When selecting the perfect neutral paint color, two top options from Benjamin Moore are Dove Wing OC-18 and Swiss Coffee OC-45. At first glance, these light gray and tan paints can appear very similar. But looking closer, there are noticeable differences between them that impact their uses.
In this article, we’ll compare Benjamin Moore Dove Wing vs 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 neutrals differ and which is the ideal choice for your space.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Dove Wing and Swiss Coffee
Before examining all the details, here is a brief overview of how Dove Wing and Swiss Coffee differ:
- Undertones: Dove Wing is a cool gray, Swiss Coffee is a red-brown.
- LRV: Dove Wing has a higher 77.52 LRV, Swiss Coffee is darker at 81.91 LRV.
- Use: Dove Wing works well whole-home, Swiss Coffee best accenting.
- Rooms: Dove Wing suits kitchens and baths, Swiss Coffee excels in bedrooms.
Now let’s explore Dove Wing vs Swiss Coffee more closely!
Benjamin Moore Dove Wing OC-18
Dove Wing OC-18 is a gorgeous light gray paint color with subtle cool undertones. It has a clean, bright appearance that works beautifully in a variety of settings.
Here are some details about Dove Wing:
- LRV: 77.52
- Undertones: Cool gray
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Kitchens, baths, exterior, office, laundry
- Pairs With: Whites, blues, grays
Dove Wing is a very pale gray with faint cool undertones. Unlike some harsh cool grays, it maintains a tranquil, inviting appearance.
The subtle coolness gives Dove Wing a clean, crisp look. This makes it an ideal choice for trim, doors, cabinetry, and other accent areas. It provides definition without stark contrast.
With a 77.52 LRV, Dove Wing reflects ample light to avoid feeling dark or dreary. The soft pale gray color feels uplifting.
This versatile light gray complements a variety of color schemes. Pleasing combinations include:
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Benjamin Moore Oxford White
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
Dove Wing excels when used as the main gray in kitchens, bathrooms, exteriors, offices, and laundry rooms. Its versatility also makes it suitable anywhere in a home.
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45
Swiss Coffee OC-45 is a gorgeous light reddish-brown paint color with widespread popularity. Its versatility works beautifully across any style.
Here are some details about Swiss Coffee:
- LRV: 81.91
- Undertones: Red-brown
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, accent walls
- Pairs With: Grays, blues, tans
Swiss Coffee is a pale tan with subtle red-brown undertones. This gives it a warm, welcoming elegance.
With an LRV of 81.91, Swiss Coffee reflects less light than lighter paint colors. This allows it to add sophisticated, cozy 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 suitable anywhere, this refined neutral excels when used strategically to accent:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Dining Rooms
Comparing Dove Wing vs Swiss Coffee
Now that we’ve explored Dove Wing and Swiss Coffee individually, let’s directly compare the two Benjamin Moore paint colors:
Light Reflectance
With an LRV of 77.52, Dove Wing reflects substantially more light than the 81.91 LRV of Swiss Coffee. Dove Wing will feel brighter and less somber.
Undertones
Here is the main difference. Dove Wing is a cool gray while Swiss Coffee is a red-brown.
Dove Wing’s coolness gives it a clean, crisp appearance. Swiss Coffee’s redness feels elegantly warm.
Rooms
Dove Wing’s crispness makes it ideal for kitchens, baths, and exteriors. Swiss Coffee’s warmth excels at accenting bedrooms, offices, and with wood trim.
Paint Finishes
Both Dove Wing and Swiss Coffee come in any sheen from matte to pearl. They provide beautiful, refined finishes.
Dove Wing vs Swiss Coffee Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of their major differences:
| Paint Color | Dove Wing OC-18 | Swiss Coffee OC-45 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 77.52 | 81.91 |
| Undertones | Cool gray | Red-brown |
| Use | Whole-home color | Accent color |
| Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
Real Rooms Painted in Dove Wing and Swiss Coffee
To better envision Dove Wing vs Swiss Coffee, let’s look at real rooms painted in the two Benjamin Moore colors:
Dove Wing OC-18
Swiss Coffee OC-45
The images demonstrate how cool, crisp Dove Wing differs from the warmer, more elegant Swiss Coffee. But lighting can make them appear somewhat similar at times.
Should You Choose Dove Wing or Swiss Coffee?
So which neutral paint color is the better choice for your home – versatile Dove Wing or elegant Swiss Coffee? Here are a few tips for deciding:
Pick Dove Wing OC-18 if you want:
- A light gray with subtle cool undertones
- A color suitable for whole-home use
- Crisp, clean look for kitchens and bathrooms
- Versatility as exterior color and trim
Choose Swiss Coffee OC-45 if you want:
- A light brown with warm red undertones
- Sophisticated elegance perfect for accents
- Cozy contrast on focal walls and with trim
- A neutral that feels gracefully inviting
If still uncertain between the two, get samples and paint large swatches on your walls. View throughout different lighting and times before deciding.
Either Benjamin Moore neutral you select will provide beauty and refinement. But their differences mean one likely better suits your goals and style.
Ideal Room Applications
Here are some rooms that often suit Dove Wing and Swiss Coffee best:
Dove Wing OC-18
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Exterior siding
- Laundry rooms
- Offices
Swiss Coffee OC-45
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Dining rooms
- Doors and trim
- Living rooms
While both can work well throughout any home, the above applications maximize their individual strengths.
Design Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Dove Wing and Swiss Coffee create peaceful backdrops. Paired with other colors and materials, they make stunning interiors:
Dove Wing Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (trim/ceilings)
- Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Gray (accent wall)
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (furniture)
- Matte black hardware
Swiss Coffee Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Linen White (trim/cabinets)
- Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green (accent wall)
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl (furniture)
- Wood furnishings
Dove Wing vs Swiss Coffee – Which is Best for You?
When choosing between Dove Wing and Swiss Coffee, consider your goals and preferences:
Pick Dove Wing OC-18 if you want:
- A light gray suitable for whole-home use
- Subtle cool tones that feel clean and crisp
- Bright beauty in kitchens, baths, and exteriors
- Excellent versatility as trim color
Choose Swiss Coffee OC-45 if you want:
- A light brown that elegantly accents focal walls
- Warm red undertones for a welcoming vibe
- More depth than very pale paint colors
- Sophisticated contrast with trim and woods
While they share some similarities, the differences likely mean one better suits your space. Get color swatches before deciding between versatile Dove Wing and elegant Swiss Coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to choose between Dove Wing vs Swiss Coffee? Here are answers to some common questions:
Does Dove Wing work in a bedroom?
Yes, the subtle cool gray Dove Wing can work very nicely in bedrooms. Especially paired with warm woods and linens, it provides a relaxing oasis without feeling too stark.
What colors pair well with Swiss Coffee?
Swiss Coffee looks beautiful with whites, light blues, deeper navies, charcoals, and other brown/tan neutrals. Crisp white trim highlights its warmth.
Which Benjamin Moore paint color is darker?
With an LRV of 81.91, Swiss Coffee is noticeably darker than the 77.52 LRV of light airy Dove Wing. However, Swiss Coffee still reflects enough light to prevent a gloomy effect.
Can you use Swiss Coffee on kitchen cabinets?
Definitely! Swiss Coffee is a great kitchen cabinet color. It provides cozy sophistication and pairs beautifully with white countertops and backsplashes.
Is Dove Wing suitable for bathrooms?
Yes! With its subtly cool and tranquil vibe, Dove Wing works wonderfully in bathrooms. It provides soft definition without starkness. Gray and white bathrooms with Dove Wing are beautiful.
Conclusion
When comparing Benjamin Moore’s Dove Wing vs Swiss Coffee paint colors, the main differences come down to undertones and aesthetics.
- Dove Wing is a cool gray suitable for whole-home use, providing clean definition with its crispness.
- Swiss Coffee is a red-brown that excels as an accent, adding warm 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 Dove Wing and elegant Swiss Coffee. With large samples, you’ll confidently select your perfect neutral paint color!
