Looking for the perfect white paint color for your home? Let’s compare Pure White vs Simply White to see if one might be perfect for your space!
White paint colors are popular! White is neutral and goes with many decor styles and finishes.
Warm whites are a great option because they don’t show up too stark or crisp on the walls.
Also, warm white walls can make space feel cozy, calming and sophisticated all at once.
Today I want to compare two super popular shades of white paint – Pure White and Simply White.
Let’s talk about the difference between these two popular shades.
Read my full review of Pure White
Read my full review of Simply White
Pure White vs Simply White
SW Pure White and BM Simply White are both popular white paint colors.
There are some differences in color depth and how they appear on the walls that are important when choosing between the two.
What is similar about Pure White vs Simply White?
Pure White and Simply White are both true white paint colors. They can both be used for walls, trim, ceilings and as a whole house paint color.
Both have slight yellow undertones.
Both Pure White and Simply White are warm white paint colors.
What is different about Pure White vs Simply White ?
Pure White is darker than Simply White, with an LRV of 84 versus 90.
This means Pure White will absorb more light, and Simply White will reflect more light back into a space.
Simply White is a bit brighter and warmer than Pure White.
Pure White is a bit cooler than Simply White.
| Pure White | Simply White | |
| LRV | 84 | 90 |
| RBG | R:237 G:236 B:230 | R: 247 G: 244 B: 235 |
| Undertones | slight yellow undertones | slight warm yellow undertones |
Light Reflectance Value
Light Reflective Value is the measurement of how much light a color bounces around.
This is on a scale of 0 to 100 with 0 being pure black and 100 being pure white.
With an LRV of 84, Pure White is darker than Simply White, which has an LRV of 90.
Both are considered true white paint colors, as anything above an LRV of 82 falls in this category.
Both are warm white paint colors.
Undertones
Pure White has slightly yellow undertones.
However, it does not read yellow. It often reads slightly creamy, which keeps it from appearing too cold or stark.
Simply White often appears as a true white. It doesn’t look creamy or yellow unless paired with a crisp white.
It’s very important to swatch colors on your wall to make sure they look good – day and night – in your actual space before committing.
Click here to get removable peel & stick paint samples to easily swatch with!
How do I decide between these two colors?
Both Pure White and Simply White are great choices when looking for a white paint color.
If you’re looking for more of a true white, go with Simply White. If you’re looking for something a bit creamier, go with Pure White.
In a south-facing room with lots of natural light, Pure White may read a bit yellow, so Simply White may be the best choice.
In a north-facing room without much natural light, Pure White may read a bit dingy or gray-ish, so Simply White may be the best choice.
It’s always important to swatch colors in your specific space before committing.
Benjamin Moore Simply White color palette
Want to use this paint color in your home? Instantly upgrade your home’s aesthetic with our exclusive paint color palette. Unlock the perfect trim color and six stunning accent colors, a combination of neutrals and bold hues for an instantly harmonious space!
Get your perfect paint color palette by clicking here!
Sherwin Williams Pure White paint color palette
Want to use this paint color in your home? Instantly upgrade your home’s aesthetic with our exclusive paint color palette. Unlock the perfect trim color and six stunning accent colors, a combination of neutrals and bold hues for an instantly harmonious space!
Get your perfect paint color palette by clicking here!
Before you go…
Once you pick your paint color, you want to get the best possible price on it! Check out our guide on when house paint goes on sale!
Still not sure what paint color to choose?
My Paint Color Formula ebook walks you through the painless process of expertly testing paint swatches to ensure you have the perfect color for your home.
The best way to sample paint? Samplize!
Get peel-and-stick removable and reusable paint samples here!
Thanks for reading!
Meg Hemmelgarn is a freelance writer and home decor + DIY blogger who loves to talk about paint colors. She and her husband are currently renovating their third fixer upper. You can see their projects on her blog, Green With Decor.