Decorator’s White CC-20: Why Do Designers Love it?

We’re exploring this wildly popular-with-designers white paint color with a discussion of what makes it trustworthy, versatile, and appealing. BM Decorator’s White is a bright white, but not as bright as a pure white and more off-white (with its grey undertones) than Super White and Chantilly Lace. You probably know Benjamin Moore White Dove as the most common white designers reach for, and CC-20 is much cooler. See plenty of inspiring photos of this Benjamin Moore white hue used for trim, window frames and in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, porches, dining rooms and exteriors.

Benjamin Moore Decorators White CC-20: Right for You?

How Does Benjamin Moore Describe Decorator’s White?

“A touch of cool gray gives this go-to white sleek, stylish appeal.” – Benjamin Moore

Decorator’s White hails from the Designers Classics collection with its LRV of 82.68. Light reflectance value refers to amount of visible and usable light that either reflects from or absorbs into a painted surface. The LRV number represents that percentage of light a paint color reflects. So zero would be an absolute black, and 100 would be pure white. Decorator’s White is also known as PM-3 and OC-149. FIND A SAMPLE HERE.

Is LRV Important to Know?

It is helpful to understand light reflectance value when you’re comparing colors because sometimes it is challenging to distinguish them.

But it’s not just about choosing the right white or the right grey that you like. LRV is also something to consider as you age or if someone in the household has impaired vision like me.

White kitchen by Oak Barrel Cabinetry with subway tile, black range, and BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
OakBarrelCabinetry

I personally have experienced significant vision loss in recent years due to disease, and the Americans with Disability Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) recommends a 70% light reflectance value or higher if you have a vision impairment.

Bright clean cottage style bedroom by Myra Hoefer Design painted BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
MyraHoeferDesign

If you love white paint colors, this is but another reason to cue the confetti…they can do a better job reflecting and lighting the way! Yay!

White kitchen by Oak Barrel Cabinetry with grey backsplash tile, stainless range, black island, and BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
OakBarrelCabinetry

What Colors Match & Look Similar to BM CC-20?

BM Oxford White (CC-30), BM Raindance (CC-680), BM Chantilly Lace (OC-65), and BM Blue Note (2129-30) are considering matching hues. What Benjamin Moore colors are similar to Decorator’s White? BM White Christmas (872), BM White Diamond (2121-60), and BM Ultra White (CC-10).

Sherwin Williams Extra White with its higher LRV of 86 is also similar to Decorator’s White; however SW Extra White 7006 has blue undertones rather than gray and reflects a little more light. What I personally love about greyed down whites is how they don’t go yellow on you. In a room where sunlight warms the wall color, grey can definitely be your friend more than a white with yellow undertones.

Beautiful modern black and white kitchen by Myra Hoefer Design with BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
@myrahoeferdesign – in case you’re after a neutral white backdrop to freshen your walls.

Sherwin Williams Ceiling Bright White 7007 with its LRV 83 is going to reflect the same amount of light as Decorators White and is a strong contender to try if you prefer a bright white with a blue undertone from SW.

House Exterior With CC-20

If you’re serious about finding the right white for an exterior, see THIS.

White farmhouse exterior with BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite #colorbuzz73
@colorbuzz73

A white like this can truly modernize an older home and make all of the foliage pop, don’t you think?

White farmhouse exterior painted BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite #colorbuzz73
Looking for a pure white or a cool white Benjamin Moore paint design professionals recommend for walls, moldings, and cabinetry? Here’s a perfect choice to sample that will look great across different light situations (and in artificial light). Sometimes called a true white (and definitely not a warm white!), CC-20 Decorator White is often a perfect backdrop whether you need flat, eggshell, satin or semigloss.

Bathrooms with Decorator’s White

Whether you love modern or vintage style, white just makes sense in a bathroom where it’s critical to be able to see well.

Modern bathroom with black accents and walls painted BM Decorator's White  - Chase Home Interiors.
Chase Home Interiors – in case this white color from the designer classics collection is the right neutral for your interior paint project.

All of the light reflectance works magic, and white is going to work with any number of design schemes and accent colors.

What helps so much when you’re browsing images of the same paint color is you get to see it across a range of artificial lighting conditions.

Bright clean modern cottage style bathroom by Myra Hoefer Design painted BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
@myrahoeferdesign

There’s no substitute though for sampling the color first!

How to Choose Perfect Paint Colors Every Time - instructions from Hello Lovely. #paintcolors #choosingpaint

Interior Trim Painted Decorators White

Is it the perfect trim color? Designers and homeowners everywhere give it a huge thumbs up for trim!

Luxurious Venetian plaster walls in a living room (@alysbeachconstruction) with trim painted BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
@alysbeachconstruction – trim is Decorators White.

Bear in mind that in this particular living room, the walls are Venetian plaster and it’s the TRIM that is Decorator White.

Luxurious living room (@alysbeachcontruction) with Venetian plaster walls and trim painted BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
@alysbeachconstruction

It appears light grey with the lighting conditions in this space below:

Serene living room (@ahomeinspireddecor) painted BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
@ahomeinspireddecor – in case you love white trim painted CC-20!

Kitchen Cabinets With this White

When you are not afraid to go boldly white in a kitchen, maybe this color is the one.

It certainly isn’t reserved for strictly modern spaces…

and if you’re tired of living with dingy or yellowed colors, a blue or grey-undertoned white may enliven and boost the whole color story.

White kitchen cabinets with stainless pro range - Myra Hoefer Design. BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
Myra Hoefer Design

I love how the designer of this white kitchen used the greyed white paint with a variety of grey tones to create a very serene classic space.

Beautiful kitchen by Oak Barrel Cabinetry (Laura Greer) with BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
@oakbarrelcabinetry

You can see how the sheen from the tiled backsplash contrasts beautifully with the sea of white.

Beautiful kitchen by Oak Barrel Cabinetry (Laura Greer) with BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
@oakbarrelcabinetry

Even without such sheen, a more matte backsplash here provides calm contrast to a divinely designed kitchen.

White kitchen by Oak Barrel Cabinetry with grey backsplash tile, stainless range, black island, and BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
@oakbarrelcabinetry

Decorators White With Black in Kitchens

If you were searching for how this paint color looks with black in a kitchen, you’re definitely in luck!

Built-in black wine rack, black floating shelves and white cabinets painted BM Decorator's White - Oak Barrel Cabinetry.
@oakbarrelcabinetry

High contrast was achieved with the black island…

Built-in black wine rack, black floating shelves and white cabinets painted BM Decorator's White - Oak Barrel Cabinetry.
@oakbarrelcabinetry

black wine rack (genius!)…

Built-in black wine rack, black floating shelves and white cabinets painted BM Decorator's White - Oak Barrel Cabinetry.
@oakbarrelcabinetry

floating shelves…

Built-in black wine rack, black floating shelves and white cabinets painted BM Decorator's White - Oak Barrel Cabinetry.
@oakbarrelcabinetry

and pendant lighting. Even in a simpler kitchen design, you can see how pairing this Benjamin Moore white with a deep black can create dramatic interest.

Myra Hoefer Design - Black kitchen cabinets and walls with BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
@myrahoeferdesign

Great Rooms & Living Rooms With This White Paint Color

In a modern equestrian themed staging project, we can appreciate the interplay of cool, warm, modern, rustic and even traditional elements in an exciting great room.

Myra Hoefer Design great room with BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
@myrahoeferdesign

Paneling and shiplap can also be freshened with this hue for a brighter and more youthful feel.

Dining nook with BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite #myrahoeferdesign
@myrahoeferdesign

A den like this one could be equally as charming if painted in a deep, moody, warm color, so it’s important to consider when you’ll be using the space.

Myra Hoefer Design - a den painted BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
@myrahoeferdesign

Dark rooms can feel oppressive if they are mainly used during the day, but if it’s a room primarily for media watching at night? Different story.

Is This White Right for Your Bedroom?

We’re all different, yet most of us long for our bedrooms to be a soothing retreat.

Bright clean cottage style bedroom by Myra Hoefer Design painted BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
@myrahoeferdesign

I think that’s why a spa-like white is still quite popular as a bedroom paint color choice.

Decorator's White paint color on walls in Myra Hoefer designed serene bedroom. #decoratorswhite
Myra Hoefer Design

Waking up to a cheerful, bright, white and light-soaked room can set the right tone in the morning.

Bright clean cottage style bedroom by Myra Hoefer Design painted BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
@myrahoeferdesign

And remember, white is not necessarily going to look stark at night when just a little lamplight is on.

Myra Hoefer Design's office decorated for holidays. Walls are BM Decorator's White.
@myrahoeferdesign

In laundry rooms and mud rooms where there is often a lack of natural light, a white backdrop can be everything!

Photos of Sunrooms & Porches With BM Decorator’s White

The trim is this sun-drenched living space is crisp and clean with a warmer white on walls.

And isn’t it dreamy with this richly saturated royal blue upholstery?

Sun room porch with bright blue (@theodellgroup) and BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
@theodellgrp

I hope these ideas and inspiring glimpses help you decide whether it’s the right shade to sample on your cabinets, doors, windows, or walls! Easiest way to see if a color is right? Order samples with Samplize and have them delivered straight to your door.

Modern dining room by @hut.and.home painted BM Decorator's White paint color. #decoratorswhite #bmdecoratorswhite
@hut.and.home – Looking for a pure white or a cool white Benjamin Moore paint that a lot of design professionals recommend for walls, moldings, and cabinetry? Here’s a perfect choice to sample that will look great across different light situations (and in artificial light). Sometimes called a true white (and definitely not a warm white!), CC-20 Decorator White is often a perfect backdrop whether you need flat, eggshell, satin or semigloss.
Encouragement quote and personal growth wisdom on Hello Lovely Studio. #personalgrowthquotes #journeyquotes #spiritualjourneyquote

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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2 Comments

  1. Cassandra
    February 1, 2023 / 4:51 am

    I love decorators white, however I just discovered a white that I don’t see talked about. It’s BM. White dune. I just painted my family room in this white and I love it. It doesn’t have alot of the yellow undertones in it like many whites do. It changes color in the lighting too. So pretty

    • Michele
      Author
      February 1, 2023 / 8:10 am

      Interesting, and I’m so glad you chose a white that was the right formula for your particular space rather than a popular one that gets all the hype! Really good reminder you have added to the discussion – thank you. 🙂

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing