When searching for the perfect white paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from the same brand. Popular Benjamin Moore choices Decorator’s White CC-20 and Super White OC-152 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, clean whites?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Decorator’s White vs Super White in-depth to help you determine the ideal white paint color for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Decorator’s White and Super White
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White and Super White:
- Undertones – Decorator’s White is a warm white, Super White is crisper cool white
- Light Reflectance – Decorator’s White has an LRV of 82.68, Super White has an LRV of 87.36
- Use – Decorator’s White suits traditional styles, Super White works across modern and traditional
- Rooms – Decorator’s White excels in living rooms, Super White shines in kitchens
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Decorator’s White and Super White more thoroughly.
Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White CC-20
With its slight warm undertone, Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White CC-20 provides a clean, versatile neutral backdrop well-suited for traditional decor. This white works in both formal and casual spaces.
Here are some details about Decorator’s White:
- LRV: 82.68
- Undertones: Warm white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black accent pieces
Decorator’s White is a classic, ever-so-slightly warm white. In certain lights it can read as an off-white, but it maintains a clean white appearance.
The 82.68 light reflectance value prevents the shade from feeling dingy or dull. Decorator’s White strikes a bright, welcoming balance for interior rooms.
This versatile white complements both cool and warm colors nicely. Popular Decorator’s White pairings include:
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
- Black and wood accent pieces
- Antique furnishings and hardware
- Gray floors
While suitable anywhere at home, Decorator’s White truly excels in these spaces:
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Offices
- Dining Rooms
Decorator’s White’s slight warmth helps create an inviting, cozy feel perfect as an all-over home color. Let it enhance bolder colors.
Benjamin Moore Super White OC-152
With its clean, crisp undertone, Benjamin Moore Super White OC-152 provides a bright, versatile backdrop well-suited for varied styles. This white works in both modern and traditional spaces.
Here are some details about Super White:
- LRV: 87.36
- Undertones: Cool white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Vivid colors, metal hardware
Super White is a pure, true bright white. In all lighting it maintains its clean, crisp white appearance.
The 87.36 light reflectance value makes this shade illuminating without appearing stark. Super White strikes a airy, cheerful balance for interior rooms.
This versatile white complements both cool and warm colors boldly. Popular Super White pairings include:
- Benjamin Moore Monsterville Green
- Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue
- Stainless steel and chrome
- Glossy black accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Super White truly excels in these spaces:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
Super White’s cool crispness helps create an open, breathable feel perfect as an all-over home color. Let colors pop against it.
Comparing Decorator’s White vs Super White
Now that we’ve examined Decorator’s White and Super White independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Decorator’s White and Super White have similar LRVs of 82.68 and 87.36 respectively. Super White will appear a bit brighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Decorator’s White is a warm white, while Super White is a cooler, crisper white.
Use & Rooms
Decorator’s White’s subtle warmth fits traditional living rooms and bedrooms. Super White’s coolness excels in modern kitchens and baths.
Availability
Both Decorator’s White and Super White come in any sheen from matte flat to high gloss.
Decorator’s White vs Super White Comparison Chart
Paint Color | Decorator’s White CC-20 | Super White OC-152 |
---|---|---|
LRV | 82.68 | 87.36 |
Undertones | Warm white | Cool crisp white |
Use | Traditional rooms | Kitchens, baths |
Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
Style | Traditional | Modern, contemporary |
Real-Life Photos: Decorator’s White vs Super White
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the subtle differences between Decorator’s White and Super White:
Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White
Benjamin Moore Super White
While hard to distinguish, Decorator’s White is a hint warmer than the crisper, cooler Super White. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Decorator’s White or Super White?
So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White or Super White for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Decorator’s White CC-20 if you want:
- A slightly warm, welcoming white
- A versatile color that fits traditional decor
- A cozy feel for living rooms and bedrooms
- A soft backdrop for bold colors
Choose Super White OC-152 if you want:
- A crisper, cooler clean white
- A bright feel for modern kitchens and baths
- An airy open look for contemporary spaces
- Vibrant colors to pop against the backdrop
Get samples of both Decorator’s White and Super White. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the undertones read in your environment.
You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful, luminous white tones.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Decorator’s White and Super White paint colors:
Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Offices
- Dining Rooms
Benjamin Moore Super White
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
While both whites work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Decorator’s White and Super White create clean backdrops. Complement them with colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
Decorator’s White CC-20 Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
- Black and wood accent pieces
- Antique furnishings and hardware
- Gray floors
Super White OC-152 Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Monsterville Green
- Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue
- Stainless steel and chrome
- Glossy black accents
Decorator’s White vs Super White – Which is Better?
So which white paint color is better for your home – Decorator’s White or Super White?
Consider Decorator’s White CC-20 if you want:
- A slightly warm, welcoming white
- A versatile color that fits traditional decor
- A cozy feel for living rooms and bedrooms
- A soft backdrop for bold colors
Consider Super White OC-152 if you want:
- A crisper, cooler clean white
- A bright feel for modern kitchens and baths
- An airy open look for contemporary spaces
- Vibrant colors to pop against the backdrop
While Decorator’s White is warm, Super White has a clean coolness. Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful luminous Benjamin Moore white you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Decorator’s White or Super White? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Decorator’s White and Super White?
The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. Decorator’s White is subtly warm while Super White is a crisper, cooler white.
What colors complement Super White?
Super White looks beautiful paired with bold greens, blues, greys, blacks, and metallics for nice contrast.
Can you use Decorator’s White in a bathroom?
Yes, Decorator’s White’s welcoming warmth would work wonderfully in a bathroom paired with wood accents for a relaxing spa-like feel.
Is Super White suitable for southern exposure?
Yes, Super White’s 87.36 LRV brightness is ideal for a south facing room to maximize light without appearing glaring.
Does Decorator’s White come in pearl finish?
Yes, Decorator’s White is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to pearl to high gloss semi-gloss.