Is Benjamin Moore SIMPLY WHITE Simply Right?

Back in 2015 when we downsized and began tackling a neglected fixer upper, we were anxious to lighten up all the yellow interior walls with white. My quest for the best white for that project began and was not the easiest task. It’s a process. The first white I sampled was wildly popular that year: Benjamin Moore Simply White 2143-70. Designers and homeowners from every part of the country were turning to this crisp yet creamy white. (Turned out I needed this much cooler white paint color.) Let’s see why so many folks love living with this for walls, trim, doors, siding, ceilings, and cabinetry.

BM Simply White on siding, Elmira White on shutters of a gorgeous classic home with French blue front doors. Design: Lauren Conner; Birmingham Home & Garden. #whitehouseexteriors #bmsimplywhite — @birminghamhomeandgarden; Design: Lauren Conner – **BM Simply White** siding (Elmira White shutters)

Benjamin Moore Simply White 2143-70

Overview of BM 2143-70

All creamy whites are about the same, right? Nope. Undertones and subtle formulaic differences make all the difference when the white interacts with your lighting conditions.

BM Simply white on shiplap in a hall - @updatemycape. #bmsimplywhite — @updatemycape

The slightest hint of warmth makes BM SIMPLY WHITE OC-117 a clean, crisp favorite white to use anywhere in the home. It has such a cozy feel on the shiplap above, and who isn’t after as much cozy as possible these days?

Benjamin Moore Simply White 2143-70 paint color swatch. #bmsimplywhite #bestwhitepaintcolors — **BM Simply White 2143-70**

Simply White is going to reflect a whole lotta light back into the space. 89.52% to be exact since the light reflectance value (LRV) is 89.52.

Simply White (Benjamin Moore) on kitchen cabinets - @sweetshadylane. #bmsimplywhite #simplywhitebenjaminmoore — @sweetshadylane

It’s always wise to sample at least three similar whites when you’re after the right one for your unique lighting situation, so it’s helpful to know the names of other whites to sample with Simply White.

Simply White (BM) on walls in a great room with high ceilings - @ourcreeksidecabin. #simplywhite #whitepaintcolors — @ourcreeksidecabin

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What Colors are Similar to Simply White?

Simply White is also similar to these Benjamin Moore whites: Mountain Peak White, Navajo White, Cotton Balls, Snowfall White, Linen White, and Acadia White.

Traditional living room with shiplap walls (BM Simply White) - Julia Berolzheimer's home in Southern Living (photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez). #bmsimplywhite — Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez for Southern Living

Photos of Exteriors & Interiors Painted Simply White

Psst. There’s no ONE PERFECT WHITE for every single project, only the one that is the right look for your space.

@our_urban_krustead - Benjamin Moore Simply White house exterior color. #bmsimplywhite #whitehousepaintcolors — @our_urban_krustead

Viewing images online is very helpful because you begin to get a sense of how one color varies depending on the geographical region of the home (the light is different in different parts of the country), and the amount of natural light or artificial light a room receives.

Benjamin Moore Blue Porcelain on shutters of beautiful Charleston farmhouse with wraparound porch (Simply White on siding) - Julia Berolzheimer's home in Southern Living (photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez). #bmblueporcelain #bmsimplywhite — PIN me!

Colors Matching This White

According to Benjamin Moore, Simply White matches with these BM colors:

Dove Wing, Somerville Red, Silver Satin, and Casco Bay.

@avalonconstructiondesign - Benjamin Moore Simply White house exterior color. #bmsimplywhite #whitehousepaintcolors — @avalonconstructiondesign

What does it mean that this particular white “matches” with those colors?

Simply White Benjamin Moore on a beautiful traditional exterior with F&B Dropcloth paint color on shutters - @covermeinivy. #bmsimplywhite #farrowandballdropcloth — @covermeinivy – **Simply White** & F&B Dropcloth for shutters

I think they’re giving us a clue as to what colors would make great accent colors for exterior features like trim and doors. I’m partial to this combo above with Farrow & Ball Dropcloth.

Farrow & Ball Drop Cloth 283 paint color swatch. #fbdropcloth #dropclothfarrowandball — **F&B Drop Cloth**

I think I like Drop Cloth as an accent because it reminds me of one those elusive colors that suggests a beautiful pale wood tone. For example, this wood tone (and the exterior is Simply White):

Simply White paint color on beautiful house exterior - via Prodsec. #simplywhite #whitehousecolors #paintcolors — **BM Simply White** on an exterior via Prodsec

In recent years, black has become more common as a trim color with white exteriors:

@bhg - Benjamin Moore Simply White house exterior color. #bmsimplywhite #whitehousepaintcolors — @bhg – BM Simply White

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I’m not 100% certain, but I think the accent color below may be BM Boothbay Gray…a gorgeous blue-gray that I used on our own tiny house for trim with white.

Tiny house exterior painted BM Simply White and trimmed with board and batten - Monika Hibbs. #simplywhite #whitehousecolors #paintcolors — Paint color: Simply White – Monika Hibbs

Omg, I’m crazy about the softness Monika Hibbs added on this porch!

Photos of BM Simply White in a Variety of Kitchens

Since white kitchens are timeless and not going anywhere, maybe Simply White is a natural choice if you are not sure where to begin and want to consider white for cabinetry.

Magnificent timeless design in a white kitchen by The Fox Group. Brass library lights, white oak flooring in herringbone pattern, and quartzite countertops. Come be inspired by more Timeless Interior Design Ideas. #thefoxgroup #kitchendesign #modernfarmhouse #herringbone #classicdesign #timeless — The Fox Group

Bear in mind it may look a little different than expected depending on the lighting in your space.

BM Berkshire Beige painted lowers and Simply White on uppers in a kitchen makeover by Kayla Payne. #berkshirebeige #simplywhitecabinets — PaintedbyKaylaPayne – BM Berkshire Beige (lowers) and BM Simply White (uppers)

For example, if you are renovating or building a kitchen and the lighting has not been finalized, looking at samples becomes super tricky. Especially at night! I don’t recommend making a big decision like cabinet color before lighting is done.

Benjamin Moore Simply White on walls in kitchen with black cabinets - @sarahroseinch. #bmsimplywhite #simplywhitebenjaminmoore — @sarahroseinch

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Make sure to sample multiple whites and notice how they change with the changing light from day to night.

The Enchanted Home French country kitchen with chinoiserie details and rustic elegance. #frenchcountrykitchen #enchantedhome #oldworldstyle #elegantkitchens

While we don’t know the exact white on the kitchen cabinets in Tina’s Enchanted Home former kitchen (it’s a custom white with an antique glaze on top), the walls in here are painted BM Simply White.

Mixing Various White Paint Colors in a Space

Even though we can’t see a lot of Simply White jumping out from this exceptionally beautiful space, it truly is a great example of how different whites work together in harmony.

Notice all the warm sandy and taupe neutrals from the stone floor work with warm cabinetry and cooler walls. Then notice that there are expanses also of Calacatta Gold marble on counters and backsplash.

All of those whites are working together. It’s not about matching as much as creating interest and layers. (Psst. Do you love her accessories and belljar lights? They’re from her shop HERE.)

BM Blue Porcelain shutters and Simply White siding on a charming Charleston exterior - Julia Berolzheimer's home in Southern Living (photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez). #bmsimplywhite #bmblueporcelain — Shutters: BM Blue Porcelain; Siding: **BM Simply White**; *Southern Living*; Photo: Hector M. Sanchez

Encouragement quote (It's not too late to...) on Hello Lovely Studio.

As far as designers who often turn to Simply White, Shea McGee immediately springs to mind. She likes Swiss Coffee too. See her lead a tour of McGee & Co’s winter collection in a home with creamy white walls…then shop for items you may need from her shop HERE.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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