Benjamin Moore offers gorgeous off-white and neutral paint colors perfect for any home. Two of their most popular are Navajo White OC-95 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 analyze Navajo White and Swiss Coffee in depth. We’ll compare undertones, light reflectance values (LRV), aesthetics, real-life photos, and ideal room applications. Read on to determine if bright Navajo White or deep Swiss Coffee is the best neutral paint color for your home.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Navajo White and Swiss Coffee
Before diving into specifics, here is an overview of the main differences between Navajo White OC-95 and Swiss Coffee OC-45:
- Undertones – Navajo White has faint warm undertones, Swiss Coffee has brown undertones
- Light Reflectance – Navajo White has an LRV of 78.26, Swiss Coffee has an LRV of 81.91
- Use – Navajo White complements modern styles, Swiss Coffee traditional spaces
- Rooms – Navajo White excels in bright rooms, Swiss Coffee darker areas
Now let’s explore Navajo White and Swiss Coffee more closely.
Benjamin Moore Navajo White OC-95
A gorgeous off-white, Navajo White OC-95 creates an airy, uplifting backdrop. This versatile neutral complements styles from modern to farmhouse beautifully.
Here are some key details about Benjamin Moore Navajo White:
- LRV: 78.26
- Undertones: Very faint warm
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Whole home color, especially living spaces
- Color Pairings: Browns, blues, grays
Featuring the slightest hint of warmth, Navajo White maintains a clean, bright white appearance rather than looking dingy or sterile. Its barely-there warmth provides approachability.
With a 78.26 light reflectance value, Navajo White reflects ample illumination to keep rooms feeling spacious and bright. This crisp off-white prevents shadows beautifully.
Use Navajo White OC-95 to create an uplifting, serene interior backdrop. This flexible white works well across many design aesthetics. It looks especially pleasing in these rooms:
- Living Rooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Hallways
Some colors that pair perfectly with Navajo White include:
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Gray
- Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
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 key details about Swiss Coffee:
- LRV: 81.91
- Undertones: Brown
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, dining rooms, offices
- Pairings: Creams, taupes, blues
Featuring strong brown undertones, Swiss Coffee has a deep espresso or mocha appearance. In some lights it reads as more of 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 very little illumination. This creates an intimate, enveloping ambiance perfect for bedrooms, dining rooms and other private living spaces.
Use Swiss Coffee OC-45 to create an elegant, welcoming backdrop. The brown warmth complements cool colors like cream, light blue and navy beautifully. This versatile neutral excels in these rooms:
- Bedrooms
- Dining Rooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Studies
Some colors that pair seamlessly with Swiss Coffee include:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
Comparing Navajo White vs Swiss Coffee
Now that we’ve analyzed Navajo White and Swiss Coffee individually, let’s compare them directly:
Light Reflectance
Navajo White is significantly lighter than Swiss Coffee, with LRVs of 78.26 vs just 81.91. Navajo White will make spaces feel more bright and airy.
Undertones
Navajo White has very subtle warm undertones, providing a clean ethereal backdrop. Swiss Coffee has deep brown undertones, providing enveloping elegance.
Use
The exceptional brightness of Navajo White complements modern, contemporary designs. The intimacy of Swiss Coffee excels in traditional, transitional spaces.
Rooms
Navajo White’s airiness excels in open concept main living areas. Swiss Coffee’s coziness is perfect for bedrooms, dining rooms and studies.
Paint Finish
Benjamin Moore offers both Navajo White and Swiss Coffee in any sheen from matte to high-gloss.
Pairings
Navajo White pairs well with grays, blues, greens and browns. Swiss Coffee complements creams, taupes, light blues and antique woods.
Navajo White vs Swiss Coffee Comparison Chart
Here is an overview comparison between Navajo White OC-95 and Swiss Coffee OC-45:
| Paint Color | Navajo White OC-95 | Swiss Coffee OC-45 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 78.26 | 81.91 |
| Undertones | Faint warm | Brown |
| Use | Modern, contemporary | Traditional, transitional |
| Rooms | Bright open living areas | Cozy private rooms |
| Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
| Pairings | Grays, blues, greens | Creams, taupes, light blues |
Real Life Photos: Navajo White vs Swiss Coffee
To give a sense of how Navajo White and Swiss Coffee compare in real spaces, let’s look at real life photos of the paint colors:
Navajo White OC-95
Swiss Coffee OC-45
In real life applications, Navajo White appears significantly brighter and cooler than the much deeper, warmer Swiss Coffee. But lighting affects their look. Overall, Navajo White has an airy crispness while Swiss Coffee provides enveloping elegance.
Should I Choose Navajo White or Swiss Coffee?
So how do you decide between Navajo White vs Swiss Coffee for your home? Here are a few tips:
Consider Navajo White OC-95 if you want:
- A bright, airy neutral white
- To make an open, minimalist backdrop
- A crisp foundation for modern styles
- Subtle warm undertone for approachability
Consider Swiss Coffee OC-45 if you want:
- A deep, enveloping coffee-inspired brown
- Intimacy for bedrooms, dining rooms and offices
- To complement traditional color palettes
- Contrast against light walls and trims
To choose, get large paint samples of each and view in your actual space at different times/lighting. See how they coordinate with your color scheme and furnishings.
While both are beautiful neutrals, Navajo White fits contemporary open concepts and Swiss Coffee excels in traditional cozier spaces. Pick what meets your goals!
Best Rooms for Navajo White and Swiss Coffee
Here are rooms that tend to be perfectly suited to Navajo White OC-95 and Swiss Coffee OC-45:
Navajo White OC-95
- Living Rooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Open floor plans
- Hallways
Swiss Coffee OC-45
- Bedrooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Studies
- Foyers
Of course both can work in any space. But the above applications maximize Navajo White’s bright open feel and Swiss Coffee’s intimate elegance.
Design Ideas Using Navajo White and Swiss Coffee
On their own, Navajo White and Swiss Coffee create simple backdrops. Use other paint colors, textures and decor to create complete room designs:
Navajo White Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green (accent wall)
- Glossy black fixtures
- Light oak wood floors
- Navy blue and gray textiles
Swiss Coffee Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Simply White (trim/ceiling)
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (accent wall)
- Medium wood furnishings
- Creamy and blue-toned fabrics
Navajo White vs Swiss Coffee: Which is Better for Your Home?
Is airy Navajo White or elegant Swiss Coffee the better Benjamin Moore paint color for your space? It depends on your style and goals:
Consider Navajo White if you want:
- A bright, minimalist off-white
- An ethereal backdrop for modern styles
- To make open concept spaces feel cohesive
- Subtle warm undertone for interest
Consider Swiss Coffee if you want:
- A deep brown with traditional elegance
- Cozy intimacy for bedrooms and dining areas
- To complement traditional color palettes
- Contrast against light walls and trims
Navajo White excels in airy living spaces and contemporary homes. Swiss Coffee provides beauty in cozier traditional rooms needing intimacy.
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 Navajo White OC-95 and Swiss Coffee OC-45:
What are the main differences between Navajo White and Swiss Coffee?
The main differences are their lightness and undertones. Navajo White is an airy, bright white while Swiss Coffee is a deep, dark brown.
Does Navajo White have gray undertones?
No, Navajo White does not have perceptible gray. It has faint warm undertones but reads as a true crisp white.
What colors go well with Swiss Coffee?
Colors like cream, light blue, navy, gray, and antique wood tones pair beautifully with Swiss Coffee. It provides a cohesive base for accent colors.
Is Navajo White suitable for bathrooms?
Definitely. At 78.26 LRV, Navajo White prevents bathrooms from feeling dark or shadowy. It creates a bright pleasant backdrop.
Can you use Swiss Coffee in a kitchen?
In well-lit kitchens, Swiss Coffee can work well. But its 81.91 LRV may be too dark for some. Consider pairing it with plenty of task lighting.
