Read all about Benjamin Moore Super White, plus see 24 real homes that use!
Benjamin Moore Super White (PM-1 or OC-152) is a clean, crisp white paint shade that, as the name suggests, really is super white. Described as brilliant and sparkling, BM Super White will brighten up a room without making it feel too cold.
Because of its lack of any obvious undertones, it’s a go-to for those who want an undoubtedly white paint shade. It beautifully highlights unique architectural details, makes framed art and colorful decor pop and works wonderfully for trim. Read on to learn about all things Benjamin Moore Super White!
Super White FAQs
Also known as Super White OC-152 and PM-1 is part of both the Benjamin Moore off-white collection (OC), as well as their Premium Mix collection (PM). Here’s how Benjamin Moore describes this color: “A brilliant, almost sparkling white, this clean shade suggests clarity and simplicity.”
I really can’t say it enough. BM Super White is really, truly super white. Like…one of the whitest of all Ben Moore’s white shades. Super White honestly lacks any undertones: it doesn’t ever look too blue or too yellow.
That being said, this paint will give you a very crisp and sometimes stark look. It’s not recommended for use on plaster or uneven walls, as it can highlight imperfections. By the same token, it’s great to use if you have interesting architectural details in your home that you want to show off.
Is Benjamin Moore Super White a warm or cool color?
With a very neutral temperature and no obvious undertones, Benjamin Moore Super White is about as neutral a white as you can find. There are really no yellow undertones to be detected, so it’s not a warm white.
It really doesn’t have any blue undertones either, though I would say because of its tendency to at times look stark, it might appear to lean cooler rather than warmer.
I do want to include a disclaimer here that white paints are incredibly reflective and will pick up colors in their environments. This is especially true with Super White, since it doesn’t have built-in undertones that can interfere with how light reflects on it.
So as with any white paint, you’ll get the green from trees outside a window, grayish-blue light from northern exposure, warm, golden light from southern exposure or eastern/western sun, etc. Don’t mistake any environmental reflections with undertones. If it’s there, this paint will reflect it.
Where Should I Use BM Super White?
As a white, this shade is pretty ubiquitous. It can be used here, there, and really anywhere. But I do think that the shade looks best on and in:
• dark hallways & corridors
• bathrooms
• base moldings, crown moldings, and trim
• window frames
• kitchen cabinetry
• architectural details
I’m not gonna lie – choosing the PERFECT paint color isn’t as easy as seeing what you like online and simply adding it to your space. There’s an entire science behind it! Grab a FREE copy of my new guide to avoid the paint color picking mistakes people make! Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
LRV of BM Super White Paint (#PM-1 / OC-152)
First, here’s the “numerical” details, or the LRV:
SUPER WHITE LRV = 89.09
LRV = Light Reflectance Value: Rated 0-100 with 0 being pure black, and 100 being pure white. Lighter paint shades REFLECT more light from them and therefore have a HIGHER LRV, and vice versa for darker shades).
We’ve already established that BM Super White is indeed, super white. If you were to say it’s a pure white, I’d be hard-pressed to argue with you. That being said, let’s get numerical about it.
On the LRV scale, Super White is 89.09, which is pretty darn white, but no cigar. It’s still slightly less bright than pure, unencumbered white, but not by very much.
LRV…what? Don’t worry, I’ve got you! Grab a FREE copy of my new guide to avoid the paint color picking mistakes people make! Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
Benjamin Moore Super White Paint Compared to Other Colors
While not quite pure white by LRV standards, Super White is just about the purest white paint you can possibly buy. Because of this, it’s easy to detect undertones in other white paint shades. Comparing it to other popular white paint shades will help you determine if it’s the best white for your room.
Benjamin Moore Super White vs. Chantilly Lace
With an LRV of 92.2, Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65) is actually a tad brighter than Super White. Chantilly Lace is usually described as a bright white with cool and blue and/or gray undertones, so it has a bit of definitive coolness you won’t find in Super White (89.09).
Since Super White has virtually no undertones, Chantilly Lace might be more likely to appear icy in rooms with northern exposure and might appear starker in certain environments. Side by side, you can see that the two are quite similar.
Benjamin Moore Simply White vs Super White
Here’s a surprise. Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117) is also brighter than Super White on the LRV scale at 91.7 (Remember, Super White is 89.09). What Chantilly Lace is to Super White in terms of coolness, Simply White is its warmer counterpart.
With just a hint of yellow, Simply White is a warmer off-white than Super White, while still being pretty darn white. It’s a great choice if you prefer a bit of warmth, or if you are trying to steer away from any possible starkness.
Benjamin Moore Super White vs Decorators White
With an LRV of 84.61, Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White (OC-149) is not quite as light and bright as Super White. Decorator’s White has a hint of gray and blue undertones, making it a cooler white shade than Super White.
Surprisingly, that coolness actually softens the starkness you can get with Super White. All in all, Decorator’s White is a great pick for those looking for an off-white that leans cool.
More Colors Covered in our Paint Exploration Series
If you still aren’t sold on this color, or just want a few more options – here are several other colors to choose from…
Okay, we are about to get to the fun part – all those pretty visual examples!
But first, are you ready to grab the cheat sheet to choosing the perfect color every time? Grab a FREE copy of my new guide to avoid the paint color picking mistakes people make! Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
24 Real Life Homes Using Benjamin Moore Super White
Okay, let’s dig in. If Super White is on your consideration list, these images will help you decide whether it’s worth purchasing a sample can of this shade. Pleeeeeaseeeeee do NOT go out and by 5 gallons! Make SURE you take the time to compare this shade against others on your ACTUAL wall. Trust me on this one.
As far as sampling goes, I highly recommend these mess-free, re-usable, re-positionable peel and stick paint samples ⤵
Kitchens Using BM Super White
Sheen note: Picking the right color is only winning the battle, not the war. Remember to pick the right paint finish, or sheen, also! Read up on what you need to know about picking the perfect paint sheen.
For kitchens, eggshell or satin are popular finish choices for walls. For cabinets consider semi-gloss or high gloss for the most durable finish (and a gorgeous glow).
1. Super White Kitchen Cabinets
This chic kitchen from Decor Pad features white cabinets painted Benjamin Moore Super White, which is a great temperature match for the marble slab backsplash. The neutrality of the cabinet paint shade lets the dramatic gray veining be the star of the show, and even the muted black granite countertops and pale yellow barstools seem to pop in this space.
2. Newlywed Home Design Ideas
I’ve never seen such a clean, bright, sparkling white kitchen! Every detail in this space shared by Home Bunch is carefully and thoughtfully matched: the waterfall marble island with gray veining, the stainless steel statement range hood, polished chrome cabinet and drawer pulls and appliances.
All of these details contribute to a crisp, cool, open feeling with which the white subway tile and matching cabinet, ceiling and trim paint blend seamlessly.
3. 10 Easy Pieces: Architects’ White Paint Picks for Kitchen Cabinets
This sweet kitchen from Remodelista portrays modern minimalism at its coziest. The clean lines of the cabinetry, painted in Benjamin Moore Super White with a semigloss finish, along with select glass-front cabinets, gives off a Scandinavian vibe, while the rich gold kitchen hardware adds just the right touch of warmth (notice also how the yellow flowers help to tie that in).
4. A Super White Kitchen Makeover
This formerly Oak kitchen from Evolution of Style was looking pretty dated. It received a well-deserved, transformative makeover with cool new granite countertops and Benjamin Moore Super White paint on the cabinets. It’s hardly recognizable anymore!
5. Gold + Marble + Super White = Beautiful Results
Super White cabinets look absolutely gorgeous in this thoughtfully designed kitchen shared by Home Bunch. I’m especially taken by the gold details here: pendant lighting hardware, cabinet knobs and pulls and ribbon veining in the countertops. Paired with a dark hardwood floor and beautiful runner rug, this space is all about high style.
Living Spaces Using BM Super White
6. Allows other Details to Pop
Um, can I copy everything about this space from Emily Henderson, please? This unique, 70s-style living room gets a modern, yet stylistically compatible update with a wash of Benjamin Moore Super White everywhere. This bright white lets all the beautiful details pop: art work, gold chandelier, and the warm wood accents.
7. Fresh Look with Shiplap and Super White
Shiplap is most often painted in off-white colors, but in this lovely, light-filled space shared by Home Bunch, Super White looks absolutely lovely as a wall color.
Accents such as the pale wood columns and beams, rich cognac-colored leather couch and colorful vintage rug pop against the clean white backdrop and keep everything feeling warm.
8. Warm White Paint Colors to Cozy up Your Space
This remodeled Florida cottage from Southern Living is a great example of how Super White reacts to warm, golden light. There’s not a trace of starkness to be found, and yet the space feels warm without any yellow undertones.
9. Let There be LOTS of Light
Go ahead: take a moment to marvel at the way light bounces around this living room painted in Benjamin Moore Super White. Designer Tali Roth confirms in My Domaine: it’s the purest white available in paint form. While in this photo, light truly fills up the room, it wouldn’t look as brilliant if the walls were painted in any other shade.
10. Everything White, Nothing Boring
Remember what I said about Super White highlighting unique architectural details? Here’s a visual example for you from Life on Hill Street! From the walls to the trim details, everything is Super White. The fireplace looks stunning, and is definitely the star of the show in this sparkling bright family room.
Bathrooms Using BM Super White
Don’t forget the finish! For bathrooms the perfect sheen is either an eggshell or satin. Why? We’ll tell you in this post about paint sheen.
11. Best White Paint Colors
Super White walls make the loveliest pairing with dark wood and gold accents. I am loving all the details of this bright, yet richly warm bathroom from Desiree Burns.
12. Lake House Interior Design Ideas
This lake house master bathroom from Home Bunch is the epitome of crisp, clean and cool style. The Carrara marble countertop, complementary floor tile and chrome fixtures all exude coolness, but using Super White on the shiplap walls keeps the space from feeling stark or icy. Plus, the reclaimed wood tray ceiling adds an extra touch of warmth.
13. The Right White
A board and batten bathroom wall in Benjamin Moore Super White is the perfect crisp and clean backdrop for warm, rustic accents, such as this reclaimed dresser vanity and brushed brass and black wall sconces from Park and Oak.
14. The Pros Have Spoken: The Best Small-Bathroom Paint Colors
Using Super White paint is a smart way to brighten up a small bathroom, even one that’s lacking a lot of (or any) natural light. The black accents pop against the white backdrop, and the warm wood bathroom vanity gets to be the focal point of this small space from My Domaine.
15. Clean, Bright Bathroom
This glossy white bathroom looks a little bit like a museum, but hey, if museums are your vibe, Super White is about as perfect a paint shade you can find.
Dining Rooms with Super White
16. Go-To White Paint
It’s hard to argue with the experts. Interior designer Mandy Cheng in Pop Sugar describes Benjamin Moore Super White as “a beautiful, cheery, and clean, warm white that doesn’t lean yellow or blue or gray. It also isn’t blinding.” Sold! This dining room scores major modern points without feeling stark.
17. Sparkling Dining Room
This Southampton dining room sticks to a pretty definitive color palette: white, blue and rustic wood. The French harvest table warms up the space, while the pale blue light fixture and blue upholstered dining chairs bring a cool country flair to the space. The collection of matte white pottery tie in with the BM Super White walls, and once again an architectural fireplace is highlighted by this paint shade.
18. Let the View Be The Palette
This beach view cottage dining room absolutely nailed the coastal vibe, with a modern twist! With a built-in banquette, statement brushed brass modern chandelier and bright – I mean bright – turquoise dining chairs, having a clean white wall shade that stays out of the way is a must. I dare say, Super White gets the job done.
19. Works Well with Wood
This stunning dining room transformation makes me want to find a house with wood paneled walls to remodel! It’s absolutely amazing (but not surprising) how much BM Super White on the walls and ceiling brightens up this dramatic space.
20. Lovely in a Lake House
What a wonderful indoor/outdoor living space! This gorgeous Lake Oswego, Oregon home plays a game of stunning contrast, with dark wood flooring and chairs to match. What better way to make them pop but to paint the walls in BM Super White, accentuating the lovely architectural detailing of the fireplace.
Other Spaces with Benjamin Moore Super White
21. Modern Farmhouse Inspiration
This breathtaking entryway from Samuel Marcus is all about the vaulted ceilings, tall windows and of course, the statement chandelier. As a backdrop, this space needs a neutral color that lets those features pop, and Benjamin Moore Super White fits the bill.
22. Excellent Exterior White
This three-story stunner of a lake house gets the all-star treatment with two contrasting colors: Hale Navy and Super White, both by Benjamin Moore.
23. Welcoming Entryway
Using Benjamin Moore Super White on both walls and trim helps keep the focus on the details of the staircase railing and decor in this light and bright entryway.
24. Beautiful with Black Trim and Windows
Benjamin Moore Super White was the perfect color choice for the loft walls and vaulted ceilings in this light-filled room, dramatically contrasted with oversized cast iron windows and doors.
Final Thoughts
Are you feeling super yet? 😉 Now you know all about Benjamin Moore Super White paint, the best ways to use it and how beautiful it looks in real life homes! Which of your rooms could be brightened by this sparkling paint shade?
And if this is a color you’re seriously considering, remember paint-sampling is better than ending up paint-sorry! I highly recommend these peel and stick samples because they are inexpensive, re-usable and re-positionable…
Pin this paint color for later! And if you use this paint shade, leave a comment on the pin! That helps others decide if they want to try this color, too!
Pssst…before you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon! And before you’re on your way, make sure you grab your free copy of the 5 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Picking Paint, so you can avoid the heartache (and hole in your wallet) when your paint choices don’t quite work out! Click here, and I’ll send your free copy right now!
Penny says
This is probably a silly question, but if you use the super white on walls, do you use the same white on the woodwork only any a different finish, like maybe satin or semi-gloss? We’re retired and planning on downsizing within a 5 year time frame. I would like to freshen up my home, and choosing the correct color to paint for myself, but also something neutrally appealing for resale is keeping me from doing anything at all. Thanks for this really good post about white paint. Very helpful!