Simply White?

Choose Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White CC-20 if you want:

  • A cool, stark white for modern styles
  • Less warmth and more contrast
  • Crispness over softness
  • A gallery-like backdrop

Choose Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 if you want:

  • Exceptional welcoming brightness
  • A warmer, softer white
  • Flattery under any lighting
  • Fuss-free versatility

While comparable, Decorator’s White has more cool contrast and Simply White more warmth. Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful bright white Benjamin Moore hue you choose is sure to suit your space beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Decorator’s White or Simply White? Here are answers to some common questions:

What’s the main difference between Decorator’s White and Simply White?

The key difference is Decorator’s White has a slightly cool undertone, while Simply White has faint warm undertones. Decorator’s White offers more contrast.

Does Decorator’s White come in flat finish?

Yes, Decorator’s White is available in any sheen from ultra flat matte to high gloss for versatility.

Can you use Simply White in a dining room?

Definitely, Simply White is a popular dining room color because it makes the space feel open and airy while keeping it bright enough for meals.

Is Decorator’s White suitable for western exposure?

Yes, Decorator’s White’s crisp brightness at 82.68 LRV means it works beautifully even in rooms with lots of western sun.

What colors complement Simply White walls?

Simply White looks gorgeous with deep blues, vibrant greens and yellows, warm wood tones, polished black and metallics for a look that works everywhere.

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