Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White OC-149: Paint Review

White paint colors remain one of the most popular neutrals and not just for walls. These guys also trim perfectly for other colors. This time, I’ve got an excellent choice for you if you love DIY projects. Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White might just be the perfect white for your tastes.

Decorator’s White lives up to its name by fitting well into any aspect of your home decor. Do you want it on cabinets? Or do you desire a white that functions well as a gentle backdrop for bolder palettes? This lovely white does it well with some extra!

Join me as I explore Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White in this comprehensive review. We’ll examine the color’s undertones, temperature, LRV, and much more.

If you want a more balanced white with cozy vibes, check out my Benjamin Moore Cloud White review. That said, let’s get started!

When to Choose Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White (OC-149)

It’s one thing to know how a color looks, it’s another thing to know the right time to use it in a space. The following tips will help you determine when to choose Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White.

Want a beautiful white paint color?

Decorator’s White is a bright white with a beautiful look and vibe. Its undertones contribute to the paint color’s sleek appeal. This is one of the reason’s why this white is a decorator’s favorite.

Comfortable with a bit of gray and blue/purple?

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White has gray and blue/purple undertones. While you might not see them always, they can show up when you least expect. Therefore, if you don’t want hints of blue or purple in your space, avoid using Decorator’s White.

Looking for the perfect trim or ceiling color?

Decorator’s White is more popular as a trim and ceiling white than as a wall color. The paint color’s beautiful, clean look makes it an excellent choice to trim other colors. If you’re looking for the perfect trim or ceiling white for your space, consider Decorator’s White.

Want some majestic vibes and a touch of style?

Decorator’s White brings stylish appeal to any space. The bright white is also known for its beautiful, majestic vibe that you can’t help but notice in the room.

What Color is Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White?

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White is a bright white with beautiful cool vibes. This color can look close to true white if you don’t have a brighter cool white in the same space. Although it has a relatively lower LRV than some whites, this paint color looks amazingly clean.

Decorator’s White is a favorite among designers and home decor experts. The reason is that the paint color retains its whiteness long after other whites might turn slightly yellow. This goes perfectly with its name, which also hints at the paint color’s elegance and beauty.

As a bright white, Decorator’s White pairs nicely with a high number of colors and palettes. This means that you’ll often have no issues introducing it into your decor ideas. The paint color works wonders in interior and exterior spaces, giving a sense of calm and focus.

Snapshot of Decorator’s White’s Specifications

The table below shows the core specifications of Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White. These properties influence the paint color’s look and how it appears in your home.

Specifications	Decorator’s White
RGB	235, 237, 234
HEX Value	#ECEEEB
LRV	82.68
Undertones	Cool Gray and Soft Blue/Purple

 

The LRV of Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White

You must’ve come across numbers that states a paint color’s LRV, and you keep wondering what it means. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick run-through of what it means.

A paint color’s LRV refers to its Light Reflectance Value, which shows how well the color reflects light in a space. Every color relies on light for its looks, making LRV a crucial property.

It runs on a scale of 0 – 100, with lower values representing dark colors that absorb more light and reflect little. The opposite is true for higher values and brighter colors, as they reflect more light. True black and white have LRVs of 0 and 100, respectively, while others fall into the range of 3 – 97.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White has an LRV of 82.68. This puts well on the bright side of the LRV scale. This means that Decorator’s White will brighten your space by reflecting more light. As such, you can pair it with darker colors for wonderful contrasts and vibes.

Undertones of Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White (OC-149) 

A paint color’s undertones go a long way in deciding how it looks in different spaces. They make up a solid factor for differentiating paint colors.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White has cool gray undertones and some blue/purple in it. Sometimes, you will spot the blue undertones, especially in cool lighting or spaces like north-facing rooms. Other times, you’ll only notice a hint of purple.

Although they won’t overwhelm your space or palette, you will notice the undertones, especially in well-lit areas.

Fortunately, this doesn’t mean the paint color can’t sometimes look like true white. In fact, you might only notice the difference when there’s a brighter cool white in the same space. A color like Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace looks brighter and cooler always.

Will Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White Look Blue on Walls?

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White has mild blue undertones. However, you’ll only detect a hint of these tones, mostly in cool lighting. Certain color pairings can also give the paint color’s blue tones a bit more strength.

Will Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White Look Cold in Cool Lighting?

Decorator’s White reads cool in any space. However, the paint color will not appear cold, even in cool lighting. The reason is that its gray undertones help to keep the cool vibes a bit in check.

Is Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White Cozy?

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White will look more refreshing than cozy in your space. However, it can open up your options for cozier colors with strong warm tones.

Is Decorator’s White a Warm or Cool Color?

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White is a cool white with undertones that help it mention its temperature.

However, the paint color won’t look icy or cold, thanks to its gray undertones. Added to its high LRV, Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White’s cool vibes give it a refreshingly majestic look.

Using the paint color in areas with warm sunlight, like south-facing rooms, strengthens it’s gray tones. Warm lighting also has similar effects. Decorator’s White will not look warm in such spaces. Instead, it will appear a bit more gray than usual.

On the other hand, north-facing rooms and cool lights give it a cooler look. This happens because the blue/purple tones become a bit more pronounced.

Regardless of the area, you can rest assured that Decorator’s White will retain its coolness in any space.

Decorator’s White’s Complementary Color

Paint colors will always look better when used with other relevant colors in the same space. Complementary colors are one such way to get a greater look for your space, especially if you want the best contrasts.

Your color’s complement is basically the hue that sits opposite it on the color wheel. As such, it’s a ‘direct’ opposite and will cancel your color out to give black if you mix them together. However, pairing both colors in the same space gives strongest contrasts. This makes it an excellent choice for color pairings.

BM Decorator’s White’s complementary color is Benjamin Moore Oyster.

Benjamin Moore Oyster 2115-70

Although the paint color has an LRV high enough to fall in the white category, its undertones put it among off-whites. Benjamin Moore Oyster has strong gray and lavender tones. Its brand even describes it as a “delicate gray with pearly lavender undertones.”

Despite its LRV of 80.4, the Oyster still brings some extra color to any space. However, you’ll appreciate its lavender tones more in spaces with less bright lights.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White (CC-20) Coordinating Colors

Also called matching colors by the brand, coordinating colors pair nicely with your color for amazing overall effects. They help your main color look better in a space, just like a complementary color would.

Fortunately, you can have several coordinating colors and even pair them up for a nice palette. These colors fall into five main schemes that give your space different vibes:

1. Analogous Color Scheme.
2. Triadic Color Scheme.
3. Complementary Color Scheme.
4. Split Complementary Color Scheme.
5. Monochromatic Color Scheme.

The following colors match well with Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White:

1. Benjamin Moore Oxford White: Oxford White is a bright white with mild yellow undertones. Also called White Heron, the paint color has an LRV of 86.69 and is popular among homeowners. Decorator’s White goes well with as a trim for a balanced vibe.
2. Benjamin Moore Raindance: Raindance is a medium gray with strong green and mild blue undertones. The paint color has a mesmerizing vibe and brings a sense of comfort to any space. It has an LRV of 43.47.
3. Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace: Chantilly Lace is a much brighter and cooler color. It comes closer to true white than Decorator’s White and has an LRV of 90.04. This paint color has a clean, crisp vibe and works well on walls and ceilings.
4. Benjamin Moore Blue Note: Blue Note is a black paint color with some extra color for you. It has an LRV of 9.02 and strong navy blue undertones, giving it extra depth and a calming vibe.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White Color Palettes

Decorator’s White works well with lots of other colors. Since it is more popular has a trim and ceiling color, you can fit it into more palettes than the average white paint color.

I have included some viable palettes for Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White below:

Triadic Color Palette

• Benjamin Moore Venetian Marble 2114-70: This bright, cozy gray has an LRV of 79.36 and soft lilac undertones. It reads cool and can give some extra gentleness to your home. Benjamin Moore Venetian Marble works well in interior and exterior spaces.
• Benjamin Moore Mirage White 2116-70: Mirage White makes your room cool and adds hints of a dreamy feel to any space. The bright off-white has gray and violet tones, which make it more fitting for bedrooms and bathrooms. However, this doesn’t mean it won’t work wonders in other areas of your home.

Monochromatic Color Palette

• Benjamin Moore Alaskan Husky 1479: Alaskan Husky is a bright gray with an LRV of 66.52 and soft green undertones. The paint color brings a sense of calm to any room, whether it’s for relaxing or work. It gives a lovely monochromatic look when paired with Decorator’s White.
• Benjamin Moore Galápagos Green 475: This dark moss green has an LRV of 21.49 and mild gray undertones. It works well for nature-inspired palettes and decor. You can also use it for a tranquil vibe by pairing it Decorator’s White.

Coordinating Color Palette

• Benjamin Moore Raindance CC-680: This medium shade of steel gray looks alluring in any space and pairs nicely with Decorator’s White. In this case, you should trim Raindance using the bright white paint color for the best effect.
• Benjamin Moore Blue Note 2129-30: Blue Note is the darkest and deepest member of this palette. The paint color has strong blue undertones that give it extra color and a serene vibe. You can use it on accent walls or cabinets for this palette.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White vs. Similar Paint Colors

Decorator’s White vs White Dove

Benjamin Moore White Dove is a bright, creamy white that leans slightly to the warm side. The paint color has an LRV of 83.16 and slightly yellow undertones. However, you won’t really notice its yellow as the color has some gray in it too. The gray tones prevent it from looking too creamy.

Compared to White Dove, Decorator’s White looks cool. Also, both paint colors have different undertones. White Dove has creamy, slightly yellow tones, while Decorator’s White has blue/purple tones

Decorator’s White vs Simply White

Benjamin Moore Simply White is a mildly warm, bright white with an LRV of 89.52. It has a clean, crisp look in abundant light but can look cozy in the right lighting. Simply White works well in any space in your home.

It has a higher reflectance than Decorator’s White and falls slightly on the warm side.

Chantilly Lace vs Decorator’s White

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace is significantly brighter and cooler than Decorator’s White. With an LRV of 90.04, Chantilly Lace remains one of the closest colors to true white from the brand. As such, it works with almost any paint color out there and in any space.

Simply put, Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace has a higher versatility too.

Decorator’s White vs White

Benjamin Moore White is a bright white with a classic look. It has an LRV of 83.56 and works well in any setting. The brand describes it as an all-purpose white because it does it all but doesn’t outshine other dedicated white colors.

If you don’t know which white color to work with, testing Benjamin Moore White is a good idea. The paint color presents you with a safe option.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White Sherwin Williams Equivalent

Sherwin Williams has no paint color called Decorator’s White. However, the paint brand has something that comes close in appearance and vibe. Note that both paint colors have slightly different undertones.

Sherwin Williams Snowbound is the brand’s equivalent of Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White.

Sherwin Williams Snowbound (SW 7004)

Snowbound is a bright white with a soft, beautiful touch and dreamy vibes. It has an LRV of 83 and works well on both walls and cabinets alike. The paint color has gray and subtle yellow undertones. However, you’ll rarely notice these creamy tones.

Also, Sherwin Williams Snowbound has a tiny bit of pink/purple that might show up in warm lighting. It gives the paint color a tiny bit of coziness.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White Living Room

Decorator’s White looks cool and stylish in living rooms, as shown in the pictures below. The paint color works well with the spacious area, fully expressing its tones based on the surrounding lighting and colors.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White Cabinet

The paint color appears clear and unblemished on cabinets. Whether in the kitchen or other spaces in your home, Decorator’s White will work wonders on your cabinets.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White Exterior

Although Decorator’s White can appear clear and majestic on exterior walls, it can easily pick up surrounding tones. The picture below shows the beautiful white picking up some green tones from the vegetation.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White Bathroom

Not only does it trim well for bathroom colors, but Decorator’s White pairs nicely with teal and airy blues for a spa feel.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White Bedroom

Brighten up your bedroom by using Decorator’s White on the walls and trim.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White Furniture

Decorator’s White doesn’t look good on walls only, it also works wonders on woodwork and furniture in the home.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White Laundry Room

The bright, beautiful white looks majestic and clear in laundry rooms. It gives them a fitting look for their function.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White Kitchen

Kitchen should always look pristine and stylish. Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White helps to give your kitchen the right look and vibe.

Conclusion

Now, you’ve gotten everything you need to know about Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White. However, I’ll still recommend sampling the paint color first before use. This will give you a firsthand experience that works best in getting used to a color and its properties.

Before wrapping up this review, let’s have a quick summary:

• Decorator’s White is a bright, cool white with an LRV of 82.68.
• It has mild gray and blue/purple undertones. Color pairings and lighting determine if the paint color will display hints or purple.
• Decorator’s White works best as a trim or ceiling white because of its clean, stylish appeal.
• It’s a favorite among decor experts and designers, hence its name – Decorator’s White.
• The paint color has a high versatility and doesn’t need much light to look good.

If you have any question or feedback, feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’ll gladly answer and respond to them.