Benjamin Moore's Simply White OC-117, characterized by its RGB values of 246, 246, 237, is a popular choice among designers for its versatile and warm undertone, often classified under the broader category of Ivory shades. Its subtle hint of warmth makes it an ideal backdrop for both modern and classic interiors, allowing other colors and textures to stand out effortlessly. Whether used in a sunlit living room or a contemporary kitchen, Simply White provides a clean and inviting atmosphere that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the space.
Color Description
Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 is a warm, off-white color that is close to a pure white but has subtle undertones. It is described as a crisp, clean white that reads more as a white in most rooms, rather than a true cream or antique white.
Undertones
Simply White OC-117 has a slightly yellow undertone, which can become more pronounced in low light conditions or when paired with cooler whites. There are also hints of green and blue undertones, though the yellow undertone is the most notable.
Color Values
- Light Reflectance Value (LRV): 91
- Hue: Belongs to the Yellow Hue Family, specifically around 8 Y on the color wheel.
- Chroma: 0.50
Usage
- Walls: Suitable for open-plan spaces and traditional floor plans.
- Trim and Moulding: Works well for trim, cabinetry, and ceilings.
- Exteriors: Can be used for exterior painting.
- Rooms with and without natural light: Adaptable to different lighting conditions, though it may appear more creamy in low light.
Atmosphere
The color creates a light, airy, and fresh atmosphere. It feels crisp and clean, making spaces look modern and elegant. In rooms with natural light, it maintains a bright and warm appearance, while in rooms without natural light, it can appear slightly warmer and more creamy.
Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 Color Alternative
Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 is a timeless favorite, recognized for its light and adaptable character that enhances any living space. Tikkurila Calla G503 and Tikkurila Paper F497 serve as compelling alternatives, each offering a unique nuance that preserves the clean, bright essence of the original color. Adding to the mix, Dulux Vivid White SW1G1 provides a crisp, modern twist that aligns seamlessly with the sophisticated appeal of Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117.
Bathroom
Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 is an excellent bathroom paint color that enhances natural light, creating an inviting and spacious atmosphere. Its bright and crisp appearance adapts well to various lighting conditions, even in spaces with limited natural light, ensuring the room remains warm and welcoming rather than overly stark.
This color works beautifully on trim and cabinetry to achieve a uniform, cohesive look throughout the space. It also complements a range of decor styles, from modern to traditional, and pairs harmoniously with other hues when combined thoughtfully to maintain balance within the design.
Bedroom
In a bedroom, Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 creates a bright, clean, and inviting atmosphere. The color enhances natural light to make the room feel more spacious and serene, while working beautifully on walls, trim, doors, and cabinetry to create a unified, cohesive look that also highlights architectural details like moulding and wainscoting.
Pairing harmoniously with a range of décor styles from modern to classic, this shade provides an ideal backdrop that complements both subtle textures and richer tones. It adapts gracefully to varying light conditions, ensuring a consistent appeal that accentuates colorful accents and elevates the overall aesthetic of the space.
Kitchen
Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 is an excellent choice for a kitchen color due to its brightening effects and cohesive appeal throughout the space. Its reflective quality enhances natural light, helping to create a spacious and inviting atmosphere even in kitchens with limited direct sunlight. This warm, soft off-white delivers a gentle elegance when applied to walls, cabinetry, and trim.
Using this color on various surfaces highlights architectural details and ensures a uniform, open look throughout the room. It harmonizes beautifully with different accent hues—from subtle neutrals to richer tones—allowing homeowners to craft a dynamic and refined kitchen space that adapts perfectly to various lighting conditions and decor styles.
Living Room
In the living room, Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 creates a bright, cohesive atmosphere. It works well on walls, ceilings, trim, and cabinetry, especially in open-concept spaces where it adapts smoothly to changing natural and artificial lighting.
This paint is an excellent choice for traditional, country, or farmhouse-style homes, providing a light, coastal feel even in areas with limited daylight. It pairs beautifully with wood finishes and a wide range of colors, including pale neutrals, warm tones, and richer hues.
Outdoor
For home outdoor color, Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 makes a bold statement with its pronounced brightness under natural light, appearing many times more luminous outdoors than it does indoors. This increased intensity can result in a washed-out look that mimics a primer, and its low pigment content means that more coats might be needed to achieve the desired coverage, thereby raising both labor and material costs.
For a more balanced and tailored exterior finish, it is advisable to use an initial coat and conduct extensive testing on-site to ensure the finish doesn’t overpower the home’s appearance. Alternatively, selecting a darker, warmer white option—such as Sherwin-Williams Alabaster or Benjamin Moore Cloud White—might help achieve a more refined and consistent look without the excessive brightness associated with Simply White.
