Benjamin Moore offers gorgeous off-white and neutral paint colors perfect for any home. Two of their most popular are Chantilly Lace OC-65 and Swiss Coffee OC-45. Both create beautiful, versatile backdrops that suit a wide range of styles. But what’s the difference between them and how do you choose?
In this guide, we’ll do an in-depth analysis of Chantilly Lace and Swiss Coffee. We’ll compare undertones, light reflectance values (LRV), aesthetics, real-life photos, and ideal room applications. Read on to determine if crisp Chantilly Lace or deep Swiss Coffee is the best neutral paint color for your home.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Chantilly Lace and Swiss Coffee
Before diving into specifics, here is an overview of the main differences between Chantilly Lace OC-65 and Swiss Coffee OC-45:
- Undertones – Chantilly Lace has faint cool undertones, Swiss Coffee has warm brown undertones
- Light Reflectance – Chantilly Lace has an LRV of 90.04, Swiss Coffee has an LRV of 81.91
- Use – Chantilly Lace complements modern styles, Swiss Coffee traditional spaces
- Rooms – Chantilly Lace excels in well-lit rooms, Swiss Coffee darker areas
Now let’s explore Chantilly Lace and Swiss Coffee more closely.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65
A clean white neutral, Chantilly Lace OC-65 creates an airy, ethereal backdrop in any space. This versatile off-white complements styles from modern farmhouse to contemporary.
Here are some key details about Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace:
- LRV: 90.04
- Undertones: Very faint cool
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Whole home color, especially living areas
- Color Pairings: Grays, browns, blues
With only the slightest hint of coolness, Chantilly Lace maintains a primarily clean, bright white appearance rather than looking dingy or sterile. Its barely-there cool influence provides subtle depth.
At 90.04 light reflectance, Chantilly Lace reflects a significant amount of light to keep rooms feeling spacious and illuminated. This bright neutral prevents shadows beautifully.
Use Chantilly Lace OC-65 to make an uplifting, minimalist interior backdrop. This flexible white works well across many interior design aesthetics. It looks especially pleasing in these rooms:
- Living Rooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Hallways
Some colors that pair beautifully with Chantilly Lace include:
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
- Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Gray
- Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue
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 styles from contemporary to traditional.
Here are some details about Swiss Coffee:
- LRV: 81.91
- Undertones: Brown
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms
- Pairings: Creams, taupes, blues
Featuring strong brown undertones, Swiss Coffee has a deep espresso 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 allows Swiss Coffee to suit many styles.
With an 81.91 light reflectance value, Swiss Coffee reflects minimal illumination. This creates an intimate, enveloping ambiance perfect for bedrooms, dining rooms and other private spaces. The deep color beautifully contrasts light walls.
Use Swiss Coffee OC-45 to create an elegant, welcoming backdrop. The brown warmth complements cool colors like cream, light blue and navy. This versatile neutral excels in these rooms:
- Bedrooms
- Dining Rooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Libraries
Some colors that coordinate perfectly with Swiss Coffee include:
- Benjamin Moore Linen White
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
Comparing Chantilly Lace vs Swiss Coffee
Now that we’ve looked at Chantilly Lace and Swiss Coffee individually, let’s compare them directly:
Light Reflectance
Chantilly Lace is exceptionally lighter than Swiss Coffee, with LRVs of 90.04 vs just 81.91. Chantilly Lace will create a far brighter, airier space.
Undertones
Chantilly Lace has very subtle cool undertones, providing a clean ethereal backdrop. Swiss Coffee has deep warm brown undertones, providing enveloping elegance.
Use
The exceptional brightness of Chantilly Lace complements modern, contemporary designs. The cozy darkness of Swiss Coffee excels in traditional, transitional spaces.
Rooms
Chantilly Lace’s brightness excels in open concept main living areas. Swiss Coffee’s intimacy is perfect for bedrooms, dining rooms and studies.
Paint Finish
Benjamin Moore offers both Chantilly Lace and Swiss Coffee in any sheen from matte to high-gloss.
Pairings
Chantilly Lace pairs beautifully with grays, browns and blues. Swiss Coffee complements creams, taupes, light blues and wood tones.
Chantilly Lace vs Swiss Coffee Comparison Chart
Here is an overview comparison between Chantilly Lace OC-65 and Swiss Coffee OC-45:
| Paint Color | Chantilly Lace OC-65 | Swiss Coffee OC-45 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 90.04 | 81.91 |
| Undertones | Faint cool | Brown |
| Use | Modern, contemporary | Traditional, transitional |
| Rooms | Bright open living areas | Cozy private rooms |
| Sheens | All sheens | All sheens |
| Pairings | Grays, blues, browns | Creams, taupes, light blues |
Real Life Photos: Chantilly Lace vs Swiss Coffee
To give a sense of how Chantilly Lace and Swiss Coffee compare in real spaces, let’s look at real life photos of the paint colors:
Chantilly Lace OC-65
Swiss Coffee OC-45
In real spaces, Chantilly Lace appears exceptionally brighter and crisper than the darker, warmer Swiss Coffee. However, lighting impacts their look. Overall, Chantilly Lace has an airy ethereal vibe while Swiss Coffee provides enveloping elegance.
Should I Choose Chantilly Lace or Swiss Coffee?
So how do you decide between Chantilly Lace vs Swiss Coffee for your home? Here are a few tips:
Consider Chantilly Lace OC-65 if you want:
- A bright, airy neutral white
- To make an open, minimalist backdrop
- Crisp, cohesive foundation for modern styles
- Subtle cool undertone for interest
Consider Swiss Coffee OC-45 if you want:
- A deep, elegant coffee-inspired brown
- Cozy intimacy for bedrooms and dining rooms
- To complement traditional color schemes
- Contrast against light walls and trim
To pick, get large paint samples of each. View in your actual space at different times/lighting. See how they coordinate with other colors and materials in the room.
While both are beautiful neutrals, Chantilly Lace fits modern open concepts and Swiss Coffee suits traditional cozier spaces. Choose what meets your goals!
Best Rooms for Chantilly Lace and Swiss Coffee
Here are rooms that tend to be perfectly suited to Chantilly Lace OC-65 and Swiss Coffee OC-45:
Chantilly Lace OC-65
- Living Rooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Open floor plans
- Hallways/staircases
Swiss Coffee OC-45
- Bedrooms
- Dining rooms
- Offices/libraries
- Entryways
- Living rooms
Of course both can work in any space. But the above applications maximize Chantilly Lace’s bright open feel and Swiss Coffee’s intimate elegance.
Design Ideas Using Chantilly Lace and Swiss Coffee
On their own, Chantilly Lace and Swiss Coffee create simple backdrops. Use colors, textures and decor to make complete room designs:
Chantilly Lace Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green (accent wall)
- Brushed nickel fixtures
- Medium oak floors
- Navy blue and white bedding
Swiss Coffee Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Linen White (trim/ceiling)
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl (accent wall)
- Antique wood furnishings
- Creamy and blue textiles
Chantilly Lace vs Swiss Coffee: Which is Better for Your Home?
Is airy Chantilly Lace or elegant Swiss Coffee the better Benjamin Moore paint color for your space? It depends on your style and goals:
Consider Chantilly Lace if you want:
- A bright, minimalist neutral white
- An ethereal backdrop for modern styles
- To make open concept spaces feel cohesive
- Subtle cool undertone for interest
Consider Swiss Coffee if you want:
- A deep brown with traditional elegance
- Cozy intimacy for bedrooms and dining rooms
- To complement traditional color palettes
- Contrast against light walls and trims
Chantilly Lace excels in living spaces and contemporary homes needing an airy feel. Swiss Coffee fits beautifully in elegant bedrooms and traditional décor.
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)
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Chantilly Lace OC-65 and Swiss Coffee OC-45:
What are the main differences between Chantilly Lace and Swiss Coffee?
The main differences are their lightness and undertones. Chantilly Lace is an airy bright white while Swiss Coffee is a deep, dark brown.
Does Chantilly Lace have gray undertones?
No, Chantilly Lace does not have strong gray. It has faint cooling undertones but reads primarily as a clean true white.
What colors complement Swiss Coffee?
Colors like cream, white, light blue, navy, and antique oak pair beautifully with Swiss Coffee. It provides a cohesive base for accent colors.
Can you use Chantilly Lace in a kitchen?
Definitely. At 90.04 LRV, Chantilly Lace prevents kitchens from feeling dark or dingy. It creates a bright, uplifting backdrop.
Is Swiss Coffee suitable for bathrooms?
In bathrooms with plenty of lighting, Swiss Coffee can work well. But its 81.91 LRV may be too dark for some. Consider pairing it with bright whites.
