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Choosing the right white paint color can feel overwhelming—some are too stark, others too creamy. Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (OC-45) is a popular choice because of its soft warmth and versatility. But, as with any white, it has subtle undertones that can shift depending on lighting and surrounding colors.
If you’re looking for a timeless, warm white that feels cozy yet sophisticated, Swiss Coffee might be the perfect choice!
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Swiss Coffee, including its undertones, best uses, and how it compares to other white paint colors.
Is Swiss Coffee a True White?
Swiss Coffee is a warm, creamy white with a soft, inviting look. It’s not a stark white but instead has a hint of depth that gives it a more classic, timeless feel.
With a LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 81.91, Swiss Coffee sits on the warmer side of the white spectrum, reflecting a good amount of light while maintaining a soft, cozy feel.
Undertones of Swiss Coffee: A Warm White with a Twist
Swiss Coffee has subtle yellow and beige undertones that give it its signature warmth. However, in certain lighting conditions, it can also lean slightly green.
Important Note: In my home, Swiss Coffee had a slight green undertone in my family room, which led me to opt for White Dove instead. However, in my bedroom and bathroom, the green was not apparent at all, and the color looked like a beautiful soft warm white.
Why does this happen?
- In north-facing rooms or areas with cool artificial lighting, the green undertone may emerge.
- In south-facing or warm-lit spaces, Swiss Coffee looks creamier and cozier.
- If paired with cooler tones (blues, grays, greens), the subtle green undertone can be more noticeable.
Where to Use Swiss Coffee
Swiss Coffee is a versatile neutral that works well in many spaces, but it’s important to consider lighting and undertones.
- Walls: Creates a warm and inviting look in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas.
- Trim & Cabinets: Works beautifully with warm, earthy tones.
- Ceilings: A great alternative to stark white for a softer, more cohesive look.
- Exteriors: A warm, creamy white that pairs well with wood and stone elements.
Swiss Coffee vs. Other Popular White Paint Colors
Swiss Coffee vs. Benjamin Moore White Dove
| Feature | Swiss Coffee (OC-45) | White Dove (OC-17) |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 81.91 | 83.16 |
| Undertones | Warm, slight green/yellow in certain lights | Soft warm white with a slight gray undertone |
| Feels Like | Creamy, warm, classic | Softer, more neutral white |
| Best For | Cozy spaces, trim, exteriors | Versatile for trim, walls, and cabinets |
Key Takeaway: White Dove is less creamy and doesn’t shift green, making it a more neutral choice for those sensitive to undertones.
Swiss Coffee vs. Benjamin Moore Simply White
| Feature | Swiss Coffee (OC-45) | Simply White (OC-117) |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 81.91 | 91.7 |
| Undertones | Warm, slight green/yellow | Bright white with strong yellow undertones |
| Feels Like | Soft, creamy, warm | Crisp, warm, can lean yellow |
| Best For | Traditional & cozy spaces | Bright spaces needing warmth |
Key Takeaway: If you want a brighter, whiter warm white, Simply White is a better option. Swiss Coffee has more depth and warmth.
Swiss Coffee vs. Sherwin Williams Alabaster
| Feature | Swiss Coffee (OC-45) | Alabaster (SW 7008) |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 81.91 | 82 |
| Undertones | Warm, slightly green/yellow | Soft warm white with subtle gray |
| Feels Like | Classic, creamy white | Soft, warm, modern |
| Best For | Traditional warm spaces | Versatile for walls, trim, and exteriors |
Key Takeaway: Swiss Coffee feels creamier, while Alabaster leans softer and more neutral.
Best Trim Colors to Pair with Swiss Coffee
If you’re using Swiss Coffee on your walls, you have two main trim options:
- Swiss Coffee in a different sheen (e.g., matte or eggshell on walls, satin or semi-gloss on trim) for a seamless, monochromatic look.
- A slightly brighter white trim to create contrast:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White (brighter contrast, warm undertone)
- Sherwin Williams Pure White (brighter contrast, warm undertone but less so than BM Simply White)
Tip: Avoid cool, stark whites, which may clash with Swiss Coffee’s warmth.
Is Swiss Coffee Good for Cabinets?
Yes, Swiss Coffee works beautifully on kitchen cabinets, but make sure:
- Your kitchen doesn’t have cool LED lighting (which may bring out green undertones).
- You pair it with warm wood tones, brass hardware, or beige-based countertops.
- You use a satin or semi-gloss finish for durability.
Swiss Coffee on Exteriors
Swiss Coffee is a stunning exterior white, especially when paired with:
- Warm wood tones (natural doors, cedar accents)
- Earthy stone & brick (for a soft, classic look)
- Black or dark bronze windows (for contrast)
However, if your home receives a lot of shade, the green undertones may be more noticeable—so always test a sample first!
Final Thoughts: Is Swiss Coffee Right for You?
Swiss Coffee is a timeless, warm white that adds a cozy, inviting feel to any space. However, its slight green undertone in some lighting is something to be mindful of. If you want a softer, more neutral warm white, White Dove or Alabaster may be better alternatives.
Personally, I’m a big fan now that we have used it in two rooms in our home! I’ll definitely be using it again!
Not sure if Swiss Coffee is the best choice? Compare it to Benjamin Moore White Dove in my in-depth review!
