When searching for the perfect neutral backdrop for your home, two gorgeous options to consider are Behr Blank Canvas DC-003 and Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45. Both of these popular paint colors offer warm, inviting neutrals that work for a variety of design styles. But what’s the difference between Blank Canvas vs Swiss Coffee? And how do you pick the best one for your space?
In this guide, we’ll do an in-depth comparison of Blank Canvas and Swiss Coffee paint colors. We’ll analyze undertones, light reflectance values (LRV), real-life photos, and the best room applications. Let’s dive in to determine if creamy Blank Canvas or earthy Swiss Coffee is the ideal neutral paint color for your interior design.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Blank Canvas and Swiss Coffee
Before looking at the specifics, here is an overview of the main differences between Behr Blank Canvas DC-003 and Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45:
- Undertones – Blank Canvas has red undertones, Swiss Coffee has brown undertones
- LRV – Blank Canvas has an LRV of 84, Swiss Coffee has an LRV of 81.91
- Use – Blank Canvas complements modern styles, Swiss Coffee transitional spaces
- Rooms – Blank Canvas excels in well-lit rooms, Swiss Coffee darker spaces
Now let’s explore Blank Canvas and Swiss Coffee more closely.
Behr Blank Canvas DC-003
A bestselling neutral paint color, Behr Blank Canvas DC-003 is a warm ivory that creates a welcoming, soothing backdrop. This versatile color complements styles from modern to farmhouse.
Here are some key details about Blank Canvas:
- LRV: 84
- Undertones: Red
- Finish: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Whole home color, especially living rooms and bedrooms
- Pairings: Grays, blues, browns
Featuring slight red undertones, Blank Canvas has a creamy pale appearance that shifts between ivory and butter depending on lighting. The red influence gives Blank Canvas warmth without feeling overly pink or salmon.
With a 84 light reflectance value, Blank Canvas provides ample illumination to keep rooms feeling bright and open. The creamy pale color is soothing without being stark.
Use Blank Canvas DC-003 to create a cozy yet uplifting interior backdrop. This flexible neutral works across many design aesthetics. It looks especially pleasing in these rooms:
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Dining Rooms
Some colors that pair beautifully with Blank Canvas include:
- Behr White Metal
- Behr Silver Drop
- Behr Cinderblock
- Behr Turkish Coffee
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45
A beloved neutral paint color, Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45 provides a warm coffee-inspired backdrop. This versatile deep brown excels across many styles from contemporary to traditional.
Here are some details about Swiss Coffee:
- LRV: 81.91
- Undertones: Brown
- Finish: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms
- Pairings: Creams, khaki, white
Featuring strong brown undertones, Swiss Coffee has a dark java or mocha appearance. In some lights it can read as a neutral chocolate brown. In others, it takes on slight red or orange warmth. This adaptability makes Swiss Coffee at home across many aesthetics.
With an 81.91 light reflectance value, Swiss Coffee reflects minimal illumination. This creates an intimate, cozy ambiance perfect for bedrooms and other private spaces. The deep color contrasts beautifully against white trim and ceilings.
Use Swiss Coffee OC-45 to create an elegant, welcoming backdrop. The brown warmth complements color schemes featuring creams, khakis, and rich wood tones. This versatile neutral excels in these rooms:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Entryways
Some colors that coordinate perfectly with Swiss Coffee include:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
- Benjamin Moore Hazelnut Cream
- Benjamin Moore Rushing River
Comparing Blank Canvas vs Swiss Coffee
Now that we’ve looked at Blank Canvas and Swiss Coffee paint colors separately, let’s compare them directly:
Light Reflectance
Blank Canvas is much lighter than Swiss Coffee, with LRVs of 84 vs just 81.91 for Swiss Coffee. Blank Canvas will make a space feel airier.
Undertones
Blank Canvas has subtle red undertones, giving it warmth without intense color. Swiss Coffee has rich brown undertones for an elegant, coffee-inspired look.
Use
The lightness of Blank Canvas complements contemporary, modern designs. The cozy darkness of Swiss Coffee excels in traditional spaces.
Rooms
Blank Canvas’s brightness is perfect for open-concept main living areas. Swiss Coffee’s intimacy excels in bedrooms, dining rooms, and studies.
Paint Finish
Both Blank Canvas and Swiss Coffee are available in any sheen from matte to high-gloss.
Pairings
Blank Canvas pairs well with grays, blues, tans, and wood tones. Swiss Coffee complements creams, whites, khakis, and wood stains.
Blank Canvas vs Swiss Coffee Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of the key differences between Behr Blank Canvas DC-003 and Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45:
| Paint Color | Blank Canvas DC-003 | Swiss Coffee OC-45 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 84 | 81.91 |
| Undertones | Red | Brown |
| Use | Modern, contemporary | Traditional, transitional |
| Rooms | Living rooms, kitchens | Bedrooms, dining rooms |
| Sheens | All sheens | All sheens |
| Pairings | Grays, blues, tans | Creams, whites, khakis |
Real Life Photos: Blank Canvas vs Swiss Coffee
To give a sense of how Blank Canvas and Swiss Coffee compare in actual spaces, let’s look at real life photos of the paint colors:
Blank Canvas DC-003
Swiss Coffee OC-45
In real world spaces, Blank Canvas appears much brighter and airier than the darker, moodier Swiss Coffee. However, lighting impacts their look. Overall, Blank Canvas has an open feel while Swiss Coffee provides intimacy.
Should I Choose Blank Canvas or Swiss Coffee?
When deciding between Blank Canvas and Swiss Coffee, consider the goals for your space and decor style:
Consider Blank Canvas DC-003 if you want:
- A light, uplifting creamy neutral
- To brighten and modernize the space
- An airy backdrop suitable for open concept plans
- To coordinate with grays, blues and tans
Consider Swiss Coffee OC-45 if you want:
- A dark coffee-colored brown for intimacy
- Ultimate coziness for bedrooms and dining rooms
- To complement traditional warm palettes
- More contrast against light walls/ceilings
To pick, get color swatches and paint samples of each. View in your actual space at different times of day. Compare how they coordinate with fabrics and furnishings in the room.
While both are lovely neutrals, Blank Canvas fits contemporary spaces wanting airy brightness and Swiss Coffee traditional rooms needing cozy elegance.
Best Rooms for Blank Canvas and Swiss Coffee
Here are rooms that tend to suit Behr Blank Canvas DC-003 and Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45 especially beautifully:
Blank Canvas DC-003
- Living Rooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Open Floor Plans
- Hallways
Swiss Coffee OC-45
- Bedrooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Studies
- Foyers
Of course, both can work well in any space. But the above applications maximize the light airiness of Blank Canvas and intimate elegance of Swiss Coffee.
Design Ideas for Blank Canvas and Swiss Coffee
On their own, Blank Canvas and Swiss Coffee create simple backdrops. Use other paint colors, materials, and decor to complete your room designs:
Blank Canvas Color Pairings
- Behr White Metal (trim/ceiling)
- Behr Silver Drop (accent wall)
- Medium wood flooring
- Mirrored furniture
Swiss Coffee Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore White Dove (trim/ceiling)
- Benjamin Moore Simply White (cabinets)
- Hardwood floor stain
- Antique brass lighting fixtures
Blank Canvas vs Swiss Coffee: Which is Better for Your Home?
So is airy Blank Canvas or intimate Swiss Coffee better for your space? It depends on your goals and decor tastes:
Consider Blank Canvas if you want:
- A bright, uplifting neutral ivory
- An airy, relaxed backdrop for modern styles
- To make open concept spaces feel cohesive
- A warm alternative to harsh whites
Consider Swiss Coffee if you want:
- An elegant deep brown for traditional elegance
- Ultimate coziness for bedrooms and dining rooms
- A flexible “greige” alternative with more depth
- Contrast against light trims and furnishings
Blank Canvas excels in living areas and contemporary homes. Swiss Coffee fits beautifully in elegant bedrooms and transitional spaces.
Be sure to get large in-home paint samples before deciding. Both are stunning versatile neutrals – choose the one that fulfills your goals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still undecided between Blank Canvas vs Swiss Coffee? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
What are the main differences between Blank Canvas and Swiss Coffee?
The main differences are their lightness and undertones. Blank Canvas is a light creamy neutral while Swiss Coffee is a deep, dark brown.
Does Blank Canvas have yellow undertones?
No, Blank Canvas does not have strong yellow undertones. Its subtle red influence gives warmth without looking yellow or peach.
What colors go well with Swiss Coffee?
Colors like cream, white, light tan, and soft blue complement Swiss Coffee beautifully. It also pairs nicely with wood furniture stains.
Is Blank Canvas suitable for kitchens?
Definitely. The 84 LRV prevents it from feeling too dark while still providing warmth. It’s uplifting but not stark white.
Can you use Swiss Coffee in bathrooms?
In bathrooms with plenty of lighting, Swiss Coffee can work well. But its 81.91 LRV may feel too dark for some. Consider pairing it with bright white features.
