Learn all about Decoratorโs White, plus see 20 real homes that use it!
Decoratorโs White, by Benjamin Moore, is widely known as a bright, neutral white that leans slightly cool. At first glance, it looks like a pure white, but it has the faintest hint of gray and blue without giving off any obvious undertone color. Itโs a versatile white shade that works beautifully on walls, trim, and cabinets. If you crave a crisp, clean look, Benjamin Moore Decorators White might be the right pick for you.
Itโs a versatile white shade that works beautifully on walls, trim, and cabinets. If you crave a crisp, clean look, Benjamin Moore Decorators White might be the right pick for you.
Decorators White paint is a popular choice for trim because it lacks any yellow undertones (some warmer white shades run the risk of looking dingy). Decoratorโs White is great for brightening up spaces that donโt have an excess of natural light, without giving off the stark, blinding effect that a pure white might have.
Because of its neutral nature, it plays well with virtually color scheme, but is especially perfect with gray, charcoal, and black.
Want to know what weโll be covering in this post? Hereโs the 411:
What Benjamin Moore says about Decoratorโs White
Decoratorโs White is part of both Benjamin Mooreโs Designer Classics Collection (CC-20), as well as their off-white collection (OC-149). This means itโs timeless, versatile, and tried-and-true, and a longtime favorite of interior designers and DIYers alike.
Iโm not gonna lie โ choosing the PERFECT paint color isnโt as easy as seeing what you like online and simply adding it to your space. Thereโs 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. Iโll send the tips right away!โคต๏ธ
LRV of Benjamin Moore Decorators White (shade #CC-20 and OC-149):
First, hereโs the โnumericalโ details, or the LRV:
DECORATORโS WHITE LRV = 84.61
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).
Below, see Decoratorโs White (84.61) side by side with pure white (100):
LRVโฆwhat? Donโt worry, Iโve got you! This no-cost guide will help you avoid the paint color picking mistakes most people make! Click here or enter your email below. Iโll send the tips right away!โคต๏ธ
Decorators White Paint Compared to Other Colors
While it might seem silly to be so discerning about white paint, youโd be surprised at the sheer number of different shades there are out in the โwild.โ White shades are incredibly complex, and the variety really all comes down to undertones.
To understand the undertones and overall color profile of Benjamin Moore Decorators White, letโs compare it with some other popular white shades.
Super White vs Decoratorโs White
With an LRV of 89.09, Benjamin Mooreโs Super White is brighter and lighter than Decoratorโs White (LRV 84.61). On the Benjamin Moore website, Super White is described as a โbrilliant, almost sparkling white.โThis crisp, bright white lacks any yellow or blue undertones, making it one of the โwhitestโ shades in Benjamin Mooreโs collection.
Depending on the lighting, Benjamin Mooreโs Super White can look stark in some spaces. It tends to highlight imperfections, so keep this in mind if you have any unevenness in your wall texture. Since Decoratorโs White does have a hint of gray and blue undertones, it tends to not look quite as stark as Super White.
Chantilly Lace vs Decoratorโs White
A very, very light white shade at 92.2, Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore (OC-65) is surprisingly delicate. Make no mistake: it is a crisp, clean white and considerably brighter than Decoratorโs White (84.61).
Like Super White, Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace really lacks any discernible undertones, making it incredibly neutral. That being said, since Decoratorโs White does lean cool, Chantilly Lace will look warmer in comparison.
Decoratorโs White vs White Dove
Benjamin Mooreโs White Dove (LRV 85.38) is noticeably warmer to the naked eye than Decoratorโs White (LRV 84.61). Described by Ben Moore as โclassic and softly shaded,โ White Dove (OC-17) is perfect for those looking for a slightly warm-toned, creamy white.
Because of its greige undertones, itโs not a great pick for trim as it runs the risk of looking dirty or dingy. However, it does look warm, soft and lovely as a wall shade in many homes.
More Colors Covered in our Paint Exploration Series
If you still arenโt sold on this color, or just want a few more options โ here are several other whites and off-white options to check outโฆ
- Swiss Coffee (Benjamin Moore) โ an off-white with rich, creamy undertones.
- Silver Satin (Benjamin Moore) โ a gray-tinted off-white
- Cloud White (Benjamin Moore) โ soft, creamy & warm white paint
- Dover White (Benjamin Moore) โ a warm, creamy off-white
- Linen White (Benjamin Moore) โ a neutral light gray paint
- Alabaster (Sherwin Williams) โ dreamy, creamy off-white paint
- Pure White (Benjamin Moore) โ warm white that can lean slightly greige
- Snowbound (Benjamin Moore) โ a slightly cool, yet very livable, white
- Simply White (Benjamin Moore) โ warm and inviting white paint
- White Duck (Sherwin Williams) โ a soft, light off-white with greige undertones
- Polar Bear (Behr) โ a bright white paint color with little to no undertones.
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. Iโll send the tips right away!โคต๏ธ
Real Life Homes Using Decoratorโs White
Alright, time to dig into the good part: all that eye candy! But first, a warning. Do NOT fall in love with one of these rooms, run out and buy 4 cans and start painting your space! Remember the cardinal rule of painting: sample before you swipe that paintbrush!!!
As far as sampling goes, I highly recommend these non-messy, re-usable, re-positionable peel and stick paint samples โคต
Living Spaces Using Benjamin Moore Decorators White
1. OC-149 Sitting Room
Brilliant, glowing light streams through the windows, illuminating this crisp, white sitting room from The Turquoise Home. Using the same shade of white on the ceiling, beams, walls and trim keeps everything looking clean, and allows the colors in the decor to warm up and add life to this space.
2. Bright, Crisp, Elegant Living Room
Iโm starting to sense a trend here! Decoratorโs White makes for an excellent backdrop for elegant, monochromatic decor styles. In this room from Shophouse Design via Houzz, the white couches seem to match the trim, a slightly warmer white shade.
Decorators White paint is used on the walls for just the slightest hint of contrast and depth, while still looking crisp, clean and neutral.
3. Bright Built-Ins
This happy, upbeat living space from Terra Cotta Design Build has lots of versatility thanks to the paint palette. With Decorators White, the room can be changed to achieve a whole new look with the decor, and the paint will never stand in the way. Itโs a great backdrop every time. (Photo credit: Jeff Herr)
4. Ranch Style Living Room in Decoratorโs White
This gorgeous, subtly Texas-themed ranch style living room from Run to Radiance pairs a palette of warm shades against a clean, white backdrop.
The brown color scheme is broken up beautifully with a variety of textures: leather, wicker, cow skin and brick. The coolness of Decoratorโs White balances perfectly with the warmth of the decor.
5. Modern Farmhouse Family Room Shade
I love the classic-meets-modern feel of this stunning space from Life on Hill St (website no longer active) with vaulted wooden ceilings. The cool, white shade keeps everything feeling clean, calm and open, while contrasting nicely with the black, wrought iron chandelier and fireplace frame.
6. Home Office Hue
Nothing beats a clean and simple environment to inspire an unfettered workflow in your home office. Decoratorโs White creates a calming backdrop for the bright white trim and office furniture in this peaceful, uncluttered workspace from Simply Organized.
7. Pretty Laundry Room Pigment
Nothing gives off fresh and clean vibes better than an all-white utility room. Keeping the color palette simple creates a calming effect, which is a must when youโre doing laundry (shared by Simply Organized)!
Kitchens Using Benjamin Moore Decorators White
A quick note here: donโt forget to consider picking the right paint finishโฆitโs not only about getting the color right! We have an in-depth explanation of choosing sheens here.
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).
8. Crisp White for a Kitchen Win
Navy, white and gold always has and always will be a surefire combo for elegance. Decoratorโs White on the cabinets and range matches the subway tile and countertops and keeps everything feeling fresh and cool in this subtly coastal-feeling kitchen. The island is painted in Hale Navy.
9. True White Paint Color for a Tuxedo Kitchen Theme
The ceiling-high, dramatically marbled backsplash and matching island countertop make this kitchen an absolute stunner. With a bold statement like that, a cooler, understated white is a must on the cabinets and ceiling.
10. Amongst Favorite Whites for a Cabinet Color
Refinishing the cabinets in this large kitchen must have been a daunting job. When youโre working with this many cabinets, itโs best to choose a color thatโs not overwhelming. Decoratorโs White was a smart choice, because its coolness has a calming and neutral effect, allowing the rest of the decor to experiment with different colors and textures.
Dark gray as an island color is a popular choice. If youโre considering something similar, take a look at Chelsea Gray, Dorian Gray, or Iron Ore.
11. Classic Gray and White Kitchen Palette
The color palette in this urban-feeling kitchen is un-mistakingly cool, and kept simple with only a few different shades. As mentioned earlier, Decoratorโs White pairs nicely with grays, and this is no exception.
A little bit of texture in the wood flooring and marbled backsplash is all thatโs needed to add just a little bit of interest. The resulting effect is clean, simple and decidedly modern.
Bedrooms Using Benjamin Moore Decorators White
In general for bedrooms, and low-traffic areas, flat paint is fine. If you like something with a bit of shine (and more ease of cleaning) opt for eggshell or satin.
12. Good Nightโs Sleep in a Bedroom with Neutral Hues
Itโs funny how layering different shades of white can be construed as a bold design move! Thatโs because itโs not easy to pull off the monochromatic look when mixing and matching white shades.
This relaxing bedroom throws just a little bit of gray into the mix, adding extra depth and dimension while still maintaining a calming vibe.
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13. Works Well with Many Decorating Styles
This bedroom displays an incredibly rare pairing of Scandinavian and bohemian design. The two decor styles lie on opposite ends of the minimalism/maximalism spectrum, but here, the combination works harmoniously.
The result is clean but not at all simple, and I credit Decoratorโs White for that. It creates a neutral backdrop for the carefully curated decor and lends just the right amount of coolness without coming off as stark.
14. Boho-Chic Beauty
Decoratorโs White is used not only in this bohemian-style bedroom, but throughout this entire home as youโll see when you scroll through this Instagram post. Decoratorโs White is almost always a safe choice, and can yield truly beautiful results as you see here.
15. Happy to Play Second Fiddle
This light and airy space proves that white walls work well with kids too! The bright space lets the accessories be the star of the show.
16. Looks Like a Soft White in Certain Light
This gorgeous coastal bedroom shows that Decoratorโs White can have a warm side when paired with warm accessories, and in certain types of light (think warm south-facing spaces, golden hour light, etc).
17. Lets Wood Tones Shine
I love how Decorators White allows the wood and leather in this bedroom space to take center stage.
Dining Rooms Using Benjamin Moore Decorators White
18. Cozy Dining Room Color
Interestingly, Decoratorโs White looks almost warm in this elegant dining room, thanks to both the lighting and gold decor accents. This is a great example of how the paint shade can balance otherwise warm color palettes.
19. Beautiful on Board and Batten
I am all heart eyes for this sophisticated, Texas-chic dining room. I absolutely love the way the Decoratorโs White wainscoting pairs with the warm and creamy shade of the textured walls (Gray Owl). The combination perfectly complements the warm, beige dining chairs and cool, sepia toned art.
Love the board and batten? More of those ideas are here.
20. Marvelous with Marble
Decoratorโs White is a great match for the gray marbling in the fireplace in this understated, yet sophisticated, dining room. It balances the warm decor palette, and takes on the character of the lighting coming through the windows.
21. Crisp White For A Modern Aesthetic
This modern dining room is absolutely stunning! Decorators White paint brings a coolness to the clean lines of the decor and dramatic, vaulted ceilings without looking too stark.
22. Blank Canvas To Highlight Your Furnishings
If you want to wrap your floor in walls in a bright background to showcase your dining furniture, Decoratorโs White may be just the shade for you! This loft is so light and bright โ canโt you just picture lingering here with an espresso? Dreamy.
Bathrooms Using Benjamin Moore Decorators White
Donโt forget the finish! For bathrooms the perfect sheen is either an eggshell or satin. Why? Weโll tell you in this post about paint sheen.
23. Black and White Bathroom
They tell you that the world isnโt black and white โ but this modern bathroom sure is! The black tile walls dramatically contrast against Decoratorโs White walls and the white vanity and countertop.
Sharp, vertical lines play into the drama, and even the vanity lights are a part. The gold sconce mounts and pendant chandelier add the only touch of color and roundness to the space โ and it works.
24. Cottage Color
Here, the decor pendulum swings in the other direction, revealing a warm, lived-in look in this country-chic bathroom. The weathered towel hook mount and framed art have warm white shades, but Decoratorโs White has enough coolness to balance out the space and keep it from looking dingy.
25. Superb on Shiplap
For a classic look, itโs hard to go wrong with a mostly white space with black accents. Decoratorโs White is a great choice for the shiplap walls, brightening up this bathroom that lacks a lot of natural light.
Final Thoughts
What do you think of Benjamin Moore Decorators White? I hope you enjoyed this paint review, and it helped you to decide whether or not BM Decoratorโs White could be a shade youโd consider using in your own home.
And if this is a color youโre 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-positionableโฆ
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!
Pssstโฆbefore you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon! And before youโre 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 donโt quite work out! Click here, and Iโll send your free copy right now!
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