Welcome back, readers! Today we’re diving into an age-old debate in the world of interior decorating – which white paint color is the truest, brightest white? Specifically, we’ll be comparing two popular white paint colors, Chantilly Lace and Simply White, to determine once and for all which white paint reigns supreme.
Introducing the Contenders
Before we get into the nitty gritty details, let’s briefly introduce our two contenders:
Chantilly Lace
A long-time favorite white paint color, Chantilly Lace is manufactured by Benjamin Moore. Described as a soft, elegant white with hints of cream, Chantilly Lace flat paint has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 92.
Simply White
This popular white paint is made by Behr. Simply White has a crisp, clean undertone and Behr flat Simply White paint has an LRV of 89.
Comparing the LRVs
Now that we’ve introduced Chantilly Lace and Simply White, let’s take a look at their LRVs. The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures how much light a paint color reflects, on a scale of 0 (no light reflected) to 100 (maximum light reflected). The higher the LRV, the lighter the paint color.
| Paint Color | LRV |
|---|---|
| Chantilly Lace | 92 |
| Simply White | 89 |
Based solely on the LRVs, Chantilly Lace appears to be slightly lighter and brighter than Simply White. But LRVs don’t tell the whole story, so let’s explore further.
Appearance in Various Lighting
The way a white paint color appears can change drastically depending on the lighting in the room. Here’s how Chantilly Lace and Simply White compare in different lighting conditions:
Natural Light
In rooms with abundant natural light, both Chantilly Lace and Simply White appear crisp and clean. However, Chantilly Lace has a slightly brighter, cooler undertone compared to the subtle warm undertone of Simply White. This gives Chantilly Lace a leg up in bright, sunlit rooms.
Incandescent Light
Under warmer incandescent light bulbs, Simply White keeps its bright white appearance. Meanwhile, Chantilly Lace develops a contrasting creamier, softer look. For a cozier feel under incandescent lighting, Simply White would be the better choice.
LED Light
With LED lighting, which has a cooler tone, the differences become more subtle. Both shades appear crisp and bright white, with Chantilly Lace looking a hint brighter.
Coverage
When comparing white paint colors, coverage is an important consideration. A paint with poor coverage will require more coats to conceal the underlying color.
Simply White is known for excellent coverage that conceals existing colors in 1-2 coats. Chantilly Lace also provides good coverage, but some users report needing an additional coat compared to Simply White, especially if painting over darker colors.
Undertones
Subtle undertones can impact how a white paint color appears in a space. Here are the undertones for our two contenders:
- Chantilly Lace: Cool, bright white with a hint of gray
- Simply White: Clean white with a faint warm undertone
Chantilly Lace’s cool undertone gives it a brighter, icy white appearance. Simply White’s subtle warm undertone makes it ideal for creating a softer, welcoming look.
Price Comparison
The price of paint can also be a practical consideration when selecting between white paint colors. Here is how Chantilly Lace and Simply White compare:
| Paint Color | Gallon Price |
|---|---|
| Chantilly Lace | $70-80 |
| Simply White | $25-30 |
Being a premium brand, Chantilly Lace is significantly more expensive than Simply White. This price difference may make Simply White the more budget-friendly option.
Application and Finish
The paint’s application properties and finish also impact the final look of a white paint color. Here is how our contenders compare:
- Chantilly Lace: Goes on smoothly and dries to a soft, velvety finish
- Simply White: Provides good flow and coverage with a flat, matte finish
Chantilly Lace’s ultra-smooth application and soft finish make it ideal for elegant, formal spaces. Simply White has a more basic flat finish but still provides a fresh white appearance.
consensus
Based on all the factors we’ve compared, which white paint color takes the crown as the whitest of whites? The winner is…
Chantilly Lace!
While Simply White is an excellent budget-friendly option, Chantilly Lace narrowly edges it out as the whitest white paint color. With a higher LRV, cooler undertone, smoother application, and softer finish, Chantilly Lace provides a bright, icy white ideal for any space where you want the whitest white.
However, the slightly warmer tone of Simply White may be preferable for certain spaces where a softer, more welcoming white is desired. And Simply White’s lower price point makes it ideal for large high-traffic areas where paint needs to be touched up frequently.
So while Chantilly Lace takes the crown, ultimately both of these popular white paint colors have their advantages. Choose the option that best fits your space and preferences for the whitest white possible!
I hope this thorough comparison has helped settle the debate between Chantilly Lace and Simply White. Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m happy to help with any interior painting needs.