If you are getting ready to add white paint to a room, you may be trying to choose between Benjamin Moore’s Simply White and Chantilly Lace paint colors.
When looking for white paint, these two are both popular options, but it can be challenging to choose between them.
At first glance, it’s hard to distinguish the difference between these two bright whites, and you may worry that it won’t look right once you get it home.
The key differences between Simply White and Chantilly lace can be distinguished by the undertones each paint color has in its mixture, the light reflectance value (LRV) of each paint color, and how best they are used in a room.
Both Simply White and Chantilly Lace are vibrant whites that have been consistently used by builders, decorators, and do-it-yourselfers alike.
It may seem that two whites couldn’t possibly be that different, especially when they look almost identical on the paint strips in the store.
But depending on where you put each of these paints and what other colors are in the room, I can promise you that it will matter which one you end up choosing.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of time trying to choose the best white for your next project, then read on and let me help make your decision easier.
Simply White vs. Chantilly Lace
Benjamin Moore has been selling paint for well over 100 years.
The company is known for its high-quality, premium paints and has over 3,500 different colors to choose from in stores all over the country.
It’s no wonder that narrowing it down to only one is going to be a challenge, especially when you are trying to choose between two whites.
But, believe it or not, there are some specific differences between Benjamin Moore’s Simply White and Chantilly Lace that is going to make your trip to the paint store much easier.
1. Know the Undertones
Undertones are the colors that are mixed into a paint’s primary base that then allows for all the various colors that you see on the paint swatches in the store.
Adding different colors to the base paint can drastically change an original color’s look.
Benjamin Moore’s Simply White has yellow added to the base white, which gives it a warm, soft hue that looks almost creamy in certain settings.
On the other hand, Chantilly Lace is a pure white, with no warm or cool undertones mixed into it.
Like its name, this white is almost delicate-feeling, since it’s so pure and simple. This is Benjamin Moore’s whitest white.
2. Know the LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of Each Paint
This is an important number in the world of paint, and each color has one, regardless of the brand.
The LRV – or Light Reflectance Value – of a paint color is a scale that’s used to determine how light or dark a color will look when dry on a surface.
A pure black paint will have an LRV of 0 whereas a pure white will have an LRV of 100.
Simply White has an LRV of 91.7, which means it is a color that will reflect quite a lot of light in any room.
And, in a well-lit room, especially one that receives a fair amount of natural light, it’s going to brighten it up even more.
Chantilly Lace has an LRV of 92.2, which means it’s even more light-reflective than Simply White. And, since it has no significant undertones, it is going to be about as pure white as you can get.
3. Know How You Are Going to Use the Color
Simply White will work great in a room where you want a soft, warmer feel.
Paired with darker furniture or deeper accent colors, this paint will give your walls a slightly creamier look than Chantilly Lace.
Simply White is gorgeous in living rooms, bedrooms, or other intimate settings.
Chantilly Lace is a perfect choice when all you want is a crisp, clean look.
If the room is super dark, you may get a slight bluish tint, but in most settings, this color is going to pop bright white.
For this reason, it’s often used in bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways.
If you are still unsure as to which white will work best for your space, consider buying small sample sizes of both colors and trying them in the room you are going to paint.
Looking at Simply White and Chantilly Lace in your space, with your lighting, may help you make your final decision.
Summing Up Chantilly Lace vs. Simply White Paint
These paint colors may look similar, but are very different in multiple ways. Whether it’s the paint color’s LRV or how you’re going to use the color in a room, it’s important to know the differences before painting.
We hope this guide has helped you decide on what color to pick!
