When selecting a warm, neutral paint color, two popular options are Behr’s Silky White and Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee. At first glance, these off-white and tan paints can seem quite similar. But upon closer inspection, there are noticeable differences between them that impact their uses and aesthetics.
In this article, we’ll compare Behr Silky White vs Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee in-depth. We’ll look at undertones, LRV, real-world photos, and best room applications. By the end, you’ll understand how these neutrals differ and which is the best choice for your space.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Silky White and Swiss Coffee
Before examining all the details, here is a brief overview of how Silky White and Swiss Coffee differ:
- Undertones: Silky White is a warm white, Swiss Coffee is a red-brown.
- LRV: Silky White has a higher LRV of 83, Swiss Coffee is darker at 81.91 LRV.
- Use: Silky White works well whole-home, Swiss Coffee best accenting.
- Rooms: Silky White suits bedrooms, Swiss Coffee excels in bathrooms.
Now let’s explore Silky White vs Swiss Coffee more closely!
Behr Silky White
Silky White is a gorgeous warm white paint color with subtle cream undertones. Its versatility and brightness make it widely popular.
Here are some details about Silky White:
- LRV: 83
- Undertones: Warm white
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, offices
- Pairs With: Tans, blues, grays
Silky White is an off-white with the subtlest hint of cream. This gives it a soft, welcoming warmth without looking dingy.
With an LRV of 83, Silky White reflects ample light to keep rooms feeling bright and open. The creaminess maintains an uplifting, laidback vibe.
This versatile neutral pairs beautifully with many color schemes. Pleasing combinations include:
- Behr Swiss Coffee
- Behr Gray Cloud
- Behr Silver Drop
- Behr Svelte Sage
While suitable anywhere, this cozy off-white excels when used as the main paint color in:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Dining Rooms
- Hallways
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 key 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 color. The redness maintains an uplifting vibe.
Some pleasing color combinations 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 Silky White vs Swiss Coffee
Now that we’ve looked at Silky White and Swiss Coffee individually, let’s directly compare the two paint colors:
Light Reflectance
With an LRV of 83, Silky White reflects substantially more light than the 81.91 LRV of Swiss Coffee. Silky White will feel brighter and more uplifting.
Undertones
Here is the main difference. Silky White is a warm white while Swiss Coffee is a red-brown.
Silky White’s creaminess gives it soft warmth. Swiss Coffee’s redness feels more elegant and refined.
Rooms
Silky White’s brightness makes it ideal whole-home, especially bedrooms and living rooms. Swiss Coffee excels as an accent in bathrooms, kitchens, and with woodwork.
Paint Finishes
Both Silky White and Swiss Coffee come in any sheen from flat to gloss. They provide beautiful paint finishes.
Silky White vs Swiss Coffee Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of their major differences:
| Paint Color | Silky White | Swiss Coffee OC-45 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 83 | 81.91 |
| Undertones | Warm white | Red-brown |
| Use | Whole-home color | Accent color |
| Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
Real Rooms Painted in Silky White and Swiss Coffee
To better visualize Silky White vs Swiss Coffee, let’s look at real rooms painted in the two colors:
Silky White
Swiss Coffee OC-45
The images showcase how bright, airy Silky White differs from darker, more sophisticated Swiss Coffee. But lighting can make them appear somewhat similar at times.
Should You Choose Silky White or Swiss Coffee?
So which neutral paint color is the better choice for your home – soft Silky White or refined Swiss Coffee? Here are a few tips for deciding:
Pick Silky White if you want:
- A warm off-white with subtle cream tones
- A versatile whole-home color
- To brighten up bedrooms and living areas
- A laidback neutral suitable anywhere
Choose Swiss Coffee OC-45 if you want:
- A light brown with elegant red undertones
- Sophisticated contrast perfect for accents
- A neutral with more depth than very pale colors
- Cozy elegance 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 neutral paint color you choose 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 Silky White and Swiss Coffee best:
Silky White
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
- 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 their individual strengths.
Design Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Silky White and Swiss Coffee create welcoming backdrops. Paired with other colors and materials, they make gorgeous interiors:
Silky White Color Pairings
- Behr Polished Opal (trim/ceilings)
- Behr Deep Forest (accent wall)
- Behr Gray Mist (furniture)
- Medium wood tones
Swiss Coffee Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (trim/cabinets)
- Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green (accent wall)
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (furniture)
- Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures
Silky White vs Swiss Coffee – Which is Best for You?
When choosing between Silky White and Swiss Coffee, consider your goals and preferences:
Pick Silky White if you want:
- A warm off-white suitable for whole-home use
- Subtle creaminess to brighten rooms
- A laidback neutral for bedrooms and living spaces
- Versatility to work with many color schemes
Choose Swiss Coffee OC-45 if you want:
- A light brown accent that adds refined elegance
- Sophisticated contrast on focal walls and trim
- More depth than very pale paint colors
- A welcoming red-brown warmth
While they share some similarities, the differences likely mean one suits your space better. Get color swatches before deciding between soft Silky White and elegant Swiss Coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to choose between Silky White vs Swiss Coffee? Here are answers to some common questions:
Does Swiss Coffee work in a bedroom?
Yes, Swiss Coffee can work well in bedrooms when used strategically. Pair it with light airy walls and use Swiss Coffee on an accent wall to add sophisticated warmth.
What colors complement Silky White?
Silky White pairs nicely with tans, grays, blues and even some deeper colors like charcoal and navy. Crisp whites like Polished Opal highlight its subtle creaminess.
Which paint color is darker?
With an LRV of 81.91, Swiss Coffee is much darker than the 83 LRV of light, bright Silky White. However, Swiss Coffee still reflects enough light to prevent a dreary feel.
Can you use Silky White in bathrooms?
Definitely! While Swiss Coffee is more popular for bathrooms, soft relaxed Silky White also works wonderfully. Its creaminess gives warmth without going too dark.
Is Swiss Coffee suitable for kitchens?
Yes, Swiss Coffee is a great kitchen color! It provides sophisticated contrast on cabinets or an accent wall. Pair with crisp whites for a classic kitchen palette.
Conclusion
When comparing Behr’s Silky White vs Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee, the main differences come down to undertones and aesthetics:
- Silky White is a warm white that works well whole-home providing soft, laidback 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 undertones and formality help one likely better suit your goals. Consider your space when deciding between versatile Silky White and refined Swiss Coffee. With large samples, you’ll confidently select the perfect warm neutral paint color!
