Simply White is one of Benjamin Moore’s most popular white paint colors. It’s a warm white with subtle yellow undertones. This gives it a slightly creamier look compared to cooler whites like Chantilly Lace or White Dove. Many homeowners love Simply White for its versatility and soft, welcoming vibe. However, some people claim that Simply White can look green or gray in certain lighting conditions. In this article, we’ll explore whether Simply White really does look green and examine what factors may influence its appearance.
The Undertones of Simply White
To understand if Simply White can appear greenish, it helps to look at its undertones. All paint colors have undertones – these are subtle hints of color that affect the overall tone. Simply White is described by Benjamin Moore as a “soft, creamy white” with yellow undertones. The yellow undertones give it a slightly warmer, more buttery color than whites with blue undertones.
While Simply White doesn’t contain actual green pigments, the yellow undertones may make it reflect more green light in certain conditions. Yellow and green are complementary colors on the color wheel, meaning they balance each other out. So a pale yellow like Simply White can take on a faint greenish cast when the right factors are present.
Lighting Conditions That May Cause a Greenish Appearance
The most common reason Simply White may look greenish is due to the lighting conditions where it’s applied. Here are some scenarios that can emphasize any subtle green/yellow undertones:
Type of Light Bulb:
| Light Bulb | Effect on Simply White |
|---|---|
| Warm white or yellow bulbs | Will emphasize yellow/green undertones |
| Daylight or cool white bulbs | Will downplay yellow/green undertones |
Warm white or yellow-tinted bulbs will accentuate the subtle yellow in Simply White, which can make it appear more greenish. Cool white daylight bulbs will have the opposite effect, reducing any green/yellow appearance.
Natural Light:
The direction and quality of natural daylight can also influence how Simply White looks. Here are some examples:
– North-facing rooms with cool, indirect light will minimize any green cast.
– Morning or evening light from east/west-facing windows can look more yellow, emphasizing green undertones.
– Overcast days may also add a grayish, muted quality that brings out the yellow-green.
– Southern sun may be too direct and overpowering for accurate color perception.
Surrounding Colors:
Since green and yellow are complementary on the color wheel, decorating Simply White walls with certain hues can enhance any latent greenness:
– Warm greige paint colors will harmonize with Simply White’s yellow undertones, potentially bringing out more green.
– Blues and violets (the opposite of yellow) will contrast with the yellow in Simply White, which may also amplify a subtle green look.
Simply White in Different Sheens
The sheen chosen for Simply White can also affect how it appears. Here’s an overview:
| Sheen | Effect on Color |
|---|---|
| Flat or matte | Most muting effect, downplays undertones |
| Eggshell | Slight muting, a popular choice |
| Satin | Enhances color depth somewhat |
| Semi-gloss | Reflective finish, accentuates undertones |
| High gloss | Very reflective, color appears richer |
The more light a sheen reflects, the more it will accentuate the yellow-green tones in Simply White. Flatter sheens absorb more light for a muted effect.
Application on Walls vs. Trim
Whether Simply White is used on walls or trim will also change how it appears:
– On walls, Simply White looks clean and bright, with perceived undertones very dependent on the lighting.
– On trim around windows/doors, the varying light can really pull out green/yellow tones.
– Smaller quantities of Simply White on ceilings, millwork, and cabinets may also emphasize greenness from shadows and light play.
So while Simply White appears a fairly pure white on walls, usage on trim or moldings may call attention to more yellow-green qualities based on lighting angle.
Coordinating Colors to Minimize Green
If you want to keep Simply White looking as neutral as possible, choose coordinating colors that don’t accentuate green. Here are some options:
Paint Colors:
– Benjamin Moore White Dove
– Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
– Benjamin Moore Linen White
– Benjamin Moore Decorators White
– Cool gray paints like Revere Pewter
Fabrics/Textiles:
– Whites/creams with pink/blue undertones
– Gray patterns and textures
– Navy blue accents
– Forest greens
Avoid warm paint colors like tans, ochres, or earthy greens that may harmonize too much with Simply White’s yellow base. Instead opt for cooler neutrals that will counteract any greenish appearance.
Batch Variability
There are also inherent variances between different batches of the same paint color. So one sample or gallon of Simply White may look slightly greener or yellower than others. Slight formula tweaks between batches, factory changes, raw ingredient differences, and other factors can affect consistency. Store lighting, faded swatches, and poor color matching can also mimic batch issues. Considering testing samples before committing to the full color.
Conclusion
In most cases, Simply White lives up to its name and appears as a fairly neutral white. But in specific situations – certain lighting, sheens, batches, or pairings – its subtle yellow base may read as a faint greenish tone. Cooler light bulbs, flatter sheens, and coordinating with blues and grays can help Simply White stay crisply white. Proper priming and multiple coats also lead to more even, true color. With careful application, Simply White delivers on its versatility as a warm, welcoming white for any space.