When selecting a versatile neutral paint color, two popular options are Benjamin Moore’s Simply White and 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 Benjamin Moore Simply White vs 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 Simply White and Swiss Coffee
Before examining all the details, here is a brief overview of how Simply White and Swiss Coffee differ:
- Undertones: Simply White is a pure white, Swiss Coffee is a red-brown.
- LRV: Simply White has a very high LRV of 89.52, Swiss Coffee is much darker at 81.91 LRV.
- Use: Simply White works well whole-home, Swiss Coffee best accenting.
- Rooms: Simply White suits kitchens, Swiss Coffee excels in bathrooms.
Now let’s explore Simply White vs Swiss Coffee more closely!
Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117
Simply White OC-117 is a gorgeous clean white paint color without any undertones. Its brightness and versatility make it hugely popular.
Here are some details about Simply White:
- LRV: 89.52
- Undertones: Pure white
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Whole home, especially kitchens and baths
- Pairs With: All colors
Simply White is a true bright white without any discernible undertones. It reflects a tremendous amount of light for an open, airy feel.
With an ultra-high LRV of 89.52, Simply White keeps rooms feeling spacious and cheerful. The pure clean white maintains clarity.
This versatile neutral pairs beautifully with literally any color scheme. It provides the perfect contrast against bold hues. Simply White works wonderfully with:
- Warm neutrals like tans, browns
- Cool tones like grays, blues
- All bright and pastel shades
While suitable anywhere, this clean white excels when used as the main paint color in:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Trim/molding
- Doors and cabinets
- Ceilings
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45
Swiss Coffee OC-45 is a gorgeous light reddish-brown paint color with widespread popularity. Its warmth works beautifully 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, bedrooms, accent walls
- Pairs With: Grays, blues, tans
Swiss Coffee is a pale tan with subtle red-brown undertones. This gives it a welcoming elegance and coziness.
With an LRV of 81.91, Swiss Coffee reflects much less light than bright whites. This allows it to add 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 suitable anywhere, this refined neutral excels when used strategically to accent:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Dining Rooms
Comparing Simply White vs Swiss Coffee
Now that we’ve looked at Simply White and Swiss Coffee individually, let’s directly compare the two paint colors:
Light Reflectance
With an LRV of 89.52, Simply White reflects vastly more light than the 81.91 LRV of Swiss Coffee. Simply White will feel open and airy.
Undertones
Here is the main difference. Simply White is a pure clean white while Swiss Coffee is a red-brown.
Simply White is crisp and bright. Swiss Coffee is warm and welcoming.
Rooms
Simply White’s stark brightness makes it ideal for kitchens, baths, and trim. Swiss Coffee’s coziness excels accenting bedrooms, offices, and with wood.
Paint Finishes
Both Simply White and Swiss Coffee come in any sheen from matte to pearl. They provide beautiful finishes.
Simply White vs Swiss Coffee Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of their major differences:
| Paint Color | Simply White OC-117 | Swiss Coffee OC-45 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 89.52 | 81.91 |
| Undertones | Pure white | Red-brown |
| Use | Whole-home color | Accent color |
| Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
Real Rooms Painted in Simply White and Swiss Coffee
To better visualize Simply White vs Swiss Coffee, let’s look at real rooms painted in the two colors:
Simply White OC-117
Swiss Coffee OC-45
The images demonstrate how stark bright Simply White differs from the much darker, warmer Swiss Coffee. But lighting can make them appear somewhat similar at times.
Should You Choose Simply White or Swiss Coffee?
So which neutral paint color is better for your home – crisp Simply White or cozy Swiss Coffee? Here are a few tips for deciding:
Pick Simply White OC-117 if you want:
- A true clean white without undertones
- A versatile color suitable for whole-home use
- Bright, spacious feel for kitchens and baths
- Crisp contrast on trim, cabinets, and ceilings
Choose Swiss Coffee OC-45 if you want:
- A light brown with elegant warm undertones
- Sophisticated contrast perfect for accent walls
- 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 versatility. But their differences mean one likely better suits your goals and style.
Ideal Room Applications
Here are some rooms that often suit Simply White and Swiss Coffee best:
Simply White OC-117
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Trim/molding
- Ceilings
- Doors and cabinets
Swiss Coffee OC-45
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Dining rooms
- Accent walls
- Living rooms
Both can work well throughout any home, but the above applications maximize their individual strengths.
Design Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Simply White and Swiss Coffee create peaceful backdrops. Paired with other colors and materials, they make gorgeous interiors:
Simply White Color Pairings
- Any accent wall color
- Warm wood tones
- Black window frames
- Boldly colored decor
Swiss Coffee Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (trim/cabinets)
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl (walls)
- Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green (accent)
- Wood furnishings
Simply White vs Swiss Coffee – Which is Best for You?
When choosing between Simply White and Swiss Coffee, consider your goals and preferences:
Pick Simply White OC-117 if you want:
- A true clean white suitable for whole-home use
- Crisp, bright beauty in kitchens and bathrooms
- High contrast against other colors
- Adaptability to work with any color scheme
Choose Swiss Coffee OC-45 if you want:
- A light brown that elegantly accents focal walls
- Warm red-brown undertones for a cozy vibe
- Much more depth than a pale white or cream
- Sophisticated contrast with trim and furnishings
While they share some similarities, the differences likely mean one better suits your space. Get color swatches before deciding between versatile Simply White and warm Swiss Coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to choose between Simply White vs Swiss Coffee? Here are answers to some common questions:
Does Simply White work well in living rooms?
Yes, Simply White is suitable for living rooms when used well. Pair it with wood trim, warm furniture, and accent walls to prevent an overly stark feel. Crisp white provides beautiful contrast.
What colors complement Swiss Coffee?
Swiss Coffee pairs nicely with light blues, grays, tans, and richer colors like black and charcoal. Cool whites like Chantilly Lace also help accentuate its red-brown warmth.
Which paint color is darker?
With an LRV of 81.91, Swiss Coffee is much darker than the very bright 89.52 LRV of Simply White. However, Swiss Coffee still reflects enough light to prevent a dreary feel.
Can you use Swiss Coffee on kitchen cabinets?
Absolutely! Swiss Coffee looks gorgeous on kitchen cabinets. It provides a cozy, refined contrast to white countertops and backsplashes for a classic kitchen look.
Is Simply White too stark for bathrooms?
Simply White can feel harsh in bathrooms, but pairing it with warm wood tones, plants, and artwork prevents an overly stark feel. Crisp white bathrooms are timeless when done well.
Conclusion
When comparing Benjamin Moore’s Simply White vs Swiss Coffee paint colors, the main differences come down to undertones and aesthetics:
- Simply White is a pure clean white suitable for whole-home use, providing bright, versatile contrast.
- Swiss Coffee is a red-brown that excels as an accent, adding warm, sophisticated elegance.
While they share some similarities, the dramatic contrasts in lightness and undertones help one likely better suit your space. Consider your goals when deciding between versatile Simply White and elegant Swiss Coffee. With large samples, you’ll confidently select the perfect neutral paint color!
