Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee is one of my all-time favorite paint colors. It has a soft, creamy warmth that never feels too yellow or too stark.
I’ve used it in so many different rooms – living spaces, bedrooms, kitchens – and it always brings a calm, welcoming feel. What I love most is how well it pairs with both warm and cool tones.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned about Swiss Coffee: its undertones, how it changes with lighting, and the colors that work beautifully with it.
If you’re planning a refresh or designing a whole new space, I believe this guide will provide you with the clarity and inspiration you need to make Swiss Coffee work perfectly.
What Color Is Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee?
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (OC-45) is a warm, creamy off-white that offers a soft and inviting appearance.
With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 83.93, it reflects plenty of light without looking stark or harsh. This makes it ideal for brightening up spaces while still maintaining warmth and depth.
Swiss Coffee leans warm with subtle beige and yellow undertones, but it stays balanced enough to feel neutral. It doesn’t appear too yellow or too cool, which helps it adapt well to both traditional and modern interiors.
Visually, it delivers a gentle, natural look that pairs beautifully with wood tones, soft grays, muted greens, or crisp whites. It’s suitable for walls, ceilings, trim, and cabinetry.
Whether used in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, or even exterior siding, Swiss Coffee creates a calm and cohesive look, making it a favorite for those seeking a timeless and versatile white.
Swiss Coffee: Color Specification
This section covers Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee’s key specs – color code, undertones, LRV, and best uses – so you can confidently use it throughout your home.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Color Name | Swiss Coffee |
| Color Code | OC-45 |
| Brand | Benjamin Moore |
| Collection | Off-White Collection |
| Color Family | Off-White / Neutral |
| Light Reflectance Value (LRV) | 83.93 |
| Undertones | Warm, subtle yellow and beige |
| Finish Options | Available in matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss |
Undertones and Light Behavior of Swiss Coffee
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee has warm undertones with subtle hints of yellow and beige, though in certain lighting, a soft green hue may occasionally appear.
Its undertone is gentle and not overpowering, which makes it feel inviting rather than stark.
In bright natural light, Swiss Coffee tends to look creamy and soft, especially in south-facing rooms. In low or north-facing light, it may appear more muted or slightly gray.
Artificial lighting also changes its mood – warm bulbs enhance its cozy tone, while cooler lights can make it look more neutral.
Swiss Coffee works well with a range of styles, especially transitional, traditional, and farmhouse spaces. It complements natural wood, soft textures, warm metals, and muted accent colors.
Swiss Coffee in Different Rooms
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee is a warm, creamy off-white that adapts beautifully across various rooms in the home. Its versatility allows it to shift subtly with light and finishes, making it a reliable choice for walls, trim, and even cabinetry.
1. Living Room
Swiss Coffee creates a soft, welcoming atmosphere in living rooms. It enhances natural light without feeling stark, and its warmth complements both modern and traditional furniture.
Pair it with wood accents, neutral textiles, and layered lighting for a cozy yet fresh look. It’s especially effective in open-concept spaces where flow and harmony matter.
2. Kitchen
In kitchens, Swiss Coffee pairs beautifully with both white and wood cabinetry. It softens stainless steel and stone finishes, adding warmth without sacrificing brightness.
It’s a great backdrop for warm metals like brass or copper. Backsplashes in marble, subway tile, or muted patterns also complement it well, giving the space a balanced, timeless feel.
3. Bedroom
Swiss Coffee sets a calm, restful tone in bedrooms. Its subtle undertones pair well with soft textiles and natural materials, creating a serene retreat.
It looks especially inviting in the morning and evening light. Add cozy layers with neutral bedding, wood headboards, or linen curtains to complete the relaxed, understated vibe.
4. Bathroom
In bathrooms, Swiss Coffee offers a clean, spa-like appearance with just the right amount of warmth. It works well with white or light gray tiles and chrome or brass fixtures.
Use it on walls or even cabinetry to create a soft, unified look. With proper lighting, it maintains clarity without appearing too yellow or dull
Colors That Go Well with Swiss Coffee
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee pairs effortlessly with a wide range of colors, thanks to its soft, warm undertones. Here’s how to build a well-balanced palette around it:
- Best Trim Whites: Chantilly Lace (OC-65), Simply White (OC-117), White Dove (OC-17)
- Neutral Wall Pairings: Edgecomb Gray (HC-173), Revere Pewter (HC-172), Pale Oak (OC-20)
- Bold Accents: Hale Navy, Backwoods, Kendall Charcoal, Caliente
- Warm vs. Cool Combos: wood tones, brass fixtures, terracotta accents, slate blue, soft gray, brushed nickel.
These combinations help highlight Swiss Coffee’s versatility in both cozy and modern spaces.
Comparing Swiss Coffee to Similar Shades
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee is often compared to other popular off-whites, each with its own unique undertones and brightness level.
| Paint Color | Brand | Undertone | Warmth Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss Coffee (OC-45) | Benjamin Moore | Subtle yellow/beige | Warm, soft | Cozy, inviting interiors and exteriors |
| White Dove (OC-17) | Benjamin Moore | Slight gray | Soft, slightly warm | Clean trim, cabinets, modern farmhouse |
| Alabaster (SW 7008) | Sherwin-Williams | Beige with soft warmth | Warm, creamy | Bedrooms, bathrooms, transitional spaces |
| Simply White (OC-117) | Benjamin Moore | Bright white with yellow | Warm and bright | Modern interiors, minimal and airy looks |
This table shows how Swiss Coffee offers a gentle balance of warmth and versatility, making it a strong choice for a wide range of spaces.
Why Swiss Coffee Remains a Designer Favorite?
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee has stood the test of time as a go-to paint color for designers and homeowners alike. Its warm, creamy undertone gives spaces a welcoming, lived-in feel without being too yellow or beige.
Unlike cooler whites that can feel stark, Swiss Coffee brings a softness and comfort that many people desire in their homes.
Designers love its adaptability. It works well in nearly every room, in any lighting condition, and with a variety of styles – from traditional to modern farmhouse to minimalist.
It can serve as a main wall color, trim, or even cabinetry finish. Its ability to pair with both warm and cool palettes makes it a dependable foundation in any design plan.
Because it strikes the perfect balance between clean and cozy, Swiss Coffee remains a timeless favorite in both small refreshes and full-scale renovations.
Tips for Decorating with Swiss Coffee
These are some practical tips from designers and stylists to help you make the most of Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee in your home:
- Test in Different Lighting: Always sample Swiss Coffee on multiple walls and view it throughout the day. Natural and artificial light can dramatically change how the color looks.
- Pair with Crisp Trim Whites: Use brighter whites like Chantilly Lace or Simply White on trim to add clean contrast and prevent the space from feeling too monochromatic.
- Incorporate Natural Textures: Swiss Coffee pairs beautifully with materials like light wood, rattan, linen, and leather. These elements enhance its warmth and add depth.
- Avoid Cool or Stark Pairings: Steer clear of icy grays or harsh blues, which can clash with Swiss Coffee’s creamy undertones. Stick with soft, warm, or earthy accents.
Conclusion
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee is one of those rare paint colors that manages to feel soft, warm, and effortlessly elegant.
It’s versatile enough to work in nearly any room – whether it’s a cozy bedroom, a bright kitchen, or even an inviting exterior.
I’ve seen it take spaces that felt flat and instantly make them feel more refined and welcoming. What makes it so appealing is its ability to complement almost any palette, from warm neutrals to bold accents.
If you’re searching for a go-to off-white that brings warmth without overwhelming the room, Swiss Coffee could be the perfect match.
I recommend testing a sample on different walls and viewing it throughout the day. Once you’ve lived with it a bit, you’ll know if it’s right for you.
Let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear about your experience with this beautiful shade.
Alex Guerrero, a graduate with a Fine Arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, has been a visionary in the world of color and design for over 15 years. His professional journey began in the heart of the fashion industry in Milan, where he developed an acute sense for color harmonies and trends. Alex joined our team in 2018, offering fresh and innovative perspectives on color utilization in various spaces. Renowned for his ability to blend contemporary trends with timeless elegance. Outside of work, Alex is an accomplished painter and a volunteer art therapist, his artistic talents further enriching his professional insights.
