Benjamin Moore Simply White vs Sherwin-Williams Pure White: Pros, Cons, and More

Key Points

• Benjamin Moore Simply White has a higher LRV (89.52), making it brighter and warmer with yellow undertones, ideal for traditional spaces with natural light.
• Sherwin-Williams Pure White has a lower LRV (84) and subtle warm undertones, offering a cleaner, more neutral look that works well in modern or mixed-lighting environments.
• Simply White may shift in warm lighting, while Pure White remains stable, making it the better choice for consistency across varying light conditions.

A Bright Debate: Choosing the Right White for Your Home

Ever find yourself staring at two white paint swatches that somehow look completely different?

Wondering why one white feels warm and cozy while the other looks crisp and clean?

This post will explain the key differences between Benjamin Moore Simply White and Sherwin-Williams Pure White, two top choices for homeowners who want to achieve the perfect white.

You’ll learn how they look in different lighting, where they shine (literally), and which one best suits your Ann Arbor home.

By the end, you’ll know exactly which paint is best for your space, your style, and Michigan’s changing seasons.

Ready to feel confident in your interior painting color choice?

Give Tribble Painting Company a call or fill out our contact form—we’d love to help you get started.

Simply White vs Pure White: What’s the Difference?

Choosing between Sherwin Williams Pure White vs Benjamin Moore Simply White might seem like splitting hairs—until you see them side by side on your walls.

These two popular white paint colors offer very different results depending on lighting, finishes, and where you use them.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help Ann Arbor homeowners compare these two go-to shades of white paint:

Key Differences at a Glance

• Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
  • Benjamin Moore Simply White: 89.52 — a bright white with a strong light reflection
  • Sherwin Williams Pure White: 84 — a bit darker, but still highly reflective
• Undertones
  • Simply White: Features yellow undertones for a cozy, warm white feel
  • Pure White: Carries very subtle warm undertones but reads more neutral in most spaces
• Brightness
  • Simply White: Brighter and more radiant, especially in spaces with natural light
  • Pure White: Slightly dimmer but more adaptable to mixed lighting and other paint colors
• Neutrality vs. Warmth
  • Benjamin Moore Simply White: Leans warmer and more traditional
  • Sherwin Williams Pure White: Balanced and versatile—less likely to shift with lighting
• Best Use Cases
  • Simply White: Ideal for traditional homes, wood accents, and spaces needing a soft glow
  • Pure White: Great for modern or transitional designs, open floor plans, and clean, pure white walls

When deciding between SW Pure White and Benjamin Moore Simply White, it helps to sample both in your actual space.

The choice can depend heavily on whether your room faces north or south, the time of day, and how your finishes play with the undertones.

Still not sure which to go with?

Keep reading—we’ll break down how each color behaves in more detail so you can confidently pick the right white paint for your home in Ann Arbor.

Understanding the Basics of White Paint

Not all white paint is created equal—especially when you’re choosing between Sherwin Williams Pure White vs Benjamin Moore Simply White.

What looks like a clean, blank canvas on a swatch can turn into something very different on your walls.

That’s where understanding undertones and light reflectance value (LRV) becomes essential.

Why Undertones Matter in White Paints

Undertones are the subtle hints of color that appear once the paint is on your wall—and they can make or break your design.

• Yellow undertones (like in Benjamin Moore’s Simply White) create a cozy, inviting look. But in cooler lighting, they can sometimes look too warm or even a little creamy.
• Subtle warm undertones (as seen in Sherwin Williams Pure White) help keep the shade from feeling too sterile while still reading as mostly neutral.
• Different light sources—like natural light, LED, or incandescent bulbs—can bring these undertones forward or tone them down. That’s why a warm white can suddenly feel a bit too golden, or a crisp white can look cold.

To see how a color will truly look, always test large samples on multiple walls in your space.

What works in a south-facing room in one Ann Arbor home might feel too yellow in another with northern light.

What is LRV and Why It’s Important

Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures how much light a paint color bounces back into a room.

• Benjamin Moore Simply White has a high LRV of 89.52, which means it reflects more light and creates a bright white effect—perfect for rooms you want to feel airy.
• SW Pure White by Sherwin Williams has an LRV of 84, making it slightly darker but more balanced and less prone to glare in bright spaces.

Knowing the LRV helps you choose whether a color will help brighten up a dim room or soften the intensity of a sunny one.

It’s a small number with a big impact—especially in places like Ann Arbor, where the quality of daylight shifts dramatically with the seasons.

So before you commit to a gallon of white paint, get familiar with what’s hiding in those “neutral” tones.

Up next, we’ll dig into each paint color in detail so you can see which one best fits your style, light, and layout.

Deep Dive: Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117)

If you’re leaning toward a warm white that brings softness and glow to your space, Benjamin Moore Simply White is a top contender.

It’s one of the most loved white paint colors for a reason—it looks welcoming without feeling too yellow or too stark.

Color Profile

• LRV: 89.52 — This makes Simply White a bright white that reflects a lot of light, perfect for lifting darker rooms.
• Undertones: Subtle yellow undertones add warmth without overpowering.
• Overall Look: A soft, glowing paint color that feels fresh and cozy at the same time.

Pros of Simply White

• Reflects plenty of natural light, making rooms feel bigger and brighter.
• Warms up cool spaces without looking dingy.
• Works across different surfaces—whether you’re painting white walls, cabinets, or trim.

Cons of Simply White

• In some settings, especially under warm bulbs, the yellow undertones can feel a bit too creamy.
• May not match well with cooler materials like gray tile or sleek stainless steel.

Best Applications

• Great for traditional-style homes in Ann Arbor, especially when paired with wood floors or vintage accents.
• Ideal for spaces with lots of natural light, where its warm white tone can really shine.
• Works beautifully on trim, cabinetry, and millwork when you want a soft but crisp white feel.

Deep Dive: Sherwin-Williams Pure White (SW 7005)

Looking for a white that walks the line between warm and cool?

Sherwin Williams Pure White offers a clean, neutral tone with just enough softness to keep it from feeling sterile.

That’s why it’s a favorite in modern and transitional homes throughout Ann Arbor.

Color Profile

• LRV: 84 — A bit less reflective than Simply White, making it slightly calmer on the eyes.
• Undertones: Minimal, with a subtle warm white base that keeps things balanced.
• Overall Look: A soft, clean shade that blends easily with both warm and cool finishes.

Pros of Pure White

• Incredibly versatile—works with nearly any paint color or décor style.
• Stays true across lighting conditions, making it ideal for whole-home use.
• Feels polished and clean, especially when used for pure white walls or ceilings.

Cons of Pure White

• Not as luminous as Benjamin Moore Simply White—it may not bounce as much light in darker areas.
• Can look a bit flat in shadow-heavy corners or rooms with limited daylight.

Best Applications

• Perfect for Ann Arbor homes with modern layouts, large windows, or open-concept spaces.
• A reliable go-to for white walls, trim color, or ceilings where a more neutral white paint is desired.
• Ideal for blending with both warm wood tones and cooler finishes like marble or brushed nickel.

Up next, we’ll explore how each white paint holds up in real-world lighting—because what you see in a swatch might surprise you in your living room.

Comparing Performance in Different Lighting

In a place like Ann Arbor—where the lighting can shift dramatically from season to season—understanding how a paint color reacts to light is crucial.

What looks great on a sunny spring afternoon may feel totally different during a gray winter morning.

Here’s how Sherwin Williams Pure White vs Benjamin Moore Simply White holds up under various lighting conditions.

North-Facing vs South-Facing Rooms

• North-facing rooms tend to get cooler, bluish light.
  • Simply White may appear more yellow or creamy in these spaces due to its yellow undertones.
  • Pure White stays more neutral and less affected by the cool cast.
• South-facing rooms receive warmer, golden sunlight.
  • Simply White shines here, embracing its warm white qualities without looking too bold.
  • SW Pure White also performs well, but might feel a bit more subdued next to warmer finishes.

Incandescent, LED, and Natural Light Reactions

• Incandescent lighting enhances the warmth in Benjamin Moore Simply White, which can make it look almost like a creamy yellow.
• LED lighting, especially cooler-toned bulbs, tends to balance Sherwin Williams Pure White beautifully—making it an ideal pick for homes with mixed lighting setups.
• Natural light varies with the time of day. Simply White changes more noticeably, while Pure White keeps its color more stable throughout the day.

Trim, Walls, Cabinets: Which Color Works Best Where?

Choosing where to use each shade makes a big difference in how your space looks and feels.

Here’s how Benjamin Moore Simply White and Sherwin Williams Pure White stack up across different surfaces.

Best White Paint for Trim and Molding

• SW Pure White is often the better trim color thanks to its clean, balanced tone—it gives a polished, professional finish.
• Simply White can also work, but its yellow undertones may clash with cooler wall colors or make moldings appear less crisp.

Ideal Paint for Walls in Living Rooms, Kitchens, Bedrooms

• Pure white walls using Sherwin Williams Pure White create a calming, clean backdrop that works well in modern homes.
• Simply White is a great option for living rooms and bedrooms where you want a softer, cozier atmosphere—especially when paired with wood or earth tones.

Using White Paint on Cabinets

• Benjamin Moore Simply White is a favorite for kitchen cabinetry in classic-style homes. It pairs beautifully with warm finishes and wood flooring.
• SW Pure White works well on cabinets in transitional or minimalist spaces. It feels fresh and timeless when paired with cool-toned counters like white quartz countertops or stainless steel.

Undertones in Real-Life Settings

What white paint looks like in your Ann Arbor home isn’t always what it looks like in the store.

Undertones are sneaky—they can shift depending on lighting, materials, and even your furniture.

When Simply White Looks Yellow (and When It Doesn’t)

• In spaces with warm lighting or lots of beige, Benjamin Moore Simply White can lean visibly warm or even slightly creamy yellow.
• However, in rooms with balanced or cool light, that warmth feels soft and inviting, not overpowering.

Why Pure White Rarely Surprises You

• One of the biggest perks of Sherwin Williams Pure White is its reliability.
• Even in rooms with mixed lighting or contrasting finishes, SW Pure White maintains its subtle warm white appearance without shifting drastically.
• That makes it a great choice for whole house use if you want consistency from room to room.

Sherwin-Williams Pure White vs Benjamin Moore Simply White: What’s Better for Ann Arbor Homes?

Living in Ann Arbor means dealing with four true seasons—and that impacts how white paint behaves on your walls.

The way sunlight bounces into your home in January versus July can make one paint color shine while another falls flat.

Here’s how Sherwin Williams Pure White vs Benjamin Moore Simply White stack up specifically for homes in the Ann Arbor area:

Seasonal Considerations in Michigan Light

• Winter months: Natural light is cooler and lower.
  • SW Pure White holds its neutral tone and won’t look too cold or too warm.
  • Simply White may appear bright white, but its warmth can shift slightly yellow under certain artificial lights.
• Summer sunlight: Light is stronger and more direct.
  • Simply White feels cheerful and glowing in open, sunny spaces.
  • Pure White remains consistent, even as the light changes throughout the day.

Pairing With Local Home Styles

• Historic or Craftsman-style homes: Benjamin Moore Simply White offers the soft warmth that complements original woodwork and traditional trim.
• Modern and transitional homes: Sherwin Williams Pure White blends easily with minimalist designs and modern finishes like white quartz countertops or matte black hardware.

Whether you’re updating a century-old home in Kerrytown or remodeling a newer space near Burns Park, both shades offer strong advantages—you just need to match the right one with your style and light conditions.

Pros and Cons Summary Chart

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you choose between Sherwin Williams Pure White and Benjamin Moore Simply White at a glance:

Feature	Benjamin Moore Simply White	Sherwin Williams Pure White
LRV	89.52 (brighter)	84 (a bit softer)
Undertones	Subtle yellow warmth	Soft, neutral warmth
Best For	Traditional spaces, warm accents	Modern interiors, versatile layouts
Lighting Sensitivity	Can shift in warm light	Stays stable across lighting types
Cabinets & Trim	Adds charm, may feel creamy	Crisp and balanced
Overall Feel	Inviting and soft	Clean and neutral
Painted Pure White Look	Less consistent across lighting	Consistent pure white appearance

Which One Should You Choose?

Still stuck between the two?

Here’s a simplified guide to help you decide which white paint color fits your needs:

• Choose Benjamin Moore Simply White if you:
  • Love warm, cozy spaces
  • Have plenty of natural light in your home
  • Prefer a soft, traditional look
• Choose Sherwin Williams Pure White if you:
  • Want a more neutral white with less color shift
  • Have mixed lighting or north-facing rooms
  • Like clean lines and modern design

In the end, both SW pure white and Benjamin Moore’s popular shade are excellent choices.

The key is to sample both on your walls and view them at different times of day. What looks perfect in the morning may surprise you by evening.

Next, we’’’ll answer the most common questions Ann Arbor homeowners have about using white paint in real homes.

Keep reading!

FAQs: White Paint Edition

Still have questions about picking the right white paint for your Ann Arbor home?

Here are the answers to the most common things homeowners ask when comparing Sherwin Williams Pure White vs Benjamin Moore Simply White.

Is Benjamin Moore Simply White too yellow?

• It depends on the lighting. In warm or low lighting, its yellow undertones can become more noticeable.
• In rooms with lots of natural light, it looks soft and inviting—not overly creamy.

Will Sherwin Williams Pure White feel too cold or sterile?

• Not at all. Despite being more neutral, SW Pure White has just enough warmth to keep it from looking stark.
• It’s one of the most balanced whites Sherwin Williams offers and works well with both warm and cool décor.

Can I use both in the same house?

• Absolutely! Some Ann Arbor homeowners use Simply White on walls for its softness and Pure White on trim for its clean finish.
• Just test them together to make sure the tones blend well in your space.

What’s the cost of painting a room with Sherwin-Williams paint vs. Benjamin Moore paint?

• Prices vary depending on the product line and finish, but on average:
  • Sherwin Williams Pure White typically runs $45–$100 per gallon.
  • Benjamin Moore Simply White usually falls between $35–$100 per gallon.
• Both brands offer high-quality coverage, so you might use fewer coats—saving time and labor costs. Follow the links to view a detailed breakdown of the cost of painting a room with Sherwin-Williams paint and the cost of painting a room with Benjamin Moore paint.

Which paint brand is better: Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore?

• It really comes down to personal preference and specific needs.
  • Sherwin Williams is known for its wide availability and professional-grade finishes.
  • Benjamin Moore is often praised for its smooth application and rich paint color depth.
• Both brands are trusted by painters across Ann Arbor and the country—so there’s really no wrong choice! Follow the link to view a detailed comparison of Sherwin-Williams vs Benjamin Moore paint.

Still Can’t Decide? Let Tribble Painting Company Make White Paint Easy

Now you know how Sherwin Williams Pure White vs Benjamin Moore Simply White differ in tone, light behavior, and best use cases—especially for homes right here in Ann Arbor.

You’ve also seen how undertones, LRV, and your home’s lighting can totally change how a paint color looks on your walls.

If you’re still unsure which white will work best, the painters at Tribble Painting Company are here to help.

From color selection to flawless application, we make interior painting stress-free and stunning.