Decorator’s White is a soft white paint color by Benjamin Moore. While it is a popular white paint color, Decorator’s White is not as versatile as some other white paint colors.
In this post, we’ll talk all about the places that Decorator’s White works, and doesn’t work.
Decorator’s White is included in Benjamin Moore’s Favorites collection.
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Decorator’s White Color Characteristics
Decorators White is a soft white paint color. It is not a bright white, and it is also not too white of a white paint color.
While Decorator’s White might look perfectly white when comparing it to other colors, when you view Decorator’s White next to a true white, you see that it shows it’s true colors (or undertones, as it may be).
Decorator’s White has gray, purple, and blue undertones in it. The most apparent undertone is typically purple.
Because of its purple undertone, Decorator’s White is a cool paint color.
Decorator’s White has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 83.
This means it is a very bright paint color that will reflect a lot of light, but not as bright as some other popular white paint colors.
Typically, white paint colors have LRVs in the upper 80s. So as you can see, Decorator’s White has a bit of color to it, but just a bit.
What Number is Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White?
Decorator’s White has several number identifiers associated with it.
Decorator’s White is OC-149, PM-3, I-04, and CC-20.
Because Decorator’s White has been around for so long, and because it is a popular paint color, it has been included in many of Benjamin Moore color collections.
While it has a lot of different numbers, if you order any of these numbers from your local Benjamin Moore store, you should get the same Decorator’s White formula.
Where Can I Use Decorator’s White
Because of its undertones, Decorator’s White is not the best color for a white kitchen. This is because Decorator’s White will look slightly purple, slightly gray, or slightly blue one compared to the typical clean white in marble, or white subway tile.
Decorators White is also not my favorite white paint for trim. This is because Decorator’s White is not as flexible as other white paint colors. The purple undertone tends to limit you to other cool paint colors.
But, Decorator’s White can be a great paint color for your walls.
Before you go painting your walls Decorator’s White, it’s important that you consider the other white tones in the room.
For example, if you have a creamy white trim, Decorator’s White will likely not look good next to it. But if you have a very clean bright white trim, and you are looking for a muted, cool toned white on your walls, Decorator’s White might be the perfect choice.
Decorator’s White can also be a good color for an exterior. If you wanted to be the brightest white on the house, it’s probably better paired with windows that are a dark color. But if you’re looking for a tone on tone look with a softer, cooler white, Decorator’s White will help you achieve that.
You can also use Decorator’s White on cabinets. Again though, consider the other whites in the space such as the countertop and the backsplash.
Before painting, be sure to view Decorator’s White with your fixed objects. This will help in sure that it is the right white paint color and the tones go well with the other tones in the room.
Trim Colors for Decorator’s White
The easiest way to ensure that you get the right trim color for Decorator’s White is to also paint your trim Decorator’s White.
Different paint sheens will reflect a different amount of light.
This means that if the walls are painted Decorator’s White in an eggshell or satin, and the trim is painted Decorator’s White in a semi gloss, the trim will look brighter than the walls.
When you do this, it ensures that the undertones are perfectly matched.
But, if you really like the idea of painting your trim a different color than your walls, or you are planning on painting all of your trim and you don’t want Decorator’s White on the trim throughout the rest of your house, High Reflective White, by Sherwin Williams or Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore can also pair with Decorator’s White.
Be forewarned though, these bright clean whites may highlight the purple undertone in Decorator’s White.
Coordinating Colors for Decorator’s White
Decorator’s White goes with many other purple and blue paint colors. It can also go with gray paint colors that carry a purple undertone, and bright white paint colors.
As I mentioned before, Decorator’s White is not as versatile as some other white paint colors. But it can be perfect if you want to add a soft cooler tone in a space.
Benjamin Moore pairs Decorator’s White with Gray Horse, a dark gray, Deep Space, a grayish dark purple, Mr. Rainier Gray, a bluish gray, and Pebble Creek, a light grayish purple.
As you can see, all these paint colors favor a purple, blue, or gray undertone. These tend to be what Decorator’s White goes best with.
Decorator’s White Compared
When I do a full color if you wanted colors I always like to compare it to other popular paint colors. This differential diagnosis of sort can help homeowners determine whether a paint color is going to be the right one for their home.
Let’s look at Decorator’s White compared to Super White, White Dove, and Simply White.
Decorator’s White vs. Super White
Super White is another one of Benjamin Moore’s popular white paint colors. It is frequently used on trim, cabinets, exterior, and even on walls.
Like Decorator’s White, it is included in Benjamin Moore’s favorites collection, meaning it is used frequently by homeowners and designers.
Both Decorator’s White and Super White are cool white paint colors. But Super White tends to lean towards a blue undertone, as compared to Decorator’s White’s purple undertone.
Super White also has a slightly higher LRV, and a bit less color in it than Decorator’s White.
If you are looking for a cool white paint color for trim, Super White is the better bet. If you want a cool white with a little bit of color for walls, you might want to consider Decorator’s White.
Click here for a full color review on Super White.
Decorator’s White vs. White Dove
White Dove is another popular white paint color by Benjamin Moore. It is a soft white as well, but it is a warm white.
White Dove has a yellow undertone to it, while Decorator’s White has a purple undertone. When you compare the two white paints together, you really see the other’s undertone clearly.
White Dove and Decorator’s White actually have the same LRV, and they have about the same amount of color in them.
But, White Dove’s yellow undertone is a bit more forgiving than Decorator’s White. It tends to be more versatile and go with more coordinating shades.
Click here for a full color review on White Dove.
Decorator’s White vs. Simply White
Simply White is yet a third very popular Benjamin Moore white paint color. It has an LRV of 91, which makes it one of the brightest white paints on the market. It also makes it considerably brighter and whiter than Decorator’s White.
Simply White has more of a warm or neutral tone than Decorator’s White.
Between the two, Decorator’s White might be the better choice for walls, if you want a white paint that isn’t too white. But, Simply White is going to the better bet for trim.
Click here for a full color review on Simply White.
Wondering How To Pick the Perfect Paint Color?
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Final Thoughts on Decorator’s White, by Benjamin Moore
Decorator’s White is one of Benjamin Moore’s best selling paint colors. It is a cool white paint with purple, gray and blue undertones. While Decorator’s White will not work in every space, it might be the perfect white paint for your home
If you are looking for a white paint to pair with blues and purples, Decorator’s White should be on your list of colors to check out!
Want to see all your paint options in one convenient place? Click here to get everything you need to start painting, including Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore paint color decks!
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