When selecting a warm, versatile neutral paint color, two of Benjamin Moore’s most popular choices are Creamy White OC-7 and Swiss Coffee OC-45. Both are beautiful light tan browns that work well throughout homes. But what exactly sets these two shades apart?
In this article, we’ll thoroughly compare Creamy White and Swiss Coffee. We’ll analyze undertones, light reflectance, real life photos, and best room usages. Read on to determine which Benjamin Moore neutral is the right fit for your home’s interior design.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Creamy White and Swiss Coffee
Before diving into the details, here is an overview of the main differences between Creamy White and Swiss Coffee:
- Undertones – Creamy White is more beige, Swiss Coffee is more brown
- Light Reflectance – Creamy White has an LRV of 70.95, Swiss Coffee has an LRV of 81.91
- Use – Creamy White for casual decor, Swiss Coffee for traditional homes
- Rooms – Creamy White shines in bright rooms, Swiss Coffee excels in cozy spaces
- Availability – Both come in all finishes
Now let’s explore Creamy White and Swiss Coffee more thoroughly.
Benjamin Moore Creamy White OC-7
Benjamin Moore Creamy White OC-7 is a gorgeous off-white paint color with beige undertones. This welcoming neutral works well across casual design styles.
Here are some key details about Creamy White:
- LRV: 70.95
- Undertones: Creamy beige
- Finish: Available in all paint sheens
- Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens
- Pairs Well With: Beiges, greens, blues
Creamy White has distinctive cream-beige undertones that give this light tan a soft, soothing sensibility. The barely noticeable beige influence provides warmth without feeling too bold.
The 70.95 light reflectance value strikes a nice balance between providing illumination and remaining subtle. Rooms feel comfortably nestled but not dark or dingy.
With its creamy beige essence, Creamy White excels alongside laidback casual spaces. Use it alongside colors like sage green, sky blue, and natural wood tones. Ideal rooms include:
- Relaxed living rooms
- Bedrooms and nurseries
- Kitchens and dining rooms
- Offices and studies
- Bathrooms
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45 is a warmer, natural-looking light brown that has widespread appeal. This gorgeous neutral beige works across styles from modern farmhouse to traditional.
Here are some key details about beloved Swiss Coffee:
- LRV: 81.91
- Undertones: Creamy brown
- Finish: Available in all paint sheens
- Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Browns, greens, blues
True to its name, Swiss Coffee has noticeable creamy brown undertones resembling a latte. This gives the paint color a very welcoming and cozy appearance.
The 81.91 light reflectance value provides enough brightness to prevent dreariness, while maintaining the brown warmth. Rooms feel cheerfully nestled but not too dark.
With its creamy brown essence, Swiss Coffee excels alongside natural color schemes featuring cream, taupe, sage green, and sky blue. Ideal Swiss Coffee rooms include:
- Cozy living rooms
- Bedrooms and nurseries
- Offices, studies, libraries
- Kitchens, baths, and dining rooms
Comparing Creamy White vs Swiss Coffee
Now that we’ve looked at Creamy White and Swiss Coffee independently, let’s compare them directly:
Light Reflectance
Creamy White has an LRV of 70.95 compared to Swiss Coffee’s lower 81.91 LRV. This means Creamy White reflects more light for a brighter appearance.
However, both reflect enough illumination for most average size rooms without feeling dark or gloomy.
Undertones
Here is where the main difference lies. Creamy White has subtle beige undertones. Swiss Coffee has very warm noticeable brown undertones.
Creamy White’s beige gives it a casual laidback vibe. Swiss Coffee’s brown warmth provides a cozy traditional feel.
Rooms
With its barely-there beige undertone, Creamy White excels alongside brighter rooms with relaxed color schemes.
Swiss Coffee’s distinctive brown warmth makes it ideal for more intimate living spaces like dens and dining nooks.
Availability
Both Creamy White and Swiss Coffee come in all of Benjamin Moore’s paint sheens from matte to high gloss.
Creamy White vs Swiss Coffee Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of how Creamy White and Swiss Coffee compare:
Paint Color | Creamy White OC-7 | Swiss Coffee OC-45 |
---|---|---|
LRV | 70.95 | 81.91 |
Undertones | Creamy beige | Creamy brown |
Use | Casual, laidback rooms | Traditional cozy rooms |
Sheens | All sheens | All sheens |
Style | Casual, eclectic | Traditional, farmhouse |
Real Life Photos – Creamy White vs Swiss Coffee
Let’s look at real life spaces painted in Creamy White and Swiss Coffee to better see how they compare in actual environments.
Creamy White OC-7
Swiss Coffee OC-45
The photos demonstrate how Creamy White generally appears to be a bit cooler and more beige compared to the warmer, brown Swiss Coffee. However, depending on lighting they can look quite similar.
Should I Choose Creamy White or Swiss Coffee?
So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore’s Creamy White vs Swiss Coffee for your space? Here are some helpful considerations:
Consider Creamy White OC-7 if you want:
- A light tan with subtle beige undertones
- A laidback casual neutral suitable for eclectic styles
- A soft backdrop that still feels bright
- Flexibility across many casual design aesthetics
Consider Swiss Coffee OC-45 if you want:
- A light brown with very warm creamy brown undertones
- A cozy and welcoming traditional paint color
- Benjamin Moore’s most popular brown
- A universally flattering neutral for any room
As always, get paint samples before deciding. View large swatches in your actual lighting and with your furnishings. This gives you the best sense of which neutral you prefer before finalizing your choice.
While Creamy White suits laidback casual spaces, Swiss Coffee’s cozy warmth gives it an advantage in traditionally styled homes seeking a soft welcoming backdrop.
Ideal Room Pairings
While Creamy White and Swiss Coffee work well throughout homes, here are some rooms particularly well suited:
Creamy White OC-7
Thanks to its subtle beige influence, Creamy White excels in brighter spaces. Perfect rooms include:
- Sunlit living rooms and kitchens
- Bright bedrooms and nurseries
- Bathrooms and laundry rooms
- Dining rooms and offices
Swiss Coffee OC-45
This cozy neutral excels in more intimate, enclosed living areas. Ideal Swiss Coffee rooms:
- Cozy living rooms and dens
- Bedrooms and nurseries
- Offices, studies, libraries
- Windowless spaces needing warmth
Use Creamy White to illuminate your casual brighter spaces. Let Swiss Coffee provide coziness in your home’s traditional living areas.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Creamy White and Swiss Coffee create peaceful backdrops. Paired with colors and textures, you can design beautiful spaces:
Creamy White OC-7 Ideas
- Light beige kitchen with natural wood island
- Off-white shiplap accent wall in a sunroom
- Beige dining room with jute rug and linen drapes
- Crisp white open shelving against creamy walls
Swiss Coffee OC-45 Ideas
- Cozy living room with chocolate leather sofa
- Warm galley kitchen with butcher block counters
- Creamy beige nursery with woven fiber rugs
- White wainscoting against tan feature wall
Color Pairings for Both
- Light blues, greens, grays, and crisp whites
- Warm wood stains and finishes
- Natural textiles like cotton, jute, linen
- Black and white prints and patterns
Keep walls in a creamy neutral tan to let accent colors shine. Easily change accents for fresh seasonal looks.
Creamy White vs Swiss Coffee – Which is Best For You?
What’s better for your home – laidback Creamy White or cozy Swiss Coffee? The right choice depends on your goals:
Pick Creamy White OC-7 if you want:
- A light tan with subtle beige undertones
- A casual and relaxing paint color
- Flexibility across many casual design styles
- A soft but bright backdrop for eclectic rooms
Choose Swiss Coffee OC-45 if you want:
- A light brown with very warm creamy brown undertones
- Benjamin Moore’s most popular cozy neutral
- A universally flattering paint color
- A soft welcoming backdrop for traditional styles
Get large in-home paint samples before deciding. While Swiss Coffee excels in traditionally styled homes, Creamy White shines in laidback casual spaces seeking softness without sacrificing brightness.
Choose the light tan neutral paint color that best complements your existing design, furniture, and style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Creamy White and Swiss Coffee? Here are some commonly asked questions:
Is Creamy White warm, cool, or neutral?
Creamy White OC-7 is a warm paint color thanks to its subtle beige undertones. However, it reads as fairly neutral and adaptable to most palettes.
What colors complement Swiss Coffee?
Swiss Coffee pairs beautifully with light blues, greens, grays, whites, creams, as well as warm wood tones and antique-inspired accents.
Can you use Creamy White in bathrooms?
Yes, Creamy White works well in bathrooms. Its 70.95 LRV prevents dinginess and the subtle beige undertone resists yellowing over time.
Is Swiss Coffee suitable for bedrooms?
Yes, the welcoming warmth of Swiss Coffee makes it an ideal bedroom color. Pair with white trim and natural textiles for a peaceful sleeping space.
What finish should I use for Creamy White trim?
For added durability in high-traffic areas, use a semi-gloss or high gloss Creamy White for trim, doors, and cabinetry. This adds nice dimension against flat walls.