Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (OC-45) is a highly popular interior design color, loved for its gentle, inviting warmth.
The creamy white shade adapts well to different styles If you’re working with a classic or modern theme.
If you redesign your living room, kitchen, or bathroom, Swiss Coffee will bring a sense of coziness and light.
Unlike harsh whites, it brings a soothing, relaxed ambiance.
This versatile hue is perfect for various interiors, offering a timeless appeal.
Let’s Find out how Swiss Coffee can uplift your home design, whether you prefer sleek, modern spaces or a more rustic, natural vibe.
Understanding Swiss Coffee: A Comprehensive Color Analysis
Color Profile
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (OC-45) is a sophisticated off-white in the warm, neutral family.
This nuanced shade combines a creamy base with subtle complexities, making it more interesting than a basic white.
As part of Benjamin Moore’s Off-White Collection, it represents a carefully calibrated balance between warmth and neutrality.
Key Characteristics:
- Base Color Family: Warm White
- Color Collection: Off-White Collection (OC)
- Paint Code: OC-45
- Finish Options: Available in all Benjamin Moore finishes from flat to high-gloss
Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
Swiss Coffee has an LRV of 83.93, placing it in the light range of the LRV scale, which runs from 0 (absolute black) to 100 (pure white). This high LRV means:
- The color reflects nearly 84% of the light that hits it
- It’s bright enough to make spaces feel open and airy
- It won’t absorb too much light, making it ideal for darker rooms
- The color maintains its character while still providing excellent light reflection
- It’s light enough for small spaces but won’t appear stark like pure white
Undertones Analysis
Swiss Coffee’s complexity comes from its subtle but important undertones:
Primary Undertones
- Creamy Yellow: Provides the main warm base
- Green: Offers a subtle organic quality
- Gray: Adds sophistication and prevents the color from appearing too yellow
Undertone Behavior
- Morning Light: Undertones appear more neutral
- Midday Sun: The creamy aspects become more prominent
- Evening Light: Yellow undertones become more noticeable
- Artificial Light: Can enhance the warm undertones, especially with incandescent bulbs
- LED Lighting: Helps maintain color accuracy and reduces yellow enhancement
Ideal Rooms for Swiss Coffee
Swiss Coffee works well in many areas of the home.
It is especially popular in living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms, where its soft, neutral tone can complement a variety of materials.
The color looks great on walls, trim, and even ceilings. It’s also perfect for large spaces, as it helps maintain a bright, open feel without the harshness of stark white.
Is Swiss Coffee Good for Kitchens?
Swiss Coffee is an excellent choice for kitchens. It creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere and pairs wonderfully with natural wood cabinets and stone countertops.
Your kitchen has a modern or farmhouse design; Swiss Coffee is a versatile neutral backdrop.
It brightens up the space while maintaining a cozy, comfortable feel.
The soft, inviting tones make it a timeless option that complements a variety of finishes and décor styles.
The Versatility of Swiss Coffee
One of the reasons Swiss Coffee is so popular is its incredible versatility. It can blend seamlessly with various Designer styles, from traditional to contemporary.
Your home features minimalist design or ornate details; Swiss Coffee provides a neutral canvas that allows other design elements to shine.
Its warmth also makes it a great choice for modern and rustic interiors.
How Can Swiss Coffee Be Used in Different Designs?
In contemporary designs, Swiss Coffee adds warmth to minimalist spaces.
In rustic designs, it complements natural materials like wood and stone.
It pairs beautifully with marble countertops or tile backsplashes, and the soft hue makes it versatile enough to be used in large and small spaces.
Color Coordination and Design Palettes
Swiss Coffee’s versatile nature makes it an excellent base for various color combinations and design styles.
Accent Wall Recommendations
Modern Style: Pair with Wrought Iron (2124-10) for dramatic contrast or Metropolitan (AF-690) for sophisticated depth
Traditional Style: Complement with Aegean Teal (2136-40) or Revere Pewter (HC-172) for timeless elegance
Farmhouse Style: Partner with Hale Navy (HC-154) or October Mist (1495) for rustic charm
Trim Color Pairings
- White Dove (OC-17) for subtle contrast
- Pure White (OC-64) for crisp definition
- Simply White (OC-117) for bright, clean lines
Design Style Color Combinations
Modern
- Main Walls: Swiss Coffee
- Accent: Kendall Charcoal (HC-166)
- Trim: Simply White (OC-117)
- Accessories: Metallic silver and black
Traditional
- Main Walls: Swiss Coffee
- Accent: Alexandria Beige (HC-77)
- Trim: White Dove (OC-17)
- Accessories: Gold and brass tones
Farmhouse
- Main Walls: Swiss Coffee
- Accent: Stonington Gray (HC-170)
- Trim: Cloud White (OC-130)
- Accessories: Natural wood and iron finishes
Lighting Guide For Swiss Coffee Paint Color
Natural Light Effects
- Morning: Appears most neutral and true to color
- Midday: Brightest and clearest appearance
- Afternoon: Shows warmer undertones
- Overcast Days: Takes on a softer, more muted look
North-Facing Rooms
- Receives cool, indirect light
- Swiss Coffee appears slightly cooler
- It helps balance the room’s natural coolness
- Best for: Studies, offices, bedrooms
South-Facing Rooms
- Gets warm, direct sunlight
- The paint seems brightest and warmest
- It shows more yellow undertones
- Best for: Living rooms, kitchens
East-Facing Rooms
- Bright, warm morning light
- Cooler afternoon appearance
- The more neutral overall look
- Best for: Breakfast nooks, bathrooms
West-Facing Rooms
- Cool mornings, warm afternoons
- Most dramatic daily changes
- Evening golden hour effect
- Best for: Dining rooms, family rooms
Artificial Lighting
LED Lights
- Keeps Swiss Coffee true to color
- Minimal undertone enhancement
- Best choice for accuracy
Incandescent Bulbs
- Enhances warm undertones
- Creates cozy atmosphere
- Good for evening ambiance
Fluorescent Lights
- It can make the color appear cooler
- May flatten undertones
- Not recommended
Quick Tips
- Test paint during different times of day
- Consider the room’s primary use time
- Account for seasonal light changes
- Use the appropriate light bulb color temperature
Benjamin Moore Whites Comparison
| Characteristic | Swiss Coffee (OC-45) | White Dove (OC-17) | Simply White (OC-117) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | 83.93 | 85.38 | 91.7 |
| Primary Undertones | Warm yellow, subtle green | Soft gray | Minimal warm undertones |
| Overall Feel | Cozy, inviting | Clean, soft | Bright, crisp |
| Best For | Traditional, farmhouse | Modern, coastal | Contemporary, minimalist |
| Room Types | Living rooms, kitchens | All-purpose, trim | Modern spaces, trim |
| Natural Light | Becomes warmer | Stays neutral | Remains bright |
| Artificial Light | Enhanced warmth | Minimal change | Maintains clarity |
| Best Pairings | Natural wood, brass | Chrome, Marble | Modern metals, glass |
| Most Different From | Pure whites | Yellow whites | Creamy whites |
| Popular Uses | Wall color | Trim, cabinets | Whole-house color |
Maintaining Swiss Coffee in Your Home
While Swiss Coffee is easy to maintain, it requires some care, especially in high-traffic areas.
Regular cleaning with a soft cloth helps prevent dirt buildup.
You can also touch up any areas that need attention, especially in spaces like kitchens or bathrooms.
As a light color, Swiss Coffee helps hide minor imperfections but still requires routine upkeep to keep it looking fresh.
How Do You Keep Swiss Coffee Looking Clean?
To maintain Swiss Coffee’s crisp look, dust it regularly and wipe down walls as needed.
A gentle cleaner can help remove grease or water stains in kitchens or bathrooms without damaging the paint.
The durable finish makes it easy to maintain, even in high-use areas of your home.
Conclusion
Whether used in the kitchen, living room, or bathroom, it adds a timeless quality that can suit any design style.
The soft, creamy tone complements various materials.
Its undertones adapt to changing lighting conditions, making it an excellent choice for different spaces.
Swiss Coffee is perfect for creating an inviting atmosphere without overwhelming the room.
Swiss Coffee is ideal for a neutral paint color that brings warmth without being too stark.
Embrace this soft white and enjoy its beauty for years to come.
Frequently Asked Question
Does Swiss Coffee Look Yellow?
Swiss Coffee has subtle yellow undertones but doesn’t appear overly yellow on the walls. It’s a soft, warm off-white.
Can Swiss Coffee be Used for Ceilings?
Swiss Coffee works great on ceilings, providing warmth and softness without feeling too heavy or dark.
What Colors Pair Best with Swiss Coffee?
Swiss Coffee pairs well with neutrals like gray, beige, soft blues, natural wood tones, and metals.
