Swiss Coffee OC-45 by Benjamin Moore - Housekeepingbay
Updated on Sep 11, 2024
13 Minute Read

Swiss Coffee OC-45 by Benjamin Moore

Complete guide for those who want to try this color in their homes

Picking a paint color for your home painting projects may seem to be easy, however, if you are not knowledgeable about paint colors and you don’t have an eye for colors and shades, choosing what color to use on your walls might become quite an issue for you!

And one of the paint colors that you may feel somewhat uncertain is Swiss Coffee paint color by the Benjamin Moore brand.

At the first sight, this color may appear to be very simple, nice and pleasant to the eye white, but in fact, we would say it is a bit tricky!

This is why, if you are considering using it in your home, we suggest you read this article first. In it, we will tell you more about what type of color it is.

Also, you will learn what undertones this delicate white has and how this paint color reacts to different types of lighting.

Finally, we will compare BM Swiss Coffee with a few other similar paint colors so that you could better understand their distinctions.

Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45 Guide

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What Color Is Swiss Coffee OC-45 by Benjamin Moore?

If you have never wondered about Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee color palette, and you have never seen this color in real life, you might be wondering what type of color it is.

Well, in a few words, Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffe belongs to so called off-white colors of interior paint. This color is very delicate, sophisticated and warm on the walls.

It is also rather bright and light, so if you are not a fan of dark or deep paint colors, this option will probably be one of the best choices for you.

Also, this off-white would be a good option for those homeowners who don’t like using whites because some of them tend to reveal yellowish hue once you apply the paint onto the walls.

As for the Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee, even though it is soft and creamy, it is not yellowish though, as Encycolorpedia says.

In addition, thanks to a high light reflectance value, this color will be ideal for the spaces that don’t have much natural light (for example, basements).

But except for that, this off-white will work great in spaces that are well lit naturally, so this color can be called rather versatile.

swiss coffee oc-45 by benjamin moore

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Undertones Of BM Swiss Coffee

Undertones always matter since they decide how exactly certain paint color will look on your home interior walls. This is why you should always take this nuance into consideration when choosing the paint for your home renovation projects.

As for the undertones of Swiss Coffee paint color by Benjamin Moore, they are more of a golden yellow tone.

They can look and read differently in different light, so you need to be sure that you test a swatch on your walls before buying cans of paint.

Also, take the following nuance into consideration: when contrasted against a truer white trim, the yellow undertone can be more pronounced.

This is why we recommend you be aware of this when you are sampling BM Swiss Coffee.

And since we have mentioned the undertones of this paint color, as well as the way it may look in different types of light, let’s take a closer look at this side of BM Swiss Coffee paint.

swiss coffee oc-45 by benjamin moore color undertones

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How Does Swiss Coffee OC-45 Color React to Light?

When you choose what paint color you want to have on your interior or exterior walls, it is essential to keep in mind that the same color can look different depending on how it is lit.

It happens because of the LRV rate of the paint color.

Just to remind you, LRV, (also known as Light Reflectance Value) is the percentage of light it reflects. It is also a scale that is used by design professionals.

how does lighting affect swiss coffee

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Basically, if you take a look at this scale, you will see that zero is the darkest black and 100 is true white paint color.

Swiss Coffee’s paint color has an LRV of 83.93, which is considered high.

It means that Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee color applied to your walls reflects nearly 84 percent of light making spaces appear lighter and brighter.

swiss coffee oc-45 by benjamin moore lrv

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What is LRV? Detailed Guide

Coordinating Colors of Swiss Coffee OC-45 by Benjamin Moore 

Picking the correct coordinating color or colors to match with the major color in a room is a tricky task unless you have a sharp eye for colors, hues and shades.

This is why so many homeowners feel a bit frustrated when it comes to figuring out what coordinating colors would be the best for the paint they choose to apply to the walls.

Below, you can find a few color suggestions that will become a perfect match for Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee paint.

They will create a calming yet very delicate and stylish color palette since they differ in terms of tones and intensity of color.

Coordinating Colors for Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore

Colors That BM Swiss Coffee Goes With

When you are going to use a certain color in your home, you should be aware of a few other colors that might look good when paired with it on the walls or other interior surfaces.

Like this, you will be able to create a more harmonious color palette in your space.

For the BM Swiss Coffee paint, homeowners often find it difficult to find the colors that will go well with this interior paint. Luckily, if you are a bit lost about this issue, there is an easy way out!

If you are going to use Swiss Coffee color in your home, consider these color options as those it will go well with:

Thanks to the versatility of their palette, you will easily find the color or colors that will highlight the significant features of your living space and make it look unique and personalized.

 

colors that goes with swiss coffee by benjamin moore

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What Is the Best Trim Color For BM Swiss Coffee?

When you decide to refresh your home’s interiors a bit, you might need not only the basic color or colors to apply them to the walls. Picking a suitable trim color is also essential. Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee works well with Benjamin Moore White Dove and Benjamin Moore Cloud White as trim colors.

  1. White Dove OC-17
  2. Cloud White OC-130
  3. Simply White OC-117
  4. Decorator’s White CC-20
  5. Ballet White OC-9

You can also try it in a tone-on-tone method, which means painting trim and walls the same color.

This can actually help to tone down any undertones in the paint, because the comparison of a clear white to a cream white is so much stronger.

In addition, simply using an un-tinted white paint throughout many rooms of our home can also be a good and simple solution.

It is always a fresh, clean white that contrasts exceptionally beautifully with the creamy-toned paint colors.

 

What Is the Best Trim Color For BM Swiss Coffee

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Paint Colors Similar to BM Swiss Coffee

Sometimes we might need to look for other paint colors instead of the one that was going to be used initially.

The reasons could be different: you might not find the color you need in a local store, or you realized that it would work on your walls the way you’d rather not want to.

No matter the reason, being aware of a few alternative similar colors is always a good idea.

And if you want to know what other shades of off-white paint color you can opt for instead of the Swiss Coffee, grab the following suggestions:

  1. Steam AF-15
  2. Icicle 2142-70
  3. Vanilla Milkshake 2147-70
  4. Dune White 968

If you put the m all side by side, you will hardly notice any significant distinction unless you really have a sharp eye for hues and shades and tones!

However, these colors may indeed react to light somewhat differently, so consider these options in case you might need more alternatives.

And now we suggest you learn a bit more about in what rooms and areas in your home BM Swiss Coffee will work better than in others.

With this in mind, deciding where to apply this paint will be easier for you.

paint colors similar to swiss coffee oc-45

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Where Swiss Coffee OC-45 by Benjamin Moore Can Be Used?

In order to make the most out of paint color in your home, you need to consider in what rooms and spaces it will work better than in others. This is why we are going to tell you where BM Swiss Coffee paint color will be more suitable and look harmoniously in your living space.

Swiss Coffee OC-45 by Benjamin Moore in the Living Room

Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee is a great color for your living room. This delicate and warm white will create a very cozy and calming atmosphere in this room, especially if it has plenty of natural light.

But even in artificial lighting, BM Swiss Coffee will not look worse.

swiss coffee oc-45 by benjamin moore in the living room

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Swiss Coffee OC-45 by Benjamin Moore for the Bedroom

For your bedroom, Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee is also a very matching color.

Since this room is expected to have calming and tranquil atmosphere, this off-white will work perfectly for this purpose.

You can combine it with wooden decor or furniture, as well as with brightly-colored cushions or carpets in your bedroom.

swiss coffee oc-45 by benjamin moore for the bedroom

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Swiss Coffee OC-45 by Benjamin Moore for the Kitchen

If you prefer light-colored kitchens, consider using this off-white in yours.

It can be paired with many other colors, such as browns, beiges, and greiges, as well as darker and more intense ones (blacks, etc.).

So as a basic color on the walls, BM Swiss Coffee will definitely fit any kitchen.

swiss coffee oc-45 by benjamin moore for the kitchen

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Swiss Coffee OC-45 by Benjamin Moore in the Bathroom

To make your bathroom look bigger and more spacious, consider using Swiss Coffee paint color on its walls.

It will make the room look brighter (especially if it has no windows), and also, this white can easily be paired with many other colors.

So you will not have to worry about finding matching shades for your towels or drawers!

swiss coffee oc-45 by benjamin moore in the bathroom

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Swiss Coffee OC-45 by Benjamin Moore for the Exterior 

Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee is so versatile that you can use it as an exterior paint as well!

And since this color does not change much depending on the type of light, you can use it both for the house that is located in an area with plenty of warm daylight and in the areas with more gloomy lighting.

swiss coffee oc-45 by benjamin moore for the exterior

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Comparing Swiss Coffee With Other Colors

In order to make it easier for you to see the true nature of Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee paint color, and realize what makes it different from other similar colors, we recommend you check out a brief comparison of this soft and warm off-white with a few other paint colors of the similar shade.

Swiss Coffee vs.Alabaster

Unlike Swiss Coffee which has golden yellow undertones, Alabaster paint color by Sherwin Williams as subtle beige undertones.(get a sample of ALABASTER)

This is why Alabaster looks somewhat cooler than Swiss Coffee, and also, if you place them side by side, you will see that Alabaster looks like very light beige with a greyish hue whilst Swiss Coffee reveals a warmer hue.

swiss coffee vs alabaster

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Swiss Coffee vs White Dove

These colors have very similar undertones. White Dove by Benjamin Moore has warm creamy yellow undertones, and Swiss Coffee has golden yellow ones. (get a Sample of White Dove)

However, this golden hue of Swiss Coffee is exactly makes it looks warmer if you compare these two colors closely.

swiss coffee vs white dove

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Swiss Coffee vs Simply White

If we compare Benjamin Moore Simply White color vs Swiss Coffee paint of the same brand, we will see that even though both are white, Simply White paint color has yellow undertones that are pretty subtle. (get a sample of Simply White)

In comparison, Swiss Coffee has prominent golden yellow undertones which makes this color warmer and a bit more intense.

swiss coffee vs simply white

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Swiss Coffee vs Pale Oak

Pale Oak paint color by Benjamin Moore looks noticeably gray in comparison to a warmer and more yellowish off-white Swiss Coffee. (get a sample of Pale Oak)

These two can hardly be called a harmonious duo to use along with each other since Pale Oak looks rather cool-toned, and Swiss Coffee is much warmer.

swiss coffee vs pale oak

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Swiss Coffee vs Pure White

Pure White is a tricky color since it actually has no prominent undertones. This white has a neutral base.

But if you compare it to Swiss Coffee color, you will see that Pure White looks nearly light greige with a noticeable grayish tint. (get a sample of Pure White)

swiss coffee vs pure white

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Swiss Coffee, instead, shows more of its warm and golden yellow undertones in this pair of colors.

Like this, you have now learned a bit more about the beautiful, delicate and sophisticated Swiss Coffee off-white color by Benjamin Moore brand.

Now you know what rooms it will work the best, what undertones and LRV it has, and what similar colors you can use instead.

swiss coffee oc-45 by benjamin moore Ultimate guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

⭐Is BM Swiss Coffee a greige color?

No, it is an off-white. It might seem greige because of yellow and golden undertones.

⭐Can BM Swiss Coffee be used for painting a garage?

Why not? You can use it on both interior and exterior walls of your garage easily.

⭐Will Swiss Coffee look good with golden kitchen hardware?

Yes, it will. The color has golden undertones so it will match golden holders and other items well.

20 thoughts on “Swiss Coffee OC-45 by Benjamin Moore

Leave a Reply

  1. Crystal says:

    I have painted an accent wall in my bedroom BM salamander. I’m looking for the best white to go with it. Bedroom is east facing with lots of light. Thanks

  2. Ash says:

    Does swiss coffee interior paint look good with gray floor

  3. Jody says:

    Is BM Swiss Coffee good for a basement with polished cement floors and black exposed ceiling?

    1. Bella says:

      I guess this white color might be ok for your basement if there’s enough light there and the light is bright enough. Otherwise the color might read way too yellow.

  4. Melissa says:

    Hi,

    Thanks for the write up on Swiss Coffee, I am intrigued by this color. I am redoing my kitchen and will have a black island, I am thinking of using BM Natural Cream for the perimeter cabinets and BM White Dove for the walls. However, the White Dove seems like it might be too white for my walls that already have off white wainscoting on the lower half. How do you think Swiss Coffee would play with Natural Cream and Black? My kitchen faces north. Do you have any advice on how all of these colors react to north facing light? I do not want them to turn green on me.

    1. Lisa says:

      Well, Natural Cream is definitely better than White Dove since the latter one would read greenish if you paired it with BM Swiss Coffee.

      However, BM Swiss Coffee and Natural Cream look pretty similar… I’d say it makes sense to search for a slightly whiter color for the walls that still reads soft enough.

      As for the possible greenish hue BM Swiss Coffee may show, this color works well in North facing rooms. Just ensure you pair it correctly with the undertones you have in the room.

  5. Annette Wyscarver says:

    Thank you so much for this very informative piece of information on comparing this Swiss coffee Benjamin Moore with all its undertones and LV r’s I am new to paint color but that was so helpful which will now help me make a better choice for my home thank you and much appreciated.

    1. Mariia says:

      Hello, Annette! We’re happy that our article was helpful for you! Hope you will master paint colors really quickly.

  6. Confused says:

    I am curious if one could use Swiss Coffee on the walls and trim (trim in a different sheen)?

  7. Nancy says:

    Why is Swiss Coffee paint so popular? I notice that quite many people that are repainting their homes opt for this color. What’s its magic?

    1. Max says:

      Well, I guess it’s because the color is really beautiful, first of all! It’s so delicate and calming that you just can’t withstand its power! Plus, it is pretty universal which means you can use it in many rooms and spaces. Besides, Swiss Coffee looks great with modern, transitional, traditional, cottage, and even farmhouse style!

  8. Olivia says:

    Does anyone know whether Swiss Coffee paint look gray on a wall?

    1. Holly says:

      No, it can never look gray! This color is a warm white and it has no gray undertones. It does compliment gray beautifully because of its warm undertones, so you should consider using tese two if you’re looking for a tranquil and delicate design.

  9. Dorothy says:

    Is Swiss Coffee a warm white? It seems to be warm on a swatch but I’m not sure how it will read on the walls.

    1. Martin says:

      Yes, this color is warm white with a slight hint of creaminess. But personally I like that it’s not way too creamy, you know, without that yellowness!

  10. Amanda says:

    Would you suggest using Swiss coffee on the ceiling as well as the walls. If not, what color would you suggest for ceilings to pair with Swiss coffee walls?

  11. Jessy says:

    Will BM Swiss Coffee pair with black color? I have a black kitchen island, and since I want to repaint the walls with Swiss Coffee, I’m a bit in doubt regarding how they will match.

    1. Dorothy says:

      Well, I think they will match. It’s going to be the classic black and white combination, so there should not be any disbalance. Especially if your island is painted with a warm-toned black. 

  12. Monica says:

    Hi! Does anyone know whether it’s possible to buy BM Swiss Coffee in a spraying can? I can’t paint with a brush or a roller evenly, so I though that, maybe, they have it as a spray.

    1. Lisa says:

      Hello! I’m afraid Benjamin Moore doesn’t have spray paints at all. You can ask them directly though, just call them or send them an email. 

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