When selecting the perfect warm neutral paint color, two popular options are Behr’s Shoelace OR-W13 and Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee OC-45. At first glance, these two tan paints can appear very similar. But looking closer, there are noticeable differences between them that impact their aesthetics and uses.
In this article, we’ll compare Behr Shoelace vs Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee in-depth. We’ll analyze their undertones, LRV, real-world photos, and best room applications. By the end, you’ll understand how these two neutrals differ and which warm tan is the best choice for your space.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Shoelace and Swiss Coffee
Before examining all the details, here is a brief overview of how Shoelace and Swiss Coffee differ:
- Undertones: Shoelace is a yellow-brown, Swiss Coffee is a red-brown.
- LRV: Shoelace has a higher LRV of 78, Swiss Coffee is darker at 81.91 LRV.
- Use: Shoelace works well whole-home, Swiss Coffee best accenting.
- Rooms: Shoelace suits living rooms, Swiss Coffee excels in bathrooms.
Now let’s explore Shoelace vs Swiss Coffee more closely!
Behr Shoelace OR-W13
Shoelace OR-W13 is a gorgeous golden tan paint color with subtle yellow undertones. Its brightness and versatility make it widely appealing.
Here are some details about Shoelace:
- LRV: 78
- Undertones: Yellow-brown
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, offices, halls
- Pairs With: Blues, greens, tans
Shoelace is a pale golden tan with a hint of yellow influence. This gives it a cheerful, laidback warmth without appearing dramatic.
With an LRV of 78, Shoelace reflects ample light to avoid feeling dark or dingy. The yellowness maintains an uplifting, sunny vibe.
This versatile neutral pairs beautifully with many colors. Great combinations include:
- Behr Swiss Coffee
- Behr Restful
- Behr Silver Drop
- Behr Crisp Linen
While suitable anywhere, this sunny tan excels when used as the main paint color in:
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Entryways
- Dining Rooms
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45
Swiss Coffee OC-45 is a gorgeous light reddish-brown paint color with widespread popularity. Its versatility works across any style.
Here are some details about Swiss Coffee:
- LRV: 81.91
- Undertones: Red-brown
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, accent walls
- Pairs With: Grays, blues, tans
Swiss Coffee is a pale tan with subtle red-brown undertones. This gives it a welcoming warmth and elegance.
With an LRV of 81.91, Swiss Coffee reflects less light than lighter paints. This allows it to add cozy, sophisticated contrast as an accent shade. The redness maintains an uplifting vibe.
Some pleasing color combos with Swiss Coffee include:
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
While great anywhere, this refined neutral excels when used strategically to accent:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Dining Rooms
Comparing Shoelace vs Swiss Coffee
Now that we’ve explored Shoelace and Swiss Coffee individually, let’s directly compare the two paint colors:
Light Reflectance
With an LRV of 78, Shoelace reflects substantially more light than the 81.91 LRV of Swiss Coffee. Shoelace will feel brighter and more cheerful.
Undertones
Here is the main difference. Shoelace is a yellow-brown while Swiss Coffee is a red-brown.
Shoelace’s yellowness gives it laidback warmth. Swiss Coffee’s redness feels more elegant and sophisticated.
Rooms
Shoelace’s brightness makes it great whole-home, especially living rooms and bedrooms. Swiss Coffee excels accenting bathrooms, kitchens, and with wood trim.
Paint Finishes
Both Shoelace and Swiss Coffee come in any sheen from matte to gloss. They provide beautiful, warm paint finishes.
Shoelace vs Swiss Coffee Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of their major differences:
| Paint Color | Shoelace OR-W13 | Swiss Coffee OC-45 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 78 | 81.91 |
| Undertones | Yellow-brown | Red-brown |
| Use | Whole-home color | Accent color |
| Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
Real Rooms Painted in Shoelace and Swiss Coffee
To better visualize Shoelace vs Swiss Coffee, let’s look at real rooms painted in the two paint colors:
Shoelace OR-W13
Swiss Coffee OC-45
The images demonstrate how Shoelace appears brighter and more yellow than subtle, sophisticated Swiss Coffee. But lighting can make them seem somewhat similar at times.
Should You Choose Shoelace or Swiss Coffee?
So which warm neutral paint color is the better choice for your space – laidback Shoelace or refined Swiss Coffee? Here are a few tips for deciding:
Pick Shoelace OR-W13 if you want:
- A light tan with yellow undertones
- A casual whole-home color
- Bright cheerfulness for living areas
- A versatile neutral suitable anywhere
Choose Swiss Coffee OC-45 if you want:
- A light brown with subtle red undertones
- Sophisticated elegance perfect for accents
- A neutral with more depth than very light tans
- Refined contrast on focal walls and with trim
If still uncertain between the two, get samples and paint large swatches on your walls. View throughout different lighting and times before deciding.
Either paint color you select will provide beauty and warmth. But their differences mean one likely better suits your goals and style.
Ideal Room Applications
Here are some rooms that often suit Shoelace and Swiss Coffee best:
Shoelace OR-W13
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Entryways
- Dining Rooms
Swiss Coffee OC-45
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Doors and trim
Both can work well throughout any home, but the above applications maximize the strengths of each.
Design Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Shoelace and Swiss Coffee create welcoming backdrops. Paired with other colors and materials, they create gorgeous interiors:
Shoelace Color Pairings
- Behr White Metal (trim/ceilings)
- Behr Deep Forest (accent wall)
- Behr Cocoa (furniture)
- Natural wood tones
Swiss Coffee Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (trim/cabinets)
- Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green (accent wall)
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (furniture)
- Brass light fixtures
Shoelace vs Swiss Coffee – Which Color is Best for You?
When choosing between Shoelace and Swiss Coffee, consider your goals and preferences:
Pick Shoelace OR-W13 if you want:
- A laidback light tan with yellow tones
- A casual whole-home neutral
- To brighten up living and bedroom spaces
- A versatile color suitable everywhere
Choose Swiss Coffee OC-45 if you want:
- A light brown with subtle red undertones
- Sophisticated elegance perfect as an accent
- A neutral with more depth than very light tans
- Refined contrast on focal walls and with trim
While they share similarities, the differences mean one likely better suits your space. Get color swatches before deciding between casual Shoelace and elegant Swiss Coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to choose between Shoelace vs Swiss Coffee? Here are answers to some common questions:
Does Swiss Coffee have any gray undertones?
No, Swiss Coffee does not have noticeable gray undertones. It leans solidly toward red-brown tones without hints of gray, green, or blue.
What colors complement Shoelace walls?
Shoelace pairs beautifully with light blues, grays, tans, and whites. Crisp whites like Behr Ultra Pure White help highlight its laidback sunny warmth.
Which tan paint color is darker?
With an LRV of 81.91, Swiss Coffee is noticeably darker than the 78 LRV of light Shoelace. However, Swiss Coffee still reflects enough light to avoid feeling dreary.
Can you use Swiss Coffee in a living room?
Yes, Swiss Coffee can work well in living rooms strategically. Pair it with light airy walls and use Swiss Coffee on an accent wall or fireplace to add sophisticated warmth.
Is Shoelace suitable for small spaces?
Yes! With its light golden tan color and high LRV, Shoelace works wonderfully in small rooms. It reflects light around and keeps the space feeling bright and open.
Conclusion
When comparing Behr’s Shoelace vs Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee, the main differences come down to undertones and aesthetics:
- Shoelace is a yellow-brown that works well whole-home, providing laidback, casual brightness.
- Swiss Coffee is a red-brown that excels when used as an accent, adding sophisticated elegance.
While they share some similarities, the contrasts in undertone and formality help one likely better suit your goals. Consider your space when deciding between Shoelace and Swiss Coffee. With large samples, you’ll confidently choose your perfect warm paint color!
