Searching for the perfect crisp, clean white paint color? Two popular options from Benjamin Moore – Oxford White CC-30 and Simply White OC-117 – may seem very similar at first glance. But what really sets apart these two bright whites?
In this guide, we’ll compare Oxford White vs Simply White thoroughly to help you determine the ideal bright white paint for your home. We’ll analyze undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Oxford White and Simply White
Before getting into the details, here is an overview of the main differences between Benjamin Moore’s Oxford White and Simply White:
- Undertones – Oxford White is a true white, Simply White has a faint yellow tint
- Light Reflectance – Oxford White has an LRV of 86.69, Simply White has an LRV of 89.52
- Use – Oxford White suits modern and contemporary styles, Simply White works anywhere
- Rooms – Oxford White excels in kitchens, Simply White shines in bathrooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Oxford White and Simply White more thoroughly.
Benjamin Moore Oxford White CC-30
With its clean, crisp appearance, Benjamin Moore Oxford White CC-30 creates a versatile neutral backdrop perfect for modern styles. This true white provides an elegant base for colorful accents.
Here are some key details about Oxford White:
- LRV: 86.69
- Undertones: True white
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, modern spaces
- Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black and metallics
Oxford White is a pristine white without any warm or cool undertones. In all lighting it maintains its true bright white appearance.
The 86.69 light reflectance value gives Oxford White ample illumination and brightness without being clinical. It’s ideal for open, airy modern spaces.
As a versatile neutral, Oxford White complements bold, saturated color palettes. Popular pairings include:
- Midnight navy and charcoal black
- Rich jewel tones like emerald
- Distressed wood textures
- Polished metallics like nickel and chrome
- Glossy ebony trims and accents
Oxford White works well across modern homes, truly shining in these spaces:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Laundry Rooms
- Hallways
- Open Concept Areas
Use Oxford White’s neutrality to make vibrant colors pop while providing sufficient brightness.
Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117
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.
Here are some key details about Simply White:
- LRV: 89.52
- Undertones: White with faint yellow
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Anywhere
- Pairs Well With: All colors
Simply White is an approachable white with the faintest hint of warmth. It maintains its versatility across all lighting conditions.
The 89.52 light reflectance value gives Simply White exceptional brightness with less harshness than many extra whites. It illuminates any room 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 and textures
- Polished and matte metals
- Black trims for contrast
With its soft brightness and universal appeal, Simply White looks gorgeous anywhere in your home. It especially shines in these spaces:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Hallways and Staircases
- Open Concept Areas
- Laundry Rooms
Simply White’s gentle brightness makes it a beloved bestselling neutral. Use it to provide illumination while letting other colors shine.
Comparing Oxford White vs Simply White
Now that we’ve looked at Oxford White and Simply White independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Oxford White and Simply White have similar LRVs of 86.69 and 89.52 respectively. Simply White reads brighter.
Undertones
Oxford White is a crisp true white, while Simply White has faint warmth. Their undertones set them apart.
Use & Rooms
Oxford White excels in modern kitchens, Simply White works everywhere.
Availability
Both Oxford White and Simply White come in any sheen.
Oxford White vs Simply White Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Oxford White CC-30 | Simply White OC-117 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 86.69 | 89.52 |
| Undertones | True white | White with faint yellow |
| Use | Modern spaces | Everywhere |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Modern, contemporary | Versatile for any style |
Real-Life Photos: Oxford White vs Simply White
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the subtle differences between Oxford White and Simply White:
Benjamin Moore Oxford White
Benjamin Moore Simply White
While quite similar, Simply White reads a touch warmer and brighter compared to the more stark crispness of Oxford White. Lighting affects their tones.
Should I Choose Oxford White or Simply White?
So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore’s Oxford White or Simply White for your space? Here are a few tips:
Choose Oxford White CC-30 if you want:
- A true bright white without warmth
- A crisp, clean backdrop for modern styles
- An unbiased neutral that lets colors pop
- Subtle illumination and brightness
Choose Simply White OC-117 if you want:
- A soft but exceptionally bright white
- Warm versatility for any room
- Gentle illumination with approachability
- A bestselling, crowd-pleasing neutral
Get large samples of both paint colors. Paint swatches on walls viewing during day and night lighting. This gives you the best sense of their brightness and warmth.
You can also hold decor items next to the swatches to visualize the overall look. Both are gorgeous whites that suit varied aesthetics.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Oxford White and Simply White paint colors:
Benjamin Moore Oxford White
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Laundry Rooms
- Hallways
- Open Concept Areas
Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Hallways and Staircases
- Open Concept Areas
- Laundry Rooms
While both can work well throughout the home, the above applications take advantage of their unique strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Oxford White and Simply White create pristine backdrops. Complement them with bold colors and textures:
Oxford White CC-30 Pairings
- Midnight navy and charcoal black
- Jewel tones like emerald
- Distressed wood textures
- Polished metallics like nickel
- Glossy ebony trims
Simply White OC-117 Pairings
- Deep charcoals and navy blues
- Vibrant yellows and greens
- Warm wood stains and textures
- Polished and matte metals
- Black trims
Oxford White vs Simply White – Which is Better?
So which bright white paint color is best for your space – Oxford White or Simply White?
Choose Benjamin Moore Oxford White CC-30 if you want:
- A true white without warmth
- A crisp, clean modern backdrop
- A neutral that lets colors pop
- Subtle but sufficient brightness
Choose Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 if you prefer:
- Exceptional soft brightness
- Warm versatility
- Crowd-pleasing illumination
- A white that works everywhere
While comparable, Oxford White has a more stark, modern feel and Simply White warmer versatility. Get samples before deciding. Either of these fresh bright whites will provide the perfect backdrop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Oxford White or Simply White? Here are answers to common questions:
What is the main difference between Oxford White and Simply White?
The key difference is Oxford White is a cooler true white, while Simply White has faint warm undertones. Oxford White is more modern, Simply White universally flattering.
Does Simply White come in matte finish?
Yes, one reason Simply White is so popular is it’s available in any sheen from ultra matte to high gloss.
Can you use Oxford White in a living room?
Absolutely, Oxford White would provide a clean, bright neutral backdrop in a living room, letting accent colors pop while keeping the space feeling open.
Is Simply White suitable for southern exposure?
Yes, Simply White’s warmth and high 89.52 LRV mean it works well even in rooms with abundant natural light exposure from the south.
What colors go well with Oxford White walls?
Oxford White looks beautiful paired with deep charcoals, navy blues, vibrant jewel tones, distressed wood, polished metallics, and ebony black trims.
